Easy ski touring

The route leads from Obergurgl into the quiet Ferwall Valley. Using the Festkogel lift saves approximately 500 vertical metres of piste ascent and starts the day with a 200-metre descent before the climb towards the pass.

The Ferwalljoch is an excellent objective for ski-touring newcomers. The full ascent from Obergurgl takes around four and a half to five hours; starting from the lift reduces it to approximately three and a half hours.

We can start in Hochgurgl or use the lifts to the Top Mountain Star and begin with a 500-metre descent into the Königstal. From there, the route passes the old customs house and continues through open terrain towards the Königsjoch.

The Königsjoch itself is an attractive introductory objective with around 500 vertical metres of ascent from the lift. In suitable conditions, the descent can continue through the valley towards the hamlet of Poschach.

Schönwieskopf itself is a modest rise above the Schönwies Hut and can be reached from there without difficulty. Our approach through the Gurgler Gorge and the open stone-pine forests beyond is exceptionally scenic and makes this tour a special experience.

The views down to Obergurgl and into the Rotmoos Valley are beautiful. This is an ideal tour for ski-touring beginners, as well as for relaxed ski tourers who value the landscape and the experience as much as the summit.

It is rewarding even on days with unsettled weather. The tour is also suitable for confident piste skiers without off-piste experience, as the descent can follow the winter track from the Schönwies Hut if required.