Ötztaler Alps

Ski technique:
You have already gained your first ski touring experience and can safely ski on all types of snow.

Condition:
Condition for climbs up to 1400m.

Technical knowledge:
Sure-footedness for short summit ascents with crampons, mastering the ascent technique for ski kickturns with crampons.

Day 1:
Our meeting point is the mountaineering village Vent in Ötztal at 9:00 clock. The access through Niedertal leads over mountain sides exposed to the south east. Therefore, an early ascent to Martin Busch hut (Samoar hut) at 2501 m is necessary. After a short break the tour continuous further into the valley past Niederjochferner (glacier), and then on wide slopes to Niederjoch with the Similaun hut at 3019 m. Ascent 1122 m.

Day 2:
Today’s first destination the Similaun Peak at 3606 m is well visible already from the hut. Once we have left our skis at the ski depot at approx.3460 m, the ridge leads us over the north west range to the summit of the Similaun at 3606 m, with crampons if necessary. We will be descending close to our uphill track to Similaun hut at 3019 m. About 100 meters below the hut we will put the climbing skins on and ascend to the Obelisken at 3210 m where Ötzi was discovered. From here we can see Hauslabjoch and get a good look at the second destination of the day the Fineilspitze at 3514 m. A wide ridge with a narrow firn edge shows us the way to the peak of Fineilspitze, with crampons if necessary. After the downhill run over the Hochjochferner we will once again attach the climbing skins and with a short and easy ascent we reach the Schöne Aussicht (Beautiful View) at 2486 m. Here we are in the middle of the glacier skiing area Schnalstal.
Ascent 1284 m. – descent 1461 m.

Day 3:
We start today climbing along the slope from the Schönen Aussicht to the top station of the Hintereis chairlift – ascent 300 m. From here we will ski down to the Hintereisferner. The further ascent over the mighty Hintereisferner takes us to Hintereisjoch at 3460 m. From the pass we come over the south side to the ski depot. An easy climbing section over block terrain and a narrow ridge takes us to the peak of Weißkugel at 3739 m. Here we enjoy a magnificent panoramic view over the glacier world of the Ötztaler Alps and the Dolomites. A great downhill run takes us over the wide glacier of the Hintereisferner. From the bridge over the Rofenbach we ascend over the summer path to Hochjoch Hospiz at 2405 m.
Ascent 1350 m. – descent 1789 m.

Day 4:
From the Hochjoch Hospiz we leave our tracks in northwestern direction to a small hut and then we cross steeply up to the Kesselwandferner. Here we reach the upper Guslarjoch at 3361 m, where a steep south side leads us to the peak of the Fluchtkogel at 3500 m. Our fourth summit of this ski crossing in the Ötztaler Alps Nature Park is the Fluchtkogel. Back at Guslarjoch 3361 m we will enjoy skiing the snow of the Guslarferner to the Vernagt hut at 2755 m. Ascent 1090 m. – descent 741 m.

Day 5:
Today we aim for the Petersenspitze and the Hinteren Brockkogel, because here we will find the passage from Großen Vernagtgletscher to the Taschachferner. Going past the Hinteren Brochkogel north face and Mitterkarjoch we will reach the ski depot after a short steep step. With crampons we walk up the range which turns into a narrow ridge, now and then requiring easy climbing until we reach the summit. Here we will be standing on the highest peak of the Ötztaler Alps – the Wildspitze at 3774 meters. The way back brings us to the ski depot and then further with skis to Mitterkarjoch. From here descending back to Vent at 1895 m. Concentration is required to climb down a steep snow gutter with crampons and pick axe. We will pass around a cliff collapse secured on the rope and so we reach the Mitterkarferner. In a logical line we head to the Breslauer hut at 2844 m (unattended in winter). At a suitable place we cross over to the small skiing area of Vent in order to reach the slopes coming back to our starting point. Amazing touring days are coming to an end and we will all go home with a smile on our faces. Ascent 1061 m. – descent 1193 m.

Included:

• 5 days of organization and guidance by a state-certified mountain and ski guide
• 4 nights with half board
• Loaner avalanche transceiver, probe & shovel
• Loaner Technical equipment

Not included:

• Arrival
• Drinks
• Ski touring equipment

What should I bring?

Backpack, own avalanche transceiver equipment if available (is included), ski touring skis and poles, helmet (as required), snack, drink, sun protection, change of clothes. Please also check prior to your tour whether your insurance includes mountain rescue off-piste. You will receive a packing list when you make your booking.

Is lunch included?

No, please pack a snack and enough to drink. Depending on the tour destination, we might also have the opportunity to stop for lunch during the tour.

Do I get a discount if I bring my own equipment?

You are of course welcome to use your own equipment. Unfortunately, we cannot grant a discount as we generally provide the necessary safety equipment free of charge.

What is a hut sleeping bag and what do I need it for?

A hut sleeping bag is either made of silk or cotton and is compulsory on every hut for hygienic reasons, as the duvets, pillowcases and mattress protectors cannot be washed every day. The hut sleeping bag protects you from direct contact with the blankets. We recommend a small silk hut sleeping bag with a small pack size and lighter weight.

Payment at the hut with debit card?

Payment with your debit card is rarely possible in mountain huts! It is therefore necessary to bring sufficient cash with you! Cable cars and hotels can usually be paid for with debit or credit card.

The weather forecast announces bad weather, when will a tour be cancelled / postponed?

Unfortunately, weather forecasts for the mountains are not always as accurate as one might imagine and some weather portals are simply unsuitable for forecasts in the mountains. A reliable forecast is only possible for the following three to five days. Although the 16-day forecasts in particular are popular, the significance is extremely limited. If the conditions are clearly bad and we have to cancel the tour for safety reasons, we will either arrange an alternative date together or you will get your deposit back.

What rental equipment is included in the price?

You will find the rental equipment included in the tour description under "Services & Additional Costs". Rental equipment is included in all our guided tours. We also have equipment hire - if you are out on your own but have forgotten your crampons, you can get them from us.

How do I know what equipment I need for my tour?

You will receive a packing list from us. This will help you to find out what you need for your booked tour!