Article Ascent to Similaun
Trek to mythical mountain
Similaun (3 606 m asl) is one of the most popular and highest mountains in Austria. Moreover, it is not very difficult, so a number of tourists ascend here every year. And there is no wonder – there is not only fabulous view from the top, but also the way itself from the valley is very nice. In its vicinity are also a number of other peaks, so you will not be bored in his area even for a few days. This trip describes the ascent on snow in the early spring.
Day 1 - Ascent from Vent to the hut Similaun
The first day awaits you the ascent from the picturesque village of Vent through the valley of Niedertal to the hut Martin Busch. If you want to walk in a more relaxing way, you can accommodate, ascend to the adjacent Kreuzspitze or Marzellkamm and extend the ascent for the following day. Others will continue on after the refreshments at the hut through the valley up to the border ridge of Austria and Italy, where is the destination of this stage – Similaun Hütte (3 016 m asl) /lying already on Italian territory/. If weather permits also in the evening, it's absolutely ideal outlook directly to the top of Similaun.
Hike Vent - Martin Busch (Winter)
Ötztal at the beginning of spring
The hike from Vent to the hut of Martin Busch in the early spring has completely different atmosphere than in the high summer season. You will meet here groups of skialpinists rather than hikers. If there is not fresh fallen snow, then the way takes only a little more than in the summer, because it is quite well ploughed and trodden thanks to the hut supplies. Even so it is a good idea to consider whether to take snowshoes, especially if you plan to go well beyond Martin Busch hut. If the weather comes out well, then the tops covered with snow contrast beautifully with the azure sky and this trip is really enjoyable. (summer tour version here). continue reading
Hike Martin Busch - Similaun Hut
Hike under Similaun
It is very popular hike even off the main summer season with skialpi or snowshoe (possible only in hiking boots, but only early in the morning before the snow starts to sink) to the mountain hut lying on the border between Austria and Italy with a nice view of Similaun and the deep valley on the Italian side. continue reading
Day 2 – Summit day
The second day awaits you the ascend to the top. If you are in the hurry, you can easily get back to Vent. But in good weather it is better to admire the views from the top for longer time and spend one more night at the hut Similaun.
Ascent Similaun Hütte - Similaun
Final ascent to mythical mountain
The ascent to beautiful Similaun lying directly on the border of Austria and Italy is another amazing trek that can be undertaken in Ötztal Alps. Height of Similaun is different in different sources. Some sources state (3 606 m asl), other only (3,599 m asl). Anyway, it is the sixth highest mountain in the state, so a popular destination for climbers, ski alpinists or adventurous tourists. Views from him are awesome. During the summer season it is accessible only in crampons, ice axes and for groups linked to the rope. At the end of winter it is in good conditions accessible only in hiking boots /the path is beaten by ski alpinists/, but remember that the path leads along the snow-covered glacier, so the risk of falling into a crevasse is still there! continue reading
Day 3 – Way back
You can choose from the following options the third day:
- You can return the same way back around the hut Martin Busch
- Or alternatively, you can visit the site of Ötzi in Tisenjoch pass (3 208 m asl) and descend into the valley Rofental through another pass Finailjoch (3 280 m asl). In Rofental you can easily extend the hike for another days.
Ascent to pass Tiesenjoch
To the memorial of frozen man Ötzi
The walk from the hut Similaun to Tiesenjoch pass (3 208 m asl) takes about an hour. In Tiesenjoch pass is a small memorial „Ötzifundstelle“ built in honor of finding well-preserved mummified relics of prehistoric hunter Ötzi. From there is also a nice view of Similaun and into the valley of Val Senales/Schnalstal. From the memorial you can ascend on to the pass Finailjoch, and descend through the valley of Rofental or go back the same way and descend through the valley of Niedertal back to Vent. continue reading
Hike across the pass Finailjoch
Journey on the glacier Hochjochferner
Crossing of the pass Finailjoch (3 280 m asl) below the mountain Finailspitze (3 514 m asl) is no longer a classic trekking trip, since you can expect long descent on the glacier Hochjochferner. At the end of winter is relatively walkable by snowshoeing or only in hiking boots, but you must still take into account that the risk of falling into ice crack is present also at this time. Anyway, it's a very nice way to Rofental valley with views of Similaun and far into the Italian Alps. continue reading
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