Gsallkopf, Alpine summit in Kaunertal, Austria
Gsallkopf is an alpine summit in the Ötztal Alps reaching 3,277 meters and forming a natural boundary between the Kaunertal and Pitztal valleys. The saddle is accessible via the Gallruth tunnel, which passes through the mountain ridge to provide passage to the summit.
The Gallruth tunnel was constructed in the 20th century as an irrigation passage to supply water between valley sections. Its creation transformed access to the mountain pass and made the summit reachable for climbers.
Local mountaineering traditions incorporate the Gsallkopf ascent as a test of skiing expertise, particularly during the spring months of March and April.
The climb involves walking through a tunnel about one kilometer long where you carry your skis and lighting is limited. Good footwear and careful footing are needed since the passage is narrow and the surface can be slippery.
From the summit, the route crosses the Gallruth glacier with technical climbing sections graded at difficulty level II that require rock climbing skills. This glacier crossing adds an unexpected mountaineering element that goes beyond a simple ski tour.
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