Looking down the Rettenbachferner

On the western edge, directly below the flanks of the Karleskogel, the Rettenbachferner is harmless. No crevasses, and not particularly steep. If it's not icy, you can simply hike down there. However, if you're still high up, don't stray far from the western edge, or you could end up in a crevasse. This used to be a summer ski area, but the receding glaciers have put an end to that, and the ski lifts are now only running in winter. A few lifts in the greater Sölden area are open in summer as well, but for hikers only. And thanks to the ski industry, there is a (toll) road to the large parking area below the Rettenbachferner, and there is a bus service from Sölden. However, it was still early in the day and I felt good, so I didn't take the bus. Instead, I went towards the summit just left of center: the Schwarzkogel (3016m). But before going up again, I had to descend a bit. 1 July 2012.