Metzen East Face

Hochfügen

The Big Mountain Contest face and THE extreme line in Hochfügen

Freeride Skiing Extreme

Distance: 1.5 km
Ascent: 86 m
Descent: 395 m

Low Point: 2 km
High Point: 2.3 km
Gradient: 49˚

This line is the most difficult route here, therefore it's also the face of the Hochfügen Big Mountain Contest every year in January. You reach the face using the 8er Jet and the 2000er chairlift. Before entering the chairlift it is advisable to take a few minutes standing in front of the face, which is standing like a wall in front of you. Choose your best line and maybe take pictures, because the visibility isn't good from the top as it's so steep. After exiting the lift to the left on top follow the ridge to the north until you can have a look at the hill opposite. Here is a good place to stop before gaining speed to ski up the Metzen as far as possible. When you stop you need to hike the next part up the hill for about 400 metres. When you reach the top of the hill at 2300m first of all take a deep breath and enjoy the wonderful panorama.

Out of the narrower section of the line and onto the faster terrain below. Photo: Charlie Boscoe

Looking down at the lower section of the route. Photo: Charlie Boscoe

Description

When you are ready for the descent, remind yourself of your chosen line. Roughly speaking you'll reach the best line of the face when you head in the direction of the 2000er bottom station. At the beginning as the slope gets slightly steeper, you will notice a big rocky ridge appearing in front of you, stay on the right and keep an eye on the the cliffs here. After 200m you will notice that the hill is ending in a big wide couloir, facing northeast. You have a nice view down to the ski resort, follow this slope here and enjoy some beautiful turns! This line really needs knowledge of avalanche safety and requires good snow and weather conditions, not to mention exemplary technique.