Characteristics:

High-alpine tour featuring brief encounters with glaciers and some easy stretches of climbing

Requirements:

Experience in walking with crampons, basic knowledge of crevasse rescue techniques and orientation; sure-footedness for the climbing stretches.

Footpath type:

Marked footpath with glacier crossings

Exposure:

Exposed on the summit ridge

Equipment:

Rucksack, alpine boots with ankle support and a good-grip rubber sole, woollen or skiing socks, anorak with a hood (Goretex), waterproofs, cap, gloves, sun glasses (with high-quality UV protection), sun cream, lip protection, spare clothing, water bottle. Safety equipment will be provided by the mountain guide (crampons, harness, rope, etc.).

Map:

Alpine Association map, no. 44, "Ankogelgruppe"

Huts:

Osnabrücker Hut (2,026m)

History:

Paul Grohmann made the first successful ascent of the Hochalmspitze Peak on 15.08.1859. He was an Austrian alpinist and a co-founder of the Austrian Alpine Association. He is also credited with numerous firsts in the Dolomites, the Karnisch Alps and the Zillertal Alps. In terms of numbers of first ascents in the Alps, Paul Grohmann will probably never be beaten by any other mountaineer. The Hochalmspitze was the first of many to come.

Description of the tour:

How to get there:

Travel to Malta
Then on the Malta valley High-Alpine Road to the Kölnbrein dam

Starting place:

Kölnbrein Dam car park

Directions:

Take the marked footpath to the Osnabrücker Hut (2,026m). Continue along the marked footpath as far as the Preimlscharte (short glacial stretch). Via the Hochalmkees up to the summit, which is already within sight.

Descent:

Use the same route as for the ascent

GPS UTM (WGS84) Co-ordinates:

Pictures: