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A volunteer is sought to assume complete editorial control of the Club’s quarterly Newsletter from the end of 2011, soliciting content, selecting that which is most appropriate, liaising with our proof-reader and interfacing directly with the graphics designer who takes care of layout. If this challenge is of genuine interest to you, please contact the Club Secretary via the AAC(UK) Office for further details.  

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Climbing the Gefrorene-Wand-Spitzen

by Evelyn Dover

Early sun was already slanting across the snowfield above the Olperer Hütte, as four of us crested the moraines and fastened crampons, ready to climb to the Gefrorene-Wand-Spitzen.

Recent snowfalls had left the snow bowl in pristine condition and we kicked good steps straight up the centre to the rim. Referring only to a climbing guide, we were astonished to find the huge and busy ski area of the Hintertux Glacier right in front of us! The café in the dip had not yet opened, so we plugged our way up the edge of the ski piste to the promenade. This terrace of fine snow accommodated a children's play-ground and dozens of people arriving off the mechanical lifts. There were race teams, toddlers, grandparents and all ages in between, mostly in brightly coloured ski wear, a few even in summer skirts and trainers. We carried on to the far end where the standard wooden chair lift and the smart new gondola held the narrow ridge of the mountain in a pincer grip. We dodged the skiers to reach the metal grid staircases leading round the back of the lift. They are awkward in crampons and ended at a nasty slope between the pylons and a sheer drop. We backtracked and the lift attendant kindly supervised our crossing of the double line of moving seats.

A few steps then took us up to the ridge, where the summit cross reared against a brilliant blue sky, looking far more than a mere 42 metres above us. Usually, in summer, the summit ridge would be an airy scramble. On that day, untouched snow coated it thickly, with a cornice like the slick of a soft ice cream. Feeling quite exposed, we roped up and moved carefully over the hidden blocks, until the last 10 metres of crisp snow met the narrow crest at 3288 metres. The sharpness of the light treated us to long views in every direction and we idly wondered if passengers on the lifts had witnessed our ascent. When we looked for our steps from the gondola station a few days later, no one else had used them. Hot soup in the café was welcome after a careful descent. We bounded down the softening snowfield, back to base.

The Gefrorene-Wand-Spitzen is an attractive peak, not a major one, but excellent snow conditions, fine views and the novelty of the access made it a bit special.

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Last updated 04 December 2007