This route is rated in the easy difficulty grades.
SAFETY ON THE VIA FERRATA
The Austrian Alpine Club has formulated 10 recommendations for via ferrata climbing to increase safety:
Plan carefully
Adapt the route to your personal abilities
Use complete, standard-compliant equipment
Do not start if there is a risk of thunderstorms
Critically check the wire cable and anchors
Partner check at the start
Keep sufficient distances
Clear communication when overtaking
Beware of falling rocks
Respect nature and the environment
First aid
Whether sport climbing or via ferrata route, always carry first aid equipment and a fully charged mobile phone!
Emergency numbers
140 – Mountain Rescue – Alpine emergency
112 – European emergency number (works with any mobile phone & in any available network)
Depending on the climbing route, appropriate equipment such as breathable and weather-appropriate outdoor clothing, helmet, climbing harness with via ferrata set, via ferrata gloves, and suitable footwear are required.
This route is rated in the easy difficulty grades. The lower section has a medium difficulty of A/B and leads to a wide meadow. From there, it continues on a narrow path to a fork. The right route is especially suitable for beginners and children (A/B), while the left variant leads in an airy and scenic climb to the distinctive rock pillar directly to Hohe Mut (C).
Access:
Take the Hohe Mut cable car from the center of Gurgl up to the middle station. From there, follow the forest road for about 15 minutes until a path branches off to the left. Following this path, after a few minutes, you turn right to the start of the via ferrata. It is recommended to put on your via ferrata equipment at this junction to avoid delays for other climbers at the start. The access path to the via ferrata is clearly signposted. Total walking time from the Hohe Mut middle station is 45 minutes.
Access without cable car: If the cable car is closed, it is possible to hike from Gurgl center to the via ferrata start (approx. 1:15 hours). It is also possible to ride an (E)-bike up to the Hohe Mut middle station (approx. 30 min) and then hike to the start from there.
Opening hours: www.gurgl.com/sommer
Descent:
Marked paths lead from the exit of both via ferrata variants to the Hohe Mut cable car mountain station. From the easier right variant, you ascend a few meters in height in about 15 minutes to the Hohe Mut cable car mountain station. The exit of the more difficult left variant is already near the Hohe Mut cable car mountain station.
The return to the valley is ideally by cable car directly back to the center of Gurgl. There is a place to eat at the Hohe Mut Alm directly next to the mountain station of the Hohe Mut cable car.
Descent without cable car: From the via ferrata exit, follow the signs back to the center of Gurgl. The path through the stone pine forest is recommended; walking time: 1.5 hours.
PLACES TO EAT: The Hohe Mut Alm offers catering and is located directly next to the mountain station of the Hohe Mut cable car. Other resting options are available on foot towards the town center, such as the Schönwieshütte or the Zirben Alm.
Opening hours: www.gurgl.com/sommer
Travel comfortably and safely by train to the Ötztal train station. The final stop or exit point is the ÖTZTAL station. Afterwards, you can conveniently and quickly travel through the entire valley to your desired destination using public transport or local taxi companies. The current bus schedule is available at: http://fahrplan.vvt.at
In Gurgl, the following parking options are available: