Similaun 3,606 m

Avalanche danger scale

1 (LOW)

An avalanche release is only possible with high additional load on very few, extreme steep slopes. Spontaneous avalanches (so-called slides) are not expected. Generally safe conditions.

2 (MODERATE)

An avalanche release is probable with high additional load especially on the indicated steep slopes. Larger avalanches are not expected. The snow cover is generally well consolidated, except on some steep slopes. Careful route selection at the specified steep slopes and aspects.

3 (CONSIDERABLE)

An avalanche release is already probable with low additional load mainly on the indicated steep slopes. Occasionally some medium, rarely also large avalanches are possible spontaneously. The snow cover is only moderately to weakly consolidated on many steep slopes. Experience in avalanche assessment is necessary. Avoid the specified steep slopes and aspects as much as possible.

4 (HIGH)

An avalanche release is already possible with low additional load mainly on the indicated steep slopes. Occasionally many medium and several large avalanches occur. On many steep slopes, the snow cover is only weakly consolidated. Route choice should be limited to moderately steep terrain and avalanche run-out areas should be observed. Much experience in avalanche assessment is necessary.

5 (VERY HIGH)

Spontaneous numerous large avalanches, even in moderately steep terrain, are to be expected. At this warning level, safe operation in ski areas is no longer possible. The snow cover is generally weakly consolidated and unstable. Avoid touring.

See also at lawine.tirol.gv.at

Ski touring rules

Observe the applicable regulations during all activities in nature and when choosing your route (e.g., wildlife protection areas, hunting restricted areas, reforestation zones, information boards, etc.)

Respect quiet zones for wildlife and avoid feeding stations as well as loud noise.

In winter, cross forest areas only on designated paths and routes, as animals react very panically to unlocatable noise.

Recognize the habitats of wild animals and avoid them if possible. Observe wildlife only from a distance. Dogs brought along must be kept on a leash; it is absolutely irresponsible to let dogs run freely in the forest during the winter emergency period.

Plan your time well: Start early enough and return before dusk. In spring, you should be back at the hut by midday (avalanche danger).

Never ski through reforestation and young forest areas.

Ötztal Tourism accepts no liability for the mentioned routes and recommends carrying a mountain guide. Glacier crossings are only possible with a rope and in a group.

Before starting a tour, inform people in the valley of your destination and expected return time. Carrying an avalanche transceiver is strongly recommended.

More information about ski touring in the Ötztal: https://www.oetztal.com/skitouren

The Similaun 3,606 m is probably the most popular ski touring destination in the area of the Martin Busch Hut, partly because the summit has a well-known name and partly because the tour is only slightly avalanche-prone, provided you stick to the ascent route during the descent. However, if you choose the more direct, northern, and thus more rewarding ski route down the Niederjochferner into the valley, favorable avalanche conditions should prevail. In this case, many also choose the same ascent. Here, the classic, very pleasant, and objectively safer ascent past the Niederjoch is presented. This leads largely without problems to the foot of the northwest ridge, from where, under good snow conditions, you can continue climbing some meters with skis on your feet. Only the last few meters you have to switch to bootpacking on the relatively easy NW ridge, depending on snow conditions, with or without crampons. In case of problematic avalanche conditions, stick to the ascent route during the descent. If you assess the conditions as favorable, the descent over the northern arm of the Niederjochferner is recommended. However, here too, you only reach slightly steeper terrain in places. With sufficient snow cover and good visibility, the crevasse danger on the Niederjochferner can be rated as low. Nevertheless, in high alpine terrain, it is always advisable to carry appropriate alpinism equipment.