Schafgrübler 2921 m – Horntalerspitze – Ski tour from the Franz-Senn-Hütte, Stubai Alps

The second ski route to Schafgrübler (2921 m) leads via Horntaler Spitze (2863 m) and the connecting ridge between the two summits. This links two objectives above Alpeiner Alm; the reward is the broad south- and south-east-facing slopes of Horntal, which often give spring corn snow. The ridge is exposed and at times corniced – this variant is therefore more demanding than the route via Horntaler Joch and is suitable only for experienced ski mountaineers in safe conditions.

Ascent: From the hut, ski a short way down to Alpeiner Alm (2042 m), then climb the slopes to the level of the summer path to Starkenburger Hütte. Now keep left of the rock band that divides Horntal in two, into level ground. After a few hundred metres, turn right onto a ridge and climb an extremely steep step to the terrace at around 2720 m. Follow this westwards to below the summit slope of Horntaler Spitze and climb it, in places very steeply, to the summit. Less steep alternative from Alpeiner Alm: follow the small path north-east to point 2086 m, through the “Blechner” to about 2410 m, then up-valley to 2570 m and north-west over point 2838 m, finally at around 35°, to the broad ridge; from there the summit is reached without difficulty.

Summit: From Horntaler Spitze descend to the saddle towards Schafgrübler (ski depot), then follow the exposed ridge, often corniced, to the summit. Crampons and an ice axe are usually useful here; anyone unable to judge the cornice situation with confidence should be content with Horntaler Spitze.

Descent: Return to the saddle and descend by the ascent route: the summit slope of Horntaler Spitze, the terrace, the steep step and the slopes of Horntal to Alpeiner Alm; from there a short re-ascent leads back to the hut. In corn snow, the south- and south-east-facing slopes below Horntaler Spitze, at 30 to 35°, are particularly worthwhile.

Notes: Around 870 metres of ascent, 3 to 3½ hours ascent. No glacier equipment; ski crampons, crampons and ice axe for the steep step and ridge. South to south-east aspect in Horntal; cornice danger on the ridge. Best period January to April, especially with spring corn snow.

Descent: skis, rock

Route description

Franz-Senn-Hütte → Alpeinalm0,8 km · WSi

Descend directly from the hut to the Alpein Alm.
Von Alpein ins äußere Horntal2,0 km · ZSi

Von der Alm über die nach Südost gerichteten Hänge aufwärts, bis man die Höhe des Stubaier Höhenweges zur Starkenburger Hütte erreicht (2280m). Nun rechts des Felsriegels, der das Horntal in zwei Hälften teilt. Auf 2500m erreicht man einen ebene Stelle.
zum SW Grat des Schafgrüblers1,4 km · ZSi

Richtung Westsüdwesten, kupiertes Gelände ausnutzend, zu den kurzen, aber steilen Aufschwüngen unterhalb des Grates, der Schafgrübler und Horntalerspitze verbindet. Über diese wird der Grat erreicht.
→ Schafgrübler0,3 km · ZSi

Über den Grat, teils über sehr steile, großteils nordostseitige Hänge zum Ostgrat und über diesen zum höchsten Punkt (rund 100 Höhenmeter). Je nach Schneelage bleiben die Ski am Joch; der Grat verlangt Trittsicherheit und stellenweise den Einsatz der Hände. Die Aussicht ist dem freistehenden Gipfel entsprechend weit.