It's your first time ski-touring - Alpinschule OASE-Alpin

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We stood at 2540m before a slope covered with old snow, the Hintere Ackerlen. This was where we were going to learn the art of kick-turns (or as they say “Spitzkehren”). This is essential for climbing up a steep slope. Simon would tack from left to right, and at each corner, he would firmly set the upper ski at 120 degrees to the lower ski, and then with the full weight on this upper ski, he would kick the lower ski into the valley, which would then automatically turn parallel to the upper ski, to be brought in above it. In order to support the rhythm that I was slowly but surely beginning to acquire, I would triumphantly call the number of kick-turns we had achieved with an “Amigos” at the end. On that first day, we achieved a total of 28 Amigos! We continued upwards through the Seelen Ferner in the direction of the Hintere Seelenkogel and by about 2pm, we were right up there amongst the glaciers. Simon would call to us when we should adjust our binding from Position 1 to a higher Position 2, allowing us to tackle the steeper climbs with more ease. The glacier was an absolute marvel and in the distance we could see tracks from other intrepid ski tourers following it’s edge. Simon encouraged us to go further “Just another hour, and we’re at the summit”. It worked! Skis off, rucksacks set down, eyes closed and I rested myself in the snow at 3430m. The others trolled up the last 42m to the summit cross at 3472m and congratulated themselves with a hearty Berg Heil! The ski down was gorgeous… virgin powder snow and 1000m drop in front of us. Perfect! Long swings and short gay swings (Kurze Schwulenschwunge); we were able to leave our tracks in the snow and look back at them with pride. This is what Ski touring is all about! We got back exhausted to the Karlsruher Hütte by 5pm and enjoyed a relaxing sun bath on their terrace, once we had got our slippers back from 12 British Royal Navy and Royal Marines on their annual ski tour adventure. © 2004 :Recollections.doc by Miranda Bellchambers Page 4 of 10
But we had one problem: Dieter had not sufficiently tightened his ski boots on the way up and the result was a multitude of blisters on his feet. We patched them up as best as we could, but the damage had already been done. The long haul up the Blasen Tal would have serious results for the rest of the Tour. After wolfing down a home made evening meal with a glass of local red wine, it was back into the planning round with Simon. The weather was set to be another classic day… blue sky and sunshine. This time we were to head up to Hangerer Ferner and then to drop Sonja off at the Schönwieser Hütte, so that she could make her way back home. I couldn’t wait! Day 3: Killer Tour! Scharte; 3228m We were up as the sun was hitting the summits of the mountains around us, and the sky was as blue as only the sky can be. We waved goodbye to the Brits as they proceeded up towards the Kleinleitner Ferner with 50kg Rucksacks and a mixture of Teller mark and Touring skis. Did they really know where they were going? At least they had entered in the Hütten-book their planned destination; whether they would find it would be another matter! It was cold outside, and we noticed this on our immediate ascent Eastwards towards Eiskögele. We pounded our Harscheisen into the crusty ice, making sure that the metal teeth dug deep for a good hold. The last part of the ascent beginning at 3000m was however so steep, that we could only manage it on foot. That meant packing the skis onto the rucksacks and meticulously following Simon’s footsteps. Now I was never one for heights, and Dieter’s feet were in trouble. Luckily Peter and Simon took our skis on as well, and we gingerly edged our way, foot hole for foot hole, up to just below the top of Scharte at 3133m. As we looked behind us across the valley, we could see the Brits going up what we thereafter christened the “Engländer Schlucht” (English Ravine). We proceeded up the Innere Hochebenkar until we reached the Hochebenferner at 2900m where we took a pause for hot tea and muesli bars. Simon recommended that we continue to stand in order to keep our muscles warm, but the temptation to lie down in the snow was too great! It wasn’t long before we were back in the rhythm using Position 2. © 2004 :Recollections.doc by Miranda Bellchambers Page 5 of 10 .
Page 1 and 2: 16 th - 20 th April: Obergurgl. Bas
Page 3: By 3.30pm and various stops, pauses
Page 7 and 8: a fit young guy), Simon lost him ea
Page 9 and 10: Day 5: Last day! Aussere Hochebenka

It's your first time ski-touring - Alpinschule OASE-Alpin

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