Oetztal Alps High Alpine Hut Circuit

Oetztal Alps High Alpine Hut Trek Itinerary

Arrival/Travel day: Vent, Oetztal, Austria

Arrive at our hotel in Vent (1900m), one of the highest and quaintest villages in Austria. Vent is best reached by train/ bus from Munich or Innsbruck. For some departures, we offer pickups in Munich International Airport or Innsbruck Main Train Station (surcharge).

Depending on the group’s arrival time and guide’s schedule, we will either meet tonight or tomorrow morning for a trip briefing, review of weather conditions, etc. Dinner is included at your hotel tonight.

Day 1: Vent – Breslauer Hut – Vernagt Hut

Breakfast followed by guide meeting at 8:30AM. Chairlift ride and 1.5 hrs walk to the Breslauer Hut (2810m) for a short break. We continue contouring high above the valley with beautiful views along the Seuffert trail to the Vernagt Hut (2760 m).  To make the first day easier, we can arrange for our backpacks to take the supply lift to the Vernagt Hut where we will be hiking with only a day pack today!

550 m = 1800 ft vertical climb, 430 m (1410 ft) vertical descent, 9.5 km (6 mi) horizontal distance. 4 – 5 hrs.

Day 2: Vernagt Hut – Fluchtkogel – Brandenburger Haus

Short trail hike to the Guslar Glacier. Review / Introduction to roped glacier travel, use of crampons and ice axe. Roped up on the glacier and via Guslar Saddle 3340 m (10,955 ft) and Kesselwand Ferner (=Glacier), an optional summit ascent of the Fluchtkogel 3500 m (11,480 ft). A short descent and traverse across the glacier to the Brandenburger Haus 3270 m (10,725 ft), one of the highest huts in the Eastern Alps. In the evening, we’ll try to catch the sunset on top of the Dahmann Spitze 3400 m (11,150 ft), which is only 30 min from the hut and offers an amazing viewpoint. The Brandenburger Haus was built in 1909 and has preserved a great ambiance of the old pioneering days in the Alps!

770 m (2,525 ft) climb, 270 m (900 ft) descent, 6.5 km (4 mi) distance, 5 – 6 hrs.

Day 3: Brandenburger Haus – Delorme Trail – Hochjoch Hospiz

Optional peak ascent in the morning of the Vordere Hintereisspitze 3440 m (11,280 ft), then descend on the glacier passing by crevasses and ice towers to reach the panoramic Delorette trail. Either by use of a newly built trail to the Guslar Spitze 3120 m (10,233 ft). Eventually, we casually descend through beautiful meadows down to the Hochjoch Hospiz 2410 m (7900 ft). Alternatively, for a more technical day, we can also do the traverse of the Mutspitze and descent to the Hochjoch Hospitz on the Reuter Trail.

300 m (1000 ft climb), 1300 m (4000 ft) descent and 8 km (5 mi) distance. 5-6 hrs walking time.

Day 4: Hochjoch Hospitz – Saykogel – Martin Busch Hut or Hauslabjoch – Similaun Hut

A short descent and crossing the Rofen Ache Creek on a hanging bridge, then we climb on a nice hiking trail to the Saykogel Peak 3350 m (11,000 ft), which involves a bit of scrambling and snow towards the summit. Excellent viewpoint in the center of the Oetztal range! Casual descent to the Martin Busch Hut.

2510 m (8230 ft). 1040 m  (3300 ft) climb, 930 m (3050 ft) descent and 9 km (5.7 mi) distance, 6 hrs.

For a longer day with more glacier travel and about 6 km more vertical distance, we can also traverse the Hauslab Joch (Saddle) 3280 m (10,760 ft). An optional side trip to the Fineilspitze 3520 m (11,550 ft), a stunning peak with a large summit cross that is reached via an exciting ridge scramble. On the descent, we will pass the location where the famous prehistoric “Oetzi” was found, the oldest preserved mummy.

Often we choose the variation across the Hauslab Joch because it is en route to stay at the higher Similaun Hut (3000m = 10,000ft) instead of the Martin Busch Hut, which can be really busy with hikers using the popular E5 long-distance trek connecting Oberstdorf and Meran. The E5 trek overlaps with our route for about 1.5 hrs between the Similaun Hut and the turn-off to the Ramolhaus on the next day.

