Description

Along the gravel road from Obergurgl south-eastwards to the middle station of Hohe Mut mountain gondola, steep ascent to Gaisbergtal valley.

Continue to Gaisbergferner glacier (end of marked hiking route!), keeping to the left on the glacier.

A steeply climb path travels up the side moraine on the (orthographic) right side that takes you to the small glacier field of Hochfirstferner.

Roping up is absolutely necessary here: follow the northern edge of the glacier (crevasses!) until you get to the peak flank (below), cross the mountain fissure (can be quite challenging if there is no snow!) and ascend on the 45-55 degree steep flank to the rocky but rather easy-to-reach summit of Hochfirst. Recommended Ski Mountaineering EquipmentThe "standard ski mountaineering equipment" is: touring skis with touring bindings, telescopic poles, climbing skins, ski crampons, digital avalanche transceivers, avalanche shovel, avalanche sample, firstaid kit and mobile phone.

A "complete glacier equipment set" contains: sit harness, two prusik loops of different lengths and ascenders, two HMS biners, icepick, climbing irons and rope.

Pack your rucksack carefully and don't forget extra clothes for the descent, sun protection/cream, cold protection, enough food and drink.

If you stay overnight at a mountain hut take toiletry articles and a hut sleeping bag with you! LEVELS OF DIFFICULTYEasy: Short or moderately long tours, always easy, with ascents not steeper than 25° or slightly steeper only on short sections.Intermediate: Moderately long or long tours of intermediate difficulty with ascents up to 35° or slightly steeper only on short sections.Difficult: Very challenging and long or very long tours with ascents that can exceed 40°, comprising also climbing sections up to difficulty grade II (UIAA).