Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis in Winter: Top Tips for Unbeatable Ski Vacations
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Steel blue sky and perfectly groomed slopes – we caught the best winter weather for our four-day ski vacation in Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis. And otherwise, the holiday region located in Tyrol, Austria, which we have already explored in the summer, fascinated us with its varied winter activities. Cozy winter hiking trails, well-groomed slopes, rapid toboggan runs, excellent dining options for young and old, all surrounded by a magnificent panorama. You can find out about our personal winter highlights in the following lines.
The Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis Ski Area at a Glance
The holiday region Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis is located about a 45-minute bus ride from the Landeck-Zams train station on a sun-drenched high plateau at an elevation of 1,200 to 1,400 meters. The three villages of Serfaus, Fiss, and Ladis provide access to a connected ski area that extends up to a snow-reliable altitude of 2,828 meters above sea level. Among the total of 214 kilometers of ski slopes, there are both tailored slopes for families with kids and plenty of varied descents for advanced skiers.
As with our last stay in the holiday region, we chose Fiss, the second-largest of the three villages, as our starting point. Fiss has a historic village center with charming rustic farmhouses and a distinctive church tower and remains picturesque despite its more than 6,000 guest beds. From Fiss, you can quickly reach the snow-reliable Fisser Nordseite, where two of our favorite restaurants in the holiday region, the Zirbenhütte and the Schöngampalm, are also located.
Serfaus is somewhat larger than Fiss and surprises with a subway. This connects the parking area on the east side of the village with the valley station of the cable cars, which is located on the western edge of the village. A plus of Serfaus is that from here, you can reach the cool slopes at Masnerkopf the fastest.
Ladis, by comparison, is small and quaint – but definitely worth a detour just for the impressive Laudeck Castle.
Here are our tips for the Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis ski area:
1. Winter Hiking on the Panorama Enjoyment Trail:
The already mentioned 214 kilometers of ski slopes is one thing, but the network of winter hiking trails also boasts an impressive 100 well-signposted kilometers. We particularly enjoyed the Panorama Enjoyment Trail, which leads from the Möseralm above Fiss via Sunliner to Komperdell above Serfaus. The entire route measures just under 5 kilometers, but can also be shortened. The trail is varied, the panorama magnificent, and along the way, benches invite you to take a breather. Only at the ski slope crossings is a bit of attention required.
Whoever starts the hike like us at the Möseralm and walks towards Komperdell should also prepare that on the last 500 meters an ascent of around 150 altitude meters awaits. Alternatively, one can also walk to the valley station of the Gampen family lift, which is also open to (tired) winter hikers for an uphill ride.
Since our stomachs were growling after the brisk march through the winter landscape, we added an extra loop to the Leithe Wirt on the way back towards Fiss via Edelbachweg. In the popular hut, typical Tyrolean specialties are served in a quaint ambiance. Our favorite: the apple strudel. It was really nicely juicy!
2. Admire the grandiose mountain panorama from Masnerkopf
How extensive the ski area of Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis is becomes impressively clear to us as we try to reach the highest point of the ski area – the Masnerkopf – from the valley station of the Möseralmbahn in Fiss by the most direct route possible. Fortunately, at each mountain station, a large overview board with the piste plan provides a welcome aid for orientation. With this, we navigate purposefully, following rapid descents towards the Masner area.
Those who like it steep (for example, the friend with his snowboard), will be offered one or another black-marked “short cut”. I, however, prefer to stick to the red detours.
Just before noon, we reach the Masnerkopf. Via a short footpath next to the mountain station of the chairlift, we reach the viewing platform, which is situated at an altitude of 2,828 meters and offers a spectacular view over the peaks of the Samnaun group.
Besides this magnificent view, the Mindersjoch descent (slope No. 163) really excited me. So much so that we rode it three times in a row. Subsequently, we stopped at the Monte Mare restaurant, which is unmistakably located right in the middle of the Masner area.
3. Carve on the wide slopes of the Fisser Nordseite
Besides the slopes around Masnerkopf, the descents on the Fisser Nordseite are also snow-secure and usually not too crowded in the morning. Ideal for making some great carving turns (or at least to refine the technique on them). This part of the ski area is quickly and easily accessible from Fiss via the Schönjochbahn.
My tip: Start from Schönjoch, go down the Plazör descent and 12er descent (slopes Nos. 21 and 26) to the valley station of the Almbahn. This lift takes you up to the Zwölferkopf at just under 2,600 meters above sea level, where not only the mirrored Crystal Cube and the modern viewing platform Z1 await you, but a visit to the toilet is also worthwhile (no more will be revealed at this point).
