Stubai Glacier

Wednesday, 24th June

Walk: Gamsgarten, Fernau Middle Station, Dresdner Hutte, Stubaier Hohenweg, Wilder Grub'n, Mutterbergersee, Mutterbergalm
Start Point: Mutterberger Distance: 6 miles
Ascent: 1,900 feet Descent: 4,580 feet
Max Alt: 8,448 feet Time: 4+ hours
Weather: Mainly sunny with a chilly wind
Comments: After travelling on the bus to the head of the valley we took the gondola to Gamsgarten where there were a few people skiing. After exploring the area we took time out for refreshments before descending to the middle station. From here a short ascent took us past the Dresdner hut and onto a col with a small lake. A few photos later we continued on but found the snowfield unsafe to cross at the usual place. Taking a lower route Al spent time kicking in steps to that we cou;d safely make it to the other side. Here we joined the vehicle track which we initially ascended but found that we had to retrace our steps to a lower level to join the Wilde Waser Weg. We then detoured to the Mutterberger See - a perfect spot for lunch. From here the path took us back to the Wilder Waser Weg and down to Mutterberger for the bus back to the hotel.

Quite a bleak view from the gondola . . .

as we ascended to Gamsgarten

Taking in the views . . .

we decided not to join the skiers today!

Instead we headed for the cafe . . .

for a short break . . .

and time to enjoy more of the views

Leaving the middle station . . .

we headed past the Dresdner Hutte . . .

to find a picturesque lake . . .

where we took time out for photos . . .

including our leaders, Al and Jane

Perfect reflections as we leave

It took some time for Al to create a safe crossing point . . .

as the other group started to catch us up . . .

and take advantage of the steps Al created

One of the many trucks . . .

making its way up the track . . .

and round the steep corners . . .

past some of our group . . .

creating quite a lot of dust

Getting comfortable for elevenses . . .

where we have a view back down the track

A pause as we meet the other group

Passing a snowbridge . . .

and waterfall . . .

we cross a rather rickety looking bridge

Arriving at Mutterberger See . . .

Al does the honours . . .

including a close-up

Then it's time to . . .

check out this magnificent lake . . .

and in panorama view

The 'windblown' look!

A sprinkling of icing sugar?!

Enjoying the view . . .

and in the opposite direction - a pristine snowfield

A lovely path takes us down . . .

with views up the valley . . .

past a waterfall . . .

and back to the track . . .

with the constant activity of trucks

A visit to the waterfall opposite our bus stop . . .

Zooming in to the top of waterfall . . .

and focusing on the light and shadow . . .

there is time to explore . . .

different perspectives . . .

and trying to get the 'milky water' effect

Using rocks at a lower level . . .

another attempt at the 'milky water' effect

Zoominh over a high ridge - the moon is out already

The waterfall again . . .

this time from the opposite side of the road

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