Ramolkogel

Description

Interesting Rock and Ice peak in the Otztaler Alpen in Austria, with views over a large part of the east Alps. There are many peaks of similar hight in the Oetztaler Alps, including Wildspitze 12,362ft/3768m and Weisskugel(on the border with Italy) 12,263ft/3738m: respectively the 2nd highest and 3rd highest peaks of Austria. Ramolkogel is the highest one in the Ramolkamm (kamm = ridge) and is climbed often from both the NW side (Vent 6,217ft/1895m)and the E side ( Obergurgl) 6,256ft/1907m).

The normal routes come together at the Ramoljoch, a glaciated col at 10,462ft/3189m. The approach from Vent is easiest. After the col easy rock and mixed climbing over the small, middle summits, the last part steeper. From both the villages of Vent and Obergurgl this tour can be done in one day (to the summit and back).

Alternative route (easier) from Vent directly up the W-side. This side is largely glacierfree and not to steep. From about 3450m/11,300ft up the ice and then (rocky)onto the summit. This route is a lot more direct and has much less rock climbing and not as well-known as are the normal routes.

Most other peaks in this area are even less complicated f.a.: Wildspitze, Weisseespitze, Similaun, Fineilspizte and other mountains above 11,000ft/3500m., but glacier experience is still necessary. More difficult peaks are situated to the north in the Kaunergrat area: Watzespitze, Verpeilspize, Rofelewand, where the mountains are slightly lower ( the highest are about or just higher than 11,000ft) have a lot smaller glaciers but have more dramatic shapes.

Thanks to Frank Verwijs for this description.