Ski Touring in the Austrian Silvretta
Fantastic Fresh Tracks in Austria's Silvretta Alps
We had affectionately named the area “Softcore Silvretta” before our visit due to the areas reputation for mellow ski touring terrain. Having been there in near perfect conditions it would be better nicknamed “Sensational Silvretta”! We completed a circular route from Ischgl, criss-crossing over the Austrian / Swiss frontier.
Going to the area early season meant that it was very quiet and we didn’t meet anyone who was doing the same journey as ourselves. We used the lift system in Ischgl to give us as a short day to the Heidlberger Hutte. In hindsight it would be much cheaper, and more efficient, to use the skidoo service offered by the hut to get up the valley. However, that would have meant missing out descending in untouched powder as soon as we left the piste. This was a sign of things to come!
The second day took as over the Briete Krone and Piz Faschalba, uncomplicated ski touring peaks that gave us a good warm up for the trip. Again, we could find fresh tracks all the way to the Jamtalhutte. Prior to the trip I had been told of these great Austrian huts (with showers – yes the rumours were true!), but this one could be likened to a giant youth hostel!
