Glöcknerin

Route: 8KM
Elevation gain/loss: 800m
Orientation – North
Difficulty: S2 – S3
Estimated Time: 4 hours
Required equipment – Ski Camprojns may be useful on some uphill sections.

DESCRIPTION

Marc and Vicenç's visit coincides with extremely hot days in Austria, where temperatures in Mondsee have reached 25-27 degrees. The high temperatures have caused a basal sliding problem affecting all areas. The risk has increased from 2 to 3. It is necessary to look for slopes with little sun exposure, low slope, altitude, and start early in the morning.

Glöcknerin (2,433m) is the chosen peak due to its north orientation, located at an altitude where the starting point is above 1,600m, which will prevent us from having to walk without skis. We arrive punctually at 8 am at Felseralm where the route begins. The first section is very steep through a forest until reaching Lake Wildsee.

Once we reach Wildsee (1,950m), a spectacular area unfolds before us with several peaks around us such as the impressive Nördliches Teufelshorn (2,262m) or the Vordere Grosswandspitze (2,380m). We skirt the lake to the East where we see some previous avalanches but without risk. The lake can also be crossed on its West side (which is where we will descend) but only under very stable conditions.

Once past Lake Wildsee, we begin a gradual ascent to the col that separates Glöcknerin from Hintere Grosswandspitze (2,437m). We continue progressing through the col until, 20 meters from the summit, we leave the skis to walk the final stretch without any difficulty or danger. Arriving at the summit of Glöcknerin, we enjoy beautiful views of the Radstädter Tauern mountain range where we are.

We enjoy the descent on very pleasant spring snow that allows us to enjoy the first meters of descent a lot. We cross Lake Wildsee on the West side in a long traverse where the snow remains stable because it is a glacier, and the sun has not yet made its appearance.

From here, we only have the final (and straightest) descent to the car. The forest section is very fun and offers several options for descent thanks to its snow coverage.

Glöcknerin is a peak with spectacular views and a descent that allows you to enjoy it a lot. It is important to bear in mind that it is a peak quite exposed to avalanches, so a good assessment of the snow conditions and avalanche risk should be made before attempting it. We end the day with a good meal at an Alm.