Drischlsteig – Muttekopfhütte – Latschenhütte

The mountain landscape at the foot of the 2,774-metre-high Muttekopf is craggy and rugged. What may sound like hard work is, in fact, an easy and enjoyable experience thanks to the fact that this hike from Hoch-Imst via the Drischlsteig trail to the Muttekopfhütte and the Latschenhütte is more or less downhill all the way. The only part that demands concentration is the somewhat exposed Drischlsteig trail, though there are plenty of handholds for safety. After a stop at one of the two huts, both of which serve excellent food, continue to the Untermarkter Alm hut. It is here that the final highlight awaits: a ride on the 3.5km Alpine Coaster, one of the longest single-person summer rollercoasters in the Alps. Those who don't fancy an adrenaline rush can, of course, complete the descent into the valley on foot.
From Hoch-Imst, take two scenic chairlift rides to the top of Alpjoch, located at an elevation of roughly 2,000 metres. This marks the starting point of the route that will take you back down to Hoch-Imst. The Drischlsteig trail, the first portion of this walk, is the most challenging part of this day hike. The footpath is excellent and fixed wires are in place to aid stability. However, hikers must complete exposed stretches and rugged terrain. The Muttekopfhütte is the first stop along this walk. Make your way from the Muttekopfhütte on the singletrack trail towards "Latschenhütte” and descend on the rock-strewn tussock slope in front of the hut. Immediately after, the route crosses a stream and leads to a fork. Here, do not continue on the designated “Plattigsteig” trail but instead turn right onto the marked, yet unsigned, path. Shortly after, the route crosses another creek and leads to the base of the material ropeway. Now gently continue your walk on the dirt road of the valley floor on the left bank of the creek until you arrive at the popular Latschenhütte. Here, keep to signed "Jägersteig" path, cross the creek and gently descend out of the valley on a kind of rolling singletrack trail in the sparse woods until the singletrack trail turns onto a broad footpath near a bridge. From here, continue in the same direction until you reach the ski run. Descend on the dirt road that zigzags down the mountainside to the chair lift terminal and to the starting point of the Alpine Coaster next to Untermarkter Alm hut. Then, follow the switchbacks of the forest road which gently descends to Hoch-Imst (always orientate yourself by the lamp posts). If you like a little thrill every now and then, the Alpine Coaster is ready to oblige. Hop on a sled and cruise down an exhilarating twisting, turning track to the base in Hoch-Imst.