The Grubenkopf is a relatively safe summit in the Obernberg valley in Stubai Alps close to the Brenner pass. It is a good one for people getting into skimo.

Technical difficulty: 2/10
Fitness: 4/10
Objective danger: 2/10
Landscape: 7/10
Busy: 4/10

Starting point: Parking Obernberger See
Ending point: Parking Obernberger See
Ascend: 950vm / 2h
Exposition: North/ North-East

The Grubenkopf (2337 m) is located in the Stubai Alps in the Brenner pass area. It is a very popular winter summit and not too prone to avalanches. Magnificent view of the Feuersteinferner and the Agglsspitze at the end of the Pflerschtal valley. Scenically, it is one of the most beautiful ski tours in the Obernberg valley.

Route:
From the parking lot at the Gasthof Waldesruh, briefly follow a service road (which serves as a toboggan run winter) through the forest, then turn left at the first open alpine meadows, over meadows to the upper Reinsalm and continue to the Obernberger See (1590 m). Follow the eastern shore of the lake briefly until, opposite a bridge (which divides the lake into two parts) on the left, a narrow forest clearing leads southward uphill through the forest. At an elevation of about 1795m, the ascent trail passes between two huts and then descends briefly.

Continue over a stream and up a short steep section. Proceed flatter towards the south, bypassing a blocking terrain knoll on the left, into the wide basin directly below the massive north face of the Grubenkopf. Ascend somewhat steeper into the saddle between Geierskragen and Grubenkopf (Grubenjoch 2200 m). From here, easily reach the summit via the often wind-blown eastern ridge heading west.

Descent:
Like the ascent - under safe conditions, one can ski down steeply directly from the summit towards the north and rejoin the ascent track in the wide basin below the summit. Some skating is necessary along the lake shore as the terrain is really flat.

Photos by @the.running.nomad and @annikasuess