Handschuhspitzen

Overview

Handschuhspitzen are called some four or five peaks marking the end of the eastnortheast ridge of Wannig. It’s a strange denomination - gloves peaks – and I have no clue where this name comes from.

Marienbergjoch is located northwest of the summit, Wannig to the west. Handschuhspitzen show a near perpendicular and impressive rock face down to northern Bergltal cirque whereas the steep south slopes drop down to the Nassereith – Obsteig valley, a hanging valley north of Inntal valley.

Funnily enough the summit cross of Handschuspitzen is located on the lowest of these peaks (2319 m). But this is the only peak which can be seen from the valley ground. The other peaks (2349 m to 2397 m) are hidden behind the northern Bergltal ridge.

Being mainly a summer and autumn hike, Handschuhspitzen are an easy hike on a good and marked trail via Marienbergjoch and Unterer Schafkopf, a meadow bump in the eastnortheast ridge of Handschuhspitzen. The traverse to Wannig summit is a bit more challenging but not difficult.

A steep ski route leads up the south slopes to the summits, this outing needs a very good snow cover and avalanche – secure conditions.

Getting There

Northern trailheads by car:

From Füssen / Reutte direction follow highway A7 and then road number 179 to the exit Biberwier. Go on L71 and park immediately after the exit at Weißensee parking area or go on for some 100 meters to the parking area of Marienbergjoch cable car.

From the Innbruck and Imst / Landeck region leave highway A 12 (toll road) at the exit Imst / Pitztal and follow road 171 to Imst. Go straight on road 189 to Nassereith and on road 179 via Fernpass to the exit Biberwier and the trailheads.

From Munich area follow highway A95 to its end. Continue on road B2 to Garmisch and on road B23 / 187 to Ehrwald. Follow road L391 to Biberwier and road L71 to the trailheads.

The southern trailhead can be reached from Nassereith or Obermieming on road 189. At Obsteig use a road to parking area Arzkasten (indicated). Use exit Mötz (coming from Innsbruck area) or exit Imst / Pitztal (coming from Landeck area) of highway A 12 to reach this trailhead.

Public transportation:

Next railroad stations for the northern trailheads are Ehrwald/Zugspitzbahn or Lermoos. This is the “Außerfernbahn”, connecting Garmisch-Partenkirchen (and so Munich or Innsbruck, too) to Reutte.

Bus number 1 or 7 go from Lermoos or Ehrwald to Biberwier / Marienbergjoch cablecar.

Routes Overview

Routes to Handschuhspitzen:

Weißensee trailhead – Alplsteig to Sunnalm mountain inn – Marienbergjoch – trail to Handschuhspitzen via Unterer Schafkopf.

Marienbergjoch can be reached, too, from the Marienbergjoch valley station (parking area above the village of Biberwier) via the supply road or the ski run. In summer and autumn you can use the first section of the cable car to shorten the ascent a bit.

From the southern trailhead at Arzkasten / Obsteig a trail on the east side of Roßbach valley or a forest road on the west side of that valley leads you up to Marienbergalm and to Marienbergjoch.

Between Wannig and Handschuhspitzen there is a marked traverse trail.

Red Tape & Accommodation

No red tape.

Accommodation can be found at:

Ehrwald

Lermoos

Biberwier

Nassereith

Obsteig

Mountain huts:

Sunnalm (only food and drinks)

Marienbergalm (overnight stay possible)

Gear & Mounatin Condition

Handschuhspitzen are a late spring, summer and autumn outing. You need hiking gear. The traverse to or from Hochwannig requires some easy rock scrambling.

In winter and early spring with sufficient snow the south slope of Handschuhspitzen offer a steep ski route. This is no beginners route. Full avalanche gear is required and a good ski technique for the ascent and downhill likewise.

You find the Tirol avalanche bulletin here.

Weather condition:

Biberwier:

Marienbergjoch:

Weather on Wannig summit:

Map

Alpenvereinskarte, number 4/1

Wetterstein- und Mieminger Gebirge West

Scale 1 : 25000, with trails, UTM grid