Ski Touring recommended route

Venter Skirunde- Ötztaler Klassiker

Ski Touring · Ötztal
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Selected alternatives for you
    VENT -> huts and peaks -> VENT
    difficult
    Distance 72.5 km
    19:30 h
    5,940 m
    5,939 m
    3,768 m
    1,882 m
    The Vent Loop Trail for ski mountaineers ranks among the classichighlights and „hautes routes“ of the Eastern Alps. Even skiing enthusiastsfrom Switzerland and France spare no effort to conquerthis ultimate route. The challenging 5-day ski mountaineering tourstarts in Vent, leading across the central Ötztal Alps with some ofTirol‘s highest and most attractive peaks beyond 3000 m.

    UNRIVALED PEAK CONQUESTS ARE ON THE PROGRAM:

    –> Similaun (3606 m)–> Finailspitze (3514 m)–> Weißkugel (3739 m)–> Fluchtkogel (3497m)–> Wildspitze (3.774 m)

    Author’s recommendation

    Reservation of the sleeping places on the huts is necessary!

    Please check opening times of mountain huts!

    Vernaghütte - closed in winter 24/25, also no winter room

    Profile picture of Roland Grüner
    Author
    Roland Grüner 
    Update: August 28, 2024
    Difficulty
    difficult
    Overall difficulty
    difficult

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Experience
    Landscape
    Highest point
    3,768 m
    Lowest point
    1,882 m
    Best time of year
    Jan
    Feb
    Mar
    Apr
    May
    Jun
    Jul
    Aug
    Sep
    Oct
    Nov
    Dec

    Track types

    Show elevation profile

    Safety information

    Avalanche Hazard Scale

    1 (LOW)

    Triggering is generally possible but only from high additional load in isolated areas of extremely steep terrain. Only small-sized sluffs and natural avalanches are expected. Snow layers are generally stable.

    2 (MODERATE)

    Avalanches may be triggered in case of truly heavy loads, especially on a few explicitly indicated, steep slopes. Large spontaneous avalanches are not expected. In general, the snowpack is well bonded except on some very steep slopes. Choose your route carefully, avoid the indicated slopes and exposed sections.

    3 (CONSIDERABLE)

    Triggering is very probable even from low additional loads, particularly on the indicated steep slopes. On some steeper slopes, medium or even fairly large spontaneous avalanches may occur. On most steepslopes the snow layer is only moderately or weakly stable. Expertavalanche knowledge is required. You must avoid the indicated steepslopes and highly exposed sections.

    4 (HIGH)

    Avalanches are likely to be triggered on many of the indicated steepslopes even if only light loads are applied. In some places, numerous medium-sized and also large-sized natural avalanches are expected.The snowpack is poorly bonded on most steep slopes. Choose your route according to these criteria, select only moderately steep terrain by avoiding the avalanche runout zones. Very expert avalanche knowledge is required.

    5 (EXTREMELY HIGH)

    Numerous huge or very large-sized natural avalanches are expected also in moderately steep terrain. Safe skiing is not possible anymore, not even in the marked ski area. The snowpack is poorly bonded and largely unstable. Don‘t go ski mountaineering at all!

     

    Also visit lawine.tirol.gv.at

     

    Tips and suggestions

    Ski Mountaineering Rules
    • If you enjoy activities amid nature always respect the local guidelines when you set out on a ski tour (for example: wildlife preserves, hunting enclosures, reforestation areas, information boards, etc.).
    • Don‘t enter protected wildlife zones or feeding areas amid naturelandscapes, and avoid noise.
    • Cross forest areas in winter only on sign posted trails or marked routes as wild animals can panic if they hear loud voices or noise.
    • Learn more about the habitat of wild animals in the mountains, avoid getting too close to them. Watch them only from a safe distance. Please put your dog on a lead, it is absolutely irresponsible to take dogs into the forest without leashing them because wild animals suffer from food deficiency and weakness in winter.
    • Excellent planning and time management: start your tour early enough and return before darkness. In spring you should be back on the hut or in the valley at 12 noon (avalanche hazard!) at the latest.
    • Never cross forestation zones and areas with young plants and trees.

     

    Ötztal Tourismus doesn‘t take any responsibility for the suggested tours. It is strongly recommended to enlist a certified local mountainguide. Glacier crossings are allowed only in a group by using a rope.

    Before you set out on a tour you should inform someone down in the valley about the tour‘s destination and when you plan to be back. Anavalanche transceiver is an absolute must for Alpine ski mountaineering tours.

     

    More details about ski mountaineering tours in Ötztal: https://www.oetztal.com/skitouren

    Start

    Vent
    Coordinates:
    DD
    46.859850, 10.914730
    DMS
    46°51'35.5"N 10°54'53.0"E
    UTM
    32T 645947 5191369
    w3w 
    ///reseller.longitude.jumble

    Destination

    Vent

    Turn-by-turn directions

    DAY 1

    From Vent to Similaunhütte (3019 m)

    Ascent through Niedertal –> Martin-Busch-Hütte (2501 m, 3 hrs) –>Similaunhütte (3019 m, 2 hrs); Altitude gain: 1120 m; Time: 5 hrs

     

    ALTERNATIVE

    Ascent to Similaun (3606 m, 2 hrs) or overnight at Martin-Busch-Hütte (2501 m, 3 hrs). Next day ascent to Similaunhütte(3019 m, 2 hrs) and Similaun (3606 m, 2 hrs).

