Blaser
Thursday, 7th July 2011
| Walk: |
Mieders, Serlesbahn, Koppeneck,
Kloster Maria Waldrast, Ochsenalm, Blaser, Blaserhütte, return to
Koppeneck for toboggan run |
| Start Point: |
Mieders |
Distance: |
11 miles |
| Ascent: |
3,500 feet |
Descent: |
3,500 feet |
| Maximum Altitude: |
7,352 feet |
Time: |
6 hours |
| Weather: |
Sunny with some cloud cover |
| Comments: |
Today the walk was to the summit of Serles with a
very long limestone scree descent so I decided to do a different route,
to Blaser. I started out with the main group, travelling by bus to
Mieders to ascend on the gondola to Koppeneck. From here we walked to
Kloster Maria Waldrast where the main group took the path to Serles and
I set out for Blaser. After passing the Ochsenalm I reached a beautiful
alpine meadow which gradually ascended to the head of the valley. A
zig-zag path took me up to the top and a gradual ascent led to the summit of
Blaser. As the weather in the next valley didn’t look too good, and
there was a cold wind, I headed quickly down to the hut. Al had
recommended the home made tomato soup and it certainly was worth waiting
for. I retraced my route to Kloster Maria Waldrast, trying to spot the
'A' group on Serles. As I reached the monastery Alexandria and
Richard arrived, having gone as far as the col before retracing their
steps. However, instead of descending by gondola we took the summer
toboggan back down to Mieders - this was great fun!
As I didn't take any photos of the toboggan run the information and
photo below were found on the internet:
In front of the impressive mountain backdrop of the majestic Serles, the
toboggan
runs along a route of 2.8 kilometres on the steepest summer tobogganing
run in the Alps to quickly overcome the 2,100 foot difference in
elevation. The course of the tract, which exploits every twist in the
landscape, imparts the breathtaking feeling of flying just above the
ground.  |
Scroll down to see photos of the walk
Leaving the Serlesbahn, Serles is the dominating feature . . .
and looks pretty awesome
Arriving at Kloster Maria Waldrast . . .
with an austere interior . . .
and chancel
Leaving the monastery behind . . .
I soon reach the alpine meadow with the zig-zag path visible in the centre
The local inhabitants are quite noisy - at least the bells are - as I walk
through their midst
Looking up to Serles I don't envy the 'A' group!
Looking back down into the valley from the climb, with the monastery visible on
the left
Another view of Serles with the col just visible on the left
I seem to be the only one on Blaser . . .
apart from a few sheep
From outside the hut the summit of Blaser is just a short stroll
Now for the soup that Al recommended . . .
at 7,140 feet
Zooming in on Serles as I descend to the valley . . .
and check out the flora on the way
Looks like the local inhabitants are taking an afternoon rest . . .
and one or two . . .
are selected . . .
for individual shots
Blaser from Kloster Maria Waldrast . . .
and again, zooming in
Looking towards the Stubai Valley
Return to Introductory Page
Return to top