Glungezer (2677m) and Sonnenspitze (2639m) from Halsmarter

Technical difficulty: 4/10
Fitness: 6/10
Objective danger: 3/10 (but can spike fast if you get tempted into the wrong descent line)
Landscape: 5/10
Busy: 10/10

Super accessible (and therefore busy) tour close to Innsbruck. When the snow is good it is worth your time.

Starting point: Glungezerbahn middle station (Gasthof Halsmarter)
Ending point: Glungezerbahn middle station (Gasthof Halsmarter)
Ascend: 1200vm / 4h
Exposition: north-west/ north

Route:

From Halsmarter, you climb in the ski area direction toward Tulfein, then continue toward the Schartenkogel. The Glungezerbahn specifically asks tourers to use the ascent line along the old draglift line (“alte Schlepplifttrasse”). 

From Schartenkogel you typically make a short descent in the direction of the Tulfenjöchl, then start the main climb: follow the broad NE ridge toward the Glungezer area (many parties aim for the Glungezerhütte first; from there it’s a short push to the summit cross / highest point). 

Expect wind effect up high—this ridge is a magnet for it.

Continue along the ridge/rolling high terrain to Sonnenspitze (often quick and satisfying once you’re in the flow).

Descent:

There are many options for the downhill. Below is just one possible one.

From the high terrain, drop into Frauental. This is an excellent option for strong skiers when conditions fit - that’s code for: pick your day, pick your line, and don’t force it in bad visibility or unstable snow.

Lower down, you angle out of the drainage and ski the open slopes trending toward Tulfeinalm, using terrain that keeps things flowing rather than funneling you into tight spots. From Tulfeinalm, you can reconnect with the ski area infrastructure as needed.

Photos by @the.running.nomad, and @annikasuess