Day 5: Similaun Hut – Martin Busch Hut – Ramolhaus

Big climb through a remote side valley! Easy trail hike for about 1 hrs along the approach trail towards Vent before we tackle our last climb to the Ramoljoch Saddle 3180 m (10430 ft) with the option to climb the Kleine Ramolkogel Peak 3350 m (11,000 ft). Descent (first 20 min on an exciting steep trail with cable protection and metal fixtures) to the Ramolhaus 3000 mt (10,000 ft), which is located not far below the steep ridgeline like an eagle’s nest with great views to the east and south.  If we start from the Similaun Hut that day, the day extends by an additional 450 m and 5 km descent = 1.5 hrs more.

1200 m (3930 ft) climb, 740 m (2420 ft) descent and 12 km (7.5 mi) distance.

Day 6: Ramolhaus – Obergurgel – Vent

All downhill today! On the regular hut approach trail in about 3 hrs down to the village of Obergurgel – usually, we can send our backpacks down with the supply lift. Bus or taxi transfer back to our hotel in Vent. For participants who are in a rush to get to their next destination, we can arrange for a transfer to Innsbruck or Munich in the afternoon.

1100 m (3600 ft) descent, 7 km (2 mi) distance.

Departure/ Travel Day:

Departure after breakfast. Thank you for joining OnTop in the Oetztal Valley!

Inclusions

Included:

• 6 days guiding by an internationally (UIAGM/IFMGA) certified, multilingual, mountain guide or guide aspirant under supervision
• 2 nights double-room lodging in a 3* hotel with multi-course dinner and large breakfast
• Oetztal Premium Card valid
• 5 nights bunk bed rooms in huts/lodges of the Austrian or German Alpine Club with half board
• All ground transport to and from the trailheads during the week by taxi, van, bus or the guides’ vehicle
• 1 chairlift ride on day 1 from Vent
• Luggage transport in the supply lift on the first and last day of the trip
• Use of technical equipment: Harness, crampon and ice axe

Oetztal Premium Card

The Oetztal Premium card is included for days that you are lodging in Vent. The card includes free chair lift and gondola rides, unlimited free use of the public bus lines, complimentary hiking shuttles, free museum entry, free games of minigolf, and much, much more. We highly recommend staying for a few additional nights prior to or after the trip to take advantage of the savings in these cards and explore what the Oetztal has to offer. Let your coordinator know if you are interested in booking additional accommodation as we can help you out!

Not Included:

• Airfares
• Airport shuttle to / from Vent
• Single room upgrade ~ €50 per night, hotel nights only
• Lunches and snacks
• Beverages (water, non-alcoholic and alcoholic)
• Single room supplement for all lodging in the valleys.
• Insurance
• Any additional cost due to changes in the itinerary, may they be caused by weather, mountain conditions or personal preferences.

Add-On Services (€):

• Airport shuttle
• Pre- and post- trip hotel lodging

Transportation

How to get there

Our Oetztal Alps High Alpine Hut trek begins from the little quaint village of Vent, at the very end of the Oetztal (=Oetz Valley) and one the highest permanently settled places in the Alps at 1900 meters above sea level. Vent is located 270 km (3.15 hrs) from Munich and 100 km (2 hr drive) from Innsbruck via Inntal Highway.

Public Transport
Train to Ötztal Bahnhof

If you are arriving into Munich International Airport you can train to Ötztal Bahnhof (Vorplatz), Österreich when travelling by Deutsche Bahn (DB) trains.

From Innsbruck Airport you can travel by train to Ötztal Bahnhof with OEBB train services.

From Zurich Airport you can travel by train with SBB train services to Ötztal, Bahnhof (Vorplatz)

2. Bus from Ötztal Bahnhof to Vent (via Sölden)
From Ötztal Bahnhof you can catch bus route 4194 which is located in front of the train station to take you to the Oetz Valley to the village of Sölden (Takes about 45 minutes from Ötztal).  Then a smaller bus route 8400 connects to Vent, where it stops right in front of our preferred Hotel – the bus stop is called Vent Hotel Post.
For Timetables & bus schedules click here.
8400 Line schedule can be found by entering “8400” under the “Route Timetables” tab on the above link.

On a custom basis, we also offer group transport services in a 9 seater van.

Oetztal Alps High Alpine Hut Circuit Private Trip Pricing

Why not find some friends and put together your own group?

