Weißkugel (3,739 m)

This high alpine glacier ski mountaineering tours sets the heart of every ambitious ski mountaineer.

From the Glieshof car park, follow the forest road to the valley station of the materials cable car, then turn right from the river into the valley and on to the gully. The small gully, formed by the stream, is barely recognisable in winter. From here, continue north into the valley over relatively flat terrain to an open basin, from where the steeper further trail ahead can be seen. The rock erosions to the east are steep and insurmountable, so make your ascent northeast over the clearly visible moraine ridge.

When you reach about 2,800 metres, the view finally opens up to the Matscher Ferner. Head southeast for about 50 m over the slope and into a wide hollow, and ascend the fairly steep slope of the glacier tongue.
At about 3,000 metres we meet up with the new Sommerweg trail to the Oberettes Cottage. We ascend over an open basin in a moderate eastward slope towards the Quelljoch between the rocky Inner Quellspitze (left) and the Outer Quelljoch pass. We continue onwards some distance below the Joch to the left (north) and up towards the Inner Quellspitze over beautifully terraced terrain. Before long, we reach the Hintereisjoch (3,469 metres) with the “Matscher Wandl” below. On this fairly steep south-facing slope, which can be tricky in uncertain weather conditions, the route leads upwards in hairpin bends. Just above, an ever-narrowing ridge leads to the pre-summit (ski depot). Now we head over moderately difficult boulder, where sure-footedness is a must (rope recommended!), and on to the summit.

Altitude difference: 1,920 m
Time: 6 – 7 h