The via ferrata tour begins in a fairly relaxed manner, and you traverse for approx. 20 minutes to the actual start of the via ferrata of the "Alpspitz-Ferrata". However, touring skis or snowshoes are recommended for this, as otherwise progress is very slow. In addition to the standard equipment, you will need a via ferrata set (harness & carabiner set). The via ferrata is categorised as level two, but it is much more difficult to tackle in winter. The Alpspitz-Ferrata has a large number of stirrups, wire ropes and footholds from bottom to top. In winter, however, a large part of the safety and climbing aids can be covered by snow. You should definitely be sure-footed. We were lucky because another group had already led us up the arduous path.
Some passages that are very steep should be climbed individually to reduce the risk of one of the snow fields slipping. Once we have mastered the start, we climb up the steep eastern slope of the Alpspitze for around one and a half hours. It is not always easy to recognise where the via ferrata goes, as it is always covered in snow. Finally, we reach the north ridge and get back into the sun, which makes our hands very happy. From here you can also see the other side of the Albspitze into the so-called "Höllental" for the first time. It now takes us another 45 minutes or so to finally reach the summit cross. The ascent becomes even more difficult from here, as you have to climb more and the terrain becomes even steeper. We have reached the summit of the Alpspitze and are happy as snow kings. And the magnificent panorama is free - from the Zugspitze over Garmisch and the entire Wetterstein mountain range.
The descent?
After the obligatory snack, we descent through the north-east flank towards the Stuibenhütte. Wide snow fields open up here, which later turn into coniferous forests. The descent ends in the ski resort (Bernadein lift) and we quickly reach the Alpspitzbahn cable car again. The combination of via ferrata and ski tour is always a great experience and one of the finest ski tours we have ever done.
Text: Totti Lingott, Fotos: Baschi Bender
