Rosskopf (2305m) from Scheibe

Technical difficulty: 1/10
Fitness: 3/10
Landscape: 7/10
Busy: 3/10

A promising mid-winter summit on the edge of the Kaunergrat, featuring open ski terrain, clear line choice, and an impressive panorama. Rosskopf, also known as Kreuzjoch, is a subsidiary peak with an ideal location for a winter tour. From the starting point in Scheibe, the ascent leads via the Arzler Alm and then over open slopes to the summit. Particularly impressive are the views to the east across the entire Geigenkamm range with the Hohe Geige, as well as to the southwest toward the imposing Rofelewand and the Gsallkopf.

Starting point: Scheibe
Ending point: Scheibe
Ascend: 930vm / 3h
Exposition: South - East

Route:

From the parking area by the bridge, first cross the bridge and then follow the cross-country ski trail a few meters downhill on the left side of the valley until the first junction. There, turn right following the sign for Arzler Alm and ascend through the forest on the well-prepared winter hiking trail. At the next junction, keep left; the right-hand path leads to Tiefentalalm. The winter hiking trail ends at a right-hand bend; from there, continue via another left-hand bend and, just below the alm, climb up to Arzler Alm at 1,875 m via a right–left switchback.

Alternatively, it is possible to ascend directly from the bridge via the very steep summer trail, which is usually tracked, or to shortcut the final switchbacks of the winter hiking trail using this path.

From Arzler Alm, follow the clearly visible access track southwards for a short distance to a pasture gate. After the gate, at a signpost tree, turn right and follow the sign for Kreuzjoch, ascending through a wooded hollow. Pass a small hunting hut and continue to a larger hut on a terrain shoulder. From there, head straight briefly toward Rofelewand, then after a few meters bear right and climb in several switchbacks up a northeast ridge sparsely dotted with trees. Continue diagonally to the right, heading west, over moderately steep slopes directly toward the summit structure. Finally, ascend through a shallow bowl and up a short, slightly steeper east-facing slope to the summit cross on Rosskopf at 2,305 m.

Descent:

In very safe conditions, a direct descent from the summit via the steep east-facing slope into a broad gully is possible. This leads northeast back to Arzler Alm. From there, descend either via the forest road or, from the first right-hand bend below the alm, through a partly overgrown forest clearing. The return to Scheibe is best made via the groomed winter hiking trail.

Photos by @the.running.nomad and @annikasuess