Route: Schlick
Area: Austria, Stubai Valley, Tyrol
Date of walk: 11th September 2023
Walkers: Andrew and Gilly
Distance: 5.2 miles
Ascent: 100 feet (descent 2,500 feet)
Weather: Sunny and warm
The Schlick2000 cable car is based in the village of Fulpmes and is on a local bus route. We took the cable car to the top station at an altitude of 6,900 feet and our walk would take us down to the middle station at Brugger Alm, some 2,500 feet lower down
The view from the mountain station at the start of the walk was sensational – an array of peaks over 8,000 feet high making up the Stubai mountain massif. Before setting off on our planned walk we made a 15 minute there and back diversion along the Panorama Trail, at the head of which is a viewing platform with even better views
After returning to the mountain station we set off along the waymarked Nature Trail, which is an easy descent all the way. The views were breathtaking, and shown in good light thanks to a few clouds. We eventually arrived at the Schlickeralm Hütte and paused here for refreshments
The path continued down as far as a large mountain pond known as the Panoramasee. We were aware that the remainder of our planned route could be closed, as it was severely damaged by storms and this proved to be the case. No matter, as an alternative descent path took us down through woodland to meet a track leading back to the middle station. This part of the descent was rougher and steeper but there were no dangers or difficulties and it was a good way down. On arriving at the middle station we took the cable car back down to Fulpmes to end a red letter day
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A wonderful view as we alight from the cable car. Before we set off on the walk, we make a short there and back diversion along the Panorama Trail to a viewing platform
It's an easy path, and takes about 15 minutes (not allowing for stops to gawp at the views)
Schlicker Seespitze 9,200 feet and Riepenwand 9,100 feet
Looking down into the valley, where our route will take us
The viewing platform is just ahead, at the end of the path
An incredible array of peaks from the viewing platform...
We retrace our steps to the cable car station
Hazy mountain views on our left
The start of the walk proper as we set off down into the valley, following signs for the Naturlehrweg (Nature Trail)
Schlicker Seespitze and Riepenwand again at the head of the valley
A wonderful zig zag path takes us through woodland, with limestone peaks towering over our heads...
The trees are mostly larch, pine and Norway spruce
We emerge from the woodland onto open pasture
We pass by Zirmachalm
Scree slopes below Schlicker Seespitze and Riepenwand...
We continue down the valley...
The track to Schlick comes into view on the right of the picture
Looking back
The path is well waymarked and navigation is a simple affair
Dramatic mountain scenery as we continue to descend...
Looking back along our path...
The trees thin out as we approach Schlick
We cross over a bridge by a water wheel
We arrive at Schlick where there is a restaurant, Schlickeralm Hütte. It's possible to end the walk here by calling for a taxi
We carried on, here looking back up the valley past a small chapel
We arrive at Panoramasee. The Nature Trail normally continues from the foot of the lake, but we could see that the route remained closed following serious storm damage
We sought out a parallel path to the left shown on our map, which took us through woodland...
We join the wide track below
We cross the bridge and turn left here
The Stubai Valley is down below and the end of the walk is just around the corner
We arrive at the middle station and catch the cable car back to Fulpmes to end a fantastic walk
