Ehrichspitze

The Ehrichspitze is a 3 420-metre peak in the Ötztal Alps of western Austria. It stands on the border between the districts of Imst and Landeck, high above the Pitztal and Kaunertal valleys. The mountain’s north face drops steeply to the Gepatschferner glacier, while its east side feeds the Kesselwandferner. A narrow ridge links it to the nearby Fluchtkogel, forming part of the Weißkam chain. Climbers rate the Ehrichspitze as a serious alpine challenge. The normal route follows the north-east ridge, graded PD+, and involves 1 200 metres of ascent from the Brandenburger Haus hut. The hut itself sits at 3 270 metres and is the usual base for this climb. In summer the glaciers are heavily crevassed, so early-season parties must rope up and carry ice axes. From the summit visitors look south across the Ötztal to the peaks of the Wildspitze and Weißkugel. The high saddle of the Fluchtkogel lies only a few rope-lengths away. The hut below offers basic overnight accommodation and a refuge from the thin air. The view stretches as far as the Ortler in Italy on clear days.