Ski tour from Höfle to the Kuhgehrenspitze
Tour description
Simple and popular pleasure route from the village of Höfle to the Kuhgehrenspitze. A rewarding ski touring destination with beautiful wide meadow slopes, interrupted twice by forest strips.
From the summit you can enjoy the great view of the striking neighbouring peaks and the entire valley. And in the end, you are rewarded with a great descent.
Höfle is also popular in winter with winter hikers. Especially on the first section up to the first ascent at Nebenwasser, a little more consideration for other winter sports enthusiasts is requested on ascent and descent. Then there is enough space and enjoyment of nature for everyone.
Natur bewusst erleben stands for respectful coexistence among winter sports enthusiasts and towards nature. The described route takes into account the forest-wildlife conservation areas designated in Kleinwalsertal.
Mittelberg
Mittelberg
Route description
Ascent
The start of the route is in Höfle at the Wildental lift (line 4 - terminus "Höfle"), which can be easily reached by bus (Walserbus from Oberstdorf). First, we follow the slope of the Wildental lift to the middle exit. There we keep left and follow the winter hiking trail towards Nebenwasser. Soon we reach a wooded ridge above a large creek gorge. Up the ridge it goes on a narrow, steep path until we reach a flatter, wide forest glade and discover the Brandalpe (1,306 m) on our left. From here, we largely follow the course of the summer path, over the clearings and through the gaps in the forest. After the second forest section, we see on the right on a free ridge the Outer Kuhgehren-Alpe (1,625 m). We continue following the path towards the alp, then keep slightly right and wind our way through some groups of trees higher up. Over a narrow plank bridge across a creek, we reach a free, tiered slope that descends from the connecting ridge Schüsser/Hammerspitze and Kuhgehrenspitze. We continue up the slope briefly and turn left (north), where we soon reach the summit via a moderately steep forest clearing.
Ascent
The easier descent is along the ascent route to the Brandalpe. In the light forest we look for a path near the ascent track to avoid damaging young forest/wood. Upon reaching the Brandalpe, you can turn right at the sign ("Caution cable car") and descend through a forest clearing over wonderful skiing terrain.
Recommended equipment
Outside of secured slopes and paths, everyone is personally responsible and at their own risk and must inform themselves about alpine dangers, especially avalanche danger. Weather conditions and snow conditions may require changes to the route.
The stated GPS track is only a suggestion. No liability can be accepted for the accuracy of the information.
EMERGENCY NUMBERS:
- 144 Alpine emergencies Vorarlberg
- 112 Euro emergency call (works with any mobile phone/network)
Complete ski touring equipment including avalanche emergency gear: avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe (standard); optional backpack with avalanche airbag
Further info & links
Further links
www.vorarlberg.travel/sicherheitstipps
Alpine Club map Bavarian Alps - Kleinwalsertal, Hoher Ifen, Widderstein - BY 2