Description

This is a fairly straightforward tour, ideal for getting to know the area. Park just before the long tunnel east of Kühtai and skin up the steep sided valley to the north. The line here is on the skinner's left hand side of the valley but avalanche conditions may dictate that skinning on the other side of the valley is better. Whichever side of the valley you ascend, you will end up in a bowl to the north of the Kleiner Mugkogel, where this route separates from the tour up the Rietzer Grieskogel. Where the Rietzer Grieskogel goes off right, this route simply carries on up the bowl to a col which is hidden until you're 15 minutes away from it.

When you get to the col, take your skis off and soak in the huge views! Many ski tourers turn around and ski from the col, but it's an easy and highly recommended snow plod to the summit of the Mitterzeigerkopf, albeit a pretty exposed one.

You can either leave your skis at the col and return to them or, if you're happy with a little drop off a cornice and some steeper terrain, much of the Mitterzeigerkopf east face is a great ski line.

It is often avalanche prone (hence the cornice above it) so choose your day carefully if you're going to ski it. Whether you ski from the col or close to the summit, you'll end up back in the bowl and the valley you ascended.

Once you get back into the valley you began the day by skinning up you can either reverse the ascent route, or head skier's left onto the opposite side of the valley. Following the descent route involves some sidestepping/poling but it does give you a nice pitch back down to the road. Skier's left meanwhile is very mellow all the way but (provided you hold onto your height) doesn't require you to push or sidestep.

Alternatively, ski partway down the bowl and then do the Rietzer Grieskogel!