ROCK CLIMBING
The Tirol is a real climbers' paradise, with something to suit every taste be it free sport climbing or using the extensive networks of via ferratas. These are routes secured with steel ropes and many are not for the faint-hearted. The 3km long Arlberger via ferrata at St Anton, for instance, is scenically magnificent but really one for experts. While the 5Peak via ferrata in the Rofan has a range of routes for climbers of different levels of experience. Elsewhere there is bouldering or, for a change, climbing by the Achensee high altitude lake. Check out climbersparadise.com
WHITE WATER RAFTING
Raging rivers and torrents carve through the Tirol in every direction, giving full scope for those who get their kicks from white water action. Rafting on the Inn or the Otztal Ache rivers will guarantee thrills for all on board. Each raft is piloted by a helmsman, but everyone has to paddle through the rough patches. For those who prefer to paddle alone, there is also ample opportunity for canoeing or kayaking. For the rougher stuff, the Isel in the Osttirol is ideal. But there is also a chance for the less adventurous to enjoy the quiet waters of the beautiful Triolean lakes. Specialists can be found at drenalinesports. tyrol.com
CANYONYONING
Canyoning is a particular Tirol speciality involving getting from the top to the bottom of an often vertical stream cutting through the polished rock. Abseiling, climbing, jumping sliding and even diving take you through the gorges. It sounds hairy, but proper equipment and advice from the experts will see you through for a safe splash-down. Experts include Feelfree Touristik, based on the Otztal. You can find them on feelfree.at
HIGH WIRING
Skill, nerve and a good sense of balance are all required in a tightrope garden. The cables are stretched between trees, suspension bridges and aerial swings. If that doesn't sound very stable it isn't! But all high wirers are secured with a harness, helmet and climbing rope. Experienced guides are available for tours, and this activity provides a great opportunity for building a real team spirit within a group. Have a look at the Bergstatt Treepark in Osttirol bergstatt.at where a hire wire garden 20m above the ground offers a get variety of exercises. Or there is more on adrenalinesports. tyrol.com
BUNGEE BARMY
So you think you've been bungee jumping? Well if that involves dangling from the end of a crane forget it! How about jumping off the highest pedestrian suspension bridge in Austria? That's what happens at Club Alpin Pitzal and the Benni Raich bridge 94m up. See how that looks at clubalpin-piztal.at Still not impressed? Then get your head around the Eurobrucke at 192m (yes, that's 192m) it has got to be one of the most spectacular bungee sites in the world. And it's just 5km south of Innsbruck. Have a look at europabrueke.at
PARAGLIDING
This is, perhaps, the best way to see the Tirol. Launching into the blue to soar with the big birds, and seeing the whole panorama spread out before you. Certainly hard to beat but not hard to do. Total beginners can go up in a tandem flight with an expert. And if you decide this is definitely your thing, then flying schools can teach you right up to pilot licence level. Try the one at Kossen on fly-kossen.at. Or go and play with the Human Eagles, a crew famous for their stunt flying, but who also teach. Find them at humaneagle.com
