Just above starting the Ellmauer Tor climb. Very aesthetic, especially this year with snow covering up most of the 'larchen.' Click most images to enlarge.
I make a point of visiting the Kaiser Berg every time I’m in Austria. Such a cool little mountain range, standing just north of Kitzbuhel. Bunches of classic rock climbs and a number of excellent ski tours. Ellmaur Tor is one of the main summer and winter access “doors.” It’s a basic up-and-down style trip that consists of charging about 1,200 meters of vert along with what are usually dozens of other people.
Yeah, quite the popular ski due to its access (park at the start), excellent vert vs flat ratio (no flats) and sunny south facing orientation. In photos:
Route uses the obvious snow to col, where most groups turn around. You can climb the summit to the right, but doing so adds time and softer south-facing snow that's less than ideal.
Summer touring signs on a post show how deep the snow is this year.
Near the popular high-point, you can usually enjoy watching other folks coming down.
The scale of this place is adequately massive.
Southerly view, this would be the vast region south southwest of Kitzbuhel, Austria. Just to give some idea of the location.
Axel gets the weight back for some slush surfing. Whatever works!
Yet another amazing road access situation.
Ah yes, the ubiquitous gasthaus is of course conveniently located next to parking. I'd never been to this one before, as it's known to be crowded, but the back patio area is classic and well worth braving the crowds. I loved the recliner chairs they rented for 2 euro.
View from the gasthaus includes Kitzbuhel Horn.
Also, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellmauer_Tor
WildSnow.com publisher emeritus and founder Lou (Louis Dawson) has a 50+ years career in climbing, backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering. He was the first person in history to ski down all 54 Colorado 14,000-foot peaks, has authored numerous books about about backcountry skiing, and has skied from the summit of Denali in Alaska, North America’s highest mountain.
