The small ski resort of Kappl in the Paznaun Valley has been a household name for most freeriders since the Freeride World Tour stop was relocated from Fieberbrunn to the Quellspitze. Reason enough to introduce you to the short tour to the summit, where non-professionals will also get their money's worth...
Ascent
From the top station of the Ablittkopf chairlift, first follow the "Lattenabfahrt" piste northwards until the piste turns off in a loop to the east. The ridge that leads over the Quellspitze starts right next to the piste, so put your skis on your backpack and off you go. With a little up and down, it is not too difficult to reach the summit at almost 2800 m via the ridge.
Descent
The standard descent from the summit first leads steeply to the south, then over a short steep step and on through less steep, hilly terrain to the south-east. You soon reach the small valley floor and head in the direction of the ski route (south-east). Before the very flat area at around 2200 m, keep to the left until you can cross back to the piste.
Of course, there are also numerous interesting and challenging downhill options from the Quellspitze to the south-east, the easiest of which leads via a gully somewhat more directly to the valley floor.
Alternative
In good snow conditions, instead of crossing back to the chairlift, you can also continue to ski southwards, first very flat and then soon steeply. Here, however, you should follow a forest path to the east in good time, which will take you to the valley descent back to Kappl.
Information
Difficulty: ****
Average gradient/maximum gradient: 35°/39°
Exposure: E-SE
Altitude difference start and finish: 2,600 m | 2,000 m
Altitude difference uphill and downhill: approx. 100 m | approx. 700 m
Duration: approx. 1.5 hours
Best time of year: February - March
Tip: Due to the southern exposure of the slope, it is quite difficult to catch the descent in powder snow. Immediately after snowfall, the avalanche risk is usually too high, and a little later the snow has already turned into crushed snow due to the strong sunlight. Especially late in the season, you can often ski down in good firn snow.
