Toprecommended route
Hauslabkogel
Ötztal Verified partner
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DeparturePhoto: Ötztal
Author’s recommendation
Powder snow possible until late spring.
Reservation of hut sleeping places necessary!
Ötztal Verified partner
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety information
Avalanche Danger Scale
1 (LOW)
An avalanche release is only possible under great additional load on very few, extreme steep slopes. Spontaneous avalanches (so-called slides) are not to be expected. Generally safe conditions.
2 (MODERATE)
An avalanche release is probable with great additional load mainly at the mentioned steep slopes. Larger avalanches are not expected. The snow cover is generally well consolidated except at some steep slopes. Careful route selection at the indicated steep slopes and slope exposures.
3 (CONSIDERABLE)
An avalanche release is likely already with a small additional load, especially at the indicated steep slopes. Occasionally some medium, rarely even large avalanches are possible spontaneously. The snow cover is only moderately to weakly consolidated on many steep slopes. Experience in avalanche assessment is necessary. Avoid indicated steep slopes and slope exposures as much as possible.
4 (HIGH)
An avalanche release is possible already with small additional load, especially at the indicated steep slopes. Numerous medium and often large avalanches occur. The snow cover is only weakly consolidated on many steep slopes. Route choice limited to moderately steep terrain and observing avalanche run-out zones. Extensive experience in avalanche assessment is necessary.
5 (VERY HIGH)
Numerous large avalanches expected spontaneously, also 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 lawine.tirol.gv.at
Tips and suggestions
Ski Touring Rules
Observe the applicable regulations in nature and when selecting routes (e.g., wildlife protection areas, hunting restricted areas, reforestation areas, information boards, etc.)
Respect quiet zones for wildlife and avoid feeding stations as well as loud noises
In winter, cross forested areas only on designated paths and routes, as animals react very panicked to untraceable noises.
Recognize the habitats of wildlife, 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 during the winter emergency period.
Proper timing: Start early enough and return before dark. In spring, one should be back at the hut by noon (avalanche danger).
Never ski through reforestation and young growth areas.
Ötztal Tourism assumes no liability for the mentioned routes and recommends the accompaniment of a mountain guide. Glacier crossings are only possible with a rope and in a group.
Before setting out on a tour, inform about the goal and the expected return time in the valley. Carrying an avalanche transceiver is strongly recommended.
More info about ski touring in Ötztal: https://www.oetztal.com/skitouren
Public transport
Travel comfortably and safely by train to the Ötztal station. The final station or exit point is ÖTZTAL station. Afterwards, you travel comfortably and quickly with public transport or local taxi companies through the entire valley to your desired destination! The current bus schedule is available at: http://fahrplan.vvt.atDirections
The car ride to ÖTZTAL. Located in Tyrol, the Ötztal branches off southwards as the longest side valley of the Eastern Alps. Car travelers reach the valley via the Inn valley to the valley entrance and then continue along the Ötztal. In addition to the toll highway, country roads can also be used. Your drive can be quickly and conveniently determined with the route planner: Route planner: https://www.google.at/mapsParking
In the mountaineering village of Vent, the following parking options are available.
- In summer, in front of the village (parking meter, coins or EC card only) and at the valley station of the chairlift (at the mountain railways’ ticket office)
- In winter, only at the valley station of the chairlift.
Cost: €5.00 per day/car
Coordinates
Book recommendation by the author
Rother Ski Touring Guide | Ötztal – Silvretta | Publisher: Tyrolia
Author’s map recommendations
Kompass #042 | Inner Ötztal and Pitztal, Gurgler Tal, Venter Tal | 1:25,000
Kompass #43 | Ötztal Alps, Ötztal, Pitztal | 1:50,000
Freytag&Bernd WK 251 | Ötztal, Pitztal, Kaunertal, Wildspitze | 1:25,000
Kompass | Bike & Hiking Map Ötztal | 1:35,000
Equipment
Recommended Ski Touring Equipment
The "normal ski touring equipment" consists of touring skis with touring bindings, telescopic poles, climbing skins, crampons, digital avalanche transceiver, avalanche shovel, avalanche probe, first aid kit, and a mobile phone. A "complete glacier equipment" consists of a harness, two differently sized prusik loops or ascenders, two HMS carabiners, ice axe, crampons, and a rope. A backpack with appropriate contents should be carried, including change of clothes, sun protection, cold protection, food, and enough to drink! For overnight stays in huts, do not forget hygiene articles and a hut sleeping bag!
DIFFICULTY RATING
Easy: Easy, short to moderately long routes with ascents that do not or only briefly exceed 25°.
Medium: Medium difficulty, moderately long to long routes with ascents that do not or only briefly exceed 35°.
Difficult: Difficult, long to very long routes with ascents of 40° or more and climbing sections up to grade II difficulty (UIAA).
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
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