Imst - Hahntennjoch & Pitztal - Austria
The Hahntennjoch and the Pitztal both start from Imst in the Inntal - the Hahntennjoch is to the north and the Pitztal is to the south.
Hahntennjoch - 1894m
Lesser know climb to the north of the Inntal which looks at first like a relaxed ride away from the masses. But... This is no slouch and while not the longest, steepest or famous, this climb demands its pound of flesh.
It is hard to describe why this ride nearly done me in. Maybe as it came off the end of long week riding in the Dolomites or maybe I totally underestimated it. In any case, very very rarely have I felt that I might not finish. I rode the Hanhtennjoch from Imst on a warm summer's day and a perfect setting for a great day out. The road is in great shape, the gradients are steep like everywhere in Austria and the road lead to a remote looking and certainly very deep valley connecting the Inntal with the roads near the German border.
From Imst, the road is 14.2km long, covers 1,119m altitude gain with gradients rising to nearly 20% in the steepest section. The pass height is at 1,894m.
Quick start
The road starts in Imst and climbs right out the gate. No gentle run in, hard gradients instead.
It relaxes a little through meadows but starts to ramp up again as it turns into the main valley leading to the pass.
High above the valley
The road keeps climbing relentless and clings to a path almost carved into the side of the mountain above a steep and moody valley.
It goes past scree fields with shingles almost sliding onto the road.
Always rising high above the valley floor.
Taking a breather
After a little downhill, the last push to the pass is through a couple of switch backs and you arrive at the pass which sits in a small alpine meadow. This more open space is offering great view on the surrounding mountains.
The road felt really heavy, almost brooding.
Route tip: Climbing the Hanhtennjoch both sides in one ride is hard as the pass has steep gradients on either side, but it can be done (see the Komoot route illustration).
Alternatively, a short but very steep detour to Hoch Imst can be included (2.1 km and 240m elevation gain).
For longer rides, the Hahntennjoch can be combined with rides in the Pitztal (see below) or a large circular ride via Lech and St Anton. To go via Lech, continuing downhill on from Hahntennjoch towards Elmen but turning left in the valley towards Warth and then Lech. This will bring you up to the Flexenpass which is one of the most historical roads in Austria and via the Arlberg pass to St Anton. From there continue in the valley back to Imst. This is a 140km ride with 2780m elevation gain. Tough.
Pitztal
The Pitztal is a lovely destination to ride with great riding variation including riding along the valley floor past villages, climbing some of the adjacent ascends or just enjoying great views of the Ötztaler alps.
Climbing
The tight entry to the valley offers good climbing opportunities From Arzl to Jerzens (500m altitude gain) and the Hochzeiger (350m altitude gain). A further climb is to the Pillerhöhe from Wenns (560m altitude gain).
Valley & Villages
The valley strings together a number of villages starting from Wenns and Arzl at the start all the way past St Leonard along a wider valley floor. Plenty of opportunity to stop, relax and enjoy the views.
Vistas
The end of the valley is in Mittelberg at the glacier underground cable car. The glacier used to end here a long time ago, now the view is of the glacier scree field and Austria's highest mountains.
Route tip: This is a lovely route that combines the climbs on the western side of the Pitztal and its full length.
Start in Imst Bahnhof and ride up to Arzl through a number of switchbacks. In Arzl turn left down the Jerzener Strasse and climb past Leins to Jerzens.
There is a turnoff to the second climb up the Hochzeiger.
Once down again, continue to ride to the end of Pitztal valley to Mittleberg.
On the way back down, stay on the main road and ride through on the western side of the valley through Wenns.
From Wenns a further climb is available. The Piller Höhe is a 9km from Wenns, climbing 560m.
Pitztal - 1733m
Riding in the Pitztal in not like climbing anywhere in particular. The valley strings together valley riding and climbing, especially climbs at the start of the valley, notably the Hochzeiger with an altitude of 1,462m with serious gradients of up to 15%.
The valley floor is a long nearly 37km ride which takes you to the end of the valley, ascending 1066m to 1733m altitude. There are lovely villages like Wenns and Jerzens to stop. Overall the Pitztal offers a lovely variety of cycling terrain which makes for a perfect day out.
Imst is a great starting point for superb mountain rides in Tyrol
Located in the Inntal valley, Imst open rides to the north and the south.
Discover Tyrol
Road riding in Tyrol: Official tourism info
Gravel and MTB riding in Tyrol: Official tourism info
