Skitouring
Serles north couloir
Classic steep couloir near Innsbruck
Serles north couloir
Classic steep couloir near Innsbruck
Beste Zeit
January - March
Region
Tirol, Wipptal
Dauer
1 day, approx. 8h
Schwierigkeit
ZS+. 40°
Technische Schwierigkeit
4 out of 5
Ausdauer
3 out of 5
Teilnehmer pro Bergführer
1 – 2 participants
The Serles – due to its shape often refered to as the ‘high altar of Tyrol’ – is impossible to miss from Innsbruck. Its striking pyramidal summit is one of the region’s most distinctive mountains. In winter, the Serles reveals its challenging side: The ascent via the south face is a formidable ski tour in its own right, whilst the North Couloir offers a spectacular descent and ranks amongst the great classic steep couloirs around Innsbruck.
The ascent leads from Maria Waldrast via the Serlesjöchl to the summit. Whilst the south face of the Serles offers plenty of sunshine, a completely different atmosphere awaits on the north face. After reaching the summit, the route continues to the start of the North Couloir. The excitement is already palpable here – because the real challenge is only just beginning.
A rappelling section leads into the couloir itself. Then it’s time to strap on your skis, stay focused and make your first turns. The terrain quickly widens and is often covered in wonderful powder snow!
Meeting point Car park Maria Waldrast, 08:00
Schedule
We’ll meet in the morning at the car park in Maria Waldrast. From there, we’ll first head along the cross-country ski trail and later across flat terrain towards Kalbenjoch. We’ll continue through a mountain pine gully into a wide basin that leads to the Serlesjöchl (2,384 m). From there, there’s a magnificent view of the Wipptal valley and the gullies of the Peilspitze opposite. After a short break, we’ll continue on skis for a short while before strapping them to our backs. We’ll climb over a short rocky barrier with the help of wire ropes and your mountain guide’s rope, before the terrain levels out again and we reach the summit. From there, we’ll descend a little before traversing northwards to the start of the North Couloir. Depending on conditions, a spectacular abseil takes us down into the couloir, where we strap on our skis. A dream descent through the couloir – which is 40° steep at the top – awaits! Afterwards, we put our skins back on and return to Maria Waldrast. Over a drink, we can look back on the day’s adventures! (Tour ends at approx. 16:00)
- 1 Person: €600 / Person
- 2 Personen: €325 / Person
- Guided and organised by a state-certified mountain and ski guide
- Avalanche rescue equipment (beacon, shovel, probe) as well as harness and crampons available
- Travel costs to and from the destination, parking fees
- Mountain guide’s expenses
- Personal meals and tips
- Fitness level required for 1,000–1,500 metres of elevation gain and walking times of 5–7 hours
- Confident off-piste skiing in all snow conditions up to a 40° gradient
- Experience of ascending with skins and kick turns, and walking with crampons
- Technical difficulty depending on the destination, approx. intermediate level
- A sure foot required for short summit ascents
Hardware
- Ski touring equipment (touring skis, skins, ski crampons, poles)
- Avalanche safety equipment (avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe)
- Crampons, ice axe *
- Harness, short prusik, safety lock carabiner, 120cm sling, screw-lock carabiner * Bivouac sack*
Clothing
- Ski touring boots
- Functional ski touring clothing
- Hardshell jacket
- Insulated jacket (Primaloft or down)
- Gloves (at least 2 pairs)
- Balaclava/hat, Buff, possibly a headband
Other
- Ski goggles
- Sunglasses
- First-aid kit
- Bivouac sack
- Sun cream
- Drinks and food
Equipment marked with an * is available to borrow – please let us know what you need well in advance of the tour! If you have any questions about the equipment list, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Get ready for the adventure together with your mountain guide!
The couloirs of the Kalkkögel are the perfect preparation. We’d be delighted to offer you a multi-day skiing and freeriding experience in a class of its own, culminating in the Serles north couloir.
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Dates & Booking
Serles north couloir - Classic steep couloir near Innsbruck
Price
We match you with a certified, experienced mountain guide for your tour. Your guide accompanies you in the mountains and adapts the tour to local conditions.