     

    EXTRA ALTERNATIVE

    Ascent from Martin-Busch-Hütte to Saykogel.

     

    PEAKS

    Kreuzspitze (3455 m), Hauslabkogel (3402 m), Similaun (3606 m), HintereSchwärze (3624 m), Saykogel (3355 m), Finailspitze (3514 m)

     

    HUT CROSSINGS

    Similaunhütte (3019 m), Hochjoch Hospiz (2413 m), Hochwildehaus(2866 m), Ramolhaus (3005 m)

     

    Martin-Busch-Hütte for acclimatization

    (2501 m, DAV) serviced from early March to early May

    T +43 (0) 5254 8130  T +43 (0) 664 3043 151 

    www.hotel-vent.at

    info@hotel-vent.at

     

    DAY 2

    Via Finailspitze (3514 m)to Schöne Aussicht (2846 m)

    Ascent to Ötzi‘s finding place (Tisenjoch) –> towards Hauslabjoch(1.5 hrs) –> via north-eastern rock ridge up to Finailspitze(3514 m, 1 hr) –> downhill skiing to the eastern part of Hochjochfernerglacier –> crossing the lower glacier fields –> shortascent to Schöne Aussicht (2846 m)

     

    DIFFERENCE IN ALTITUDE

    Ascent 680 m, descent: 860 m; Time: 5 hrs

     

    PEAKS

    Similaun (3606 m), Finailspitze (3514 m), Similaun crossing (3606m), Marzellspitze (3532 m), Hintere Schwärze (3624 m)

     

    HUT CROSSINGS

    Martin-Busch-Hütte (2501 m), Schöne Aussicht (2846 m), HochjochHospiz (2413 m)

     

    Similaunhütte (3019 m, privately owned)

    serviced from mid-March to early May

    T +39 (0) 473 669711 Satellite number: 072 0 9204 39

    www.similaunhuette.com

    info@similaunhuette.com

     

     

    DAY 3

    Weißkugel (3739 m) and Hochjoch Hospiz (2413 m)

    Ascent on the saddle between Im hintern Eis (3270 m) and Egg (3219m) –> down to Hintereisferner glacier –> ascent via Hintereisfernerto Hintereisjoch (3460 m, 4 – 4.5 hrs) –>up to Weißkugel (3739 m, 1hr) on the southern ridge –> down via to Hochjoch Hospiz (2413 m, 2hrs) via Hintereisferner

     

    DIFFERENCE IN ALTITUDE

    Ascent 1360 m, descent 1790 m; Time: 7 – 8 hrs

     

    PEAKS

    Weißkugel (3739 m), Finailspitze (3514 m), Langtauferer Spitze (3528m), Saykogel (3355 m)

     

    HUT CROSSINGS

    Hochjoch Hospiz (2413 m), Similaunhütte (3019 m)

     

    Schöne Aussicht (2846 m, privately owned)

    serviced from late November to mid-May

    T +39 (0) 473 662140

    www.schoeneaussicht.it

    info@schoeneaussicht.it

     

     

    DAY 4

    From Fluchtkogel (3497 m) to Vernagthütte (2755 m)

    Ascent to Kesselwandferner glacier –> Oberes Guslarjoch (3361m, 3 – 3.5 hrs) –> further on to Fluchtkogel (3497 m, 0.5 hr)–>via Guslarferner glacier down to Vernagthütte (2755 m - closed in winter 24/25, also no winter room)

     

    DIFFERENCE IN ALTITUDE

    Ascent 1100 m, descent 760 m; Time: 4.5 – 5 hrs

     

    PEAKS

    Weißkugel (3739 m), Hintere Guslarspitze (3147 m), Fluchtkogel(3497 m), Langtauferer Spitze (3528 m), Saykogel (3355 m)

     

    HUT CROSSINGS

    Vernagthütte (2755 m - closed in winter 24/25, also no winter room), Brandenburger Haus (3272 m), Schöne Aussicht(2846 m), Similaunhütte (3019 m)

     

    Hochjoch Hospiz (2413 m, DAV)

    serviced from early March to early May

    T +43 (0) 676 6305 998 Satellite number: 0720 9203 11

    www.hochjoch.at

    hochjoch@gmx.at

     

     

    DAY 5

    Via Wildspitze (3774 m)back to Vent (1900 m)

    Past Großer/Kleiner Vernagtferner glacier to Brochkogeljoch (3423 m,2.5 – 3 hrs) –> via Taschachferner glacier to Wildspitze (3774 m, 1.5 – 2hrs) –> downhill to Mitterkarjoch (3470 m) –> steep descent to Mitterkarfernerglacier fields –> across Mitterkar to Breslauer Hütte (2848m) –> Stablein ski area –> down to Vent on the ski run

