Kärnten

An challenging tour to the Passo/Forcelle Cristallo is a dream come true for everyone who loves thrilling descents. It begins just above the Schluderbach junction, and the most extensive variant finishes with a descent to Passo Tre Croci. Ascent starts along a shaded, gentle, rocky streambed leading into a grand alpine valley. You exit its narrow confines via a tight corridor through the rocks (on the left, to the north). Afterward, you cross a consistently steep, wide slope heading toward a choke point below the saddle.

Descent: Usually, you follow the same path used for the ascent. A very worthwhile alternative is descending on the south side. First, there’s a very steep section, which often has firn-like snow thanks to the sun. While skiing down the scree slopes, stay to the right, then go between the dwarf pines down to the saddle near Hotel Tre Croci (bus stop).

The ski tour to Piz Buin, the most famous Silvretta mountain in the form of a loaf is quite demanding at the end due to the exposed terrain. At the beginning on the Ochsental glacier from the Wiesbadener Hütte (or Bielerhöhe), at the end through rocky terrain. Depending on the conditions, it is advisable to secure the rope to the tricky rock.

Bishorn seems to be a relatively light 4000, but looks are deceptive. If you include the approach to Cabane Tracuit from Zinal in the ascent, it is quite a long ski tour. From the hut the ascent line leads slightly up the glacier Turtmanngletscher. Directly below the peak on the plateau you have to swap skis for crampons and comfortably climb to the panoramic summit - one of the best in all of Valais. Driving down the northern slope is usually a fantastic enjoyment, the risk of glacier cracks is minimal.