UKC

Hi. Trying to find some info on Austrian/Tirol ice destinations for Feb.
Lots of wee snippets but still none the wiser tbh.
Anyone been? Wheres good? Is late Feb do-able...?
Any info very gratefully rec'd.
Bruce

In reply to Hay: If you can track down this http://www.versantesud.it/INGLESE/dettaglio.asp?id=139 it should give you some good ideas.

In reply to Hay:

Hi Bruce,

I was born and raised in Munich, but I haven't done any ice-climbing in the Austrian Alps for several years. Obviously the big thing there is ski-touring - ice-climbing is a niche sport in Austria. The classical destinations are the Taschach-Tal (several ice-falls lined up, beautiful, plus the option to take the gondola up to the Pitztal Glacier and do overhanging walls on ice caves) or Rauris (Salzburger Land, never been there, but quite famous).
Also the Sellrain Valley has a few really nice ice falls (can be combined with Taschach Valley if you have a car).
The Taschach-Haus has a comfortable winter room (unmanned, but almost like a hotel).
February is generally the coldest month, so it should be okay. At least it was okay before climate change kicked in - now you never know.
Good luck!
Florian

In reply to Hay:

I live in Tirol and there is a lot of ice climbing to be had all over.

The main areas are, Zillertal, Stubeital, Ötztal, Pitztal and Kaunertal. There is a great guide book for Tirol but it's in German (no surprise there), although Maps topos and grade can all be understood.

Here is a link: http://www.alpinverlag.at/buecher/eiskletterntirol/eiskletterntirol.html

Here are a couple of links to a useful site:

http://www.climbers-paradise.com/klettern/eisklettern/

and here is a guide for Kaunertal in English and German.

http://www.kaunertal.com/xxl/kaunertal/de/k_eisklettern/_id/1268898/index.h...

Yours,

Neil NT

In reply to neilnt:
Thanks to everyone for the hints and links.
Looks a winner to me!
Bruce

In reply to Hay:Hi I`ve been ice climbing in the Pitzal valley area 4/5 times. there are a couple of small gorges in the valley,(two minute walk-ins)one up at the ski carpark at Mittelberg and one lower down ,single pitch with chains in place for belay/abseil mostly w2-w4 great for beginners or just getting your confidence back in on ice. the tourist office in St Leonhard used to sell a small pamphlet guide(in german). there are numerous more multipitch climbs in the valley with slightly longer walk-ins.The next valley along at oetz about an hours drive is also a good base for climbs near kuhtal- several 2/3 pitch climbs with half hour walks. My climbing partner spoke German so you need to get hold of guide book and do some careful translation beforehand if not.