Toprecommended route
Hinterer Brochkogel
Ötztal Verified partner
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The danger of crevasses is always an issuePhoto: Ötztal
From the Vernagthütte (closed in winter 24/25, no winter room) first head north, from approx. 2,900 m above sea level northeast to the Kleiner Vernagtferner. Now to the south ridge of Petersenspitze, towards Brochkogeljoch (3,423 m). At about 3,200 m, head east to Vernagtjoch (3,400 m), where you turn left onto the gentler ramp leading to the summit structure. Then continue on foot to the summit. Under good conditions, it is also possible to ski down the 150 m high steep summit face.
Ascent: 4 h
Descent: 45 min
Author’s recommendation
Only for experienced ski mountaineers
Reservation of hut sleeping places required!
Vernagthütte - closed in winter 24/25, no winter room either
Ötztal Verified partner
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Show elevation profileRest stops
VernagthütteSafety information
Avalanche danger scale
1 (LOW)
An avalanche release is only possible under a high 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 a high additional load especially on the indicated steep slopes. Larger avalanches are not expected. The snow cover is generally well compacted, except on some steep slopes. Careful route selection at the indicated steep slopes and aspects.
3 (CONSIDERABLE)
An avalanche release is already probable under slight additional load mainly on the indicated steep slopes. Occasionally spontaneous medium, occasionally also large avalanches are possible. The snow cover on many steep slopes is only moderately to weakly compacted. Experience in avalanche assessment is necessary. Avoid indicated steep slopes and aspects as much as possible.
4 (HIGH)
An avalanche release is already possible under slight additional load mainly on the indicated steep slopes. Often many medium, sometimes large avalanches occur. On many steep slopes the snow cover is only weakly compacted. Route choice should be limited to moderately steep terrain and avalanche runout zones must be observed. Much experience in avalanche assessment is necessary.
5 (VERY HIGH)
Numerous large avalanches are expected spontaneously, also in moderately steep terrain. At this warning level, secure operation in ski areas is no longer possible. The snow cover is generally weakly compacted and unstable. It is recommended to refrain from tours.
See also at lawine.tirol.gv.at
Tips and suggestions
Ski touring rules
- Respect all regulations for activities in nature and route selection (e.g., wildlife protection areas, hunting closure zones, reforestation areas, information boards, etc.)
- Respect quiet zones for wildlife and avoid feeding areas and loud noise
- Cross forest areas in winter only on designated paths and routes, as animals react panicked to unlocalizable noise.
- Recognize wildlife habitats and avoid animals if possible. Observe wildlife only from a distance. Always keep dogs on a leash; it is absolutely irresponsible to let dogs run free in the forest during winter emergency periods.
- Plan your time correctly: start early and be back before darkness. 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 these tours 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 info about ski tours in the Ötztal: https://www.oetztal.com/skitouren
Public transport
Travel comfortably and safely by train to the Ötztal train station. The final stop or exit point is the ÖTZTAL station. Afterwards, travel conveniently and quickly with public transport or local taxi companies through the entire valley to your desired destination! The current bus timetable is available at: http://fahrplan.vvt.at
Directions
Vent 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 journey by car, plan the optimal route from your hometown with the route planner online at: https://www.google.at/maps
Parking
In the mountaineering village Vent you have the following parking options.
- In summer, in front of the village (parking meter, only coins or EC card) and at the valley station of the chairlift (at the mountain railway cashier)
- 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
Ötztal mountain winter / available at Information Vent
Author’s map recommendations
Kompass #042 | Inner Ötztal and Pitztal, Gurgler Valley, Venter Valley | 1:25,000
Kompass #43 | Ötztal Alps, Ötztal, Pitztal | 1:50,000
Freytag&Bernd WK 251 | Ötztal, Pitztal, Kaunertal, Wildspitze | 1:25,000
Equipment
Recommended ski touring equipment
The "standard 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" includes 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, provisions, and enough to drink! Do not forget hygiene articles and a hut sleeping bag for overnight stays in huts!
Difficulty rating
- Easy: Easy, short to moderately long routes with ascents not exceeding 25° or only for short periods.
- Moderate: Medium-difficulty, moderately long to long routes with ascents not exceeding 35° or only briefly.
- Difficult: Difficult, long to very long routes with ascents reaching 40° or more, and climbing passages up to grade II difficulty (UIAA).
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
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