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Ampferstein Couloir

Axamer Lizum

The most famous couloir in Kalkkögel!

Ski Touring Difficult

Distance
5.9 km
Ascent
932 m
Descent
932 m
Duration
3-4 hrs
Low Point
1.6 km
High Point
2.5 km
Gradient
41˚
Ampferstein Couloir Map

The Dolomites of the North - that’s how you could hear locals describe the Kalkkögel mountain range. It is indeed impossible to deny they share similarities: vertical rocky walls which enclose couloirs are definitely the main course here, a smaller version of what you could find down in the Dolomites.

Description

The Kalkkögel offers a wide variety of lines on three different aspects: North, North/West and South. The north facing lines are the easiest ones to access as they are just a few hundred meters away from the lifts of Axamer Lizum ski resort - from the top of the couloir you could always come back to your car at the resort’s parking lot. Among the different options in the area, a must-ride line is Ampferstein main couloir, the iconic couloir that appears in front of you while driving up the last kilometers before the resort’s parking lot. Besides being one of the most interesting and a suitable choice for everyone, it is also one of the closest options starting from the parking lot of Axamer Lizum.

The route to the top of the couloir is quite intuitive as - from the parking lot - you are able to spot almost the whole face where you will draw your skin track all the way to the peak, and only a few variations are possible both for the climb and the descent. When you're done climbing, you will be standing on a ridge that will deliver amazing landscapes both towards North and South - take a break here and relax in this magical location, can you believe a place like this is so close to the city? This is what Innsbruck is about!

The ski down the couloir isn't bad either, with epic views ahead and towering rock walls above you!

Difficulty

Difficult

Serious gradient of 30-38 degrees where a real risk of slipping exists.

Low Exposure (E1)

1 out of 4

Exposure is limited to that of the slope itself. Getting hurt is still likely if the slope is steep and/or the snow is hard.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between December and May

Features

  • Face
  • Couloir

Equipment required

  • Skins

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area