Hochgrabe (via Außervillgraten)

Description

Via the Alpine road, pass Volkzeinerhütte 1848 m heading to the end of the valley. Along the summer trail to the Heinkaralm, from it flat initially, then in a broad left sweep, cross the Schrentebach at a favourable point. Ascend via the slopes which follow, to the left of the Bachgraben, proceeding in a south-westerly direction via a trough until you get to flat terrain at around 2250 m. A steep gully is now well visible (40° key point of the tour), via which there is a further climb. After overcoming this, the terrain now very clearly flattens out. Continue via roughs and base areas in a south-easterly direction, until at about 2800 m the route bears left and you get to the north-east ridge via a steep section, where a steeper ridge starts (use skis when the conditions are good) and you now get to the summit.

Characteristics:

The Hochgrabe is not just a challenging ski summit from Innervillgraten. The tour described here via Winkeltal is only for habitual ski mountaineers. The tour lengths, steepness of the gully and orientation exact high demands from every ski mountaineer. When visibility is poor the tour just be stopped in good time. Due to the heights of the summits, almost 3000 m, you can still come across powder snow on the north flanks in April. The panorama views at the summit are stunning. Your gaze is drawn from the Dolomites across the Ortler group and the Hohe Tauern right to the Julian Alps.

Descent: as the ascent or after the steep gully exit on the right side of the valley (north slope) in the summer trail area to Volkzeinerhütte or take the south ascent via Einettal and take a taxi back to the starting point.