Kleinschober

The Kleinschober is a 3119-metre peak in the Schobergruppe range of East Tyrol. It stands near the border between the villages of Nußdorf-Debant to the south and Kals am Großglockner to the north. The mountain’s southern slopes drop steeply while its northern flanks hold the Schoberkees glacier. Neighbouring summits include the Hochschober 123 metres higher to the west and the Debantgrat 64 metres lower to the east. Between the Kleinschober and the Debantgrat lies the Schobertörl col at 2898 metres. Climbers usually start from the Lienzer Hütte and follow the Franz-Keil-Weg into the Gartl valley. From there the route turns briefly toward the Schobertörl before climbing steadily into the eastern cirques and slopes. A broad saddle between the Kleinschober and Hochschober then leads to the final block-strewn ridge. An alternative route ascends from the Ralftal valley and crosses the same col, though the north-east ridge that follows is graded I-II and demands careful scrambling. The summit offers wide views across the Schobergruppe and into the Hohe Tauern. On clear days the Großglockner and the Lienz Dolomites appear in the distance. The surrounding area contains several alpine huts and marked paths for day walks. The contrast between the steep southern faces and the gentler northern glacier slopes gives the region its special character.