"Exceptional mountain beauty, your crampons scratching the ice, dark and scary crevasses and the romance of roping together :)..." All these sensations combine to form your perfect first alpine climbing experience on a 3000 meter mountain.

When I took my first trip to a 3000m+ glacier peak (it was on this mountain), my view of mountains totally changed forever. For many people, Austria's 4th highest and the Hohe Tauern range's second highest peak, Grossvenediger is an ideal introduction to 3000ers.

Exceptional mountain beauty, your crampons scratching the ice, dark and scary crevasses and the romance of roping together :)..." All these sensations combine to form your perfect first alpine high mountain experience on a 3000 meter peak. After climbing Grossvenediger, new horizons open up for you. The unbelievable beauty of the high alpine setting won't let you rest until you return again to a higher, more exciting mountain.

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Opinion of a client from 2009

Before the trip, I was kind of nervous - wasn't quite sure I could do it. It was on the mountain that I realized, every game is won or lost in your head and if I really wanted to climb Grossvenediger, I'd succeed. This was my first serious mountain trip but I'm already looking for my next challange with you guys. :) Grossvenediger is phenomenal from the first step to the last! :)

Day 1: Meeting At the Foot of the Mountain and Walking to Defreggerhaus (2962 m)

Early in the afternoon, you meet your guide and fellow teammates for the climb in Hinterbichl, which is a pretty little village at the foot of Grossvenediger. You can "cheat off" the first half of the long hike up by taking the "Venediger Taxi" - a van service most climbers resort to - up to Johannishütte, a newly renovated refuge at 2121 meters. Today, there's no glacier walking, so your equipment remains in the rucksack, waiting for the following day's challange.

From Johannishütte, it's a pretty walk up on the alpine hillside. If you come in early July, the grass is full of colorful alpine flowers and it's easy to spot a marmot here and there... The view of the surrounding mountains, streams and glaciers of the Hohe Tauern are gonna blow your mind. Most people use up a considerable bit of their camera's memory even before they get to Defreggerhaus.

The hike today is moderately difficult, you should make it to Defreggerhaus in 2.5-3 hours. But take your time, no need to burn all your fuel on the first day. In Defreggerhaus, you meet at least 40 other climbers, but you shouldn't have to wait around very long for supper... and beer.

Day 2: Climbing Grossvenediger (3666 m), Then Descend to Johannishütte

You won't get to enjoy your bed very long, as your bearded mountain guide will kick you out of bed (but in a cool way) at dawn. You need to conquer 700 vertical meters to stand on Austria's 4th highest peak.

You start out with your headlamp in the dark on a rocky trail. After about 15 minutes, you enter the glacier. Here, the team ropes up and you may put your crampons on, if the snow is hard. The angle of the slope isn't very steep, so you won't have technical problems. However, you may start to feel fatigue, because you're above 3000 meters. Don't be alarmed by a slight headache - it's normal, but let your guide know about it.

The group is treading up the glacier quietly, only the sound of crampons and the wind break the silence. After a 2.5-3 hour climb, you're on a narrow ridge leading to the summit. The views are astounding. You're on the region's second tallest mountain, topped only by Grossglockner - you have an awesome view of Grossglockner to the east and it's a perfect target after this peak.

After summiting, you descend to Defreggerhaus for a rest. It's quite likely that you'll be in time to walk back to Johannishütte (1-1.5 hour walk down) which is more comfy than Defregger with better food and the chance for a hot shower (...which costs 4 euros).

Day 3: Descend to the Valley, Head on Home

You should get up at around 7-7:30 AM and take the taxi down to the valley and say goodbye to these magnificent mountains. You should count on returning to the Hohe Tauern range to climb Grossglockner - sooner, rather than later :)

 

Meeting

You meet the team at around 3-4 PM in Hinterbichl at the parking lot in front of Islizer Guesthouse. Here, you can look on the map!

Weather

In the Alps above 3000 meters, it's hard to predict the temperatures even a few days ahead. Even in early summer, it can be as cold as -10 Celsius in the morning when you start out from the hut and as hot as +10-13 on the glacier, with the glacier, which feels a lot hotter with the intensive sunshine penetrating the thinner atmoshpere and reflecting back from the snow.

If meteorology predicts a big, Europe-wide cold front with storms (ie: no chance of being able to climb), then we cancel the trip and postpone it to a later date, agreed on by everyone. Even if good weather is predicted, we can still run into a snowstorm and fog. For the sake of your safety and enjoyment, the guide will turn the group around on the summit bid. That means no summit. This is a decision you have to accept. There is no democracy on guided trips, the guide is responsible for the group's safety, so he makes the calls.

Strength, Stamina

This is an introductory climb and everyone leading a sporty lifestyle (ie: exercising 3 times a week for at least an hour, working up a sweat) can manage the climb. However, it is important that you arrive well rested. Spending the night at almost 3000 meters can be uncomfortable. You may get a slight headache or experience minor stomach problems. If you come well rested and drink enough, your chances of getting worn out by altitude are smaller.

If you experience any of these signs, let your guide know. He won't give you pills or anything, but rather send you to sleep - by morning, you'll be fine!

Gaining altitude on the summit climb, you'll most likely find yourself losing breath often. This is normal, don't worry. About 3-5% of our clients get headaches or experience discomfort, but it usually doesn't keep 'em from summiting.

Equipment

Price includes equimpent hire, so you need not worry about technical gear. Of course, you may bring your own gear if you prefer, but regrettably, we can't discount the price of the trip should you bring your own stuff. What you do need to bring is good climbing boots broken in, so they won't hurt your feet. Here is a list that may be helpful to get yourself organized before the trip:

• underclothing
• trekking socks
• rucksack - 35-45 liters
• waterproof pants - make sure you treat them with water-repellent prior to your trip
• waterproof jacket/softshell - make sure you treat it with water-repellent prior to your trip
• two pairs of gloves
• warm hat
• bandana/cap against the sun
• sunscreen (min. factor 30) and chopstick for your lips.
• sunglasses
• 2 fleece sweaters/vest
• light and thin sleeping bag for huts or a bedsheet to use with the rugs the huts provide
• climbing boots
• sandals/running shoes for life in the valley.

There's not much point in bringing the following:

• towel (no shower in Defregger. But, you can shower in Johannishütte after the climb)
• plates eating utencils
• warm sleeping bag

Food

• you can buy warm food and drinks in the huts
• you need to bring sandwitches/energy bars/candy bars for the climb
• bring a 1.5 litre bottle. you can fill it on the way