Stubai Valley on 03.07.2021 | ChevChelios

Snow condition

The snow conditions are still really acceptable for the time of year. On the way to the Zuckerhütl you can still get down to the Anfellplatz below the Hildesheimer Hütte. From there, however, it is worth walking up to the Pfaffenferner (most of it would also be possible with skins, but would be more uncomfortable). In the north face itself, depending on the route chosen, there is bare ice, some of which is only slightly covered in snow. With a clever choice of route, it's still relatively hard and icy, but rideable throughout (keep fairly riders right and traverse under the rocky summit structure at the very top until there is no more ice to be seen). Most of the bergschrund is already relatively wide open, snow bridges appear thin in places. On the descent you can still get quite far down towards Dresdner Hütte (via the Fernau Mauer ski route, a short carrying passage), descent possible up to approx. 2450m. However, the carrying route will now quickly become longer.

Snow quality

The last snowfall (snow line briefly down to 2300m) has had a positive effect, especially above around 3000m. The glaciers now have a relatively even surface again, which, with the right timing, will firn up nicely. Below that, it quickly turns into summer snow, which is already relatively deep and rough. In terms of downhill skiing, it is really only worthwhile above 3000m.

The snow bridges are getting thinner, especially on the bergschrund. Otherwise, the crevasse zones are currently still relatively well snowed in, but the snow bridges are becoming more unstable with the temperatures. Otherwise, you should watch out for the dangers typical of spring (falling rocks, risk of falling due to icy surfaces in the early morning).

Overall impression

Probably the final tour of the 2020/2021 winter season. 4 beautiful pitches in the north face on the ascent and at the end a bit along the west ridge (even surprisingly good rock at the top of the ridge), on the descent after an icy traverse a few more turns in the north flank, and on the way back a nice gully on the apery Pfaffengrat with good firn.