Backcountry Skiing

The Ötztal, Tyrol region, Austria

In the heart of Austria's Tyrol region lies a ski touring mecca with the best huts I've ever experienced. Apple strudel, weissbier, and the chatter of German and Italian is what you'll find amidst the highest peaks in the Austrian Tyrol. An expansive clockwise loop starting in Obergurgl takes in the second and third highest peaks in Austria and passes the discovery site of the 5300-year-old iceman "Ötzi".

The Wildspitz, highest in the Tyrol 12,369ft/ 3770m
Apr 2007

Enjoying kaisershmarren at the Similaun Hut
Apr 2007

On the summit of Fluchtkogel, 11,482ft/ 3500m
Apr 2007

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