Hochfirst

Track types

Rest stops

Safety information

Avalanche Danger Scale

1 (LOW)

An avalanche release is only possible with heavy additional load on very few, extreme steep slopes. No spontaneous avalanches (so-called slides) are expected. Generally safe conditions.

2 (MODERATE)

An avalanche release is probable with heavy additional load especially on the stated steep slopes. Larger avalanches are not expected. The snowpack is generally well consolidated except on some steep slopes. Careful route selection on the indicated steep slopes and slope exposures.

3 (CONSIDERABLE)

An avalanche release is already probable with slight additional load especially on the indicated steep slopes. Occasionally some medium, rarely even large spontaneous avalanches are possible. The snowpack on many steep slopes is only moderately to weakly consolidated. Experience in avalanche assessment necessary. Avoid indicated steep slopes and slope exposures as much as possible.

4 (HIGH)

An avalanche release is possible already with slight additional load especially on the indicated steep slopes. Occasionally many medium, often also large avalanches occur. On many steep slopes the snowpack is only weakly consolidated. When choosing a route, restrict yourself to moderately steep terrain and observe avalanche runout zones. A lot of experience in avalanche assessment is necessary.

5 (VERY HIGH)

Numerous large avalanches, also in moderately steep terrain, are expected spontaneously. At this warning level, safe operation in ski areas is no longer possible. The snowpack is generally weakly consolidated and unstable. Avoid tours.

See also under lawine.tirol.gv.at

Tips and suggestions

Ski Touring Rules

• Observe all applicable regulations during all activities in nature and when choosing tours (e.g., wildlife protection areas, hunting exclusion zones, reforestation areas, information boards, etc.)
• Respect quiet zones for wildlife and avoid feeding areas and loud noises
• Traverse forest areas in winter only on designated paths and routes; animals react very panicked to unlocalized noises.
• Recognize the habitats of wildlife, avoid the animals whenever possible. Observe wildlife only from a distance. Keep dogs on a leash at all times; it is absolutely irresponsible to let dogs run free in the forest during the winter emergency period.
• Proper timing: Start early enough and return before dark. In spring, it is advisable to be back at the hut by midday (avalanche danger).
• Never ski through reforestation and young growth areas.

Ötztal Tourism assumes no liability for the tours listed and recommends taking a mountain guide. Glacier crossings are only possible with a rope and in a group.

Before starting a tour, inform someone in the valley of your destination and estimated return time. Carrying an avalanche transceiver is strongly recommended.

More information about ski tours in the Ötztal: https://www.oetztal.com/skitouren

Directions

Obergurgl-Hochgurgl is located in the west of Austria in the federal state of TYROL, in a southern side valley of the Inn valley - the ÖTZTAL. For your car arrival, plan the optimal travel route from your home location with the route planner online:  https://www.google.at/maps

Parking

In Obergurgl-Hochgurgl, the following parking options are available:

• Parking lot village center Obergurgl (right down in front of the church, behind the multipurpose building where the information office is also located) parking meter with coin slot
• Parking lot village entrance – valley station Festkoglbahn, free – no overnight parking
• Parking lot Hochgurglbahn valley station, free – no overnight parking
• Parking lot Top Mountain Crosspoint, free
• Parking lot Hochgurgl, free (very small parking lot)

Coordinates