Gaiskogel

Route Character

Short, crispy splitboard / backcountry hike ( if abbreviated with the cable car) with an excellent descent only for experienced riders and days of safe snow conditions. Backcountry skiiers often climb down the first 50 meters of the steep channel. ;-).

Starting Point & Village

Starting point: Gaiskogellift or Drei Seen Lift, (you can get a special ticket for ski mountaineering at quite a good rate) Village: Kühtai

Ascent & Route

On the slopes we hike along the Gaiskogellift, when we have reached the top station, we already see the mountain station of the Drei Seen Lift. We keep slightly to the right and walk in the direction of the  mountain station of the second lift. Once here we can already see the steep ascent to the Gaiskogel Sattel. This is where the real splitboard / backcountry-feeling begins. We go to the east, up to the steep slope reaching the Gaiskogel Sattel. If we have achieved this, depending to the  snow conditions we can walk up a little further. If the Terrain is getting to steep for hiking, we mount our splitboards or skies on the backpack and go on to the summit of the Gaiskogel. We check the conditions, have a breake, some food and decide if we can make the descent to the north or not.

Descent & Variants

If we are really good snowboard riders  and the conditions (snow, visibility, temperature, avalanche danger, riding skills, ...) fit, we can make the really racy Northface. It begins in an extremely steep and narrow chute (50 meters) and  than opens up a in a wide Kar, in which we hold ourselves riding more to the left. We ride through great splitboard / backcountra area, steep enough for having goood fun. At about 2300m, shortly before the middle ridge we introduce a slight turn to the right and ride directly into the Außer Hirschebenen. Here, we just follow our nose until we reach the river. Near the river you can find a bridge, you cross it and you are back to civilasation. Getting back to Kühtai you have several possibilities: Hitch-Hiking up is a good one. Walking down to Haggen and catch a bus is not bad but you need time.

Refreshments & Huts

The Dortmunder Hütte has classic Kaspressknödel, and offers a beautiful view of the lines we have just made a week before at the Hochwanner.

Maps

AV Karte: 31/2 Stubaier Alpen / Sellrain 1:25.000

Photo Gallery

A selection of 5 photos from the tour:

Map and Avalanche Risk

[ASTRO_MAP_INFO_EN]