Approach
Starting point is
Blaueishütte, 1680m, which can be reached from Ramsau or Hintersee in less than 3 hours (see
main page).
Route Description
From
Blaueishütte south towards the glacier. Close to the big blocks, after passing the foundation-walls of the old hut, that was destroyed by an avalanche, turn right (westward) to the scree, that comes down from the deepest notch in the ridge, that connects Kleinkalter, Rotpalfen and Schärtenwand. The notch is finally reached over a slab offering best handholds (difficulty UIAA II). The place on top is called "Schöner Fleck" (="beautiful place"). Follow the broad ridge southward through rocks and a groove. Climbing a shelf (UIAA II) and forward passing Rotpalfen (Wasserwandkopf, 2367m) and Kleinkalter (2513m) through the Kleinkalterscharte (notch of Kleinkalter) to the summit of Hochkalter (3-4 hours from Blaueishütte).
The route is marked with red spots.
Back on the same route or
descending Ofental to
Hintersee (another 4-5 hours, so the route will take a whole day).
Essential Gear
For beginners a rope is useful (to reach the notch). Experienced mountaineers don't need a rope.
The route offers fantastic views down to the glacier and far to the central alps.