Strahlkogel

The Strahlkogel is a 3,288-metre peak in the Larstiger Mountains, a part of the Stubai Alps in Tyrol. It stands as the highest point in the municipality of Umhausen and its name comes from the white quartz layers that give the mountain a glowing appearance. The mountain forms a steep, pointed pyramid and is surrounded by glaciers on its eastern and western sides. Its neighbours include the Breiter Grieskogel and the Larstigspitze, separated by the Larstigscharte notch. The Larstigferner glacier reaches up to 3,200 metres, while the Grasstallferner to the south reaches 3,100 metres. The Strahlkogel is rarely climbed because of its difficulty, unlike its slightly lower neighbour the Breiter Grieskogel. The first recorded ascent was in 1833 by Peter Carl Thurwieser, though details of his route are lost. In 1887 Ludwig Purtscheller and Fritz Drasch from Salzburg reached the summit via the west arête, which remains the normal and easiest route today. The ascent takes about five hours and involves climbing sections graded UIAA II–III. Alternative routes include the south flank and the southeast arête, both far more challenging. A climb to the Strahlkogel usually starts at Niederthai in the Ötztal valley, 1,538 metres above sea level. The route passes the Grasstallsee lake before crossing the Grasstallferner glacier and ascending the west arête. Another approach begins at the Winnebachsee Hut above Gries im Sulztal, leading to the difficult south flank or southeast arête. The mountain’s glaciers and steep ridges make it a serious mountaineering objective, best suited to experienced climbers with proper equipment.