Saturday, 9th July 2011
Walk: | Donnerhof Hotel, Schlick 2000 station, Vergör, Pfurtchell, Kaserstattalm, Starkenburger Hütte, Balcony Path, Sennjochhütte, Schlick 2000 Kreuzjoch, lower station, hotel | ||
Start Point: | Hotel | Distance: | 10 miles |
Ascent: | 4,860 feet | Descent: | 1,400 feet |
Maximum Altitude: | 7,618 feet | Time: | 5.5 hours |
Weather: | Hot and sunny all day | ||
Comments: |
I decided not to do the C/C+ walk today as the descent from the summit would be on the limestone scree that I don’t like. Instead I planned my own route, with Jane’s help, walking from the hotel to the Starkenburger Hütte then along the balcony path and on to the top of the Schlick 2000 lift. The initial path ascended gradually at a good rate, gaining height over a few miles. After Pfurtchell the route headed up through the trees, climbing 1,600 feet in an hour. Meeting the dirt track it was a gradual ascent to the Starkenburger Hütte where I stopped for a drink. Just as I was leaving the D/D+ group arrived then Al’s group made their way down from the summit. I headed out along the balcony path which seemed to go on for ever and which was rather rough in places. After passing the Sennjochhütte I continued on to the Kreuzjoch and met up with a small group who had gathered after doing their own routes. After a short stop I headed down the lift to Fulpmes and back to the hotel. |
Scroll down to see photos of the walk
Elferspitze from the gradually ascending path
A pleasant flat section on the main climb . . .
but there isn't much room to get past one of the natives
The Stubai glacier just touching the cloud
Elferspitze again, with Habicht to its right
The well travelled Stubai Valley
Time to indulge in . . .
a few flowers
Avalanche fencing just below . . .
the Starkenburger Hütte
Oberberg, the valley we travelled along to Oberissalm on the Schrimmennieder Col walk
Hoher Burgstall the 'A' group's target summit
The balcony path . . .
an unusual place to find a stile! (or two)
Surrounded by limestone
An easier route leads from the balcony path . . .
to the Sennjochhütte
Enjoying the sun . . .
at the Schlick 2000 Kreuzjoch
A last look down to the valley . . .
before descending by cable car
Our last evening at the hotel