Ski tour from Höfle to Kuhgehrenspitze
Tour description
An easy and popular pleasure tour from the hamlet of Höfle to the Kuhgehrenspitze – a rewarding ski touring destination with wide open alpine meadows, interrupted twice by scenic forest sections.From the summit, you'll enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the surrounding prominent peaks and the entire Kleinwalsertal. And of course, the descent offers pure skiing pleasure.
In winter, Höfle is also a favorite starting point for winter hikers. Especially on the initial section of the route, up to the first ascent near the Nebenwasser stream, a bit more consideration is required between ascending ski tourers and descending skiers and hikers. With mutual respect, there’s plenty of room for everyone to enjoy nature.
“Experience nature consciously” stands for respectful interaction – both among winter sports enthusiasts and towards the natural environment. This route is designed to avoid forest-wildlife protection zones designated in the Kleinwalsertal, ensuring a responsible and enjoyable experience in harmony with nature.
Mittelberg
Mittelberg
Route description
The tour starts in Höfle at the Wildental lift (line 4 - "Höfle" terminus), which can be easily reached by bus (Walserbus from Oberstdorf). First we follow the slope of the Wildental lift to the middle exit. There we keep to the left and follow the winter hiking trail towards Nebenwasser. Soon we reach a woody rib above a large ditch. Go up over the rib on a narrow, steep path until we come to a flatter, wide forest aisle and discover the Brandalpe (1,306 m) to the left of us. From here we largely follow the course of the summer path, across the aisles and through the loopholes of the forest. After the second part of the forest we see the Äußere Kuhgehren-Alpe (1,625m) on a free ridge on the right. We follow the path towards the Alpe, there we keep half right and loop our way up through some groups of trees. Over a narrow stream board we reach a free, stepped slope that descends from the connecting ridge Schüsser / Hammerspitze and Kuhgehrenspitze. We continue up the slope briefly and turn left (north), where we soon reach the summit via a moderately steep forest clearing.
Descent
The easier descent is along the ascent lane to the Brandalpe. In the light forest we look for the proximity of the ascent track so as not to damage the young forest / wood. When you arrive at the Brandalpe, you can turn right at the sign ("Caution cable car") through a forest clearing over a wonderful ski area.
Further info & links
Further links
How do you consciously experience nature?Nature is so much more than the backdrop for unforgettable mountain experiences. It is a habitat for animals and plants. It provides drinking water and supplies us with high quality food. Not only does it provide valuable raw materials such as wood, it also protects against avalanches and mudslides and regulates the climate. It is up to us to support nature in everything that it does for us. One thing is certain, together we can achieve more:
Smart in NATURE
CONSCIOUS together
EXPERIENCE foresight
Smart in NATURE
Take a deep breath and recharge your batteries, be outside and feel free. When we enjoy nature, we are guests in the living room of shy animals and rare plants. If you behave smart, they will be happy to share their living space with you in the future too.
Stay on paths and marked routes
If you follow the marked paths and routes, you are sure to come to new favorite places. In this way you also respect protected areas, because many animals and plants need special protection. Especially in winter, any disturbance unnecessarily costs the wild animals the strength they need to survive.
Avoiding twilight times
Standing on a mountain at sunrise is a special experience. The morning and evening hours are also the time when most wild animals are in search of food. If they are disturbed, they get stressed. If it cannot be avoided, please stay on the marked path, do not use a bright headlamp and enjoy the silence.
Stay clean & take rubbish with you
It goes without saying: You take rubbish with you again, on the mountain and in the valley. Please also organic waste, because it is composted much more slowly at altitude. You can dispose of the rubbish properly at home or in your accommodation - please remember that there are no rubbish bins in public spaces in Kleinwalsertal.
On the natural toilet
If you are looking for a quiet place, please be at least 50 m away from water. Bury excrement or cover it with a large stone. Use fallen leaves or recycled toilet paper and put the paper back in the trash bag.
On tour with a dog
Are you always in control of your four-legged partner, even if he gets his nose for marmots, deer or other wild animals? You are both on the safe side on a leash. Keep dogs on a short leash near grazing cattle. If an attack by a grazing animal is foreseeable: leash off immediately. There are numerous dog stations in the valley for the disposal of dog bags. The farmers and alpine farmers thank you because manure in meadows and fields contaminates the feed and makes grazing cattle sick.
CONSCIOUS to each other
Consideration for other athletes and those looking for relaxation
Everyone loves to enjoy a special piece of earth for themselves. But most of the time we are not traveling alone. No problem, because there is enough space. Allow time, open the way in an accommodating manner, provide support when someone needs help and always give a smile. So nothing stands in the way of friendly cooperation and relaxed enjoyment of nature.
Appreciating the preservation of the cultural landscape
Alpine landscapes are touching with their contrast: Imposing peaks and natural forests alternate with gentle valleys, well-tended meadows and pastures. In the Kleinwalsertal too, this delightful landscape at three altitudes is no coincidence, but the result of an interplay of natural and cultural landscapes. Behind this is the work of farmers, alpine and forestry as well as hunters. With their work, they ensure that the attractiveness of the recreation and leisure area and the diversity of species are preserved. We already say thank you if we stay on the marked trails and enjoy regional products.
EXPERIENCE farsighted
Safe on tour - for you and others
Whether on a ski or snowshoe tour in winter or on a mountain tour in summer, anyone who is out and about in alpine terrain has to be well prepared. This includes careful information and tour planning as well as the right equipment. Correctly assessing alpine dangers requires a lot of knowledge and experience. Why not learn from professionals and go on tour with one of the experienced guides?
For the planning of ski tours we recommend the maps of the German Alpine Club.