Easy ski touring.
A gentle introduction.

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.

With just 350 vertical metres of ascent from the lift, the Königsjoch is an ideal introduction to ski touring. We start in Hochgurgl or take the lifts to the Top Mountain Star, then ski down about 500 vertical metres into the Königstal. From there, we climb through open terrain past the old customs house to the Königsjoch. From the pass, we look out over the surrounding peaks of the Ötztal Alps and South Tyrol.

In suitable conditions, we ski down through the Königstal to the hamlet of Poschach at 1,850 m. The long descent and relatively short climb make the Königsjoch the most descent-focused ski tour in the upper Ötztal.

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 hours.