Finstertaler Schartenkopf 2855m - Umhausen-Niederthai

Track types

Rest stops

Safety information

Please note the current snow and avalanche report for the coming days: https://lawinen.report/bulletin/latest  

Avalanche danger scale

1 (LOW) Avalanche release is only possible with heavy additional load on very few, extreme steep slopes. No spontaneous avalanches (so-called slides) are expected. Generally safe conditions.

2 (MODERATE) Avalanche release is likely with heavy additional load especially on the indicated steep slopes. Larger avalanches are not expected. The snow cover is generally well consolidated, except on some steep slopes. Careful route choice on the indicated steep slopes and slope exposures.

3 (CONSIDERABLE) Avalanche release is likely already with little additional load, especially on the indicated steep slopes. Occasionally spontaneous medium-sized and rarely large avalanches are possible. The snow cover on many steep slopes is only moderately to weakly consolidated. Experience in avalanche assessment is necessary. Avoid the indicated steep slopes and slope exposures as much as possible.

4 (HIGH) Avalanche release is possible already with little additional load, especially on the indicated steep slopes. Occasionally many medium and repeatedly large avalanches occur. The snow cover on many steep slopes is only weakly consolidated. Route choice should be restricted to moderately steep terrain and take into account 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 touring.

Tips and suggestions

Ski touring rules

• Observe all regulations for activities in nature and when choosing routes (e.g., wildlife protection areas, hunting closed areas, reforestation areas, information boards, etc.)
• Respect quiet zones for wildlife and avoid feeding stations as well as loud noise
• Cross forest areas in winter only on designated paths and routes; animals react very panicked to unidentifiable noise.
• Recognize wildlife habitats, avoid animals whenever possible. Observe wildlife only from a distance. Keep dogs on a leash at all times; it is absolutely irresponsible to let dogs run free in the forest during the critical winter period.
• Proper time planning: start early enough and return before nightfall. In spring, you should be back at the hut by noon (avalanche danger)
• Never drive through reforestation and young growth areas.

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

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

More information on ski touring in Ötztal can be found here

Directions

The car trip to the ÖTZTAL. Located in Tyrol, the ÖTZTAL branches off to the south as the longest side valley of the Eastern Alps. The drive by car leads visitors over the Inn Valley to the valley entrance and further along the Ötztal. In addition to the toll highway, country roads can also be used. The route planner lets you determine your trip quickly and conveniently.

To the route planner: https://www.google.at/maps. 

Parking

The following parking options are available in Niederthai:

• Parking lot Sennhof | Cost € 5.00 car day ticket, mandatory from 07:00 to 18:30, multi-day tickets possible | Guests with disabilities – show valid ID – park for free | Buses park for free

Coordinates