Kleiner Maurerkeeskopf

The Kleiner Maurerkeeskopf stands at 3,205 metres in the Venedigergruppe, part of the Tauernhauptkamms that forms the border between Tirol and Salzburg. It is a sharp rocky summit between the Hinterer Maurerkeeskopf to the west and the Geigerkopf to the east. The Maurertörl col at 3,104 metres separates it from the higher neighbour, while the Breiten Sattel at 3,107 metres divides it from the Geigerkopf. Below its southern flanks the Maurerkees glacier feeds the Maurerbach stream, and to the north lie the Obersulzbachkees and Krimmlertörlkees glaciers. The normal route begins at the Essener-Rostocker Hütte and follows the Maurerbach valley to the Maurertörl. From there the climb continues across the Maurerkees glacier before tackling the South-West ridge to the summit, which has one pitch graded I and another II. An alternative descent from the Maurertörl drops over snow and rock to the foot of the South ridge and ascends that to the top in grade II. A more challenging variant starts from the Kürsingerhütte and follows the North spur to the summit in grade II. On the summit ridge walkers are rewarded with views across the Hohe Tauern peaks and deep glacial valleys. The surrounding glaciers and high cols create a stark alpine scene of ice and rock. The contrast between the rugged summit and the gentler valleys below makes the climb worthwhile. The route demands sure-footedness and ice-axe skills, especially on the glacier and the final ridge.