Essenerspitze

Track types

Rest stops

Safety information

Avalanche Danger Scale

1 (LOW)

An avalanche release is only possible under great additional load on very few, extreme steep slopes. No spontaneous avalanches (so-called slides) are expected. Generally safe conditions.

2 (MODERATE)

An avalanche release is likely under great additional load mainly on the specified steep slopes. Larger avalanches are not expected. The snow cover is generally well consolidated, except on some steep slopes. Careful route selection on the indicated steep slopes and slope exposures.

3 (CONSIDERABLE)

An avalanche release is likely even with little additional load mainly on the specified steep slopes. Occasionally, some medium and occasionally even large avalanches can occur spontaneously. The snow cover on many steep slopes is only moderately to weakly consolidated. Experience in avalanche assessment is necessary. Avoid the specified steep slopes and slope exposures as much as possible.

4 (HIGH)

An avalanche release is possible even with little additional load mainly on the specified steep slopes. Occasionally many medium and multiple large avalanches occur. On many steep slopes, the snow cover is only weakly consolidated. When choosing a route, limit to moderately steep terrain and observe avalanche run-out zones. A lot of experience in avalanche assessment is necessary.

5 (VERY HIGH)

Numerous large avalanches are expected spontaneously, even in moderately steep terrain. At this warning level, safe operation in ski areas is no longer possible. The snow cover is generally weakly consolidated and unstable. Avoid tours.

See also at lawine.tirol.gv.at

Tips and suggestions

Ascent aid: Yes (ride with the Festkoglbahn)
Max. slope angle: over 40°
Glacier: Yes
Tour type: High alpine glacier tour
Skiing technique: easy
Climbing technique: I degree
Map material: AV map Ötztaler Alps - Gurgl 1:25,000
Best season: Feb-May

Ski Touring Rules

• Observe the applicable regulations in nature and in the choice of tours (e.g., wildlife protection areas, hunting closure areas, reforestation areas, information boards, etc.)
• Respect quiet zones for wildlife and avoid feeding places as well as loud noises
• Cross forest areas in winter preferably only on approved paths and routes; animals react very panically to unlocalized noise.
• Recognize the habitats of wildlife, avoid the animals if possible. Observe wildlife only from a distance. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times; it is absolutely irresponsible to let dogs run freely in the forest during the winter emergency period.
• Plan your time correctly: Start early enough and return before darkness falls. In spring, you should be back at the hut by midday (avalanche danger)
• Never ski through reforestation and young growth areas.

Ötztal Tourism assumes no liability for the listed tours and recommends taking a mountain guide. Glacier crossings are only possible with rope and in a group.

Before starting a tour, inform the valley of the destination and the expected time of return. Carrying an avalanche transceiver is strongly recommended.

More information about ski touring in the Ötztal: https://www.oetztal.com/skitouren

Directions

Obergurgl-Hochgurgl is located in the west of Austria in the state of TIROL, in a southern side valley of the Inn valley - the ÖTZTAL. For your travel by car, plan the optimal route from your hometown with the route planner online: https://www.google.at/maps

Parking

In Obergurgl-Hochgurgl, the following parking options are available:

• Parking lot village center Obergurgl (down right in front of the church, behind the multipurpose building where the information office is also located) parking meter with coin insertion
• Parking lot village entrance – valley station Festkogelbahn, free of charge – night parking prohibited
• Parking lot Hochgurglbahn valley station, free of charge – night parking prohibited
• Parking lot Top Mountain Crosspoint, free of charge
• Parking lot Hochgurgl, free of charge (very small parking lot)

Coordinates