     

    DIFFERENCE IN ALTITUDE

    Ascent 1050 m, descent 1900 m; Time: 5.5 – 7 hrs

     

    ALTERNATIVE

    Ascent from Vernagt Hütte ((closed in winter 24/25, also no winter room) to Hochvernagtspitze (3 hrs)

     

    PEAKS

    Wildspitze (3774 m), Fluchtkogel (3497 m), Schwarzwandspitze(3466 m), Hochvernagtspitze (3535 m)

     

    HUT CROSSINGS

    Hochjoch Hospiz (2413 m), Breslauer Hütte (2848 m), BrandenburgerHaus (3272 m), Taschachhaus (2432 m)

     

    Vernagthütte (2755 m, DAV) - closed in winter 24/25, also no winter room

    serviced from early March to early May

    T +43 (0) 664 1412119 Satellite number: 0720 920 315

    www.wieshof.at

    info@wieshof.at

     

     

    Further ski mountaineering routes

    –> Mittlere Guslarspitze 3126 m, time: 5 hrs

    –> Hauslabkogel 3402 m, time: 6.5 hrs

    –> Finailspitze 3514 m, time: 7 hrs

    –> Vent-Breslauer Hütte (+ lift ride) 2848 m, time: 1 h

    –> Vent-Stableinalm 2356 m, time: 1.5 hrs

    –> Vent-Ramolalm 2218 m, time: 1.5 hrs

    –> Vent – Chapel in Niedertal 2120 m, time: 1.5 hrs

     

    Ramoljoch 3186 m, Vent, AV 30/1, High Alpine Tour - 4 hrs, 1300 m

    Ascent and descent through the superb stone pine forests towards Ramolalm, steep climb up to a huge rock at about 2450 m above sea level, then cross the slope (be careful!), into the brook bed of Spiegelbach. Continue past scenic basins before you reach the last steep ascent to thecol. Downhill on the ascent route.

     

    More ski mountaineering tours at www.oetztal.com/skitouren

     

    Public transport

    Enjoy a both comfortable and relaxing train ride to the train station in Ötztal Bahnhof. You get off the train in ÖTZTAL Bahnhof where you change to a public bus or local taxi. The current bus schedule can be found at: http://fahrplan.vvt.at

     

    Directions

    Vent is located in the western part of Austria in the state TYROL, in a southern side valley of the Inn valley - the ÖTZTAL. For your arrival by car, you can plan the best route from your home town with the route planner online at https://www.google.at/maps

     

    Parking

    The following parking options are available in the mountaineering village Vent

    - In summertime in front of the village (parking machine, only coins or EC card) and at the chairlift (at the ticket office of the mountain railways)

    - In wintertime only at the chairlift

    Cost: € 6,00 per day/car

    Coordinates

    DD
    46.859850, 10.914730
    DMS
    46°51'35.5"N 10°54'53.0"E
    UTM
    32T 645947 5191369
    w3w 
    ///reseller.longitude.jumble
    Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

    Book recommendation by the author

    Brochures Ötztal Moutain Winter / available Information Vent

    Author’s map recommendations

    Kompass #042 | Inneres Ötztal und Pitztal, Gurgler Tal, Venter Tal | 1:25.000

    Kompass #43 | Ötztaler Alpen, Ötztal, Pitztal | 1:50.000

    Freytag&Bernd WK 251  | Ötztal, Pitztal, Kaunertal, Wildspitze  | 1:25:000

     

    Equipment

    Recommended Ski Mountaineering Equipment

    The „standard ski mountaineering equipment“ is: touring skis with touring bindings, telescopic poles, climbing skins, ski crampons, digital avalanche transceiver, avalanche shovel, avalanche probe, firstaid kit and mobile phone. A „complete glacier equipment set“ contains: sit harness, two prusik loops of different lengths and ascenders, two HMS biners, icepick, climbing irons and rope. Pack your rucksack carefully and don‘t forget extra clothes for the descent, sun protection/cream, cold protection, enough food and drink. If you stay overnight at a mountain hut take toiletry articles and a hut sleeping bag with you!

     

    LEVELS OF DIFFICULTY

    • Easy: Short or moderately long tours, always easy, with ascents not steeper than 25° or slightly steeper only on short sections.
    • Intermediate: Moderately long or long tours of intermediate difficulty with ascents up to 35° or slightly steeper only on short sections.
    • Difficult: Very challenging and long or very long tours with ascents that can exceed 40°, comprising also climbing sections up to difficulty grade II (UIAA).

     

    Similar routes nearby

    • Hinterer Spiegelkogel
    • Similaun Skitour
    • Start of Vent Loop Trail or Ötztal Loop Tour via Schalfkogl
    • Schalfkogel
    • Hinterer Seelenkogel
     These suggestions were generated by our system
    Difficulty
    difficult
    Overall difficulty
    difficult

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Distance
    72.5 km
    Duration
    19:30 h
    Ascent
    5,940 m
    Descent
    5,939 m
    Highest point
    3,768 m
    Lowest point
    1,882 m
    Round trip Scenic Refreshment stops available Insider tip

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