Sky and water adventures

Soar above the peaks, scramble through gorges, and paddle through white water – in Ötztal, summer invites you on an adrenaline-fuelled adventure.

Some people visit the mountains to slow down. Others come for the action. Here, the landscape reveals its wild side – with sheer rock faces, deep gorges, and rushing mountain streams – and summer in the mountains becomes a playground for those looking for more than just a view. From paragliding to canyoning to rafting, the options are endless.

Some moments begin with a deep breath. Then a step forward as the ground slips away. Suddenly you’re carried by nothing but wind and wide-open sky. Take off on a paragliding flight in Ötztal and experience the mountains from a perspective that changes everything: peaks, Alpine meadows, and glacier tongues drift past below you, with nothing but sky above. For a tandem flight with an experienced pilot, you don’t need any previous experience, just the willingness to let go. You’ll find popular launch sites around Sölden and Obergurgl, where the thermals and the views impress in equal measure.

Canyoning takes you down into hidden gorges, where water has carved striking formations into the rock over thousands of years. You climb, you slide, you jump through crystal-clear natural pools, with the sound of rushing water in your ears and its cool spray on your skin. Qualified guides make sure you can immerse yourself fully in the experience, whether you’re a curious first-timer or a seasoned adventurer.

And then there’s the Ötztaler Ache: one of the most exciting white-water rivers in the Alps. Rafting here, you feel the raw power of the mountain water up close as your raft shoots through rapids and drifts along calmer stretches. The river sets the rhythm, and you paddle as one – this is the kind of teamwork that creates a real bond.

You can book many of these experiences through Area 47, Europe’s largest outdoor adventure park at the gateway to Ötztal. Guests with the Ötztal Summer Card enjoy attractive discounts. And the best base for all your adventures? The Natur- & Alpinhotel Post, of course.