Toprecommended route
Hochvernagtspitze
Ötztal Verified partner
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Direct descent from the Hochvernagtspitze 3535m over the more than 40° steep, direct south face. Only feasible in perfect firn conditions.Photo: Ötztal
Dreamlike ski tour to the Hochvernagtspitze, even if the last meters require alpine experience and surefootedness. The Hochvernagtspitze is the second highest ski tour summit of the Vernagtferner and makes it one of the most attractive destinations in this area.
Ascent: 3 h
Descent: 1/2 h
Author’s recommendation
Ötztal Verified partner
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
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VernagthütteSafety information
Avalanche danger scale
1 (LOW)
An avalanche release is only possible with 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 probable with great additional load especially on the indicated steep slopes. Larger avalanches are not to be expected. The snow cover is generally well consolidated except on some steep slopes. Cautious route selection on the indicated steep slopes and exposures.
3 (CONSIDERABLE)
An avalanche release is likely already with little additional load especially on the indicated steep slopes. Occasionally, some medium and sporadically larger avalanches are possible spontaneously. The snow cover is only moderately to poorly consolidated on many steep slopes. Experience in avalanche assessment necessary. Avoid indicated steep slopes and exposures as much as possible.
4 (HIGH)
An avalanche release is possible already with little additional load especially on the indicated steep slopes. Occasionally many medium and several large avalanches occur. On many steep slopes, the snow cover is only weakly consolidated. Restrict route selection to moderately steep terrain and observe avalanche runout zones. A lot of experience in avalanche assessment is necessary.
5 (VERY HIGH)
Numerous large avalanches, even in moderately steep terrain, are expected spontaneously. At this warning level, safe operation in ski areas is no longer 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 (e.g. wildlife protection areas, hunting restricted areas, reforestation areas, information boards, etc.) in all activities in nature and when choosing routes.
- Respect quiet zones for wildlife and avoid feeding spots as well as loud noise.
- Cross forest areas in winter only on approved paths and routes; animals react very panicked to unlocalizable noise.
- Recognize wildlife habitats and try to avoid animals if possible. Observe wildlife only from a distance. Dogs brought along must absolutely be kept on a leash; it is absolutely irresponsible to let dogs run free in the forest during the winter emergency period.
- Proper time planning: 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 listed tours and recommends taking a mountain guide. Glacier crossings are only possible with a rope and in a group.
Before starting a tour, you should inform in the valley about the destination and the expected return time. Carrying an avalanche transceiver is urgently 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, you can travel conveniently and quickly by 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 western Austria in the state of TIROL, in a southern side valley of the Inn valley - the ÖTZTAL. For your car journey, plan the optimal route from your home location with the route planner online right away: https://www.google.at/maps
Parking
In the mountain climber village Vent, you have the following parking options 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 railway ticket counter)
- In winter only at the valley station of the chairlift.
Cost: € 5.00 per day/car
Coordinates
Book recommendation by the author
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 harness, two prusik loops or ascenders of different lengths, two HMS carabiners, ice axe, crampons and a rope. A backpack with appropriate content should also be carried, including change of clothes, sun protection, cold protection, food and enough to drink! For hut overnight stays, don't forget to take hygiene articles and a hut sleeping bag!
Difficulty rating
- Easy: Easy, short to moderately long tours with ascents that do not exceed or only briefly exceed 25°.
- Medium: Medium-difficult, moderately long to long tours with ascents that do not exceed or only briefly exceed 35°.
- Difficult: Difficult, long to very long tours 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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