Ski tour from Baad to the Karlstor

Ascent

The start of the route is in the mountain village of Baad, which can be easily reached by bus (Walserbus from Oberstdorf). Initially, we follow the winter hiking trail towards Bärgunt Valley until a fork. There, we keep left and continue on the "Brunnenweg" (not gritted). After about 15 minutes, we reach the Alpe Widderstein (not operated in winter); here we turn left onto the meadow. We cross the meadow steeply uphill until we reach the v-shaped stream bed, which leads us straight towards the small Widderstein. After a short section of forest, we reach a steep open slope, which we ascend to the right, thus being under the north face of the great Widderstein. At the end of the approx. 600 meters altitude slope (about 40 degrees steep), the terrain flattens a bit; we keep left and arrive at the Karlstor. Now we stand between the small and great Widderstein with a magnificent view down into the Gemstel Valley.

Descent, same as the ascent route to Bärgunt Valley or for practiced and experienced ski tourers to Gemstel Valley

After overcoming the notch/ledge (caution advised here!), we enjoy the long descent into Gemstel Valley. Towards the end, we keep slightly left and reach the summer hiking trail (not groomed in winter) directly past Bernhard's Gemstelalp. From here, the summer hiking trail descends into the Gemstelboden directly onto the Steinbock cross-country trail – please be considerate of the cross-country skiers here. At the bottom, we follow the road to the Gemse bus stop - Line 1.

Complete ski touring equipment including avalanche emergency gear: avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe (standard); optional backpack with avalanche airbag

Off secured pistes and trails, everyone is responsible for themselves and must inform themselves about alpine dangers, especially avalanche danger. Weather conditions and snow conditions may require changes in the route. For experienced ski tourers.

The given GPS track is only a suggestion. No liability can be assumed for the accuracy of the data.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS:

144 Alpine emergencies Vorarlberg 112 European emergency number (works with any mobile phone/network)

If arriving by car, form car pools.

Most routes from Germany converge in Ulm and continue on the A7. At the Allgäu motorway junction, use the section of the A980 to the Waltenhofen exit and then the four-lane B19 via Sonthofen and Oberstdorf into the Kleinwalsertal.

From Austria (Vorarlberg) and Switzerland, you can reach Kleinwalsertal via the Bregenzerwald (Hittisau) – Riedberg Pass – Fischen – Oberstdorf.

Coming from Tirol, the fastest way is via the A7 to Kempten and further on the B19 towards Oberstdorf. No motorway vignette is required for the drive into the valley.

Just leave your car behind!

Take the train to Oberstdorf. Directly opposite the station, the Walserbus goes towards Kleinwalsertal. Line 1 takes you directly to Baad.

>>> Walserbus timetable

Paid parking spaces are located near the starting point.

Parking along the state road is not permitted.

Experiencing nature consciously

www.vorarlberg.travel/safety-tips

The ski tour should only be undertaken under absolutely safe conditions.