The Scheinbergspitze, or the Scheinberg, is located in the Ammergau Alps between the Plansee and Oberammergau. The mountain is considered one of the most avalanche safe ski tour classics in Bavaria. With approx. 1000 meters of altitude difference and 3 hours of ascent, the tour is rated as moderately difficult.

Tour profile

Difficulty level: medium to difficult
Route length: approx. 10 km (ascent only)
ascents: 1,000 hm

Ski touring is a trendy sport and a very special winter experience. The snowy winter in the Bavarian Alps this year offers us numerous opportunities to discover the snowy mountain landscapes in the Werdenfelser Land outside the ski areas. With a small, experienced team, good avalanche equipment and a lot of sporting spirit, we start today at 8:30 in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

9.00: Due to heavy snowfall and an increased risk of avalanches, the Alpspitzbahn is closed today, which unfortunately means that the ski tour we have planned is cancelled. Just in case, however, the 1929 m high offers Scheinbergspitze a suitable alternative.

9.30: The snow-covered mountain road takes us through Ettal and Graswang to the Austrian border. Because of the masses of snow, the road is just so narrow that it can only be traveled in one direction. There are 2.5 meter high snow walls on both sides — that's how much it snowed here! Fortunately, only a few cars are approaching. In addition, the famous König-Ludwig-Lauf instead of. In some places, the cross-country skiing trail crosses the country road, where snow is sprinkled onto the road for athletes from time to time. From Graswang, the road is icy and we have to drive very carefully. 2 km after Linderhof Castle, we park at a hiking car park to the right of the road. When the weather is nice, the tour is very popular and the parking lot fills up quickly.

10.30: The normal ascent is via a mountain road. Shortly after the bridge, we turn left and follow the signs to Scheinbergspitze. Today, however, there is a nice detour through the enchanting snow-covered forest parallel to the ascent route. We progress on a narrow track past snow-laden spruce trees, across frozen streams and shake the white splendor off the bushes that we touch. From time to time, you can see the tracks of animals — the poor have a hard time finding food in deep snow.

12.00: It continues to snow, the trail is getting steeper and the forest is no longer as dense: it's heading towards the summit. There was over 1 meter of fresh snow today! Grotesque landscapes develop before our eyes: fallen trees and stumps become snow sculptures and every branch of old beech trees is covered with filigree snow tips. We're just unlucky with the mountain views: due to snowfall, visibility is very low.

13.00: The last stretch above the forest line is exhausting. There are no more trees and the wind is raging with full force on the bare slope. Sharp snow crystals bite the face. I imagine that it is warm water splashes and that I am currently in the shower. This thought helps me reach the ski camp where my comrades are waiting for me. I've made the climb!

14.00: From the ski camp, it takes another 20-30 minutes to reach the summit. In this weather, however, we decide to go downhill: with -15 degrees cold, low visibility and strong wind, the climb to the summit is no longer worthwhile. So remove skins quickly and go! The downhill today feels more like swimming than driving: a meter of powder snow that is loose on a slope but luckily already mixed well — that's in fact what the term “masses of snow” means! After a few minutes and after getting stuck in the snow a few times, I'm completely wet.

Soon we'll reach the forest line again and have to meander through the trees. The forest is getting denser downstairs. It's good that the others have already trod a few trails! Finally, we reach the same forest road that leads directly to the parking lot. A moment later, we're back with our cars.

15.00: The best thing at the end of a ski tour is taking off your ski boots! It would be nice to end the day in a cozy place, but I'm longing for a warm room and a hot shower now. I'm also worried that my ski equipment won't be dry again by tomorrow — for the next challenge in the Werdenfels Alps!

Tips & info:

• Unfortunately, it is not possible to travel by public transport.
• The tour does not offer refreshments, so bring enough snacks and drinks.
• When the border crossing is open (the route is sometimes closed in winter due to the risk of avalanches), the newly renovated Ammerwald-Alm Highly recommended for a cozy break after the tour (also possible with an overnight stay).
• It is best to bring crampons to climb the summit. You can also make good use of the crampons on the route: the middle section is sometimes very steep and becomes bare and icy on fine days.
  

‍