SKI MOUNTAINEERING IN THE ÖTZTAL, TIROL

SKI MOUNTAINEERING

Majestic mountain peaks high above Obergurgl-Hochgurgl, Gries, Niederthai and Vent make a truly unique paradise for avid ski mountaineers at the heart of the Ötztal Alps. One of the most renowned "Hautes Routes" within the Eastern Alps is the Vent Loop Trail.

SKI MOUNTAINEERING PACKAGE

Enjoy the scenic Ötztal Alps far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The mountain village of Vent makes a truly unique dorado for both beginners and experts who want to conquer Tirol's highest mountains.

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EQUIPMENT - LIST OF SKI MOUNTAINEERING MATERIAL

Experience the majestic Ötztal mountains close-by, using the appropriate ski mountaineering equipment. Here you find a complete checklist how to pack your rucksack.

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Exploring the highest peaks of the Ötztal Alps! The Vent Loop Trail for ski mountaineers ranks among the truly outstanding highlights within the Eastern Alps. As the Hochjoch Hospiz mountian shelter was reopened again this classic tour has become one of the most scenic routes in the upper Ötztal Valley. Skiing enthusiasts from Switzerland, France and all other parts of Europe get together to conquer some of Tirol's highest and most attractive summits, among them Similaun (3,606m), Finailspitze (3,514m), Weißkugel (3,739m), Fluchtkogel (3,500m) and Wildspitze (3,774m).

SKI TOUR RECOMMENDATIONS - OETZ

Pirchkogel (2.828 m)

From Gasthof Marlstein eastwards across a small ski slope until you reach the forest trail and its fifth sharp turn -> past the bench in northeastern direction, crossing steep slopes up to 2,400 m (Steinmandl) -> a level trail takes you westwards to Schafjoch at 2,593 m -> follow the small ridge until you get to the northern rock faces of Pirchkogel -> cross the rock face on the northern side -> from the north-west you reach a lovely basin, located between two summits, and head towards the highest peak (no summit cross).

Ascent approx. 3 - 4 hours. Easy downhill route.
Best time between February and May.

Refreshment Stop
Feldring Alm
Neurauter Lois
6433 Ochsengarten / Oetz
T +43 (0) 5252 6612
www.marlstein.com

Wetterkreuz (2,591 m)

From the car park across the forest towards Issalm -> in south-western direction through the sparse forest of Wörgetal -> past the Mining House, along the valley up to 2,250 m -> bypass a steep section with a left and right loop before you reach the peak slope -> follow the slope up to the ridge, keeping to the left in the upper part -> head towards the summit on the left.

Ascent approx. 2.5 - 3 hours. Easy to intermediate downhill route.
Best time between December and April

Mountaineering Guides, Snow and Avalanche Reports

Ski-Snowboard-Rennschule Fritz Gufler
6433 Oetz / Ochsengarten
T +43 (0) 5252 6777
www.gufler.co.at

SKI TOUR RECOMMENATIONS - NIEDERTHAI

KRAPESSPITZE (2,954 m)

From Information Niederthai you head 7 km along Horlachtal Trail to Schweinfurter Hütte –> turn left before you get to Schweinfurter Hütte, following a steeply climbing slope in direction Weites Kar –> continue on the trail until you reach the fork-off –> turn left in direction Finstertaler Scharte and Schartenkogel peak –> or turn right across the slope up to Kraspesspitze summit. Ascent: 4 hours. Intermediate downhill route. Best time between December and April.

HOCHREICHKOPF (3,010 m)

Ascent from Information Niederthai along Horlachtal Trail (7 km) in direction Schweinfurter Hütte –> leaving behind Klein Horlachalm (1,900 m) you take the climbing trail on the left to Finstertaler Sennhütte (2,147 m) –> follow the valley bottom, heading towards the eastern basin and the summit –> finally you reach the mountain ridge –> continue on the trail until you get to its highest point (ski depot available). Ascent: 4 hours. Intermediate downhill route. Best time between December and April.

