Ski tour from Baad to the Gamsfuß
Tour description
A comfortable ski tour in the smallest and at the same time highest located village in the Kleinwalsertal: from Baad to the Gamsfuß.
In midwinter, the Gamsfuß lies in the shadow of the impressive Widderstein, which should be noted both during the ascent and when resting on the summit. The shady location also has advantages – fine and long-lasting powder snow.
With nearly 800 meters of elevation gain, the ascent is challenging and demands fitness. In the end, you are rewarded with a great descent.
Baad is also popular in winter with winter hikers. Especially on the first section to the Bärgunthütte, consideration for other winter sports enthusiasts and leisure seekers is required during the ascent and especially the descent (please observe warning signs). Then there is enough space and natural enjoyment for everyone. Ski tourers are expected to use the unplowed “Panoramaweg” (formerly “Brunnenweg”) for ascent and descent. In case of avalanche closure of this path, all must use the lower path along the Bärgunt stream, which is plowed. On these days, particularly considerate behavior, slow riding, or even walking down on foot is necessary to avoid endangering anyone.
Experience nature consciously stands for respectful coexistence among winter sports enthusiasts and towards nature. The described route takes into account the designated forest and wildlife protected areas in the Bärgunttal.
Mittelberg
Mittelberg
Route description
Ascent
The start of the route is in the mountain village of Baad, which can be easily reached by bus (Walserbus from Oberstdorf). First, we follow the plowed winter hiking trail towards Bärgunttal to a fork. There we keep left and continue on the “Panoramaweg” (not plowed, formerly "Brunnenweg") past the Alpe Widderstein to the Bärgunthütte, which is also operated in winter. From there, we follow the summer trail to the valley station of the material cable car of the Stierlochalpe. Here, we leave the trail to the right and follow the material cable car upwards to the west. At a support of the cable car, we turn left (south) and skin through a small forested area into an open space. There, keeping right, we continue up a forested rope step. From here we follow the wide ridge to the west. Upon reaching the top (at about 1,800 m), we go left (south) up a steep slope into a wide basin beneath the Älpelekopf. Now we proceed in a large right curve (heading west) onto the often wind-blown shoulder on the ridge, which is called Gamsfuß.
Descent
The easiest descent is along the ascent track.
Upon arriving at the Bärgunthütte, you return via the right-branching Panoramaweg (not plowed, formerly "Brunnenweg") back to Baad. The final section is again on the plowed winter hiking trail.
Note: The path along the Bärgunt stream is plowed as a winter hiking trail and should not normally be used for skiing (warning signs). In case of an avalanche closure of the Panoramaweg, the path along the stream must be used. This path often has heavy foot traffic from hikers and other leisure seekers. Therefore, please be considerate, go slowly or even walk down on foot to avoid endangering ascending hikers and ski tourers.
Recommended equipment
Off marked pistes and trails, everyone is responsible for themselves and moving at their own risk and must inform themselves about alpine hazards, especially avalanche danger. Weather conditions and snow conditions may require changes in the route.
The provided GPS track is only a suggestion. No liability is assumed for the accuracy of the information.
EMERGENCY NUMBERS:
- 144 Alpine emergencies Vorarlberg
- 112 European emergency number (works with any mobile phone/network)
Complete ski touring equipment including avalanche emergency gear: transceiver, shovel, and probe (standard); optional backpack with avalanche airbag
Further info & links
Tips
Often stop and look up at the sky. With some luck, you can see the only golden eagle breeding pair in the Kleinwalsertal. The Bärgunttal is its preferred territory.
Further links
www.vorarlberg.travel/sicherheitstipps
Alpine Club Map Bavarian Alps - Kleinwalsertal, Hoher Ifen, Widderstein - BY 2