Großer Möseler

The Großer Möseler stands 3,480 metres high in the Zillertal Alps, forming part of the main ridge that divides Austrian Tyrol from Italy’s South Tyrol. Its broad, dome-like shape from the northwest gives way to a sharp rocky cone when viewed from the northeast. Five arêtes radiate from the summit, linking it to nearby peaks such as the Möselekopf and the Furtschaglspitze. The mountain dominates the skyline, surrounded by glaciers including the Schlegeiskees and Furtschaglkees on its western side. Its height makes it the second highest peak in the range, surpassed only by the Hochfeiler. The first recorded ascent came on 16 June 1865 when English climbers G. H. Fox, Douglas Freshfield and Francis Fox Tuckett reached the top with guides François Devouassoud and Peter Michel. Earlier attempts by Anton von Ruthner in 1863 had failed when fog obscured the true summit. Tuckett’s party began their climb in the Lappach valley before crossing the East Nevesferner glacier to reach the southern arête. After two and a half hours on the icy ridge they stood on the summit, only to realise the Hochfeiler nearby was higher. Today the normal route starts from the Furtschaglhaus at 2,295 metres, crossing the heavily crevassed Furtschaglkees before ascending the West Arête. The southern route from the Chemnitzer Hut follows the Neves Ridgeway across scree slopes to the top. From the summit, views stretch across the glaciated valleys of the Zillertal and South Tyrol, taking in the Breitnock, Roßruggspitze and Turnerkamp. The contrast between the broad ice dome and the jagged eastern ridge makes the mountain a striking sight from all directions.