Kellerjoch (2344m) with North couloir from Kellerjochbahn

Technical difficulty: 7/10
Fitness: 3/10
Objective danger: 6/10
Landscape: 7/10
Busy: 5/10

A classic summit of Kellerjoch with round views of Inn Valley and Tux and Zillertal Alps with some interesting summit ridge and a steep couloir.

Starting point: Kellerjochbahn Parking lot
Ending point: Kellerjochbahn Parking lot
Ascend: 1000vm / 3h
Exposition: North for the interesting parts (slopes west)

Route:

From the parking lot slightly above the valley station, near the starting points for the cross-country ski trails and the toboggan run, ascend a few meters to the slope. Follow the far-left edge of the slope upwards to the first slope split (a drag lift runs uphill on the right side). You can also reach this point by starting from the parking lots above Hotel Grafenast or a little earlier at Hotel Alpenhof Hubertus.

The best route is to take the flatter slope on the left, making a wide right turn past a large wooden hut and continuing uphill to the reservoir pond. Pass by the left side of the pond and ascend a short steep section. Then, continue along the left edge of the slope to the next wooden hut (Ski Club hut). Finally, follow the well-graded, wide slope along the left edge (another drag lift runs uphill on the right) without difficulty to Hecherhaus, which is beautifully situated in a sunny panoramic location beneath Arbeserkogel, next to the mountain station.

From here we go away from the ski slope and into free terrain. Follow the uphill to Arbeserkogel and then over clearly visible ridge to the Kellerjochhütte.

Those who wish can leave their skis here and hike up to the summit of Kreuzjoch (2344m) with its chapel, following a partially secured ridge. This adds approximately 110 meters of elevation gain and 30 minutes of additional hiking time—be cautious in icy conditions.

Descent:

You can retrace your steps, if the conditions are unfavourable or you want an easier option.

In good conditions, you can ski the north face of Kellerjoch directly from the summit, or one of the couloirs from the Kellerjochhütte northwards to an open bowl. From here it is another 200 vertical meters of ascent back to the ridge (after you follow the ascent route back to the skislope).

Photos by @the.running.nomad, @bennibru and @annikasuess