From Vent to the Similaun at 3,606 m
Map & elevation profile
The Tour
Vent - Martin Busch Hut - Similaun Hut - Similaun - Vent
The Similaun – meaning "The White Goddess Ana" – was first ascended in 1834 by Pastor Theodor Kaser and mountain guide Josef Raffeiner from Schnalstal. In 1899, the foundation stone for the construction of the Similaun Hut was laid.
The Similaun peaks at an altitude of 3,606 meters and is thus not only one of the highest mountains of the Ötztal Alps, it is also listed as the eighth highest mountain in Austria. And although it is covered by glaciers to the north (Marzellferner), east and south (Grafferner), it is considered a suitable destination for first glacier tour experiences due to the technically easy ascent: naturally, only in the company of a mountain guide and with the appropriate equipment!
Located on the Italian-Austrian border, the striking three-thousander not only attracts beginners, but the magnificent view from the summit also continues to inspire professional mountaineers anew. In addition, its ancient paths intersect with the traces of a true celebrity. More than 30 years ago, the glacier mummy Ötzi, the "Man from the Ice," was found at the nearby Hauslabjoch. Visiting the discovery site, only 1.25 hours from the Similaun Hut, is almost a must for those in good condition.
Note that sure-footedness and generally good physical condition are prerequisites for the distance-rich hike to the Similaun, but there are two base camps for a regenerative overnight stay or refreshment along the way: the Martin Busch Hut (2,501 m) and the Similaun Hut (3,019 m). Whether in full or in parts, the deserved "Berg Heil" at the summit against the backdrop of this magnificent panorama remains a precious memory forever.
Glacier equipment necessary. Recommended with mountain guide.
Reservation of hut sleeping places necessary!
Tip: Visit the Ötzi discovery site, 1 1/4 hours from the Similaun Hut.
Regions & Places
Mountain areas
Details
Characteristics
Way types
Safety guidelines
For climbers who are free from vertigo, sure-footed and highly alpine experienced; excellent physical condition, extensive mountain experience, alpine climbing equipment, securing and orientation aids, good weather conditions recommended Please note the current weather report at: https://www.oetztal.com/de/sommer.html
Additional information
More info about hiking in Ötztal: https://www.oetztal.com/wandern
Recommended literature
Recommended maps
Kompass #042 | Inner Ötztal and Pitztal, Gurgler Valley, Venter Valley | 1:25,000
Kompass #042 | Inner Ötztal and Pitztal, Gurgler Valley, Venter Valley | 1:25,000
Kompass #43 | Ötztal Alps, Ötztal, Pitztal | 1:50,000
Freytag & Bernd WK 251 | Ötztal, Pitztal, Kaunertal, Wildspitze | 1:25,000
Kompass | Bike & hiking map Ötztal | 1:35,000
Directions
Vent - Martin Busch Hut
From Vent to the Ochsenkopf lift, continue following the rough forest road until it branches left into the Niedertal. Pass the Hohler Stein, following the signs to the Schäferhütte. Continue on the moderately ascending wide path to the Martin Busch Hut (2,501 m); walking time: 2 1/2 hours.
Martin Busch Hut - Similaun Hut
From the hut, first follow the signs to the Similaun Hut in a flat, southerly direction. After about 30 minutes, keep right to reach the Similaun Hut. The last 30 minutes of walking are over hairpin bends to the Similaun Hut (3,019 m); walking time: 2 hours.
Similaun Hut - Similaun at 3,606 m
From the Similaun Hut, ascend in a south-west direction on the well-marked path towards Similaun to the Niederjochferner glacier. Continue following the gently ascending glacier until the somewhat steeper summit slope. Then continue either over firn or, in case of ice, better right over rocks to the ridge and over this, the last meters exposed, to the summit cross (3,606 m); walking time: 2 1/2 hours.
Similaun - Vent
Descent by the same route back to the Similaun Hut and via the Martin Busch Hut to Vent. Alternative descent turning right from the Niederjochferner to the Marzell ridge. Descend somewhat steeper over the ridge to the Martin Busch Hut and back to Vent (1,900 m); walking time: 5 1/2 hours.
Total distance
Ascent: from Vent to the summit approx. 7 - 7 1/2 hours walking time
Descent: from the summit to Vent approx. 5 1/2 hours walking time
Arrival
Public transit
Travel comfortably and safely by train to the Ötztal station. The final stop or exit point is the ÖTZTAL station. Afterwards, you can travel conveniently and quickly through the entire valley to your desired destination by public transport or local taxi companies! The current bus schedule is available at: http://fahrplan.vvt.at
Starting point
Getting there
Vent is located in western Austria in the federal state of TIROL, in a southern side valley of the Inn valley - the ÖTZTAL. For your arrival by car, plan your optimal route from your home location with the route planner online: https://www.google.at/maps
Parking
Paid parking in the mountaineering village of Vent:
At the entrance to the village (summer only)
At the valley station of the Wildspitze double chairlift (DSB Wildspitze)
At the Mountaineers’ Chapel
Further information can be found here:
https://www.oetztal.com/en/regions-villages/parking
Current information
Showers / thunderstorms later
The tour is within these protected areas.
Equipment
Appropriate equipment such as breathable and weather-adapted outdoor clothing, ankle-high mountain boots, wind, rain and sun protection, hat and possibly gloves are required for all hikes and routes.
For glacier tours, it is essential to carry glacier equipment: rope, crampons, harness.
Carrying a first aid kit, a cellphone and possibly a hiking map, as well as sufficient provisions for hikes without a place to stop, is necessary.