In June 2023, a group of 10 climbing enthusiasts flocked to the granite cliffs of Austria’s Ötztal for a week of rock climbing, trail running and lavish evening cook-offs.
While Huttli are often found in smaller teams and in more isolated corners of the Alps, nothing strengthens a community quite like retreating to a house for a week of climbing and living together. Inspired by the past success of the club’s trip to Kalymnos in 2016 we wanted to revive this spirit once again. In accordance with the club’s plans to reduce plane travel, we opted this time for a visit to nearby Ötztal in Austria. Located off the busy main valley, the village of Köfels provided an ideal homebase with granite block-dotted forest trails starting right at its doorsteps.
Despite solid gneiss faces, local climbs are mostly densely bolted prompting us to leave the trad racks at home and instead graze the classic crags of Niederthai, Nösslach, Engelswand and others.
Located amidst some of the highest peaks of the Austrian Alps, it was easy to distract ourselves with scenic runs during rest days.
A big thanks to everyone involved for their support and camaraderie.
Text: Matthias Muhar