Stage 6

Hochstubaihütte (3174 m) – Scharte am Windacher Ferner – Hildesheimer Hütte (2900 m)

Information:
Route:	steep path, groomed trail on the glacier
Requirements:	surefootedness, good head for heights; black mountain trail
Difficulties:	steep descent down a ladder
Equipment:	standard hiking equipment, no glacier equipment required on Windacher Ferner and Gaiskarferner
Walking time:	approx. 5 1/2 hrs.
Changes in elevation:	approx. 650 meters climbing, 900 meters descending
Highest point:	3174 m
Distance:	approx. 7 km
Lodging, refreshment stops:	Hochstubaihütte, Restaurant Jochdohle, Hildesheimer Hütte
Access/Exit points:	from Sölden via Gasthaus Fiegl in Windachtal and Seekarsee to Hochstubaihütte (approx. 5 ½ hrs. up and 4 ½ hrs. down); from Sölden through Windachtal and along Aschenbrennerweg or Gaiskarweg (steep) to Hildesheimer Hütte (approx. 5 hrs. up and 4 hrs. down); alternatively public bus from Sölden to Gasthaus Fiegl in Windachtal from where it's a 3 ½ hrs. hike to Hochstubaihütte (approx. 2 ½ hrs. down) and 3 hrs. to Hildesheimer Hütte (approx. 2 hrs. down); Bus schedule: call +43/(0)57200/2007

Ice-Free from Hut to Hut

The crossing from Hochstubaihütte via Sölden to Hildesheimer Hütte is brand-new and although it crosses two glaciers in the Stubai’s ski area (Windacher Ferner and Gaiskarferner) it is not a glacier hike. How is that possible? Well, the glacier lift company groomed and prepared the route in an effort to make it accessible for walkers and hikers of all experience levels. From Hochstubaihütte you continue via Lake Seekarsee towards the refuge where you have to cross a small and easy snow field. The trail then drops in switchbacks through a very steep and rocky chute which has ropes and stone steps to make this spectacular descent easier. Next is a flat stretch to a basic emergency shelter (key hangs next to the door) from where the trail winds its way down through steep terrain to Lake Seekarsee. After a short walk from the lake a trail branches off to the left. This trail winds through grass slopes in an eastern direction to the boggy foothills of Warenkar. The trail now zigzags up to a ridge and continues to a saddle on Windacher Ferner. Walk down onto the glacier and follow the prepared trail to Restaurant Jochdohle in the ski area. Pass the restaurant and continue to Gaiskarferner and along another prepared trail in a south-eastern direction to a ridge which you follow down to Hildesheimer Hütte.

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