5.7.2020: Sulzkogel (3016 m), Kraspesspitze (2954 m), (Finstertal) Schartenkopf (2855 m)
This time I climbed my first three-thousander in the Stubai Alps or around Innsbruck, the easily and quickly accessible Sulzkogel. Starting point for the approach is the high-altitude tourist settlement Kühtai (2020 m), from where to the summit we have only a thousand meters of relatively comfortable ascent. The path is nowhere demanding or exposed, so the summit is an excellent choice for the first ascent over 3000 m: due to winter sports purpose the road to Kühtai is impeccable, comfortable, and from Innsbruck less than an hour's drive; the path is technically easy - in dry conditions steep walk, length only about 3h30m, but the summit is consequently very visited. If you find yourselves in these parts, Sulzkogel offers comfortable perspective for the first three-thousander, in my opinion more comfortable than known easy three-thousanders in High Tauern (Säuleck, Ankogel etc.)
This time conditions were still mostly spring-like and most of the ascent from junction at the end of traverse along the edge of accumulation lake Finstertal, which is currently in quite miserable state - although water in various aggregate states on this path definitely not lacking! - went through quite deep snow. Nevertheless I didn't use the winter gear I carried just in case, just like legion of other hikers who at places in columns marched towards panoramic summit in really wonderful weather. Last part of ascent goes along wide ridge, which unlike the rest of the path was dry, summit spacious enough that despite numerous visitors one can find some space for oneself; fairly exposed location promises rich panorama in all directions.
To junction at height approx. 2400 m I was in no time over really nice powder snow, and since the ladylike three-thousander definitely wasn't enough, I headed also towards Finstertaler Scharte and almost-three-thousander Kraspesspitze. In the little valley below the pass beautiful, mostly still completely snow-covered expanses opened, ruler is peace (in entire afternoon from return from besieged Sulzkogel I met only four hikers), even though path was well trodden - so didn't need winter gear either. Snow-covered passage before pass partially demanding, from pass nice view opens towards Kraspesspitze and occasionally sharp ridge leading to it - despite promises marked path mostly avoids ridge on its south side, but some passages over snow required quite a bit of concentration and consideration. In good half hour from pass I stood on Kraspesspitze, where reigned peace, silence and wonderful views towards giants of Ötztal Alps, Sellrain mountains and towards Kühtai. After return to pass I quickly and relatively unproblematically scrambled on ridge to nearby Schartenkopf (I+, if very choosy and not following marks, also with little climbing).
Initially short ascent thus prolonged into full-day snow tour, weather despite afternoon cloudiness almost optimal. Highly recommended tour for everyone who wants relatively ladylike ascent higher than Triglav.