From Fluchtkogel to the Vernagthütte

Track types

Safety information

Avalanche danger scale

1 (LOW)
An avalanche release is only possible with a large 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 with a large additional load especially on the specified steep slopes. Larger avalanches are not to be expected. The snow cover is generally well consolidated except for some steep slopes. Careful route choice on the specified steep slopes and aspects.

3 (CONSIDERABLE)
An avalanche release is likely already with a small additional load mainly on the specified steep slopes. Occasionally some medium and sporadically also large avalanches are possible spontaneously. The snow cover on many steep slopes is only moderately to weakly consolidated. Experience in avalanche assessment necessary. Avoid specified steep slopes and aspects as much as possible.

4 (HIGH)
An avalanche release is possible already with a small additional load mainly on the specified steep slopes. Occasionally many medium and also multiple large avalanches occur. On many steep slopes the snow cover is only weakly consolidated. Route choice limited to moderately steep terrain and attention to avalanche run-out zones. A lot of experience in avalanche assessment is necessary.

5 (VERY HIGH)
Numerous large avalanches, also in moderately steep terrain, are expected spontaneously. At this warning level no safe operation in ski areas is possible. The snow cover is generally weakly consolidated and unstable. Avoid tours is recommended.

See also at lawine.tirol.gv.at

Tips and suggestions

Ski tour rules

• Observe the applicable regulations for all activities in nature and for the choice of routes (e.g., wildlife protection areas, hunting exclusion zones, 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 designated paths and routes, animals react very panicked to unlocatable noise.
• Recognize the habitats of wild animals, avoid animals if possible. Observe wildlife only from a distance. Dogs must be kept on a leash, it is absolutely irresponsible to let dogs run free in the forest in the winter emergency period.
• Proper time planning: Start early enough and return before dusk. In spring one 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 listed tours and recommends taking a mountain guide. Glacier crossings are only possible with ropes and in a group.

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

More info about ski tours in the Ötztal: https://www.oetztal.com/skitouren

Directions

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

Parking

The following parking options are available in Obergurgl-Hochgurgl:

• Parking lot village center Obergurgl (in front of the church go down to the right, behind the multi-purpose building where the tourist information office is also located) parking meter with coin slot
• Parking lot entrance to town – valley station Festkoglbahn, free of charge – no overnight parking
• Parking lot Hochgurglbahn valley station, free of charge – no overnight parking
• Parking lot Top Mountain Crosspoint, free of charge
• Parking lot Hochgurgl, free of charge (very small parking lot)

Coordinates