Zischgeles

Overview

Zischgeles is one of the most popular destinations in the northern Stubai Alps (Sellrain Mountains), both in summer and in winter. It offers rewarding views of the Lisenser Fernerkogel (3,299 m), Schoentalspitze (3,008 m), Schrankogel (3,496 m), Grubenwand (3,175 m), and (in the distance) the twin peaks of Oetztaler Wildspitze (3,772 m).

Ski Route

Leaving the car park in Praxmar (1,689 m) and facing west, take the track to the left. The route is well signposted here. The track to the right leads up to the Lampsenspitze (2,875 m), a less demanding neighboring summit.
The track/slope leading up to Zischgeles faces NE. There is a long steep section in the middle (Kamplloch).
About 100 m below the summit, leave your skis and walk up to the top. The final ascent to the summit is not difficult. There is a short cable at one point, just to get over one or two meters of steep rock.
The ascent from Praxmar to the top takes 4 hours. The difference in altitude is 1,315 m.

Going down, beware of hidden rocks!

Summer Route

Start at Praxmar and follow the signposted trail. The summer route is different from the winter route. The former leads through the Sattelloch further north (see map among 'More "Summer Route" photos/images': summer route purple - winter route blue).
The ascent is easy and takes 3 to 4 hours. The difference in altitude is 1,315 m.

Getting There

By car: Innsbruck – motorway A 12 – exit Sellrain/Kematen – Gries/Sellrain (turn left into the Lisenstal) – Praxmar (1,689 m) - car park

Have €3.- change ready for parking (slot-machine).

By public bus: timetable

Accommodation

Alpengasthof Praxmar - reasonably priced and said to be good value for money

If you are staying at the Westfalenhaus (2,273 m) you could make a very early start, go down to Luesens (1,639 m), and up again to Praxmar (1,689 m). You have probably parked your car in the parking-lot in Luesens anyway. The Westfalenhaus is the starting point for a number of rewarding summits: Laengentaler Weisser Kogel (3,218 m), Hoher Seeblaskogel (3,235 m), Winnebacher Weisskogel (3,185 m), Schoentalspitze (3,008 m), and Vordere Grubenwand (3,165 m).
To get from Luesens to the Westfalenhaus, take the same route into the Laengental as to Hoher Seeblaskogel until you have passed the hut, which is then situated 100 to 200 meters above you (see ski route to Hoher Seeblaskogel). Then turn sharply right and ascend steeply "back" to the hut. Follow the signpost "Westfalenhaus Winterweg" (winter route). Do NOT use the summer route ("Sommerweg", as it is signposted) because there is danger of avalanches.
The ascent from Luesens to the Westfalenhaus takes 2 hours. The difference in altitude is 634 m.

Online Maps

Austrian Map online
Online digital maps of Austria (OEK 50, OEK 200 and OEK 500) by the BEV (Bundesamt für Eich- und Vermessungswesen) - in German

When To Climb

December - April, July - September

Mountain Conditions

Weather

Current avalanche conditions

External Links

Ski route
Map and photos showing the route

Images

View Zischgeles Image Gallery - 21 Images