SKI TOUR RECOMMENDATIONS - VENT

Important Information
Ötztal Tourismus does not accept any responsibility for the listed tours. It is strongly recommended to book a local and certified mountain guide. Glacier crossings are only possible with rope and in a group. Before setting out on a tour you should always inform someone about your destination and when you plan to be back. You should always take an avalanche transceiver with you.

Indulge in the scenic Ötztal mountains and experience pure nature at its finest: untouched slopes, bizarre rock formations, icy summits, majestic glaciers and endless peace. The most beautiful peak tours, the most pleasurable corn snow and powder stashes are waiting for you. Vent offers a perfect blend of trendy sports and traditional mountaineering. A unique paradise for passionate ski mountaineers.

Vent - Ramolalm - Vent	2,218 m	hiking time approx. 1.5 hrs
Vent - Stableinalm	2,356 m	hiking time approx. 1.5 hrs
Vent - Kapelle im Niedertal	2,120 m	hiking time approx. 1.5 hrs
Vent - Breslauer Hütte (lift ride)	2,848 m	hiking time approx. 1 hr
Vent - Vernagthütte	2,755 m	hiking time approx. 4 hrs
Vent - Martin-Busch-Hütte	2,501 m	hiking time approx. 3 hrs
Vent - Similaunhütte	3,019 m	hiking time approx. 5 hrs
Ramoljoch	3,186 m	hiking time approx. 4 hrs
Spiegelkogel	3,426 m	hiking time approx. 5 hrs
Taufkarkogel (lift ride)	3,367 m	hiking time approx. 3 hrs
Plateikogel (lift ride)	3,427 m	hiking time approx. 4 hrs
Wildspitze (lift ride)	3,774 m	hiking time approx. 5 hrs
Guslarspitze	3,126 m	hiking time approx. 5 hrs
Fluchtkogel	3,500 m	hiking time approx. 7 hrs
Hochvernagtspitze	3,539 m	hiking time approx. 7 hrs
Hauslabkogel	3,403 m	hiking time approx. 6.5 hrs
Finailspitze	3,516 m	hiking time approx. 7 hrs
Similaun	3,606 m	hiking time approx. 7.5 hrs
Hintere Schwärze	3,628 m	hiking time approx. 7.5 hrs

Recommendations

VENT SKI MOUNTAINEERING LOOP TRAIL
The Vent Loop Trail for ski mountaineers ranks among the truly outstanding highlights and „hautes routes" in the Eastern Alps. The challenging 5-day ski mountaineering tour starts in Vent, leading across the central area of the Ötztal Alps. Some of Tirol's most attractive and demanding 3000-meter high peaks are climbed in the course of this outstanding tour: Similaun (3,606 m), Fineilspitze (3,514 m), Weißkugel (3,739 m), Fluchtkogel (3,500 m) and Wildspitze (3,774 m).

More detailed information:
Bergführerstelle Vent T +43 (0) 5254 8106
Alpinerlebnis T +43 (0) 5254 8108

MOUNTAIN HUTS OPEN FROM MID MARCH TO MID MAY
Martin-Busch-Hütte T +43 (0) 5254 8130 info@hotel-vent.at
Similaunhütte T +39 0473 669711 info@similaunhuette.com
Schöne Aussicht T +39 0473 662140 info@schoeneaussicht.it
Hochjoch-Hospiz M +43 (0) 664 540 2574 info@vent-hotel-post.com
Vernagthütte T +43 (0) 664 1412119 info@wieshof.at
On all other huts run by the Austrian Alpine Association the winter rooms are open!

Less experienced ski mountaineers are strongly recommended to book a local and certified mountain guide. Glacier crossings are only possible with rope and in a group. Before setting out on a tour you should always inform someone about your destination and when you plan to be back. You should always check the latest snow and avalanche reports!