Regenspitz

Route: 10 km
Elevation gain/loss: 1000m
Difficulty: MBE – S4
Duration: 5h
Required equipment - suitable for current conditions

DESCRIPTION

In the past few days in the Mondsee area, temperatures have risen (maximum of 8 degrees at 400m), and we have had rain that has moistened the snow. Fortunately, above 700 meters, the snow has made its presence felt.

Regenspitz is one of the classic peaks in the Osternhorn massif, and we have decided to explore a descent that has been quite entertaining due to the surprises we have encountered. We knew we could play a little since the avalanche risk was 2, and temperatures were not expected to rise at any time during the route.

We start the route from the Satzstein parking lot, which is completely free. As we approach, we can already see that we had snowfall last night, and a snowy atmosphere awaits us. The start of the route is on the summer trail that ascends to Feichtensteinalm. From there, we begin the ascent along a ridge that gradually narrows but poses no risk. The snow conditions are excellent, and we enjoy it greatly. Some small icy sections due to the wind, but very anecdotal.

We progress to the summit of Regenspitz (1675m). Today we don't have views because it's all foggy, but when we start to descend, it clears up a bit, expanding our visibility. At this point, one can decide to follow the more common route down to Neureithütte, and then there is the option to extend the route with Bergköpfl (+300). That remains pending for another day.

We decide that the conditions are favorable, and we opt to descend through the north face (with some sections steeper than 45 degrees). The powder snow is abundant, and we descend among trees, thoroughly enjoying the descent until we reach a point where we cannot continue because there is a drop. We start a lateral traverse, and in the next exit, there is a similar drop. Diedre descends, but it advises us to make a bit more of a lateral traverse, as it sees traces of a descent. With Liam, we try to gain some height, but the snow reaches us up to the waist, and it is a task that takes quite a while. The snow is abundant in this section as it must have been snowing all week, and there is about 30-40 cm of new snow.

We find a fairly steep descent (this is the upper section of 45 degrees), but it avoids rappelling or having to make any jumps. We have found the way down.

The descent until we find the more normal trail is very laborious as we dodge trees and descend following the course of a stream. Once we are on the track, we can rest, and we take advantage of the last descent.