Access:
From the Glacier Restaurant at the top station of Pitztal's Gletscherexpress via a short downhill stretch on ski piste number 25 to Gletschersee base station of Mittelbergbahn. The ascent route starts right at the base station next to the signpost.
 
Characteristics and Description:
Red Piste – Intermediate ski tour along the ski run
From the starting point at the Gletschersee chair lift base station you keep to the left edge of the ski run (seen from the valley) on ski piste number 36. Right at the start, close to the base station, there is a very tricky narrow section covering about 50 meters. Watch out for oncoming sportspeople. After another 500-meter stretch the ascent route travels along the ski piste number 36. A moderately climbing section in the lower third is followed by a separate ascent track, leaving behind the ski run. Shortly before you reach the top station of Mittelbergbahn, in the surroundings of Mittelbergjoch saddle, you reach the ski piste number 36 again. A last but pleasant ascent on the left edge of the ski run (seen from the valley) takes you to the top station of Mittelbergbahn. A very lovely route just perfect for slightly advanced ski touring fans.
 

Starting in Mandarfen, cross the bridge to the mountain rescue building and then turn left and follow the agricultural road up to the catered mountain hut Taschachalm. Then turn left and follow the signpost to Mittelberg. High above the Taschach gorge, a narrow path leads through a forest. Still in the forest, above the “Gasthof Steinbock” restaurant follow the signpost in the direction of Mittagskogel. This steep trail leads through a forest at first but once you’ve reached the tree line you will be rewarded with fantastic panoramic views. Continue to run across mountain meadows and follow the well-marked trail across a boulder section. On your left you can already make out the ridge of the Muttler mountain ahead. Turn left at approximately 2,530 metres (note the small stone sculpture of a man) and follow the last 100 metres in elevation gain on a badly marked trail until you reach the ridge of the Muttler summit. Return on the same trail until you reach the signpost in the forest above Mittelberg. Then run in the direction of Gasthof Steinbock restaurant and past the bus turning area. Follow the panoramic trail at the head of the valley back to Mandarfen. Caution: the ascent up to the Muttler summit is very steep and the last 100 metres in altitude are poorly marked. However, once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with a fantastic view of the upper Pitztal valley! 

Staring in Mandarfen, follow the agricultural road down the river to Plangeross. Once there, there is a steep ascent past the non-catered Plangeroß Alm vorbei, to the catered mountain hut Kaunergrathütte (2,817 m). Once there, continue to run in a North-Easterly direction to the Steinbockjoch, the highest point of this tour at 2,950 metres. Then continue passing a mountain lake and on to “auf den Sassen”. Then turn left to the emerald green Mittelerglesee Lake and once you’ve passed the lake turn right and run downhill in the direction of Neururer Alpe/Trenkwald and NOT up to the Verpeiljoch! Follow the alpine brook down the valley, then run along the “Almenweg” until you reach Neururer Alpe. Once there, follow the steep path down the valley to Trenkwald. Take the bus (or run an extra 5 km) to get back to your starting point in Mandarfen.   Caution: this is a very demanding and long trail with an ascent of almost 3,000 metres. It is absolutely essential to carry full equipment!