The Hoch Tirol ski route is arguably the most impressive and adventurous high-mountain traverse in the Eastern Alps and, for many ski tourers, likely their greatest dream. The “Hoch Tirol Plus” variant includes a few additional peaks and a bitmoreelevation gain than the original route, bringing the total to over 110 kilometers and 19,886 meters of elevation gain and loss across six stages.
On an impressive route through Osttirol, starting in Ströden —rather than in Kasern in Italy’s Ahrntal, as with the classic Hoch Tirol —the Hoch Tirol Plus connects some of the most famous mountains of the Hohe Tauern and reaches its spectacular finale on the sixth day at Austria’s highest peak, the Großglockner, at 3,798 meters. Every day features peaks and passes above the 3,000-meter mark, and the views stretch from the Dolomites to the Berchtesgaden Alps. On the Hoch Tirol Plus ski route, accommodations are located directly on the mountain, with overnight stays in huts at altitudes above 2,000 meters—and once even at 2,801 meters, at the Stüdlhütte during the fifth stage.
Luggage Transfer: There is no luggage transfer service available on the Hoch Tirol Ski Route.
Current weather conditions: Osttirol Weather
Avalanche conditions: Avalanche report for the Europe Region Tyrol–South Tyrol–Trentino
Current trail conditions and information on trail closures: Contact the respective mountain hut or the tourist information office.
The Hoch Tirol plus ski route consists of a total of six stages. The Hoch Tirol plus has its origins in the classic Hoch Tirol ski route. In addition to a few extra peaks, it involves more elevation gain than the original route.
The Hoch Tirol plus trail starts in Ströden, not in Kasern in the Italian Ahrntal valley, as the Hoch Tirol trail does.
The second stage of the Hoch Tirol plus begins at an altitude of 2,207 meters at the Essener-Rostocker Hut. Today’s goals include both the Großer Geiger and the Türmljoch. We’ll spend the night at the Johannishütte.
From the Johannishütte , the route leads across impressive glaciers, past the Defreggerhaus, over the Rainertörl, and high up to the Großvenediger, that ancient majesty of the world. Strap on your touring skis and descend into the picturesque Aussergschlöss, passing the Venedigerscharte, the Neue Prager Hütte, and the Alte Prager Hütte.
The fourth stage involves some elevation gain and two summit conquests. Starting at the Matreier Tauernhaus or directly at the southern portal of the Felbertauern Tunnel, the Hoch Tirol plus route leads to the Amertaler Höhe and the Granatspitze, passing by the Granatscharte.
The early bird catches the worm! Please note: Due to the early morning sun on the eastern slopes, an early start to the stage is recommended . The highlight of the stage is the ascent of the Rosmariswandköpfe at 3,511 m.
The grand finale of the Hoch Tirol plus ski route— conquering Austria’s highest mountain, the Großglockner. Starting from the Stüdlhütte, the route first heads toward the Kleinglockner via the Glocknerleitl, followed by a descent to the Glockernscharte and a final ascent to the Großglockner. Please note: climbing experience is absolutely required.
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