Weißkugel and Hochjoch Hospiz

Avalanche Danger Scale

1 (LOW)
Avalanche release is only possible with a large 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 a large additional load especially on the specified steep slopes. Larger avalanches are not expected. The snow cover is generally well consolidated except at some steep slopes. Careful route selection on the specified steep slopes and exposures.

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

4 (HIGH)
Avalanche release is already possible with little additional load especially on the specified steep slopes. Occasionally many medium, often also large avalanches occur. On many steep slopes, the snow cover is only weakly consolidated. Route choice limited to moderately steep terrain and attention to avalanche run-out zones. Much experience in avalanche assessment needed.

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

See also at lawine.tirol.gv.at

Ski Touring Rules

• Observe applicable regulations in all activities in nature and when choosing routes (e.g., wildlife protection areas, hunting restricted areas, reforestation zones, information boards, etc.)
• Respect quiet zones for wildlife and avoid feeding areas as well as loud noise
• In winter, cross forest areas only on cleared paths and routes, animals react very panicked to untraceable noise.
• Recognize wildlife habitats, avoid wildlife if 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 critical winter period.
• Proper time planning: start early enough and return before darkness. In spring, you should be back at the hut by midday (avalanche danger)
• Never ski through reforestation and young growth areas.

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

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

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

Ascent over the saddle in the rear ice (3,270 m) and Egg (3,219 m) –> descent Hintereisferner –> ascent over the Hintereisferner to the Hintereisjoch (3,460 m, 4 - 4.5 h) –> across the south ridge to the Weißkugel (3,739 m, 1 h) –> descent Hintereisferner to Hochjoch Hospiz (2,413 m, 2 h);

ALTITUDE DIFFERENCES: ascent 1,360 m, descent 1,790 m; time: 7 – 8 h

SUMMITS: Weißkugel (3,739 m), Finailspitze (3,514 m), Langtauferer Spitze (3,528 m), Saykogel (3,355 m),

HUT TRANSFERS: Hochjoch Hospiz (2,413 m), Similaunhütte (3,019 m)

Hochjoch Hospiz (2,413 m, DAV)

operated from early March to early May

T +43 (0) 676 6305 998 Satellite number: 0720 9203 11

www.hochjoch.at

hochjoch@gmx.at