After checking out the southern orientated slopes yesterday, we looked to repeat the exercise on the northern slopes. We chose to repeat a route we had done a couple of years ago, this wound through the forest to Birgitzer Alm from the north, then over the slopes to the Birgitzköpfl.
The skies were clear and the overnight freeze had been hard. We dropped down to pick up the car and drove around to Axams. We made a mistake and joined the Brenner motorway a stop too soon and had to pay the toll (luckily just the minor adjustment as we were going downhill!).
Then across the slope from Mutters to Götzens, then Axams.
Driving up the approach road to Axamer Lizum ski area until we reach the parking spaces just above Adelshof. (more parking meters - these take cards).
We then set off up the forest road following the signs to Birgitzer Alm.
The road is sheet ice with large bare patches. The only way is to walk along the edges avoiding the slippery sections.
We continued along the track to the first Hairpin, looking for a footpath into the trees that we had used last time.
Between two hairpins we found the path, but had to still walk as it was not complete.
The path came out at a secondary forest track (luckily this was more complete and we could put the skis on at last)
The path continued on the opposite side and a "train track" sliver of snow continued through the trees.
The track widened as it turned back towards the track.
Over the track and onto a wide swath of snow - the end of the forest path and the beginning of a series of meadows.
Up the swathe on a direct route crossed by the track at several points.
Each crossing of the road involved a step down and climb back up the far side.
The final road crossing and up to the Alm above.
Reaching the alm and over the driveway to reach the upper meadows.
We had been in the full glare of the sun up the swathe, but now it got even more intense.
The upper meadows crosses a tundra of isolated trees - the last time we were here the wind blew across it fiercely.
The slope was a gentle climbing up rounded humps gradually gaining height.
The summit of Birgitzköpfl eventually appears with its huge cross.
At the cross we chose not to continue to the lift station at Birgitzköpflhaus, as it would involve a short descent and further climb each way.
Looking over to teh ski area of Axamer Lizum, watching the trams going up and down.
Down towards Innsbruck.
We stopped and enjoyed the sunshine on the top before getting ready for the descent. This was over hard paced snow and deep ridges from previous skiers.
Very quickly back down to the Alm
Then down the swathe with almost piste like conditions.
Over the multiple road crossings
And down tot eh forest edge, where the single track fun began.
Down the "train track" route back to the forest road.
A short section along the forest road before we could try the path again. This however was not good to descend carrying skis so we returned to the road.
A walk back along the icy road (slightly better than this morning due to the melting), but still treacherous.
back at the car and some additional refreshment as well as shade from the sun, then back to the apartment.
