5 Ice Falls in Tirol: Ice Climbing in the Sellrain Valley and the Ötztal Valley

Five ice falls, five characters: from the beginner’s fall with five minutes of access to the steep Atlantis in the Ötztal.
Ice climber on the Gasthausfall near Lüsens
Ice climber on the Gasthausfall near Lüsens

Sharpen your ice axes!

Five ice falls, five routes: Having introduced you to the best areas for getting started in Ice Climbing, we’re now going to get a bit more specific.

Four of the five routes are located in the Sellraintal, an ice climbing paradise in the Innsbruck region, and one is in theÖtztal. The difficulty levels range from WI 2 to WI 5 – so there’s something for beginners as well as advanced climbers.

Important: Ice conditions and avalanche risk are constantly changing. Check the latest conditions before every tour – find out more in ‘Ice Climbing: Avalanches as a Source of Danger’.

1. Easy Afternoon

The Easy Afternoon icefall is situated in the Sellraintal valley. It isn’t quite as ‘easy’ as the name suggests – but it is easy to reach: it’s only about a 30-minute access from theAlpengasthof Lüsens. The fall, which is around 80 metres long, offers pure Ice Climbing.

At a glance:

  • Difficulty: WI 3 to WI 4
  • Altitude: 1,800 m
  • Distance: approx. 80 m
  • Access: approx. 30 mins from Lüsens
Ice climber on the Easy Afternoon ice fall in the Sellrain valley

2. Sautrog Icefall

The Sautrog Icefall is also situated in the Sellraintal valley. At around 160 metres, it has a quite long and narrow distance and features the finest ice in winter. The icefall is easy to climb and is therefore particularly suitable for beginners.

Note: Particular caution is advised regarding avalanches in this area!

At a glance:

  • Difficulty: WI 2 to WI 3
  • Altitude: 1,300 m
  • Distance: approx. 160 m
  • Access: approx. 20 mins
Ice climber on the Sautrog ice fall

3. Seigesbach-Fall

The Seigesbach-Fall in the Sellraintal is ideal for beginners – especially for those who are short on time: after just five minutes, you’ll find yourself standing in front of the fairly wide icefall. It’s only about 30 metres high, but offers a great climbing experience.

Note: Be sure to watch out for the undercut! Descend by abseiling or on foot.

At a glance:

  • Difficulty: WI 2 to WI 3
  • Altitude: approx. 1,000 m
  • Height: approx. 30 m
  • Access: approx. 5 mins
Ice climber on the Seigesbach-Fall

4. Gasthausfall

The ‘Gasthausfall’ – that sounds cosy! And indeed, this popular training route is only about ten minutes’ walk from theAlpengasthof Lüsens. Around 100 metres of delightful ice with several options await advanced Ice Climbing enthusiasts, and afterwards, a stop for refreshments beckons.

At a glance:

  • Difficulty: WI 4
  • Altitude: 1,700 m
  • Distance: approx. 100 m
  • Access: approx. 10 mins from Lüsens
  • Descent: abseiling or on foot
Ice climber on the Gasthausfall near Lüsens

5. Atlantis in Ochsengarten

With just two pitches and around 60 metres of distance, it isn’t particularly long, but it’s challenging: Atlantis in Ochsengarten in the Ötztal valley is a real test. The steep icefall on a rock ledge presents a challenge with its overhanging icicles – this is where Ice Climbing enthusiasts who have mastered WI 5.0 and above will really get their money’s worth.

At a glance:

  • Difficulty: WI 5 and above
  • Altitude: 1,300 m
  • Distance: 2 pitches, approx. 60 m
  • Access: approx. 15 mins
Ice climber on the steep Atlantis ice fall in Ochsengarten

The icefalls featured in this article

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