FATMAP by Strava

Serles North Couloir from Serlesbahnen Mieders

Innsbruck

A playful and enjoyable classic North facing couloir in Serles!

Ski Touring Severe

Distance
12 km
Ascent
1.1 km
Descent
1.8 km
Low Point
954 m
High Point
2.6 km
Gradient
45˚
Serles North Couloir from Serlesbahnen Mieders Map

This is considered one of the most iconic freeride lines in Tirol and you'll certainly earn your turns on this adventure.

Description

When approaching from the South face, you'll need to take the Serlesbahnen lifts from Mieders then head to the top of the resort (via the Ochsenhutte T-bar) then traverse to Maria Waldrast on a mellow road. Skin up the south face following the track, being careful of not hiking into avalanche exposed terrain, especially when sunny in spring. Once you've reached the shoulder, you can admire Stubaital from the top in all its glory!

From here on, boot packing is needed until the traverse leading into the entrance of the Couloir or until Serles' peak - reaching the summit of Serles is not required, the entrance of this line is lower.

The traverse to the entrance is exposed and it might be dangerous depending on the snowpack conditions - bringing crampons is highly recommended and good avalanche evaluation knowledge is needed as well.

At the col, old ropes and carabiners are ready to be used as anchor for a first short rappel (7m approx.) but a 60m rope is recommend since, according to snow conditions, a second longer rappel could be required.

After the first rappel, traverse to rider's right until a parallel small couloir. From here - when snow is enough - you are able to put skis on and traverse back to rider's left entering the couloir without abseiling anymore. The traverse require confidence on skis, in case of snowboarders an ice axe might be very useful.

Enjoy the run from here into this playful couloir, all the way down until you meet a forest road, which will take you to a sledging track. The sledging track leads to the bottom of the ski resort, where you started.

Difficulty

Severe

Steep skiing at 38-45 degrees. This requires very good technique and the risk of falling has serious consequences.

High Exposure (E3)

3 out of 4

In case of a fall, death is highly likely.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between January and April

Features

  • Alpine
  • Couloir
  • Ski Mountaineering

Equipment required

  • Rope
  • Skins
  • Ice axe
  • Crampons

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area