The Großer Geiger is one of the loveliest ski summits in the Venediger group, which is why it is way up there on many a ski tourer’s wish list. Whereas the Salzburg side is rocky, the ascent on the East Tirol side is a superb steep glacier flank, up to just before the summit. Starting point for this ski tour is Essener-Rostocker Hütte (2208 m, open from March), way up in Maurertal. It can be reached in 2 – 2 ½
Hours from the car parking area in Ströden/Hinterbichl. Please note that Maurertal is a v-shaped valley which is threatened by avalanches! From the lodge we follow the long base, cut by the glacier, in a northerly direction until after an hour we enter the remainder of the Maurer Kees. The ski track now proceeds markedly steeper upwards. To the west of us the wide glacier slopes of the Maurertörl now lie before us, presenting a high alpine, adventurous crossing to Kürsinger Hütte. At some 2750 m we come to a moraine, where we head east to the crest of the summit of the Großer Geiger via a climbing, crevasse-filled glacier. We enter a small glacier plateau beneath the debris-covered summit flanks. Depending on the conditions and your ability level you can proceed on foot or using your ability to cope with hairpin bends, up to the
Highest point which has an interesting metal cross. 3-4 hours from the lodge, 5-6 hours from the valley. Descent along the ascent track. Please note – since this tour is in glaciated high mountain terrain, please take the requisite safety precautions.
Additional ski tour tips can be obtained in the ski tour guides by Thomas Mariacher. These are available here:
https://www.tyroliaverlag.at/item/Skitouren_in_Osttirol_und_Oberkaernten/Thomas_Mariacher/43058387
