Innere Quellspitze

The Innere Quellspitze is a 3 516-metre peak in the Ötztal Alps on the Schnalskamm ridge near the Weißkugel. Its summit sits exactly on the border between South Tyrol in Italy and the Austrian state of Tirol. From the summit a smaller ridge called the Saldurkamm branches off southwards, reaching its first top at the Äußere Quellspitze, 3 385 metres high. The mountain’s name comes from the German word Quelle, meaning spring, though locals in the valley call a spring a Brunnen. Climbers usually reach the top by the North Ridge from Hintereisjoch in about half an hour, or by the South Ridge from Quelljoch in about an hour. Both routes require UIAA grade II climbing. In winter the North Ridge route is often blocked by a wind scoop up to fifty metres deep carved by the prevailing gales. The mountain’s modern name reflects its relatively recent appearance on alpine maps. From the summit visitors look north across the high glaciers of the Ötztal Alps and south to the Ortler group. The contrast of the sharp limestone crest against the icefields below makes a striking scene. On clear days the view stretches as far as the Dolomites to the east and the Bernese Alps to the west. The ridge itself is narrow and exposed, so only those with sure footing and a head for heights should attempt the climb.