Schalfkogel

Track types

Rest stops

Safety information

Avalanche danger scale

1 (LOW)

An avalanche release is only possible under heavy additional load on very few, extreme steep slopes. Spontaneous avalanches (so-called slides) are not expected. Generally safe conditions.

2 (MODERATE)

An avalanche release is likely under heavy additional load mainly on the indicated steep slopes. Larger avalanches are not expected. The snow cover is generally well consolidated, except at some steep slopes. Careful route choice at the specified steep slopes and slope exposures.

3 (CONSIDERABLE)

An avalanche release is already likely under slight additional load mainly on the indicated steep slopes. Occasionally some medium, occasionally large avalanches are possible spontaneously. The snow cover is only moderately to weakly consolidated on many steep slopes. Experience in avalanche assessment is necessary. Avoid the indicated steep slopes and slope exposures as much as possible.

4 (HIGH)

An avalanche release is already possible under slight additional load mainly on the indicated steep slopes. Occasionally many medium and repeatedly large avalanches occur. On many steep slopes, the snow cover is only weakly consolidated. Limit route choice to moderately steep terrain and observe avalanche run-out zones. Extensive experience in avalanche assessment is necessary.

5 (VERY HIGH)

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

See also at lawine.tirol.gv.at

Tips and suggestions

Ski touring rules

• Observe all regulations during activities in nature and in selecting routes (e.g., wildlife protection areas, hunting restricted zones, reforestation areas, information boards, etc.)
• Respect quiet zones for wildlife and avoid feeding areas and loud noise
• Traverse forest areas in winter preferably only on designated paths and routes, as animals react very panicked to unlocalized noise.
• Recognize the habitats of wild animals and avoid them as much as 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 winter distress periods.
• Proper time planning: Start early enough and return before darkness. In spring, you should be back at the hut by midday (avalanche danger).
• Never drive through reforestations and young growth areas. 

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

Before starting a tour, inform the valley of your goal and expected return time. Carrying an avalanche transceiver is strongly recommended.

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

Directions

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

Parking

In Obergurgl-Hochgurgl the following parking options are available:

• Obergurgl village center parking lot (turn right before the church, behind the multipurpose building housing the information office) parking meter with coin insertion
• Parking lot at the town entrance – Festkoglbahn valley station, free – no overnight parking
• Hochgurglbahn valley station parking lot, free – no overnight parking
• Top Mountain Crosspoint parking lot, free
• Hochgurgl parking lot, free (very small parking lot)

Coordinates