1868
3.436 mt.
Karl Hofmann, Valentin Kaltdorff, Georg Wels, Hansl Oberarzbacher
HOCHGALL
Northwest Ridge (AD-)
Südtirolalpin
Certified Mountain Guide
IFMGA - Mountain Guides Associations
Mail suedtirolalpin@gmail.com
Prices from
420,- €
THE MOUNTAIN
The "High Shining Mountain," as it was called in historical records, together with its neighbor, the Wildgall, known as the "Wild Shimmering Mountain," forms an impressive mountain backdrop in the Rieserferner Group. Not only is it the highest peak in this mountain range, but it is also not easily climbed from any angle. There is a normal route to the summit from the Barmer Hut via the east flank and the northeast ridge, as well as from the Kasseler Hut via the Graues Nöckl and the northwest ridge. Both are wonderful ridge climbs and a very special mountain experience on one of the most beautifully formed peaks in the entire Eastern Alps. The north face, very popular until the 1980s, has now almost completely melted away and is rarely climbed anymore.
ABOUT THE TOUR
Hochgall - Normal Route: The route via the northwest ridge begins much deeper in the Reintal valley, at the parking lot at the Säge Inn. The steep grade 8 trail climbs through the forest and passes the Kasseler Hut after just over 650 meters of elevation gain. Those who want to save themselves the 2-3 hour climb on summit day should consider spending the night at this charming hut. The next day, continue directly to the Grauer Nöckl, where the exciting and truly beautiful ridge climb begins, leading to the summit. The descent also follows this same ascent route. From the hut to the summit and back, allow another 7-8 hours.
INFO
Services
Included in the price:
- Entire organization and guidance by a state-certified mountain guide
- All necessary reservations are made in advance
Additional costs:
- Transfer to and from the meeting point
- Half-board accommodation at the Kasselerhütte (approx. €60)
- Mountain guide expenses (overnight accommodation)
- Individual tips
* Rental equipment (€10 per piece of equipment)
Facts
Location:
Rieserferner Group
Best time of year:
Mid-June - September
Duration:
1 day
Meeting point:
Parking lot Gasthaus Säge - Reintal
What you need
Safety-relevant requirements
- Grade II climbing
- Surefootedness
Requirements for enjoyment
- Good physical condition for a strenuous summit day with ascent and a long descent
- No fear of heights
PRICING
PROGRAM
Day 1: Independent Ascent to the Kasseler Hut
It's best to park at the Säge snack bar in Rein in Taufers. From the Säge snack bar, the hike continues along a well-marked and technically easy hiking trail to the Kasseler Hut (approx. 2 hours).
Day 2: Meeting with the mountain guide and Hochgall Northwest Ridge
We'll meet at the hut early in the morning and set off together after breakfast. We'll initially follow trail no. 8, which is flat and even slightly downhill, until we reach a junction toward Hochgall. Following the trail marks and cairns, we'll reach the starting point at the Grauer Nöckl. The climb along the northwest ridge is varied and exciting. Time flies on this enjoyable climb, and we finally reach the summit of the 3,436-meter-high Hochgall. We'll treat ourselves to a long summit rest and marvel at the magnificent panorama offered by this absolutely freestanding dream mountain. The subsequent descent follows the ascent route and later returns to the valley via the Kasseler Hut.
Alternative - as a day trip (same price):
The tour can be completed in one day for very fit and experienced mountaineers. However, it should not be underestimated: It involves climbing almost 2,000 meters in elevation, partly in pathless terrain and along the ridge.
The story of the first ascent
The first attempt at the first ascent was made in 1854 by Lieutenant Surveyor Hermann von Acken and several surveyors from Defregger via the northwest ridge. However, they only reached a rocky outcrop on the summit ridge east of the summit notch, just below the summit. The highest point was actually reached on August 3, 1868, by Karl Hofmann and Valentin Kaltdorff, with their mountain guides Georg Wels and Hansl Oberarzbacher, via the west flank and northwest ridge. Their route remains the standard route to the summit of Hochgall today.
