Winterstaude

The Winterstaude is a mountain in the Bregenzerwald range of Vorarlberg, standing 1,877 metres above sea level. It rises south of Hittisau in the municipality of Egg. The northern slopes are partly served by ski lifts, with winter skiing available there. The Winterstaude is the highest point of a west–east ridge that stretches from Andelsbuch. To the north and east the ridge is bordered by the Subersach stream, while to the south it is separated from the next ridge by the deep Helbockstobel gorge. Both sides of the ridge carry many alpine pastures used for summer grazing. The ridge includes several summits, from the Hintere Niedere at 1,711 metres to the Nägelekopf at 1,693 metres, with the Winterstaude as the highest. Visitors usually start from Großdorf or Andelsbuch. From Großdorf the route leads up to the Schetteregg lift car park at 1,070 metres. From there the climb follows a narrow ridge that demands sure-footedness and a head for heights. Alternative routes include the Tristenkopf or the Falzalpe pastures, each taking about two to two and a half hours. From Andelsbuch the mountain can be reached via the lift system to its upper station and then along the ridge path.