Toprecommended route
Wetterkreuz (03)
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Ski routePhoto: Roland Grüner, Ötztal
PARKING ISSBRÜCKE -> Upper Issalm - Knappenhaus - Wörgetal - WETTERKREUZ
The Wetterkreuzkogel (2591m) is the most popular ski route in the Wörgetal. From the "Issbrücke" parking lot on the Kühtai state road in the valley, it first goes easily through sparse forest up to the Upper Issalm. From here it continues southwest through lighter forest, past the miners' house into the Wörgetal. Here you bypass a distinctive section with a left-right loop and reach the summit slope. In the upper part of the summit slope, keep rather left and then ascend to the summit.
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Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety information
Avalanche Danger Scale
1 (LOW)
An avalanche release is only possible under heavy 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 under heavy additional load especially on the indicated steep slopes. Larger avalanches are not expected. The snow cover is generally well consolidated, except on some steep slopes. Careful route selection on the indicated steep slopes and slope aspects.
3 (CONSIDERABLE)
An avalanche release is already likely under light additional load especially on the indicated steep slopes. Occasionally some medium, rarely also large avalanches are possible spontaneously. The snow cover is moderately to poorly consolidated on many steep slopes. Experience in avalanche assessment is necessary. Avoid indicated steep slopes and slope aspects as much as possible.
4 (HIGH)
An avalanche release is possible already under light additional load especially on the indicated steep slopes. Occasionally many medium, several also large avalanches occur. On many steep slopes, the snow cover is poorly consolidated. Route selection should be restricted to moderately steep terrain and take avalanche runout zones into account. Much experience in avalanche assessment is needed.
5 (VERY HIGH)
Numerous large avalanches are expected spontaneously, even in moderately steep terrain. At this warning level, a safe operation in ski areas is no longer possible. The snow cover is generally poorly consolidated and unstable. Avoid routes.
See also at lawine.tirol.gv.at
Tips and suggestions
Ski Route Rules
- Observe applicable regulations during all outdoor activities and route selection (e.g., wildlife protection areas, hunting closures, reforestation areas, information boards, etc.)
- Respect quiet zones for wildlife and avoid feeding grounds and loud noise
- Cross forest areas in winter only on approved paths and routes, animals react very panicked to unlocalized noise.
- Recognize the habitats of wild animals, avoid animals if possible. Observe wildlife only from a distance. Dogs brought along must be kept on a leash; it is absolutely irresponsible to let dogs run freely in the forest during the winter emergency period.
- Proper time planning: start early enough and return before dusk. In spring, you should be back at the hut by noon (avalanche danger)
- Never drive through reforestation and young growth areas.
Ötztal Tourism assumes no liability for the listed routes and recommends carrying 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. The use of an avalanche transceiver is strongly recommended.
More info about ski tours in the Ötztal: https://www.oetztal.com/skitouren
Public transport
Travel comfortably and safely by train to the Ötztal station. The final stop or exit point is the ÖTZTAL station. Afterwards, travel conveniently and quickly by public transport or local taxi companies through the entire valley to your desired destination! The current bus timetable is available at: http://fahrplan.vvt.at
Directions
Ochsengarten is located in western Austria in the federal state of TIROL, in a southern side valley of the Inn valley - the ÖTZTAL. For your arrival by car, plan the optimal travel route from your home location with the route planner online: https://www.google.at/maps
Parking
Parking "Issbrücke" about 3 km after Ochsengarten, free of charge
Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
Kompass #043 | Ötztal Alps Ötztal, Pitztal | 1:50,000
Equipment
Recommended Ski Route Equipment
The "normal ski tour equipment" consists of touring skis with touring bindings, telescopic poles, climbing skins, crampons, digital avalanche transceiver, avalanche shovel, avalanche probe, first aid kit, and a mobile phone. A "complete glacier equipment" consists of a harness, two prusik loops or ascenders of different lengths, two HMS carabiners, ice axe, crampons, and a rope. A backpack with appropriate contents should be carried, including change of clothes, sun protection, cold protection, food, and enough drinks! For overnight stays in mountain huts do not forget hygiene items and a hut sleeping bag!
Difficulty Rating
- Easy: Easy, short to moderately long routes with ascents that do not exceed 25° or only temporarily.
- Medium: Medium difficulty, moderately long to long routes with ascents that do not exceed 35° or only briefly.
- Hard: Difficult, long to very long routes with ascents reaching 40° or more, and climbing passages up to difficulty level II (UIAA).
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
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