This ski tour in the heart of the Verwall offers stunning views from the Arlberg to the Bernina group in varied ski terrain. With the right timing, you will be rewarded with descents in good firn and fine powder snow. The more leisurely approach is via the Sonnenkopf ski area. If the conditions are right, you can look back on two enjoyable descents and ascents in a secluded mountain world at the end of the ski tour.
Ascent 1
The Sonnenkopfbahn lift takes you quickly to the highest point of the ski area. From the exit, keep right to the edge of the terrain - this is where the traverse begins. To the left, you cross to the south-east to the lowest point with little loss of altitude. The location is in an unfavorable spot, so quickly put on your skins and ascend southwards over hilly terrain for approx. 400 m to the saddle next to the Omesspitze.
Descent 1
Take a short breather and enjoy the landscape before starting the first 500 m descent. If everything goes well, you may encounter your first firn turns here, but you may also come across some nasty broken snow. Head south-east into the Eisental valley and follow the valley floor up to an altitude of around 2,000 m, where you start the second ascent.
Ascent 2
While skinning up again, you can see the lower part of the 800-metre north-facing ascent to the right. The following ascent runs over several terrain crests and requires some hairpin bends. The last passage leads through a very steep and narrow gully before crossing the last remnants of a small glacier below the Östliche Eisentalerspitze to the summit. A short, steep slope crossing is necessary for the summit ascent, but then it's done! Now it's time to enjoy the 360-degree panoramic view and look forward to the 1,600-metre descent to Langen am Arlberg!
Descent 2
The first part of the descent from the summit leads over steep, hilly terrain towards the valley floor. Once you have reached the valley, continue skiers-right along the valley floor. You will soon reach the east-facing final slopes. Here you should study the route carefully in advance, as there are avalanche-prone zones to cross. After the last steep slope, you reach Alpe Nenzigast. From here, follow the supply road northwards to the end. The next bus stop is approx. 5-10 minutes' walk away. From there, you can easily take the bus back to the Sonnenkopfbahn valley station...
Conclusion
This beautiful ski tour offers varied ski terrain and fantastic views of the surrounding Verwall mountains. However, due to the easy accessibility, you are rarely alone here during the opening hours of the Sonnenkopfbahn lift.
Difficulty (5-level scale): ***
Special dangers: Crossing avalanche tracks, take into account diurnal warming
Average steepness / maximum steepness: < 30°/ 40°
Exposure: R1: NW-SE; R2: N-NE
Altitude difference start and finish: approx. 2.200 m | 2,750 m
Altitude difference uphill and downhill: approx. 1,200 m | 2,100 m
Duration: 4-6 hours
Best time of year: February to March
How to get there: From Bregenz towards Bludenz (A14) exit Wald. a. Arlberg (Sonnenkopfbahn) / From Arlberg direction Bludenz (S16) exit Wald. a. Arlberg (Sonnenkopfbahn)
Map: OeAV
Addresses: http://www.sonnenkopf.com/
