We packed up the apartment and loaded into the cars, before handing the keys
back to the hotel reception. Then a drive around to Kelchsau, via Worgl. Once
more through the toll gate and along the single track road to the Gastof
Wegscheid. Tim and Michael had already collected Steve and had set off back to
collect another car load to bring up from the bus stop.
In the meantime we got ready and sorted out our packs for the walk in (ascent)
to the hut. We had chosen to carry all we needed and to forego the luftsielbahn
to the hut (we were only going for three nights and it was Steph's first time in
a hut so the traditional approach was an experience).
Following general
advice we chose to ascend the winter path - the summer route may have been
slightly shorter, but we were uncertain of the state of the track.
We walked back down the road to a bridge over the stream and the start of the
track. here we put on the skis and started up through the trees.
Around the first hairpin and the first bae section of track where we had to
remove the skis ... there were several connected by short snow sections so we
walked until it looked better.
Another hairpin and the snow improved although there were some shorter bare
sections where we could walk the skis over (carefully!)
back to the stream to follow it up until it turned across the slope once
again.
Past some interesting ice stalactites, and still on the track.
Under the cable track and several more bare sections, ending in one larger one
as we reached a track junction. (We would come here once again on the descent in
a few days time).
The track dropped form here back towards the stream. We followed it as the signs
pointed this way - we could have followed the tracks up the slope to our right
and joined higher up, but we did not know this at this point.
The winter path now diverged from the forest track and followed the stream and
it climbed up the base of the valley. The path was generally viable, but there
were some sections of tree root and gravel.
A bit of respite before stream crossings required more walking.
The path climbed away from the stream and into the trees - this was a little
sparse in places and several sections required skis off and walking.
The path emerged onto the track once again. We could have used this to cross
over to the summer track, however we continued on the winter track.
back into the trees and climbing gently crossing several streams. Also added
here were the occasional down hill skinning sections - these would become a
"feature" of the tours around here!
There were occasional markers in the woods, but in general the track was clear. We crossed under the sielbahn wires again.
The fun really began as the woods closed in again. aroudn a fallen tree (managed with skis on)
Then another obstacle that had a no snow downhill turn under a trunk - skis off.
Finally this section of the obstacle course over the trees thinned out and a twisting route curved up the side. opposite I could see the track (on the opposite side of the valley) that the summer route was based on and could not help by wonder how much easier that would have been!
We came out to the edge of the trees, before turning to go towards a col on the right, however to get there there were more downhill sections.
some additional obstacles including a steep slippy turn on a winding path between trees and rocks.
A little easier along the edge of the trees rising to the col. Although there were some more sections of downhill (to impenetrable sections) before we reached it.
Finally up to the col, and the view up the top of the valley ... the hut is along there somewhere.
Beyond the col the track was flat (at best) but mainly slightly downhill. There was very sketchy snow cover.
The snow cover got worse as we continued, even getting to the point where there was more heather and grass than snow, which precluded a removal of the skis and walking.
Finally after a steady drop over the heather we could see the hut and some snow in the bowl below leading to it.
Very much easier along the snow in the bowl leading to the final slope up to the hut.
Arrival at the hut - very relieved to have completed the obstacle course.
Looking back down the valley
And up the valley - the distant peak is tomorrow's target.
Into the hut to register with the guardian and find our room (#4 beds 3,4 & 5) and to drop our bags off. Then down to the day room for tea and snacks. We would meet our room mates later in the evening when they arrived. We also noted that a lot of people were descending the summer route rather than try and go down where we had come up - this gave us better options after our stay.
Dinner was cauliflower soup, lasagne with salad, and fruit yoghurt (I think)
