Ampferstein (2556 m) from Axamer Lizum
Technical difficulty: 6/10
Fitness: 5/10
Objective danger: 4/10
Landscape: 8/10
Busy: 7/10
A north-east colouir of Ampferstein is a great tour for early morning, especially during workdays before work. Relatively close to the Axamer Lizum ski area gives a feeling of relative safety and easy access, while giving the opportunity for enjoying a few true mountain moments.
Starting point: Axamer Lizum Parking Lot
Ending point: Axamer Lizum Parking Lot
Ascend: 1000vm / 3h
Exposition: North/ North-east
The Ampferstein is located in the Kalkkögel range close to the Axamer Lizum ski area. Brisk and steep ascent from the Lizumer Kar into the notch between Marcheisenspitze and Ampferstein - crampons are sometimes necessary here! Fantastic views deep into the Stubai Valley, to the Habicht and the Wild Freiger with Zuckerhütl far in the background. This tour is often possible from early until late winter and is best enjoyed at sunrise! :)
Route:
From the parking lot, briefly head south on the ski slope until the start of the Damenabfart ski slope (the “ladies' downhill run”). Follow the slope until reaching an elevation of 1700 m. Here, leave the slope and ascend left over a moderately steep slope through sparse mountain pines, into the Lizumer Kar (the “Lizum Bowl”).
Head southwards, not too steeply, through the narrow “kar” until reaching an elevation of 2150 m. Here, the bowl widens, and we ascend steeply southeastward through a initially wide gully. Finally into the left gully, much steeper, into a saddle south of Ampferstein. Leave your skis here and ascend the last steep slope on foot to the summit.
Downhill:
Same as the ascent - If you're still up for more, you can put your skins on again and try one of the many other colouirs around you (more descriptions in the future).
Photos by @the.running.nomad, @bennibru, @innsbruckalps and @annaklam