From the top station of the Glacier Express, follow the signposts downhill towards the glacier in the direction of the catered mountain hut Braunschweigerhütte. Follow the markings across the glacier. Caution: depending on the conditions, crampons may be advisable! After crossing the glacier, ascend to the Braunschweigerhütte. Once there, initially follow the Jägersteig [hunter’s trail] down into the valley until you reach the “Notweg” [emergency path] then passing the catered mountain hut Gletscherstube back down to the bottom station of the Glacier Express in Mittelberg.  

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 right and follow the signpost to “Hirschtal über Panoramaweg”[Hirschtal valley via panoramic trail]. A steep path leads up the Hirschtal valley until you reach the fork Panoramaweg / Rifflseehütte. Turn left and follow the panoramic trail to the catered mountain hut Rifflseehütte. Once there continue to run via the Muttekopf, then a short while uphill on the ski slope until you reach the catered mountain restaurant Sunna Alm / top station of the Rifflsee gondola. Continue downhill to Rifflsee Lake and run around it, then keep right and run down towards the catered mountain hut Taschachalm. Once there, return to your starting point in Mandarfen following the easy agricultural road down the hill.