Ski tour Brand 2,283m - Umhausen-Niederthai

Please note the current snow and avalanche report for the coming days: https://lawinen.report/bulletin/latest

Avalanche danger scale

1 (LOW) An avalanche release is possible only with heavy additional load on very few, extreme steep slopes. No spontaneous avalanches (so-called slides) are expected. Generally safe conditions.

2 (MODERATE) Avalanche release is likely with heavy additional loads especially on the indicated steep slopes. Larger avalanches are not to be expected. The snow cover is generally well consolidated except for some steep slopes. Cautious route choice on specified steep slopes and aspects.

3 (CONSIDERABLE) Avalanche release is already likely with light additional loads mainly on the indicated steep slopes. Occasionally some medium-sized, occasionally also large avalanches are possible spontaneously. The snow cover is moderately to poorly consolidated on many steep slopes. Experience in avalanche evaluation is necessary. Avoid indicated steep slopes and aspects if possible.

4 (HIGH) Avalanche release is already possible with light additional loads mainly on the indicated steep slopes. Many medium and repeatedly large avalanches occur occasionally. On many steep slopes, the snow cover is poorly consolidated. Route choice restricted to moderately steep terrain and attention to avalanche run-out zones. A lot of experience in avalanche evaluation is necessary.

5 (VERY HIGH) Numerous large avalanches, even on moderately steep terrain, are expected spontaneously. At this warning level, safe operation in ski areas is no longer possible. The snow cover is generally poorly consolidated and unstable. Avoid tours is recommended.

Ski Touring Rules

• Observe all regulations during activities in nature and in route selection (e.g., wildlife protection areas, hunting restriction zones, afforestation areas, information boards, etc.)
• Respect quiet zones for wildlife and avoid feeding sites and loud noises
• In winter, cross forest areas preferably only on designated paths and routes; animals react very panicked to unlocalizable noises.
• Recognize wildlife habitats, avoid the animals where 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 time planning: Start early enough and return before dark. In spring, you should be back at the hut by noon (avalanche danger)
• Never drive through afforestation and young growth areas. 

Ötztal Tourism assumes no liability for the listed routes and recommends bringing a mountain guide. Glacier crossings are only possible with rope and in a group.

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

More info on ski touring in the Ötztal can be found here 

From the Sennhof parking lot (next to the Niederthai information), start and walk a short stretch along the trail to the impressive avalanche gully in the southeast and thus reach the groomed forest road leading into the Grastal. Follow the Grastal path to the signposted junction of the summer trail to the Brand. On the red-white-red marked path, ascend until you meet another forest road. Follow this road to a small hunting lodge. From here, the track branches off to the right and leads steeply through the forest upwards, which becomes less dense the higher you get. A short ridge leads to a prominent stone with a memorial plaque, the destination of this route.