Stage 12

Martin-Busch-Hütte (2501 m) - Similaunhütte (3017 m)

Information:
Route:	steep path
Requirements:	surefootedness; red mountain trail
Difficulties:	none
Equipment:	standard hiking equipment
Walking time:	approx. 2 hrs.
Changes in elevation:	approx. 500 meters climbing
Highest point:	3017 m
Distance:	approx. 4.5 km
Lodging, refreshment stops:	Martin-Busch-Hütte, Similaunhütte
Access/Exit points:	from Vent through Niedertal to Martin-Busch-Hütte (approx. 2 ½ hrs. up and 2 hrs. down) Tip of the day: Similaun (3599m); from Similaunhütte (approx. 2 ½ hrs. up and 1½ hrs. down); glacier tour, surefootedness, good head for heights, high alpine experience required; rope on the glacier (crevasses) and along the ridge; usually icepick and crampons; black mountain trail; guide recommended

A Side-Trip to South Tirol

Similaunhütte, a privately-owned refuge, is located at 3017 meters above sea level, on the South Tirolean side of Niederjoch, a mountain pass between Tirol's Ötztal and South Tirol's Schnalstal. Similaunhütte and Similaun owe their fame to the Iceman, also called Similaun Man, who was discovered in 1991, eroding out of the glacier on Tisenjoch (about 1 ¼ hrs. walk from the hut). Many know the lodge also from the annual Large Trek during which thousands of sheep are driven from Schnalstal to the pastures in Niedertal and back. On their way the animals and shepherds walk past Similaunhütte. The tour from Martin-Busch- Hütte to Similaunhütte leads along River Niederjochbach into Niedertal. The trail then climbs gently through moraines. From Seibach River you stay on the moraine ridge all the way to "Bild". After "Bild" the trail continues without much elevation change to the glacier. Until 2008 hikers had to cross Niederjochferner, since 2008 there is a new trail circumventing it. This blazed trail leads west of Niederjochferner to Similaunhütte. The last section of this trail is rather steep.

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