Discover the hidden Tonigenkogel in the Ötztal Valley with us
The tour begins at the large (free) parking lot at the edge of Gries im Sulztal. From there, follow the road/toboggan run towards the Amberger Hütte.
You can shorten the route by taking several paths through clearings. After about an hour's walk, you'll see the Sulztalalm (1,894 m). Shortly before reaching it, you'll pass a small chapel/wayside shrine. Continue a few more meters until you reach the bridge over the Fischbach stream. Turn right there and ascend briefly across an open area.
Shortly after, you'll pass a hunting lodge. From there, the trail climbs steeply through a forest towards the Sulzkar cirque. (The trail may be somewhat obstructed).
Once you have overcome this first steep section, you will reach the extensive Sulzkar cirque. There, keep to the right, ascend alongside a centrally located peak (Oppen, 2,208 m), and reach the next level of the cirque. The tour continues across this cirque, where you tackle the gentle ascent to the right, up to approximately 2,430 m.
At this point, turn sharply left (south) and head towards the steep cirque basin. The path leads up this basin in several switchbacks, where you reach the former glacial basin of the Muschenferner. From here, head towards the cirque to the southwest, which becomes increasingly steep and narrow (very steep!).
A few more switchbacks await you on the way towards the col. The uppermost section is very steep. Here it is advisable to shoulder your skis and walk through the gully. The summit is then reached via the snow ridge. The descent follows the ascent route to the end of the Sulzkar cirque. When descending through the steep forest, you have the option of following the ascent track or skiing down a gully ("die Treien") to the far right below the rocks. You should absolutely avoid skiing in the middle section of the forest, as it is riddled with numerous rock steps and not only poses a risk of falling but also leads to a dead end. Important notes: This ski tour has several steep sections. Absolutely safe avalanche conditions are essential! The tour can also be undertaken in mid-winter under safe conditions.