Zopetspitze

Zopetspitze is a mountain in the Venediger Group, a subrange of the High Tauern in Tyrol, Austria. It stands 38 kilometres northwest of Lienz and four kilometres north of Prägraten am Großvenediger. The summit rises sharply above two valleys: 1,200 metres above the Dorfertal Valley in two kilometres, and 1,900 metres above the Isel Valley in four kilometres. Its slopes drain into tributaries of the Isel. The mountain consists mainly of gneiss and schist formed during the Alpine orogeny. The first ascent was made on 14 August 1898 by Heinrich von Ficker and Ludwig Prohaska via the north ridge. The nearest higher peak is Weißspitze, 3.2 kilometres to the northeast. The mountain lies in an alpine climate zone with long, cold winters and short, mild summers. Orographic lift forces weather systems upwards, bringing rain and snow. The best months for visiting or climbing are July through September. From the valleys below, the Zopetspitze presents a jagged profile against the sky. Its rocky ridges contrast with the gentler slopes of the Venediger Group. The Dorfertal and Isel valleys offer clear approaches to the mountain. The route taken by the first climbers remains a recognised line on the north ridge. The surrounding High Tauern landscape provides dramatic views of glaciers and high peaks.