High tour
OLPERER
North ridge (AD-, III-, 40°)
Südtirolalpin
IFMGA certified mountain and ski guides
South Tyrolean Mountain and Ski Guides Association
Email suedtirolalpin@gmail.com
Price from:
€1,000
for 1 person · lower price per person from 2 participants
Duration:
2 days
Olperer - North ridge
Via the north ridge to the Olperer in the Zillertal Alps, one of the most striking peaks on the entire main Alpine ridge.
11 H · Difficulty AD- (III-, 40°) · Zillertal Alps
The north ridge of the Olperer promises a magnificent climb on truly excellent rock along the striking ridge that separates the Hintertux glacier ski area from the pristine Valsertal and Wildlahnertal valleys . However, reaching this enjoyable climb, made somewhat easier by numerous fixed anchors (which would otherwise be significantly more difficult in some places), requires a good level of fitness and sure-footedness in the Wildlahnergrat area, which has been heavily impacted by glacial retreat.
Once you reach the glacier, you have to tackle a slope with a gradient of up to 40°, which, in bare ice, requires solid crampon technique. Reaching the summit of the Olperer means you can truly say you've completed a high-alpine tour that demands the full range of mountaineering skills. The particularly impressive view from the summit is all the more rewarding, and you can enjoy it at length before descending back down to the valley via the ascent route.
INFO
Services
Included in the price:
- Complete organization and guiding by an IFMGA certified mountain and ski guide
- All necessary reservations will be made in advance
Additional costs for participants:
- Transfer to and from the meeting point
- 1 overnight stay with half board at the Geraer Hütte mountain hut
- Individual tips
* Rental equipment (€10 per item)
Facts
Location:
Zillertal Alps
Best time of year:
Mid-June - Mid-September
Duration:
2 days
Meeting point:
Alpeiner parking lot in Valsertal
Requirements
Requirements:
- Surefootedness on easy, rocky terrain (Grade I)
- Solid crampon technique
- Good physical condition for 1,100 meters of elevation gain (partly on trackless terrain) and 2,100 meters of descent
- Duration of the tour on summit day approx. 11 hours
- No fear of heights
PRICE
Participants:
1 - 2 people
Price from
€1,000
for 1 person · lower price per person from 2 participants
PROGRAMME
Day 1: Ascent to the hut
We'll meet at the parking lot of the We start at the Geraer Hütte ( Alpeiner parking lot ) at the head of the Valsertal valley and hike past the Gasthof Touristenrast along the access road for the material cable car into the valley. From the cable car station, the trail winds its way up numerous switchbacks on a very pleasant path to the Geraer Hütte , where we will spend the night.
Walking time: 3 hours | ↑ 1,000 m elevation gain
⌂ Geraer Hütte (2,326 m)
Day 2: Olperer via the north ridge
The alarm rings early the next morning. After breakfast, we leave the Geraer Hütte by headlamp and ascend along the Olpererweg trail, initially across the moraine to the start of the Wildlahnergrat ridge. From here, the terrain becomes somewhat treacherous due to glacial retreat. Numerous loose boulders demand concentration and attention while walking. We put on our crampons on the glacier and must maintain our focus: a 40° steep slope, which already required skill in trackless terrain, now demands crampon technique. Finally, we reach the rocky ridge and can put our climbing skills to the test with some enjoyable scrambling. After a short break at the summit, enjoying the breathtaking panorama, we soon begin the long descent. This requires our full concentration and plenty of leg power until we reach the car again, more than 2,000 meters lower.
Total time: 11 hours | ↑ 1,150 m | ↓ 2,150 m | Difficulty: AD-, III-, 40°
Any changes to the programme that may become necessary for various reasons (weather, conditions, availability of accommodation, etc.) are always made in consultation with the participants.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
For whom is the north ridge of the Olperer suitable?
This tour is suitable for fit mountaineers with good sure-footedness , confident climbing skills at grade III difficulty , and experience in alpine terrain . The north ridge is a true high-alpine tour: in addition to the climbing, it also includes a steep glacier ascent and exposed terrain.
What makes the tour particularly challenging?
The Olperer North Ridge combines classic ridge climbing with a challenging high-alpine tour. The approach alone demands good physical condition and sure-footedness before a slope of up to 40° must be overcome on the glacier. On the ridge itself, exposed climbing sections of grade III difficulty await – a tour that demands the full range of skills from the most experienced mountaineer.
What do I need to bring for the tour?
The detailed packing list will be sent with the confirmation email. Essential items include suitable hiking boots , functional clothing, and complete high-altitude mountaineering equipment such as crampons, ice axe, harness, and helmet . Technical equipment can be rented from Südtirolalpin for a small wear and tear fee.
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MOUNTAIN GUIDES FROM SOUTH TYROL
# OLPERER # NORTH RIDGE # MOUNTAIN GUIDE