Can't really find a decent map of the route to take. Two seem rather obvious though. Yet, I could be mistaken.



Original map can be found here: http://dreams.world.coocan.jp/photo/znif/germany/zugspitze/t_Zugspitze_German_Alps_eng.jpg

http://www.summitpost.org/object_list.php?parent_id=150322&object_type=2

will give you the 4 main routes.

None of them would require anything more than the local topo map that is given on each. Even then it would not really be nessecary as the routes are well marked.

A local guide book might have the routes in more detail but I doupt it.

All of these are simple hike and or scramble routes I do not even think they are UIAA rated.

You will need the correct gear for the via ferrata. (harness with lanyard and energy absorber) and of course with any mountian trip correct clothing for the expected weather

That is the correct route, you can do three things, you go from hammersbach hiking en ferrata to the top of the Zugspitze, sleep in the munchernerhaus en the next morning do the ridge in one day (only if there's no snow)

Or you can take the cablecar right after 7:00 to the top and do the ridge in one day.

Or you can make it an whole tour in winter from Hammersbach to the top en then take two days for the ridge and sleep in the middle of the ridge in the hut/bivak.

Don't be mistaking about the grade, there are plenty of remerberence plaquettes of people who took ik too lightly.

It's not difficult but sometimes there are a few III steps and plenty of loose rock, mostly I or II.

You defenitly need a harnass en a kind of klettersteig .equipment.

I spoke with a local guide from Garmisch and lots of people underestimate the grade and think its a klettersteig, but its not and every year they have to rescue about 15 people, because they where too slow or took the wrong direction from Alp to Zug and then you have to descent the Volkarspitze instead of climbing it.

From the Alpspitze down to the lift is a complete kletterseig.

Wouter, if you search on bergsteigen.at somewhere is a complete topo with timetables.

Thanks a lot! The plan is to do it as soon as possible. I would really love to do it in winter. Just need a decent partner with experience. Experience-wise, their won't be too big a problem. I'm going up with all the gear one could possibly need. If it get's too hard I'll probably turn back and take an easier route up.

WouterB wrote:Thanks a lot! The plan is to do it as soon as possible. I would really love to do it in winter. Just need a decent partner with experience. Experience-wise, their won't be too big a problem. I'm going up with all the gear one could possibly need. If it get's too hard I'll probably turn back and take an easier route up.

Hello Wouter,

the blue route (Höllental route) is very exposed to avalanches during the approach to the Zugspitze east face at the end of valley. I´d only consider that route under ideal snow conditions. The best winter routes are from Ehrwald on the Austrian side, either via the top of the Zugspitzplatt (skiing area) or right up the West face along the Stopselziehersteig.

The red route is definitely NOT a hike, but an only partially protected and rather difficult ridge climb (Jubiläumsgrat) that is usually done roped up. The route takes most parties two days, and there is a small bivy hut half way along the ridge. Look up route descriptions and trip reports on the Zugspitze page.

CB

I have climbed the Hoellental Route in winter (December 31, 2006), and snow conditions were good that day: the only reason it worked was that it was early in a low snow year. Most of that klettersteig above the glacier is traversing on the side of a steep mountain wall. I think it's kind of a silly route in winter. Plus the cable will be buried. I am experienced with steep snow and ice, but I found it very tough in the sections where the cable was buried and would have turned around if it didn't re-appear.

I also did the ridge route in winter, and I think part of the reason it's so confusing is that approximately 1/2 of it _is_ protected by a cable, and the other 1/2 is not (very exposed too). So you might see pictures on the web of folks on the cable sections and get the wrong idea. I don't know what the rationale is to have a route like that. Possibly historical.

Anyway, have fun...the ridge is the way to go...a classic winter tour!
--Michael

I'm getting more info about it this weekend. I'll decide on monday. Going to the ardennes this weekend .