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Geier Runde Wattental

An incredible, long circuit around some of the Tirol's most wild peaks.

Ski Touring Moderate

Distance
22 km
Ascent
1.9 km
Descent
1.9 km
Duration
1 day +
Low Point
1.4 km
High Point
2.9 km
Gradient
29˚
Geier Runde Wattental Map

Although long, this is a relatively straightforward tour suitable for intermediate ski tourers with a good level of fitness.

Description

Head to the village of Wattens and then drive due south into a long, deep valley which leads you to a large carpark at the northern end of a military camp called Lager Walchen. Skin from the carpark through the military camp and then up the clear, well ploughed track which climbs a tree-filled valley all the way to another military camp immediately north of the Lizumer Hütte. Follow snow covered roads through the camp to the Lizumer Hütte itself and then cross the flat ground to the south to where the final climb to Geier peak begins.

The climb gradually steepens most of the way and is atmospheric throughout. Shortly before reaching the summit you come to a wide col, at which point you suddenly get a great view to the south and the Tuxer Alps.

Turn due west at the col and skin just below Geier's east ridge before climbing onto the summit itself.

Ski north and then swing around to the west and ski down a lovely little bowl to the Staffelsee lake (which will be frozen and possibly invisible in winter). Pass north of the lake and then cross a flat section before skiing into a secondary bowl. Ski down this, pushing right throughout as the bowl mellows and swings around to the north. Eventually you end up directly above the Latterer Alm hut, at which point you need to put skins on again and make a relatively short and easy skin to reach a series of tiny lakes which overlook the Mölsbach valley below. Rip skins off and enjoy a fun ski through nicely spaced trees down into the valley.

There is a clear jeep track which runs the length of the valley and at some stage you will hit this. When you do, turn right and follow it out back to the carpark.

You may not have done the raddest skiing when you arrive back at your car but you are likely to be tired and satisfied at having completed this beautiful mountain journey.

Difficulty

Moderate

Slopes become slightly steeper at around 25-30 degrees.

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

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

between January and April

Equipment required

  • Skins

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area