Ski tour from the Ifen car park to the Hählekopf
Tour description
The Hählekopf, at 2058 meters, marks the western “end” of the Schwarzwassertal and is a fantastic ski tour. The broad mountain delights ski tourers with its ideally inclined slopes.Despite the nearby ski area at Ifen, you hardly notice this in the Schwarzwassertal and immerse yourself in the tranquility of winter. Reaching the summit, a wonderful view over the Kleinwalsertal, to the Diedamskopf, Ifen, and Grünhorn awaits. And finally, you are rewarded with a great descent.
The Schwarzwassertal is also popular with winter hikers in winter. Especially on the first section just before the Alpe Melköde, more consideration is requested during ascent and descent for other winter sports enthusiasts. Then there is enough space and enjoyment of nature for everyone.
Conscious nature experience stands for respectful coexistence among winter sports enthusiasts and towards nature. The described route respects the designated forest-wildlife protection areas and wildlife quiet zones in the Schwarzwassertal.
Hirschegg, Ifen car park
Hirschegg, Ifen car park
Route description
The route starts at the Ifen car park - Schwarzwassertal, which can be easily reached by bus (see "Arrival"). First, we follow the forest road along the Schwarzwasserbach, following the winter hiking trail, until the Galtööde is in sight and the Alpe Melköde. After the sign with information about the wildlife protection area (please observe), we climb the open slope on the right (avalanche track from the right) and turn left into the small clearing at the narrowing of the open area (signposting). We follow the best path through the forest clearing and climb straight up the beginning open area to the Ifersguntalpe. From the alp, we continue climbing towards the already clearly visible Hählekopf. We bypass the summit slope slightly sideways depending on local snow and avalanche conditions.
Descent
The descent follows the ascent track. Once down, we need to push a bit further out of the valley.
Recommended equipment
The given 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 (works with any mobile phone/network)
Important information for tour planning: The Schwarzwasserhütte is expected to be closed due to renovation measures until summer 2027.
Complete ski tour equipment including avalanche emergency equipment: avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe (standard); optional backpack with avalanche airbagFurther info & links
Tips
Due to the longer approach through the initially flat Schwarzwassertal, an overnight stay at the Schwarzwasserhütte is recommended.Important information for tour planning: The Schwarzwasserhütte is expected to be closed due to renovation measures until summer 2027.
Further links
Conscious nature experiencewww.vorarlberg.travel/safety-tips
Alpine Club map Bavarian Alps - Kleinwalsertal, Hoher Ifen, Widderstein - BY 2