Ski tour Schwalbenwand (north ascent)
Ski tour Schwalbenwand (north ascent)
You follow the now closed road about 100 meters downstream over a bridge. Behind it, leave the road to the right and track across open meadows westward. Keep slightly to the left and reach two huts, then simply follow the wide clearing. Past the Hinterjetzbach hut, it goes uphill. The terrain briefly flattens, and you track past a hay barn before reaching the next open section through light forest. Here you already see the dreamy slopes to the left above. It's best not to approach them directly, but rather at an altitude of 1320 meters in a gentle left curve. Climb up to the forest edge and then master a short section through the forest over a sometimes somewhat uncomfortable steep step. On the following broad ridge, keep left (pole markers) and head southwest. In a left curve, you reach the small Hofer Hochberghütte at 1650 meters. Now it goes along the ridge up to a subpeak, the Brunnkopf (approx. 1920 meters). Further along the broad ridge, it goes up and down to the summit of the Schwalbenwand. The last meters up to the cross are steep and often windblown – depending on conditions, you can also go on foot here. Pay attention to the huge cornices to your left! Prepare for a challenge and enjoy the magnificent views!
9,72 km
03:30 h
1100 m
Path Conditions
From the parking lot, head slightly into the Jetzbachgraben and then right over meadow slopes to the Hinterjetzbachalm and further to the Oberstegalm. Now follow the wooded ridge to the Hofer Hochberghütte and further up to below the Brunnkopf. A short steep climb with several hairpin bends leads to the summit of the Brunnkopf. Most end the route here. The continuation now follows the ridge line to the summit of the Schwalbenwand. Beware of the cornices on the left (east) side.
The descent follows the ascent route over mostly treeless alpine slopes back to the parking lot. A direct variant also leads towards Jetzbachalm over beautiful steep slopes back into the Jetzbachgraben. Beware of the forest belts on the descent. These are very steep.
Alternative:
The Schwalbenwand can also be reached via the Langeck - top station of the Aberg cable car. From the top station, take the summer path to the Statzerhaus at Hundstein, then a short descent and a 5-minute climb to Grünkar. Then always follow the ridge line descending until shortly before the Schönwieskopf and go over the Schönwieskopf to the Schwalbenwand. Beautiful ridge walk with minimal elevation change.
Alternative:
Langeck - Hundstein 1 hour.
Hundstein - Schwalbenwand 2 hours.
