14^Nov Sun
06:15

If you’re hoping for a snowy valley walk, there are few better destinations than the Gaistal, surrounded by the Zugspitz massif to the north, and Mieming to the south. This is a fairly gentle but long hike, so we will be keeping up a decent pace to keep warm.

There may be the possibility to stop at huts (Gaistalalm, Tiroler Haus), but they may not be open or serving food. Bring enough food for yourself, and then they may be open as an extra.

Kit list

This is what I am bringing; your kit list should be similar.

• sturdy hiking boots, ideally waterproof
• spikes (just in case of icy sections)
  
• walking poles
• gaiters (it’ll be snowy)
  
• gloves
  
• FFP2 mask (OP masks are not sufficient for Austria)
• head torch
• first aid kit, survival bag/emergency bivvy
• snacks
• lunch
  
• cash (for the train ticket and bus, and for a possible stop at a hut)
• more snacks
• water (at least 2 ℓ)
• Alpenverein membership, or similar insurance
• Passport/ID card valid for crossing into Austria
• 2G proof (see rules here; 3G is insufficient for huts)
  
• waterproofs (jacket, optional trousers)
• warm layers
  
• sunglasses
• towel and swimwear (if you’re feeling brave)
  
• phone (please save my number +49 163 2658919/WhatsApp/Facebook Messenger), extra battery
• map (downloaded to your phone with the route, e.g. with Mapy.cz; or on paper)
• mat to sit on (optional)

Transport

We are taking the train from München Hauptbahnhof, with a Werdenfels ticket. We will share the cost of the ticket, which will be between €11 and €15 depending on the group size. We will then take taxis (up to €9 pp) to get to Leutasch.

As an alternative to taxis from Mittenwald to Leutasch, we can continue on the train to Seefeld, and take the bus from there. Note that this involves a 50 minute wait, and so we would go to a café in Seefeld. This will cost exactly €7.90 per person, for the train and the bus combined, and the tickets will need to be bought online. We can decide which of these alternatives to take while on the train, and it depends on the number of people as to which is cheaper.

Outbound: Munich Hbf 6:32 – 7:54 Garmisch-Partenkirchen 8:02 – 8:23 Mittenwald, then taxi to Leutasch.

Return: Ehrwald – Munich Hbf (16:58, 17:31, 18:58, 19:30, 21:35, taking around two hours).

Weather

The forecast is showing small amounts of rain or snow, so please ensure you bring full waterproofs. The hike will still go ahead if the forecast does get wetter, except in the case of dangers such as storms.

Safety

Please observe all laws and guidelines for preventing the spread of coronavirus. I have created this event in order to find other people keen on walking in the mountains, but I am not a guide, and each member is responsible for their own safety. You are expected to familiarise yourself with the route before registering, and only register once you are happy that you can complete it.