K2

The K2 is a three-thousand-metre peak in the Ötztal Alps. It stands in the upper Pitztal valley, part of the Kaunergrat range, and is usually climbed from the Rifflsee via the Mittleren Löcherferner glacier. Though it is a minor summit compared with its neighbours the Rostizkogel and Löcherkogel, it has become a favourite among ski mountaineers. On fine weekends in late winter the route is busy with parties heading for its summit. The name was adopted only recently, inspired by its resemblance to the world’s second-highest mountain in the Karakorum.

The route starts at Rifflsee and follows a path into Riffltal. After crossing a stream on a plank below the first steep step, the track turns right through a narrow gully onto a broad north-west ridge. This ridge rises gently but steadily, leading to a gravel slope at Schneidiges Wändle. From there a steep moraine leads up to the glacier tongue, where the party keeps to the right side to avoid hidden crevasses. The ascent continues over the ice to the upper basin, then crosses to the left bank with care around the rim crevasse.

At the top of the glacier a short but steep snow slope brings the climbers to the summit ridge. The final metres are on firm ground to the cross that marks the highest point. Views stretch across the Pitztal and into the main chain of the Ötztal Alps. The descent follows the same line, keeping to the right of the crevassed centre of the glacier.