This was our last day at the hutte, and we needed to end up back down at the
Gasthof this afternoon, the weather was due to turn to snow/ rain
overnight. We could have taken in another peak and then dropped down the
summer route after returning to the hutte and picking up our "extra" loads. One
of the suggested routes was to take in Stanglhohe on the way down, however as we
had fully loaded packs this may be a little too far, however the alternative
descent was to drop down to Manzenkaralm from the Unterer Wildalmsee (where we
had been yesterday).
This would be of more interest than just dropping down
the summer route and would only have a small amount of ascent.
Despite having to clear out the bedroom and load up all our belongings into the
packs, we were ready at the usual 8:30 time. Outside the weather had clouded
over, and it promised to be similar to yesterday.
We set out following the same trail as yesterday, and worked up to the lake on
the circular ascent.
We were on our own as we made the edge of the lake - the other parties had all
chosen different peaks today.
We crossed the lake to a little dip on the Eastern side which gave views down to
the valley beside the hutte. The skies had cleared a little which would
alleviate the flatter light for the start of the descent.
Back across the lake to the Northern edge, where we believed the trace
continued.
We dropped down the far side on a traverse and followed a higher line into the
next bowl.
Down into the bowl and across to the left edge on what looked like the
predominant trail. However looking over the edge I was not happy and called a
stop. We then traipsed back up the soft snow here eventually walking to regain
the lip.
From here we debated what would be the best route to continue. I tried the cols
opposite and slightly left of our position before agreeing with Bryon that the
one sharp left was best. Luckily all this exploration could be done on skis and
no more walking.
The route down involved a drop over an edge and down a steep slope. The other
two took a step backwards when looking for volunteers to go down first. looking
over the edge was a little daunting, but I found a sideslip entrance that
continued over the top of the slope before requiring a turn.
I dropped over the edge and settled after the first turn into some good skiing
down into the bottom of the bowl. The other two followed me down and we
regathered with smiles.
We continued in the same direction over bumps and various patches of soft/ hard/
roughed up and smooth snow.
The slope eased up as we approached Manzenkaralm - a collection of
buildings - and we pulled up gratefully for a break. Now we were on the direct
route from the valley to Stanglhohe.
Looking back at the slope we had just descended, before continuing down the
meadows below the buildings.
The simplest and most fun skiing of the day let down the meadow to the beginning
of the trees below.
The tracks diverted off to the left and over a stream, however we had to find a
crossing that still survived.
We had entered a different phase of the descent - this was going to be through
the patchwork on narrow trails, with precise turns.
This patchwork was highlighted when we had to cross several sections of grass -
luckily there were no stones and we could grass ski them.
Into the denser woods with more of the same patchwork, and defined stream
crossings.
Down onto the track - the documented route continued through the trees, however
it looked even more sparse than what we had just come down. So we stayed on the
track and followed it as it got bare and climbed aroudn a corner.
Around a sharp corner and a section of continuous snow that continued until just
above where we re-joined the ascent track we had used. Here we could put the
skis on again and scoot along around a hairpin, before more bare patches
resulted in walking again.
On/ off/ on/ off all the way down the track until a final section of snow back
to the starting gate.
Skis off for one final time at the gate and a short stroll up the road to the
car park. We put the skis and bags away as well as boots, before stepping into
the Gasthof for a drink.
Sat in the Gasthof we ordered coffee and cola, before asking about soup. The barkeep motioned that there was a menu over the edge of the seat - We pulled up the board and found only the dish of the day - the other board had the soup on it and we did not see it. We ordered Knudles - very stodgy but calories.
I used the WiFi to look for a place to stay for the night - all the local placed were 50 Euro pp, however we found a hotel just outside Munich that was under 30 Euros pp. We were all carrying minor injuries of various degrees and with the "iffy" weather forecast this would give us several alternatives for the next day.
