The Rifflsee lake in the Pitztal Valley

Dazzling emerald in the Alps

Nestling high in the mountins at 2,200 metres above sea level, Rifflsee lake is a natural jewel surrounded by a picture-perfect mountain landscape. Its still waters shimmer in a thousand shades of green and blue, set against the craggy peaks of the Kaunergrat RIdge in the background. The lake is a good starting point for walks and hikes, while others prefer to simply relax on the shore and admire the scenery. On hot summer days the ice-cold waters provide a very refreshing experience! Are you brave enough to give it a try?

Rifflsee: top highlight in the Pitztal Valley

Action and relaxation

Just a stone's throw from the front door of the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten is the Rifflseebahn, a cable car giving direct access to the Rifflsee lake. At 24 metres deep in places, this glacier-fed body of water is a good place to relax. Fit walkers can hike up to the lake instead of taking the cable car. The walk up takes around two hours.

Raft ride on Rifflsee lake

New perspectives

Sometimes it's good to see things from a new perspective. Up high at the Rifflsee lake, visitors can do just that by heading out onto the water for a 45-minute raft ride. Enjoy the view and learn about the history and culture of the Pitztal Valley.

A great day out in the mountains for all the family.

"There are few sights more serene than a mountain lake."

Ski pistes and cross-country trails in the Tyrol

Rifflsee lake in winter

The Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten is the perfect base camp for a winter holiday in the Austrian Tyrol. From the hotel it is just a short walk to the cable car transporting skiers up to the family-friendly resort by the Rifflsee lake. There, visitors will find a wide range of slopes for all abilities, including lots of gentle pistes for beginners and those returning to the sport after a while away.

There are also several cross-country skiing trails around the Rifflsee lake – a great way to explore this region at a gentler pace.