For private groups, we can offer the following premiums or discounts on our advertised prices

2 participants: 60% premium in addition to our advertised per person price
3 participants: 40% premium in addition to our advertised per person price
4 participants: 20% premium in addition to our advertised per person price
5 participants: Our advertised per person price
6 participants: 10% discount from our advertised per person price
7 – 8 participants: 15% discount from our advertised per person price

For groups larger than 8, please reach out to us for a custom quote.

Custom trips are available any time from June – September.

FAQ

Do I need to sign a Release of Liability & Assumption of Risk Agreement (a.ka. liability waiver)?

Yes, you do. Mountaineering, skiing, climbing, hiking, via ferrata and all other wilderness and adventure travel activities are inherently risky with potential for injuries or even death.
It is very important to us that you are aware of those risks before you start the booking process, which includes filling out a booking form and paying a deposit.
With signing the liability waiver, you confirm that you understand the potential risks and hazards, and are willing to accept the risks, which includes giving up legal rights you may have.
This would also be the time to ask questions or address concerns before you book.
For your reference here is a link to our Liability Waiver. Our booking terms & cancellation policy with more details can be found here

Trip Related Questions:

Can we shower at the huts? Yes and no. Some huts (like the Ramohaus, Vernagt, Hochjoch Hospiz, Similaun) have showers available if their is enough rain or melt water. At the Vernagt, Hochjoch Hospiz, and Similaun huts the showers cost money to use. The rate is normally 1 EURO per minute. Remember to bring enough loose change for your showers if you wish to use them. The Brandenburger Haus does not have shower facilities. We recommend bringing wet wipes on the trip to freshen up in case showers are not available.

Why Book with us? What to Consider When Comparing our Trip!

Certified mountain guides: We only use certified, multi-lingual mountain guides for this trip. They are the experts in technical mountain terrain and gladly take you on a rope, should you ever start feeling uncomfortable if an exposed trail gets slippery in the rain or should there be steep snow encountered. It’s your safety!

Lodging standard Whenever possible we book double bunk bed rooms in the huts for you instead of mass dorms. You’ll notice the difference after a GOOD night sleep!

Hand-selected valley lodging In the Oetztal Valley, we have been using the same family owned hotel for well over 10 years. Host Chrisine Pirpamer is the descendant of a family of mountain guides and hoteliers in Vent, her father Alois was at one point the President of the Federation of the Mountain Guides Associations (UIAGM / IFMGA), her brothers are also mountain guides and hut keepers. She takes great pride in the personal care she gives to her guests, including the excellent food they serve.

Fast and direct communication in English with our office either by e-mail or phone. Our director and head guide gladly consults with you in person.

Trip Details

Meeting Point

At our Hotel in Vent at 5PM on the first day of each departure. Vent is a very quaint little village at the very end of the Oetztal (=Oetz Valley) and one the highest permanently settled places in the Alps at 1900 meters above sea level.

Climate, Weather, Temperatures

High season for all mountaineering in the Austrian Alps is July through mid-September, mainly due to the stable weather that time of the year. Day time temperatures can vary between 30C (86F) in the valleys to -10C (14F) on clear mornings, when we start our day from a high level hut. Snow is possible at any time in the higher elevations.

Medical/Rescue and Trip Cancellation Insurance

We strongly recommend the purchase of a travel insurance package that does cover adventure travel. Common policies sold by travel agents or policies included in your credit card contract tend to exclude “mountaineering”  if you read through the fine print. We recommend an adventure travel policy on our website at http://ontopmountaineering.com/travel-insurance/  which our clients had good experiences with in the past. *NEW: we now recommend including covid-19/pandemic coverage with your insurance policy.

Can I Do It?

Oetztal Alps High Alpine Hut Circuit requires up to 7 hrs / day of strenuous trekking on established trails, at times exposed with sections that are protected with metal cables. On occasions, there may also some scrambling sections that require the use of your hands, namely when climbing peaks or crossing ridge lines. The itinerary also includes glacier travel which requires roped walking on crampons on bare ice or snow, possibly larger steps or small jumps to get across open crevasses.

The trek can be considered less demanding than our Haute Route Trek in terms of cardiovascular endurance. Our Via Ferrata Trek “Best around Cortina” requires comparable endurance but more technical “scrambling” on via ferrata trails.