Wiedersberger Horn near Alpbach: hiking, skiing and ski touring to 2,127 m

About the mountain

At 2,127 m the Wiedersberger Horn is one of the higher summits around the Alpbachtal and is easy to recognise from the valley. On the mountain side lies a ridge of alpine pastures with huts and grazing cattle. It is not an alpine climbing peak: according to sources the summit can be reached without major technical difficulty, also by children, although it is still high and the weather can turn quickly. Because the ski area belongs to the Ski Juwel, the mountain has slopes in winter. Anyone who wants the summit can also reach it on skis in winter. Height differences vary greatly by route.

Getting there

The Wiedersbergerhornbahn is a gondola rising from Alpbach (Inneralpbach). The top station is at roughly 1,800 to 1,850 m, depending on the source. From Niederau you drive there in roughly half an hour to 45 minutes; that is an estimate and depends on traffic and route. The lift's operating period differs between summer and winter. Check the current schedule with the lift company beforehand. For anyone who wants to skip the first 700 metres of ascent by lift, this is the most relaxed way to reach the summit.

Summer: hiking

The easiest route to the summit starts at the top station. A panorama path takes you to the top in roughly 1.5 to 2 hours, with about 280 metres of ascent. There is also a circular hike of about 6 km with roughly 330 metres of ascent via the summit and the Hochstand. A route along the south ridge leads to the 2,127 m top. The paths are considered well walkable but remain mountain trails: sturdy shoes and weather gear are needed. Easy walks around the Hornalm and the playground suit younger children.

Summer: play at the top station

Next to the top station, in the forest, lies the Lauserland adventure playground, where children can play while parents take a break. There is also the Lauser-Sauser, an alpine coaster on rails that according to sources runs in both seasons. Children from 8 years and 1.30 m may ride alone; from age 3 a child may ride as a passenger. According to one source you can borrow a child carrier free of charge against a deposit at the base station. Ask the lift company about current rules and the season.

Winter: skiing

In winter the Wiedersbergerhornbahn serves the slopes on the Wiedersberger Horn, which belong to the Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau ski area. One ski pass therefore also gets you into this part of the area from Niederau. How exactly the slopes run and their grades are best checked on the current Ski Juwel piste map. I found no specific tobogganing information for winter; ask the lift company if you want to toboggan with children.

Winter: ski touring

There is more than one way to ski tour up the Wiedersberger Horn. A well-known route starts in the Greiter Graben and involves about 1,037 metres of ascent and 2.5 to 3 hours of climbing. A variant close to the pistes from Inneralpbach has around 1,100 metres of ascent. Another route runs via the Moserbaumgartenalm. If you leave your skis at the Horn Hütte (2,025 m), you have to walk the often wind-blown ridge on foot. The descent largely follows the ascent. Conditions vary greatly.

Huts and refreshments

Around the top and the top station there are several places to eat and drink, including the Dauerstoaalm, the Hornboden mountain restaurant and the Hornalm. There is also a kiosk at the top station. On tours you can stop at the Horn Hütte (2,025 m). Opening times differ by season and year. Check beforehand with the hut concerned, and always bring water.

Safety

For ski touring, always consult the Tyrol avalanche bulletin (lawine.tirol.gv.at). This guide does not replace it and is not a route description to follow blindly, especially if you do not know the route. Avalanche equipment and touring experience are needed; do not go alone. In summer the usual mountain rules apply: good shoes, weather gear, an early start and turning back in thunderstorms. It can be very windy on the ridge. Check the last gondola ride.

Frequently asked questions