Throughout the ski area, several comfort stations are found at the edge of the slopes, equipped with ergonomic loungers, hammocks, or swings, inviting you to take a break. A particularly cozy example is located on the Fisser Nordseite, in the lower third of the Genuss descent (slope No. 16). Perfect for taking a breather before the valley descent over the seven kilometers long Frommes descent down to Fiss (slope No. 7).
4. Make time for a visit to the Zirbenhütte
Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis treats the foodies among us during the winter season with various culinary highlights depending on the weekday and availability, including but not limited to the following offers:
- Sunrise Hexensee: Sunrise ride to the Hexensee hut at Masnerkopf with a rich mountain breakfast (every Thursday)
- Sunset Dinner Masner: Aperitif and multi-course menu at the Monte Mare restaurant (every Tuesday)
- Sparkling breakfast, Luxury Lunch, or High Tea in the Crystal Cube (daily by reservation)
We had the honor to taste the surprise menu “Genuss2100” at the Zirbenhütte. With the slogan “down-to-earth. elevated”, the Zirbenhütte is one of the most popular addresses in the ski area and has many regular guests (including many Swiss women). At “Genuss2100”, the Zirbenhütte crew spoils guests with a carefully composed 5-course menu featuring selected regional products. Those who wish can also enjoy an excellent wine pairing. Anyway – the wine cellar of the Zirbenhütte seems to hide one or another treasure!
The “Genuss2100” is only served in the off-season and upon corresponding prior request. For everyone who wants to spend a truly enjoyable ski day in Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, this is definitely an experience for the bucket list.
5. Speed down the Hexen toboggan run into the valley
Attention sled enthusiasts: In Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, there are two winding toboggan runs. One is a four-kilometer descent from the mountain station of the Komperdellbahn to the valley station in Serfaus. The other is the also four-kilometer-long Hexen toboggan run in Fiss, which leads from Steinegg (mid-station of the Schönjochbahn) to the valley station in Fiss.
We tried the latter. The necessary sleds can be rented easily at Intersport near the valley station of the Schönjochbahn. In the upper part of the Hexen toboggan run, the slope is relatively flat, and sledding is quite relaxed. In the second half, increased brake readiness is recommended – the partly tight S-curves are quite fun, but also a bit tricky.
6. Experience the enchanting atmosphere of Ladis
During the winter season, every Thursday evening from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, the Lader Marktdorf takes place by the castle pond at the foot of the imposing Burg Laudeck; four to five pretty wooden market stands sell regional crafts and local delicacies. A detour that is definitely worth it!
My tip: take a walk around the castle pond and then warm up in the Marktdorf with a hot punch.
7. Indulge yourself at the Hotel Chesa Monte
While four years ago in summer we stayed at the boutique hotel Das Marent, this time we checked into the 4-star superior Hotel Chesa Monte. Both are recommendable establishments. The Hotel Chesa Monte is located slightly closer to the valley stations of the Möseralmbahn and Schönjochbahn. We were thrilled by the daily changing pampering buffet in the afternoon, which sweetened our return from the ski day. Moreover, since 2021, the hotel has been one of only six Tyrolean hotels to be awarded a green toque, which stands for healthy natural cuisine of certified organic quality.
From our room (category “Suite”), we also enjoyed a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains.
The prices for a double room at Hotel Chesa Monte start at 290 euros (winter season 2024).
Once again, the holiday region Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis has impressed us. With four days of the best snow conditions and absolutely splendid weather, it’s no wonder! The diverse slopes and impressive viewpoints will certainly remain in my memory, and I dare say this was not our last visit to the sun-drenched high plateau.
Practical tips for your ski vacation in Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis:
- The journey from Zurich to Landeck-Zams with the Railjet takes 2h 45min (direct connection). From Landeck-Zams, there are bus lines to Serfaus, Fiss, or Ladis.
- The winter season in Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis lasts until mid-April. The period from the end of January to the beginning of April is considered high season.
- From one overnight stay in Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, you receive the guest card. With the guest card, the ski pass costs 68 euros (1 day) during the high season. We had the 4-day ski pass for 213 euros in the off-season.
- At the valley station in Fiss, there are a total of 4,700 ski depots for skis, snowboards, and other winter sports equipment. This saves you from hauling gear between the hotel/apartment and the valley station. The price for a two-person locker is 5.50 euros per day, and for a four-person locker, it is 11 euros per day. Booking is possible directly at the cashier at the valley station or for those renting skis on-site, also directly in the sports shops. Even if it can get crowded in the depot facilities, it’s an absolute game changer for anyone who dislikes walking around in ski boots as much as I do.
- Adrenaline junkies should not miss out on the Fisser Flieger and the Skyswing. These are in operation on selected weekdays even in winter. (Check the opening times in advance).
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