Wildspitze - Vent

Avalanche danger scale

1 (LOW)
An avalanche release is only possible with great 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 great 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 choice at the indicated steep slopes and slope exposures.

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

4 (HIGH)
An avalanche release is already possible with small additional load especially on the indicated steep slopes. Occasionally many medium and several large avalanches occur. The snow cover is only weakly consolidated on many steep slopes. Restrict route choice to moderately steep terrain and observe avalanche runout areas. A lot of experience in avalanche assessment is necessary.

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

See also at lawine.tirol.gv.at

Ski touring rules

• Observe all regulations (e.g., wildlife protection areas, hunting closure zones, reforestation areas, information boards, etc.) during all activities in nature and when choosing routes
• Respect quiet zones for wildlife and avoid feeding places as well as loud noise
• Cross forest areas in winter only on designated paths and routes whenever possible, as animals react very panically to unlocalized noise
• Recognize wildlife habitats and avoid animals where possible. Observe wildlife only from a distance. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times, it is absolutely irresponsible to let dogs roam free in the forest during the winter distress period.
• Plan your time correctly: start early enough and return before dark. In spring, you should be back at the hut by noon (avalanche danger)
• Never ski through reforestation and young growth areas.

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

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

More info 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

Over the Great and Little Vernagtferner to the Brochkogeljoch (3,423 m, 2.5 – 3 h) –> over the Taschachferner to the Wildspitze (3,768 m, 1.5 – 2 h) –> descent into the Mitterkarjoch (3,470 m) –> steeply down to the remains of the Mitterkarferner –> through the Mitterkar to the Breslauer Hut (2,848 m) –> Stablein ski area –> on the piste to Vent