Great alpine ski tour in the Stubai Alps with access from the Ötztal Valley
The tour starts at the large parking lot at the edge of Niederthai. From there, follow the Horlachbach stream into the valley – whether you choose the toboggan run or the path along the cross-country ski trail doesn't matter, as the two trails converge again. (Tip: In spring, the snow conditions on the cross-country ski trail are usually even better.)
After passing the Larstighöfe farms, you'll reach a bridge after a while. Here, turn right and climb up the forest path to the Schweinfurter Hütte, which is already visible.
You walk past the Schweinfurter Hütte, turn southeast, and enter the Zwieselbachtal valley. The direction is clearly marked here. First heading southeast, then south, the trail alternates between flat terrain and short steep climbs into the valley.
At approximately 2,700 meters, you reach the edge of the Zwiselbachferner glacier. With your destination already in sight, you finally have to climb a slightly steeper climb to the Zwiselbachjoch.
The descent is essentially the same as the ascent route. From the Schweinfurter Hütte, you can choose between the toboggan run or the free descent to the small bridge. From here, choose one of the paths you know from the ascent back to the parking lot.
There's more to it
If you still have energy and time at the top, you can continue climbing to the Breiter Grießkogel, at 3,287 meters, a fantastic mountain for touring and offering fantastic views. If you choose the additional ascent, experienced skiers can opt for the shorter and, above all, direct descent over the Grastalferner and through the Grastal valley. This option offers beautiful, yet steep, downhill slopes.
| If your destination is the Breite Grieskogel and not the Zwiselbachjoch, there are shorter ascent options. BUT, in somewhat uncertain avalanche conditions, the route via the Zwieselbachtal from Niederthai is objectively the safest ascent. |
Ascent times:
| Niederthai - Schweinfurter Hütte | 2 h |
| Schweinfurter Hütte - Zwiselbachjoch | 2.75 h |
| Zwieselbachjoch - Breiter Grieskogel | 1.25 h |