Althausschneide

The Althausschneide is a jagged ridge on the border between Austria and Italy, part of the Rosshuf ridge in the Venediger Group. It stretches from the Östliche Rosshuf in the southwest to the Althausschneidescharte in the northeast, marking the boundary between the East Tyrolean municipality of Prägraten and the South Tyrolean municipality of Prettau. South-east of the summit lies the Althauskees glacier, while to the north-west the Lahnerkees glacier slopes down. The nearest valleys are the Umbaltal to the south, the Windtal to the south-west and the Ahrntal to the north-west. The first confirmed ascent was made in 1921 by F. Boffa with guide Voppichler and an Austrian surveyor. The normal route follows the South Tyrolean side from the Kleine-Philipp-Reuter-Hütte or the Clarahütte across the Althauskees and the Leipziger Schartl, then up the south-west ridge. A steeper alternative uses the south-facing firn field, graded III-. The ridge is little visited, offering quiet and dramatic views. East Tyrol’s slopes belong to the Hohe Tauern National Park, while South Tyrol’s side lies within the Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park. The contrast between the two protected landscapes adds to the appeal of this remote frontier crest.