Schwarzwandspitze

Avalanche Danger Scale

1 (LOW)
An avalanche release is only possible with a large additional load on very few, extreme steep slopes. Spontaneous avalanches (so-called slides) are not expected. Generally safe conditions.

2 (MODERATE)
An avalanche release is likely with a large additional load mainly on the specified steep slopes. Larger avalanches are not expected. The snow cover is generally well consolidated, except for some steep slopes. Careful route choice on specified slopes and exposures.

3 (CONSIDERABLE)
An avalanche release is likely even with little additional load mainly on the specified steep slopes. Occasionally, some medium and rarely large avalanches are possible spontaneously. The snow cover on many steep slopes is only moderately to poorly consolidated. Experience in avalanche assessment necessary. Preferably avoid specified slopes and exposures.

4 (HIGH)
An avalanche release is possible even with little additional load mainly on the specified steep slopes. Many medium and occasionally large avalanches occur. On many steep slopes, the snow cover is only weakly consolidated. Route choice should be limited to moderately steep terrain and consider 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, safe operation in ski areas is no longer possible. The snow cover is generally weakly consolidated and unstable. Avoid tours.

See also at lawine.tirol.gv.at

Ski Touring Rules

• Observe all regulations during all activities in nature and when choosing routes (e.g., wildlife protection areas, hunting closure zones, reforestation areas, information boards, etc.)
• Respect quiet zones for wildlife and avoid feeding places as well as loud noise
• In winter, cross forest areas only on designated paths and routes, as animals react very panicked to unlocalized noise.
• Recognize wildlife habitats and avoid animals if possible. Observe wildlife only from a distance. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times; 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 darkness falls. In spring, you should be back at the hut by noon (avalanche danger)
• Never ski through reforestation and young growth areas.

Ötztal Tourism accepts no liability for the listed tours and recommends taking a mountain guide. Glacier crossings are only allowed with a rope and in a group.

Before starting a tour, inform people in the valley of your destination and expected return time. Carrying an avalanche transceiver is strongly recommended.

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

In the ski touring area of the Vernagthütte 2,755m (closed in winter 24/25, no winter room either), the summit of Schwarzwandspitze 3466m is rather rarely targeted because the ascent via the northeast ridge not only includes climbing sections of alpine difficulty grade II, but also because the ridge drops off too steeply northwards for several hundred meters into the Kaunertal. As inconspicuous and easy to climb as Schwarzwandspitze 3466m may appear from the south, the mountain looks massive and inaccessible when viewed from the north. However, even if you don't want to tackle the last few meters to the summit, it is definitely worthwhile to consider this route. After all, there is still a wonderfully beautiful descent over ideal, mostly gently sloping ski terrain. One should definitely not miss out on this, especially since the Vernagt glacier in this area barely has crevasses, making it easy to walk and ski on even in low snow conditions.

The descent can be continued further depending on snow conditions and mood. The ascent to the Vernagthütte is unavoidable anyway.