Skitourenführer Ötztaler Alpen

Scope and structure

This is a comprehensive ski-touring and ski-mountaineering guide to the Ötztal Alps, spanning the main valleys and side ranges from the Ötztal proper to the Pitztal, Kaunertal, and Nauderer Berge. The book is arranged by tour areas (A: Ötztal; B: Pitztal; C: Kaunertal to Reschenpass) and then by logical sub-sectors such as Vent, Obergurgl, Vernagthütte, Hochjochhospiz, Taschachhaus, Gepatschhaus, and Nauders. Each route entry follows a consistent template: start point and access, difficulty on the Alpine touring scale (L/WS/ZS/S/SS, with +/- refinements), aspect, distance, elevation gain and time, followed by concise ascent/descent descriptions and common variants. Clear photo-topos and small overview maps anchor the line choices, while cross‑references to DAV sheets (30/1–30/6) and a GPS download code streamline planning.

Coverage and destinations

Expect a deep mix of lift-assisted “ski-plus” options around Sölden and Obergurgl, classic hut-based high routes above Vent and Obergurgl (Wildspitze, Similaun, Weißkugel, Hintere/ Mittlere/ Vordere Hintereisspitze), and quieter corners like the Kaunergrat, Pfunds, and Nauders. Highlights include:

• Ötztal: Breslauer Hütte, Vernagthütte, Martin‑Busch‑Hütte, Langtalereckhütte, Hochwildehaus, Schönwieshütte.
• Pitztal: Rifflseehütte, Taschachhaus, Braunschweiger Hütte.
• Kaunertal/Reschen: Gepatschhaus, Rauhekopfhütte, Hohenzollernhaus, Fendels, Nauders.

The introductory chapters cover how to use the guide, seasonal timing, avalanche bulletins, weather and emergency procedures, public transport and road access—usefully specific for an area where many tours start far up-valley.

Field quality

Route choice is excellent across the spectrum: from short day tours and sidecountry laps to long glacier ascents and traverses. Photo-topos are legible, with slope orientation and terrain traps easy to read; variants are thoughtfully suggested (e.g., alternative glacier passes around Vernagt and Hintereis). The inclusion of aspect, detailed hut logistics, and realistic time/height figures aids safe decision-making. The emphasis on late-winter to spring glacial conditions is appropriate for this high alpine massif.

If there’s a caveat, it’s that many objectives are serious—glacier gear, crevasse awareness, and stable conditions are assumed—so true beginners will want to cherry-pick the gentler itineraries near Fendels, Nauders, or lift-served sectors.

Verdict

A richly field-tested, admirably structured guide that captures both the fame and solitude of the Ötztaler winter. For intermediate to expert ski tourers planning hut weeks or ambitious day objectives, it’s an authoritative companion and an inspiring route-finder.

Details

Weight

700g

Pages

408

Publisher

Panico Alpinverlag