Arrival day – Welcome meeting in Ischgl
You should organise your travel to Ischgl to be in your hotel by 6pm. There will be evening meeting and dinner at the hotel – a briefing about equipment and the general itinerary, and a chance to meet and eat together. We’ll generally go over everyone’s backpacks (don’t bring too much!) and study the maps a bit.
Day 1: Ischgl to Heidelberger Hutte
A good breakfast and we’re off! The first day has us leave from the hotel in Galtur, with a quick bus to Ischgl. From there we’ll use the lifts to get warmed up, verify equipment and ability levels, and iron out any last minute organization. We’ll employ the Funivia Val Gronda up to the summit of the same name, and descend across the border, into Switzerland, toward the Heidelberger Hutte (2264m), stopping along the way to perhaps do a quick tour. A snack at the hut and some review of companion rescue- for avalanches and crevasses- gets everyone prepared for the week ahead.
Ascent 200m -300m / Descent 750m – 950m / Time 4-5 hours
Day 2: Heidelberger Hutte to the Jamtal Hutte
Ski touring over the Kronenjoch to the Jamtal hut (2165m)- a beautiful tour, with options along the way to look for more turns. The Jamtal hut has an indoor climbing wall and hotel style accommodation. Modern, service oriented ski touring- almost too good! This hut has the exceptional policy of not supplying hut slippers… No problem- a classy pair of Austrian wool slippers is 5€, and make faithful touring companions for years!
Ascent 700m / Descent 815m / Time 6 hours
Day 3: Jamtal Hutte to Wiesbadener Hutte by the Ochsenscharte pass
Another beautiful day in the Silvretta range- a high mountain feel as we traverse the Jamtalferner glacier and pass high alpine peaks along the Swiss border. The Wiesbadener hut (2443m) will serve as a basecamp for two nights- The warm welcome will quickly have us feeling very at home, and makes leaving difficult! The south facing terrace is a great place to appreciate the mountain atmosphere.
Ascent 800m / Descent 700m
Day 4: A day tour from the Wiesbadener Hutte
The terrain surrounding the Weisbadener hut offers many different ski tours – up to us to choose the best! The Vermuntpass, Tiroler Scharte, or the summit of the Ochsenkopf (3057m) are all adorable. This could also serve as a rest day or a more moderate outing. Day 5 and 6 are longer and more involved, so investing in the long term is helpful to maintain good energy levels over the end week.
Ascent / Descent / Time will be determined by conditions, group motivation, etc.
Day 5: The Piz Buin, and a return to Switzerland and the Silvretta Hutte
The Piz Buin (3312m) is the iconic summit topping the Silvretta range. The ski tour from the hut to the base of the peak is relatively straightforward. The ensuing climb requires more technical skill- an alpine ascent with crampons and ice axe, and an unforgettable top! The descent to the Silvretta Hutte requires a quick skin to the Fuorcla di Cunfini (3043m), or to the Egghornlucke (3047m). The latter lets us ski the mellow, north facing Ochsentaler glacier- often in good condition. Skiing down the Silvretta Glacier and out to the hut is a great decent, and with the Piz Buin in our pocket the rustic hut will be a welcome sight!
Ascent 1000m / Descent 1000m
Day 6: Schneeglocke and descent to Galtur
The last day! Mixed emotions as we set out from the hut- Sad to know the trip is finishing, but excited to ski the Schneeglocke (3223)- favored by the local guides as the best descent in the Silvretta. A steep climb up to the Rote Furka (2688m) leads to the Klostertaler glacier, which is followed to the base of the Schneeglocke. A final, steeper headwall is the last uphill effort required to reach the top. Views of the Silvrettahorn and the Piz Buin allow one to retrace the week’s itinerary. A great descent awaits, following the Klostertaler Bach river to the Silvrettastausee lake. Skating across the lake on the cross-country ski piste seems eternal, but a big beer at the Silvrettadorf tastes all the better. From here one can skate the cross-country ski runs back to Wirl and take the bus to Galtur, or arrange for a taxi/snowmobile.
The trip package ends at the end skiing today.
Ascent 900m / Descent 1600m
