On the road to Innervillgraten the Kriezspitze, with its steep flanks, catches the eyes of ski tourers from quite a distance. It is probably one of the most popular tour destinations in Villgraten Tal and when conditions are appropriate can be tackled throughout the winter. Starting point is the little parish of Kalkstein (1640 m), around five kilometres after Innervillgraten. At the often heavily used car park you get an inkling even at the start that the seclusion of the mountains in this area is not far off. Initially we follow the trail through a larch forest, which branches off after five minutes. This is where you have to make your first decision. Straight into the valley lovelier, leisurely tour options open up with the Gaishörndl and the Toblacher Pfannhorn, while we bear right into Rosstal and head into the valley to Lipperalm. Having reached the head of the valley, with the Kalksteinjöchl, a popular crossing to South Tirol opens up, in earlier times busily frequented by smugglers, and which in the intervening period is nothing more than another tour option for summer and winter (pay attention to the signposts). Via the gentle gully and trough terrain we now climb slowly and after three hours get to the summit with its wooden cross, which can be seen from quite a distance. Ideally follow the descent a bit to the left of the ascent track via lovely gullies and troughs, where great snow conditions are often to be had.
Additional ski tour tips can be obtained in the ski tour guides by Thomas Mariacher. These are available here: http://www.grafikzloebl.at/verlag/buecher/
