To put it right from the start: the "Skiroute Hochtirol" as locals call the Tyrolean Haute Route, is not a dull copy of the Haute Route Chamonix Zermatt. It's a proper challenge for ski mountaineers that even surpasses the original in terms of physical demands and adventure factor.

This superb hut-to-hut ski traverse travels the beautiful and unspoiled mountain landscapes of the Hohe Tauern, a mountain range located in Tyrol. It starts in the south Tyrolean valley of Ahrntal and culminates in climbing Grossglockner (3798 m ) highest peak in Austria and a sought-after trophy for ski mountaineers.

The itinerary is characterized by consecutive long days up to 2000 vertical meters of uphill, long descents in complete solitude and well-equipped Tyrolean style mountain huts.

Along the way you will climb beautiful ski summits like Großvenediger (3664m), tons of isolated cols and be marvelled by a permanently changing scenery.

If you have done extensive skitouring in the Alps, the Tyrolean Haute Route might still be a stunning ski adventure for you.

Individual dates for groups from 2 to 4 skiers.

Itinerary

Day 0: Pre-trip meeting with your guide in a Hotel in Brixen-Bressanone at 7 pm. The nearest Airports are Innsbruck, and Munich with frequent train connections to Bressanone. Kit check and briefing on trip itinerary and avalanche conditions.

Day 1: Early morning taxi ride to Kasern in Valle Aurina — the skitouring adventure starts. Long scenic ascend to a first col, Hinteres Umbaltörl (2845 m). Brilliant east facing slopes lead down to Umbalkees — we dive into the solitude of the Venediger Massif. Another uphill of 400 meters to the Reggentörl (3056 m) will give access to the steep north facing descent to the Essener Rostocker Hut, a well staffed and friendly skitouring center. Vertical ↑ 1650 ↓ 1100 m

Day 2: Via a beautiful valley and wide mid angled slopes we skin up to the pyramidal summit of Großer Geiger (3360 m). Stunning views on the majestic Großvenediger. We traverse over to the Maurertörl, ski brilliant north facing slopes which often hold good powder. Finally, an hour or so climb brings us to the charming Kürsinger Hut. Vertical ↑ 1600 ↓ 1300 m

Day 3: Steady ascent over gentle glacial slopes to the summit of the Grossvenediger, premier ski peak in the area. The views are said to go as far as Venice. Now follows the first downhill highlight of the Tyrolean Haute Route. A long ski run of 2000 m to the quaint village of Innergschlöß. The night is spent in a hut like Hotel with traditional Tyrolean kitchen and showers. Vertical ↑ 1400 ↓ 2000 m

Day 4: Crux section of the Tyrolean Haute Route. Long ascent on solitary ground to the Sillingkopf (2858 m). Solitude increases even more as we ski down into the cirque of Prägratenkees. We gain the Granatscharte (2945 m) and climb to the summit of the Stubacher Sonnblick (3088 m). The day is not over yet, though. We traverse over to Granatspitze and drop into the lonely Dorfer Valley via a steep ridgeline. After several hundred meters of superb cruising slopes we have to work our way out of the beautiful valley floor past old farm buildings and a narrw gorge with a tunnel. Overnight in a very friendly local B&B. Vertical ↑ 1900 ↓ 2000 m

Day 5: Very early morning start to cover the first 900 meters from the parking to Ködnitzkees Glacier. The ascent of Grossglockner (3798 m) involves skinning, a via ferrata and an exposed summit ridge climbed with boot crampons. In good conditions we can take the skis up to 300 m below the summit. The ski run down is among the better ones and we might enjoy lots of long turns in spring snow. Taxi back to our Hotel in Bressanone, where you stay the night. Group departure the following day. Vertical ↑ 1900 ↓ 1900 m

Prerequisites

• excellent cardiovascular fitness: stamina for 6+ hours of ascent (up to 2000 meters vertical max and average 1600 meters per day) and 2000 meter ski descents
• good off-piste ski technique, controlled skiing in all types of snow, including crusts and slopes up to 35+ dg,
• solid ski mountaineering skills: kickturns, ascending with ski crampons, climbing 45 dg snow with piolet and boot crampons
• proficient use of avalanche safety equipment
• no pre-acclimatisation required

Getting There

The nearest Airports are Innsbruck or Munich. From there you have train connection to Bressanone. We are happy to assist in arranging your travelling.

Accommodation & Food

You will stay on typical alpine mountain huts. They have a big dining room and dormitories with usually 4–12 bunks. Sometimes the dormitories have up to 20 bunks. The sanitary conditions are basic with common toilets, washing rooms and only rare showers. On very high huts there is sometimes not even running water.

We typically have half board on the hut. A lean breakfast with bread, jam, butter and, depending on the region, cereals are served along with coffee or tea. Dinner consists of 3 to4 courses: starter (soup, pasta in Italy), sometimes salad, main course with some meat, desert. Vegetarian or other dietary requirements are accounted for.

You can order non-alcoholic drinks, beer and wine. Likewise, snacks and lunch can be purchased. On the higher huts there is no potable water and you will have to buy bottled water.

Please don't hesitate to contact us in case of questions.

Gear

Lightweight touring skis and -skins are most suitable. Avalanche safety equipment. Glacier travel kit.

Included

• Organization and guiding by a IFMGA licensed Mountain Guide
• Rental gear: lacier travel and avalanche safety
• All guide's overnight expenses

Excluded

• 5 x Night/Half board on mountain huts approx. 50 €/Night (alpine club members) + 2 x Night/Half board in a hotel 50 €/Night
• Lift ticket, Taxi transfer back to starting point for you and the guide 120 € pP.
• Lunch and drinks on the huts. (lunch for take away can be ordered the day before)
• personal insurance covering mountain rescue

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