Enjoyable, untouched ski tour with lots of sun in the rear Schmirntal valley to the Maderalm. If the conditions are right, you can also ascend to the Scheibenspitze (2,492) over very steep terrain. Great downhill options over wide alpine slopes and sparse larch forests.
The tour begins shortly before the hamlet of Ladins in the rear Schmirntal valley on the left-hand side directly next to the road. The route initially goes upwards across a field, which soon turns into a wide former avalanche track. As the terrain becomes steeper, you change into a beautifully maintained larch forest. Against the wild backdrop of the end of the Kaser valley, you finally reach the picturesque Mader-Ochsenalm after a long stretch in the forest. In a wide basin, bordered by the steep slopes of the Scheibenspitze, it is a particularly beautifully situated place. In bright sunshine, you can marvel at the unspoiltness of the rear Schmirnertal valley here.
With the right snow cover and temperatures, more experienced mountaineers can tackle the very steep ascent to the Scheibenspitze towards the end of winter. A descent in firn over its long south-eastern flank is a unique experience.
ROUTE DESCRIPTION
From the car park in the Obern district, first walk back along the road to the first farm in Ladins. Right next to the road in the field in front of the first houses of Ladins the ascent track begins. This first loops up the field to a larch forest. Cross this in a westerly direction to a wide avalanche track that extends up to the ridge. Continue upwards over this. As soon as the terrain becomes steeper, you change to the left side to the edge of the forest and climb up the steep step in narrow bends parallel to the forest. Immediately after the ascent, a small bottom awaits, here you turn sharply to the left and follow the forest road in a westerly direction, which after some time and two hairpin bends also takes you to the hut of the Maderer Ochsenalm. If you haven't had enough yet, you can also explore the rutted terrain above the hut and from there ascend in a northerly direction to the last stables.
DESCENT
Return along the ascent track to the wide track and from there along this track through beautiful open terrain downwards. Some steeper parts require a little caution.
SAFETY ADVICE
In the upper area, some steeper slopes border the ascent track, here a little caution is advised on the ascent and descent. The alternative up to the Scheibenspitze can only be attempted as a firn tour in absolutely top conditions and on a cold night, because the tunnel and the gallery in the valley protect exactly against sliding snow avalanches from the Scheibenspitz.
TIP OF THE AUTHOR
The bench in front of the rustic Mader-Ochsenalm is an excellent place for all sun-seekers to relax.
Take the S-Bahn to Steinach am Brenner, from there take the regional bus 4144 in the direction of "Schmirn" from the station Steinach a. Br. to Schmirn Kasern (terminal stop). Exact timetables can be found at www.vvt.at. Free use of the bus with the Wipptal Guest Card!
Some parking spaces next to the road or a little further next to the bus stop.
