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Beginner’s ski tour to the Kreuzjöchl in Kühtai

The much-visited saddle of the Kreuzjöchl seen from the Mitterzeiger. The summit of the Rietzer Grieskogel to the right.

(Bild: Peter Freiberger)

The 2563-metre-high Einsattelung to the west of the Rietzer Grieskogel in the Stubai Alps is predestined for ski tour beginners and connoisseurs. The tour offers a fantastic view of the surrounding mountain landscape.

Rarely endangered by avalanches, no steep sections or technical alpine difficulties, ideal ski terrain at the top: the "little brother" of the Grieskogel - commonly known as the Kreuzjöchl, shown on maps as the Kreuzjoch - is ideal for those who want to switch from a piste tour to a ski tour.

We start directly east of the bridge over the Klammbach stream and follow the trail uphill between the trees. Then it's a leisurely ascent northwards in the valley above the stream. Important here: Ascend on the eastern side of the valley, as there is a risk of avalanches from the very steep slopes opposite.

We ascend through this sunny hollow to our destination.

(Bild: Peter Freiberger)

You soon reach a moated castle - in this section, the trail continues inwards. The track then moves a little to the right, where the summit of the Rietzer Grieskogel presents itself. We then climb northwest into a gentle hollow and upwards. The saddle of the Kreuzjöchl can be seen above us, which can be reached via a final upswing.

View of the imposing peaks to the north.

(Bild: Peter Freiberger)

Directly to the west, the (challenging) ridge of the Mitterzeiger with its cornice offers a great view, to the north lies the Inntal valley, behind it are peaks like sand on the sea. To the south, the "who's who" of the Stubai and Ötztal mountains pile up.

Fakten

Location: Kühtai (2017 m)

Starting point: Sellraintalstraße between the two avalanche galleries to the east below the hotel village of Kühtai (around 1860 m; limited parking)

Route: open ski touring terrain

Equipment: ski touring equipment (avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe)

Children: from 10 years

Requirements: fitness, basic level of stamina

Important: study the current avalanche report

Refreshments: Recommended: Alpengasthof Ruetz in St. Sigmund (somewhat hidden south of the valley road at the western entrance to St. Sigmund), open daily, 05236/510

Public transport: Bus from Innsbruck directly to the starting point ("Galerie") - recommended!

Difference in altitude: around 700 meters

Length: around 3 kilometers (starting point - Kreuzjöchl)

Walking time: around 2 hours (ascent)

Even if no firn is to be expected at the moment, the south-facing ascent basin offers beautiful skiing terrain where you can make numerous enjoyable turns. To the east of the Klammbach, you finally ski back to the starting point.