Schrankarkopf 3254m Längenfeld/Gries

From the hut, descend into the Sulze and head south down the valley. Shortly before the valley end, the ascent routes branch off and we keep left heading east, ascending over ideal ski terrain into the Schwarzenberg valley. Up several terrain steps and briefly flatter on the last steep section before the Schwarzenbergferner. This is best overcome on the right and then crossing back under the visible ice breaks into the middle of the glacier. In a wide left bend, still slightly ascending, into the wide upper glacier basin between Schrankogel and Wildgratspitze. Further northwest exactly towards the beautifully shaped firn summit north of the Schrankogel, and in wide hairpin turns in the end, over the nicest ski terrain, to the highest point.

Recommended ski touring equipment

The "normal ski touring equipment" consists of touring skis with touring bindings, telescopic poles, climbing skins, crampons, digital avalanche transceiver, avalanche shovel, avalanche probe, first aid kit, and a mobile phone. A "complete glacier equipment" consists of harness, two differently sized prusik loops or ascenders, two HMS carabiners, ice axe, crampons, and a rope. A backpack with appropriate contents must be carried, including spare clothing, sun protection, cold protection, provisions, and enough to drink! For hut overnight stays, do not forget hygiene articles and a hut sleeping bag!

DIFFICULTY RATING

Easy: Easy, short to moderately long routes with ascents not exceeding 25° or only briefly.

Medium: Medium difficulty, moderately long to long routes with ascents not exceeding 35° or only briefly.

Difficult: Difficult, long to very long routes with ascents reaching 40° or more, and climbing sections up to grade II (UIAA).

Safety notice

Please observe the current snow and avalanche report for the coming days: https://lawinen.report/bulletin/latest

Avalanche danger scale

1 (LOW) An avalanche release is only possible with a large additional load on very few, extreme steep slopes. No spontaneous avalanches (so-called slides) are expected. Generally safe conditions.

2 (MODERATE) An avalanche release is likely with a large additional load especially on the indicated steep slopes. Larger avalanches are not expected. The snowpack is generally well consolidated, except at some steep slopes. Careful route choice at the indicated steep slopes and slope exposures.

3 (CONSIDERABLE) An avalanche release is already likely at a low additional load especially on the indicated steep slopes. Occasionally, some medium, occasionally also large avalanches are possible spontaneously. The snowpack is only moderately to weakly consolidated on many steep slopes. Experience in avalanche assessment is necessary. Avoid the indicated steep slopes and slope exposures as much as possible.

4 (HIGH) An avalanche release is already possible at a low additional load especially on the indicated steep slopes. Occasionally, many medium and sometimes large avalanches occur. On many steep slopes, the snowpack is only weakly consolidated. Route selection should be limited to moderately steep terrain and avalanche runout areas must be considered. Much experience in avalanche assessment is necessary.

5 (VERY HIGH) Numerous large avalanches, even in moderately steep terrain, are expected spontaneously. At this warning level, safe operation is no longer possible in ski areas. The snowpack is generally weakly consolidated and unstable. Avoid tours is recommended.

See also at lawine.tirol.gv.at

 The car journey to ÖTZTAL

Traveling by car leads visitors through the Inn valley to the entrance of the valley and further along the Ötztal. Besides the toll highway, country roads can also be used. With the route planner, your trip can be planned quickly and conveniently. To the route planner: https://www.google.at/maps

Travel comfortably and safely by train. The final stop or exit point is ÖTZTAL train station. Afterwards, you can conveniently and quickly travel by public transport or local taxis through the entire valley to your desired destination.
The current bus schedule is available at: http://fahrplan.vvt.at

Following parking options are available in Gries:

Gries at the end of the village – paid parking

Since the ascent is well visible and technically quite uncomplicated, the Schrankarkopf is one of the most frequently climbed peaks in the Schwarzenbergferner catchment area. The positive framework conditions allow a relatively safe ascent even in midwinter. However, dangerous snow slabs can easily build up in the ridge area, especially after windy, westerly weather situations. The safest option here is to be on the route in spring under safe firn conditions.

Ski Touring Rules

 Please observe the applicable regulations (e.g., wildlife protection areas, hunting closure zones, reforestation areas, information boards, etc.) during all activities in nature and when selecting your routes.

Respect quiet zones for wildlife and avoid feeding areas and loud noises.

Cross forest areas in winter preferably only on designated paths and routes; animals react very panically to untraceable noise.

Recognize wildlife habitats, avoid animals if possible. Observe wildlife only from a distance. Dogs must be kept on a leash; it is absolutely irresponsible to let dogs run free in the forest during the winter emergency period.

Proper time planning: start early enough and return before darkness falls. In spring, you should be back at the hut by midday (avalanche danger).

Never ski through reforestation and young growth areas.

Ötztal Tourism assumes no liability for the listed tours and recommends taking a mountain guide.
Before starting a tour, inform locals in the valley about your destination and estimated return time. Carrying an avalanche transceiver is strongly recommended.