Trail running in Pitztal Valley. Running with a view.

The Rifflsee circuit, classified as easy, is 11.6 kilometres long with an elevation gain of 630 metres. Starting in the village of Mandarfen, you cross the bridge towards the local mountain rescue station and follow the farm track on the left up to Taschachalm hut. From there, continue towards Lake Rifflsee until the trail branches off to the left.

At the top, keep to the right at the lake, then follow the signs to the Sunna Alm hut and the top station for the Rifflseebahn cable car. Then walk down to Rifflsee, take a leisurely stroll around the lake and descend via the trail back to Taschachalm, returning to Mandarfen via the familiar path. A coherent circuit providing plenty of scenic views.

This moderately difficult 9.5-kilometre trail requires sure-footedness and stamina. From the top station for the Gletscherexpress cable car, follow the signs downhill towards Braunschweigerhütte. On the glacier, follow the marker poles. After the crossing, the trail goes up again until you reach the mountain hut.

The return route takes you down to the valley via the Jägersteig path, then on via the 'Notweg' (emergency path) past Gletscherstube to the Gletscherexpress bottom station in Mittelberg.