Snow report Zillertal Alps South, 01/12/2020

Snow condition

The snow conditions in the rear Valsertal are relatively good due to the shady orientation. You can start from the parking lot at 1300m without any problems. There is still a little less snow in the denser forest. There was enough snow for the ascent along the summer trail to the Zeischalm, but it is better to choose a different option for the descent, otherwise the northern flank of the Kraxentrager has good snow conditions. The descent can be made directly from a small saddle a little east of the summit.

Snow quality

The snow quality has fluctuated greatly, with gritty powder snow at the bottom of the flat valley floor. A little further up, the wind and mild temperatures have left their mark. Between approx. 1900m and 2400m there is also a hard, icy cover on the north side. Further up it gets better again, but the snow cover there is also affected by the wind. However, with a good choice of line, you can still find settled, somewhat gritty powder snow. The snow conditions on the northern flank were relatively good.

The avalanche conditions are currently stable, but on steeper slopes there is a greater risk of falling due to icy passages, and with the next snowfall it could quickly become more critical, as the snow cover in high, north-facing areas currently often consists of gritty powder snow.

Overall impression

From a distance, the north flank of the Kraxentrager resembles the north face of the Hochfeiler. That's why today's tour destination was decided relatively quickly after I was able to take a nice look at the north face yesterday.
The tour is relatively long (approx. 1650m) and also quite steep in the upper section (entrance approx. 47 degrees, further north face approx. 40 - 45 degrees, then much flatter). Therefore, you definitely need safe avalanche conditions for this tour.
The snow conditions were unfortunately not as good as we had hoped. In the steep northern flank, where good snow was needed most, the downhill conditions were quite good. Further down, however, the downhill fun was limited.
Crampons are definitely recommended and the lower part of the ascent along the summer path is rather unpleasant to walk.
The line on the northern flank and the view at the finish to the beautiful mountains of the Zillertal Alps (Hochfeiler, Hochferner, Größer Möseler etc.) is worth the effort!