Pinnistal

The Pinnistal is a small side valley in the Stubai Valley in Tirol. It runs north-east from the foot of the Habicht peak, where the Pinnisbach stream begins. The valley is fed by several tributaries and the Pinnisferner glacier on the mountain’s north-east slope. After about ten kilometres the Pinnisbach joins the Ruetz at the Ruetzbrücke in Neder. The stream is recognised as a fast-flowing mountain torrent and holds the highest water-quality grade. Four former alpine farms lie along its course: Herzebenalm, Issenangeralm at 1,366 metres, Pinnisalm at 1,560 metres and Karalm at 1,747 metres. Each offers food and some provide simple beds for the night. Paths lead from one alm to the next, rising steadily through open meadows and larch woods. The highest, Karalm, sits beneath steep rock walls and gives a wide view over the Stubai peaks. A local taxi service can take walkers as far as Karalm, letting them start their ascent already above the valley floor.