Gemstobel

Approach

It's possible to do this route from Switzerland, but I describe it here how we did it, from Austria.
For one day this is a long route (starting/returning from/to Lindauer hut takes 8-12 hours, dependent on conditions. Better stay over night in the winter room of Carschina hut).

From Lindauer hut (1744m, see main page) ascend south to the notch "Drusentor" (2343m). Then go southeast, slightly descending and crossing the border to Switzerland, to Carschina hut (2236m).

Route Description

From Carschina hut try not to lose to much altitude and traverse slightly ascending eastward to the entry of the Gemstobel. Here put your skis on the rucksack and climb up the steep section for approximately 300 to 400 feet, 100 meters (you may need crampons, dependent on snow conditions).
Now you can ascend the big cirque of Gemstobel with skis up to the summit.

Downhill

Although the summit offers fantastic views into the Austrian and Swiss Alps, you should not descend to late, as it's name "Sulzfluh" should tell you :-) (Sulz means very wet and deep snow). The downhill follows the same route as the ascent. Follow the summitcrest to the west until you can enter the Gemstobel.
Ski it down (east now, do not go north or you will enter the Rachen) until to the steep section. Climb down here, then return to Carschina hut, and via Drusentor return to Lindauer hut.

Essential Gear

Usual ski mountaineering equipment. I would strongly recommend to take crampons with you, for the steep entry to Gemstobel.

Miscellaneous Info

If you have information about this route that doesn't pertain to any of the other sections, please add it here.

Images

View Gemstobel Image Gallery - 10 Images