Zwieselbacher Rosskogel 3,081 - Umhausen-Niederthai

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

Avalanche danger scale

1 (LOW) Avalanche release 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 likely with large additional load especially on the specified steep slopes. Larger avalanches are not expected. The snow cover is generally well consolidated, except on some steep slopes. Cautious route choice on the specified steep slopes and exposure aspects.

3 (CONSIDERABLE) Avalanche release likely already with a small additional load especially on the specified steep slopes. Occasionally spontaneous medium-sized, sometimes also large avalanches possible. The snow cover is only moderately to weakly consolidated on many steep slopes. Experience in avalanche assessment necessary. Avoid specified steep slopes and exposure aspects as far as possible.

4 (HIGH) Avalanche release possible already with a small additional load especially on the specified steep slopes. Occasionally many medium-sized, repeatedly also large avalanches occur. The snow cover is only weakly consolidated on many steep slopes. Route choice limited to moderately steep terrain and regard avalanche runout zones. A lot of experience in avalanche assessment is necessary.

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

Ski touring rules

• Observe the applicable regulations for all activities in nature and when selecting routes (e.g., wildlife protection areas, hunting restricted areas, reforestation areas, information boards, etc.)
• Respect quiet zones for wildlife and avoid feeding sites as well as loud noise
• Cross forest areas in winter only on designated paths and routes; animals react very panicked to unlocalized noise.
• Recognize the habitats of wildlife, avoid animals where possible. Observe wild animals only from a distance. Dogs must be kept on a leash; it is absolutely irresponsible to let dogs run free in the forest during winter emergency times.
• Proper timing: start early enough and return before darkness. 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 tours 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 of the destination and expected return time. Carrying an avalanche transceiver is strongly recommended.

More information on ski touring in Ötztal can be found here

The ski tour to Zwieselbacher Rosskogel starts from the Schweinfurter Hut (ascent previously from Niederthai to Schweinfurter Hut approx. 1.5 - 2 hours). From there continue straight into the Zwieselbach valley, past the Zwieselbacher Sennhütte climb to the confluence of a stream. Just before the stream, turn left. Then it goes partly quite steeply uphill into the Fidaskar, where you quickly gain altitude. The last 200 vertical meters before the exit are particularly steep; it is recommended to continue on foot here. You reach an extensive summit plateau. There, turn sharply right and ascend in a few minutes without difficulties to the south summit of the Zwieselbacher Rosskogel.