Technical difficulty: 7/10
Fitness: 7/10
Objective danger: 7/10
Landscape: 9/10
Busy: 6/10

A true Tyrollean spring classic to the summit of Ruderhofspitze in Stubai Alps through its south face. Steep face, which often has excellent firn conditions.

Starting point: Bottom station of the Stubai Glacier Cable Car
Ending point: Bottom station of the Stubai Glacier Cable Car
Ascend: 1700vm / 6h
Exposition: South

Suitable only for skiers with strong stamina and good skiing technique. Requires an early start due to its southern exposure. Definitely one of the most beautiful ski tours in the Stubai Alps - recommended only under spring snow conditions. Magnificent panoramic views from this beautifully shaped mountain to the Ötztal Alps.

Route:

From the Mutterbergalm (valley station of the glacier cable car), first follow the ski descent into the Wilde Grube. At an elevation of 1900 m, leave the descent and turn right over a bridge. The first steep section (200 vertical meters) is best overcome by first heading straight up to the right of a gorge through pine terrain, then crossing out to the northeast under the blocking rock belt to a wooded ridge (identical to the summer path), and then straight up onto a wide terrain crest (there are alternative possibilities depending on the current snow conditions).

Now, over the most beautiful skiing terrain, head briefly northwest then north up to an elevation of 2800 m. Turn briefly northwest, then again north over the Ruderhofferner to the key section of this tour (3200 m).

A steep section of about 110 m now needs to be overcome (crampons may be necessary). From here, steep but not as difficult, mostly keeping to the left of the rocks, ascend to the saddle to the right of the summit. Leave your skis at the ski depot and the last meters to the summit are on foot.

Descend:

As with the ascent - at the last steep section before the ski descent, it is best to ski down on the left side of the gorge (eastern side), depending on the conditions.

Photos by @the.running.nomad, @bennibru, @max.kober