Hochspitz

Description

The Hochspitz is among the enhanced level ski tours in the Karniern and as well as solid technique when it comes to tackling hairpin bends, also demands a good flair for choosing a route and track facilities. The north-west facing slopes are steep and should only be tackled when the conditions are safe. The starting point is 4 km to the east of Obertilliach at the ‘Soldhäusern’ (1240 m). These are located below the main road in the bottom of the valley and can be accessed via a little road which is at a pink-coloured chapel (junction for Tilliacher Hof). There is plenty of car parking available; pay attention to the yellow signposts. We follow the forest trail into Winklertal and after an hour get to a little Alpine lodge, called ‘Gartlhütte’ in the map. Crossing the river, we proceed via slightly ascending terrain to the north- west side, which has steep slopes (30 °) interspersed with alder shrubs, and the destination of  our tour. The ski track now bears left of a distinctive fosse, avoiding the alder belt as much as possible, proceeding in zig zags up to a height of 1800 m. Using the route of the summer trail we now make our way briefly out of the valley to go around a steep section in a loop. We now cross south again and enter fantastic ski touring terrain which heads upwards in several steeper gullies and troughs up to the summit structure. Ever in search of the most favourable route we proceed through the following steep slopes which are key sections in terms of technical avalanche conditions (NW, 30°). Via a final, often windswept gully we now head for the summit cross, which can already be seen from quite a distance and access the ridge to the west of it. Just a short walk, posing no difficulty, up to the highest point (4 - 5 hours). Descent along the ascent track.