Hidden Gems

The Lech Valley is one of the wildest and most impressive areas in Tyrol and a foolproof destination for adventures of all kinds. The Allgäu und the Lech Alps with their impressive peaks and slopes are especially attractive for backcountry skiers in winter. The long valleys, rugged peaks and breathtaking panoramas never fail to make the hearts of adventurers Tina and Claudia beat faster. "Ssssssss ..." The soft, monotonous sound of our e-bikes is one of the few things we hear this morning. It's still dark, but we can see the trail quite well in the light of our headlamps. It's late January, and there is far too little snow for this time of year. The well-known classic routes are already tracked, but one can always find something.

Therefore, we have decided to use the e-bike to start today's climb. We decided to visit the highest peak of the Allgäu Alps – the Großer Krottenkopf. There are different approach options, we want to start the tour with our E-Bikes trough the Bernhards Valley. It could of course also be reached on foot, but it is a long approach, and time plays a significant role in the planning of our tour, not least because of the snow conditions. Today's objective involves a bit more distance, so the e-bike is the ideal support. We already completed the tour preparations the evening before to save time in the morning. At 8,714 feet, the Große Krottenkopf is part of the Hornbach Chain, which extends from the main Allgäu ridge about 10 miles east.

Not the peak itself is our goal for today, rather the well hidden 850 feet vertical north couloir. It has about 45 degrees at its steepest part, and we hope there is still some powder to be found. Nevertheless, we do not go directly to the Krottenkopf because before the main course we have planned a starter – a line east from the Ramstallkopf. Along the way we hike casually through the flat Bernhard Valley, past alpine pastures and gentle slopes. Things soon get steeper, and just below the unnamed char we start to work up a sweat. Once at the saddle our attention is immediately drawn to the desired and shady line down to Hermannskar. Our anticipation is growing because the snow on this northeast-facing slope looks just sweet – powdery and untouched.

As for now we have already covered 4,400 of the total 6,000 vertical feet on bikes and skis – time for a short break to relax and enjoy the magnificent view. Shortly after, we get ready to ski the slope one at a time. We can hardly wait to sketch our lines into the glistening snow. The conditions are perfect. Once we get to the bottom we put the skins back on our skis and continue to track our way first to the Krottenkopf Saddle and then to the entry of the morth chute. Several switchbacks stand between us and a huge cornice which blocks our way. Claudia has just completed her training as a ski guide and is immediately put to the test in trail finding.

We have a winter with limited snow and therefore watch out for the changes between the varying snow pack. The south facing ridge leading to the entry of the north chute and the peak is without snow. We bootpack arduously and and in anticipation the last 900 vertical feet to the main goal of our tour. There it is. Again a huge cornice blocks the entry into the north couloir. The first turns require courage and focus because the upper part is steep and the snow is rough. We make short turns and follow the chute towards the Hermannskar. Halfway down we encounter the kind of snow we had hoped for all morning. It's light and powdery and we can't help but whoop joyfully. At the bottom we celebrate our achievements, lie in each other's arms and laugh.

It is precisely these moments in the mountains that we love so much – sharing our passion and enjoying a great day together. Happily, we look back once again to the gully. After a last short hike we return to the Bernhard Valley and ski to our e-bikes. We stow boots and skis and start cycling. However, one last destination – today's dessert, so to speak – still lies ahead of us: At Giebler Alm, we conclude our quest with a Kaiserschmarrn and a beer, which we have truly earned. Cheers, we will come back, no question.