Ellmauer Tor — The Kaiser Classic


Post by WildSnow.com blogger | March 7, 2012      
Starting the Ellmauer Tor climb.

Just above starting the Ellmauer Tor climb. Very aesthetic, especially this year with snow covering up most of the 'larchen.' Click most images to enlarge.

I make a point of visiting the Kaiser Berg every time I’m in Austria. Such a cool little mountain range, standing just north of Kitzbuhel. Bunches of classic rock climbs and a number of excellent ski tours. Ellmaur Tor is one of the main summer and winter access “doors.” It’s a basic up-and-down style trip that consists of charging about 1,200 meters of vert along with what are usually dozens of other people.

Yeah, quite the popular ski due to its access (park at the start), excellent vert vs flat ratio (no flats) and sunny south facing orientation. In photos:

Route uses the obvious snow to col. You can climb

Route uses the obvious snow to col, where most groups turn around. You can climb the summit to the right, but doing so adds time and softer south-facing snow that's less than ideal.

Summer touring signs on a post show how deep the snow is this year.

Summer touring signs on a post show how deep the snow is this year.

Near the popular high-point, you can usually enjoy watching other

Near the popular high-point, you can usually enjoy watching other folks coming down.

The scale of this place is adequately massive.

The scale of this place is adequately massive.

Southerly view, this would be the vast region south southwest of Kitz.

Southerly view, this would be the vast region south southwest of Kitzbuhel, Austria. Just to give some idea of the location.

Axel gets the weight back for some slush surfing. Whatever works!

Axel gets the weight back for some slush surfing. Whatever works!

Yet another amazing road access situation.

Yet another amazing road access situation.

Ah yes, the ubiquitous gasthaus is of course conveniently located next to parking.

Ah yes, the ubiquitous gasthaus is of course conveniently located next to parking. I'd never been to this one before, as it's known to be crowded, but the back patio area is classic and well worth braving the crowds. I loved the recliner chairs they rented for 2 euro.

View from the gasthaus includes Kitzbuhel Horn.

View from the gasthaus includes Kitzbuhel Horn.


View Larger Map

Check out Axel’s website.

Also, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellmauer_Tor

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Posted by Lou Dawson on March 7, 2012 | Filed Under Trip Reports Backcountry 
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Comments

5 Responses to “Ellmauer Tor — The Kaiser Classic”

  1. Mark W March 7th, 2012 9:46 am

    Terrain is very impressive. Might have to put that on my list.

  2. Dave Lyons March 7th, 2012 10:47 am

    My mother is from Oberaudorf. If you are in the area and need a place to stay check out http://www.hummelei.de/ Have fun!

    Dave

  3. Gentle Sasquatch March 7th, 2012 11:10 am

    Sucks to be you Lou 🙂

    enjoy!

  4. Kristen March 7th, 2012 2:24 pm

    Gorgeous photos! Looks like an awesome vacation.

  5. Mike holm March 8th, 2012 6:53 am

    Did you see this avalanche in France? It took out a ski lift.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LL9BSuY6h0M

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