Start Venter Ski Route or Ötztal Circuit via the Schalfkogl

Avalanche danger scale

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

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

3 (CONSIDERABLE)
An avalanche release is already likely with slight additional load, especially on the specified steep slopes. Occasionally, some medium and occasionally large avalanches are possible spontaneously. The snow cover on many steep slopes is only moderately to weakly consolidated. Experience in avalanche assessment is necessary. Avoid the specified steep slopes and slope exposures as much as possible.

4 (HIGH)
An avalanche release is already possible with slight additional load, especially on the specified steep slopes. Occasionally, many medium and several large avalanches occur. On many steep slopes, the snow cover is only weakly consolidated. For route choice, restrict to moderately steep terrain and observe avalanche runout areas. Much experience in avalanche assessment is necessary.

5 (VERY HIGH)
Numerous large avalanches, including in moderately steep terrain, can occur spontaneously. At this warning level, no safe operation is possible in ski areas. The snow cover is generally weakly consolidated and unstable. Avoid tours is recommended.

See also at lawine.tirol.gv.at

Ski touring rules

• Observe the applicable regulations in all activities in nature and in route selection (e.g. wildlife protection areas, hunting restricted zones, reforestation areas, information boards, etc.)
• Respect quiet zones for wildlife and avoid feeding points and loud noise
• Cross forest areas in winter only on designated paths and routes, animals react very panically to unlocalizable noise.
• Recognize the habitats of wildlife, avoid animals as much as 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 winter distress period in the forest.
• Proper time planning: start early enough and return before darkness. In spring, one should be back at the hut by noon (avalanche danger)
• Never drive through reforestations and young growth areas.

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

Before starting a tour, inform the valley of your destination and estimated return time. The use of an avalanche transceiver is strongly recommended.

More information about ski touring in the Ötztal: https://www.oetztal.com/skitouren

Kompass #042 | Inner Ötztal and Pitztal, Gurgler Valley, Venter Valley | 1:25,000

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

Kompass | Bike & Hiking Map Ötztal | 1:35,000

Start of Venter Ski Route: Entry from Vent through the Niedertal to the Martin-Busch-Hütte (2,501 m, 3 h)

Ötztal Circuit: Descent to the Gurgler Gorge (2,200 m) -> Ascent over the Gurgler Ferner and the Kleinleitenferner to the Schalfjoch -> continue over the ridge to the Schalfkogl (3,537 m) -> Descent over the Schalfjoch to the northern Schalfferner into the Niedertal -> Martin-Busch-Hütte (2,501 m)

ELEVATION DIFFERENCES: Ascent 1,400 m, descent 1,330 m, duration: 6 h

PEAKS: Hohe Wilde (3,465 m), Karles Spitze (3,465 m), Annakogl (3,336 m)

HUT TRANSFERS: Martin-Busch-Hütte (2,501 m), Hochwilde House (2,885 m – currently closed, winter room as a side hut)

Martin-Busch-Hütte (2,501 m, DAV)

Operated from early March to early May

Tel +43 (0) 5254 8130 or mobile +43 (0) 664 3043 151

www.hotel-vent.at

info@hotel-vent.at