A fourth clear day, however change would be on its way as there were cirrus clouds and the aeroplane trails were being spread by upper atmosphere winds. We chose to return to one of the classic routes in the area and climb Sattelberg - a peak overlooking the Brenner pass that used to have ski infrastructure. The climb starts under the motorway and ascends to the Sattleberg Alm (the old ski restaurant) then after a sharp turn, up to the summit.
Another sharp frost overnight, and it was chilly getting ready under the motorway viaduct. (remember to stop on the way in to the car park to collect a ticket - cards accepted - since it is a walk back down to the only machine if you forget!).
The lower meadows were only sparsely covered and we walked over the frozen ground towards the snow/ ice. Luckily a kind farmer encouraged us to use the road through his farm to avoid the lower part.
Skis on and across to the path - this was sheet ice. Luckily there was a very narrow section at the side where you could get some traction.
Around the corner and the track widened, but still the only viable route was up the side (or walking up some frozen grass).
After a gap in the trees the next meadow was a complete opposite - open to the sun this had largely melted, and what was left was frozen solid.
A thin trail remained that could be used to cross the debris and make it to the next gap in the trees.
The swathe above was very piste like and much easier to ascend, there was even some sun to allow us to warm up.
This swathe continued climbing at a gentle rate following the power lines.
Up to a crest on the skyline, where the slope slackened off.
This was the shoulder that centred around the Sattlebergalm, from which the next section climbed steeply.
We took the righthand of two routes and climbed steeply, first on the left side before crossing over to the right.
After the initial very steep section, the trail continued with a more moderate angle.
As teh trees on each side thinned out, we began to see the skyline and the bumps around the summit (this was still hidden slightly by these)
Leaving the trees behind the slope opened out fully and on the skyline was the cross at the summit.
The final slope up to the top was scoured smooth by the skiers and the wind. As we got closer we were more exposed to a fierce wind that the ridge had protected us from during the ascent.
looking West along the obernbergtal ridge
Back down along the Brenner valley.
Leaving the skis at the cross we walked along to the true summit. However we did not linger long here buffeted as it was by the Froen wind.
back at the skis and a quick transformation ready for downhill, and a photo.
Then over the side and down - this was just like a piste, since it had been skied so much by those before us. The Spring like conditions made for great skiing.
Down the same slopes as we ascended and back to the Alm. We then cut over the swathe along the powerline before stopping at a convenient log pile for lunch.
The upper part of the swathe was just like the summit section - very good skiing.
Then onto the patch work through the meadows. luckily this had softened somewhat with the sun, and we could make it along the narrow trace without issue.
The final icy section (more like bobsled run!) was negotiated with a long, semi controlled, sideslip. Finally over the field and back to the car.
