Hochvernagtspitze

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

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

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The Hochvernagtspitze 3,535m is the second highest ski tour summit in the immediate catchment area of the Vernagtferner after the Hinterer Brochkogel 3,625m. But it is not only this fact that makes the mountain one of the most attractive destinations, but also the relatively easy accessibility of the summit, even though the last few meters here also require alpine experience and surefootedness. The ascent is best moved from the Vernagtbach to the western of the two glacier tongues that flow southeast from the Hochvernagtspitze 3,535m. In this area, you will find clearly visible, spacious and not too steep glacier terrain. In addition, in spring you can be quite sure that the snow cover is already well settled here. The ski depot is tried to be set up as high up on the ridge as possible. This requires a safe and skilled climbing technique. Less experienced climbers will switch to the plodding early on due to the over 40° steep south flank. The last meters over the west ridge and then the short but steep climb up to the summit should normally pose hardly any greater difficulties for the experienced winter mountaineer under favorable snow conditions. On the descent, you can ski as you like, or simply where you expect the best skiing conditions, in the area of the ascent zone, where the glacier has fewer crevasses and the terrain slope is lower, or you can choose the somewhat more daring, but also steeper and more crevasse-rich variant over the glacier directly heading southeast.