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The Karlstor ski tour is a from the road tour, with a fast descent and long lasting powder. A Must do if you're in the area.
Aspect: N NE
Time: 3.5 Hours
Assent: 900 m
Distance: 13.2 km
Table of Contents
Risk Potential | Moderate |
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Grade | 2 |
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Equipment | Ski Touring equipment |
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Crampons & Ice Axe
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(may be useful in icy conditions) |
Map |
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DAV BY2 |
Guide Book |
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Skitourenführer Allgäu |
GPX File |
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Karlstor |
About the Karlstor
The Karlstor Ski Tour summits a col between the small and the large peaks of the Widderstein. If a fast fun descent is more important than topping out, this is the tour for you. The powder lasts particularly long in the shady cirques positioned under the north face of the Großer Widderstein. The entire tour is almost without sun until late winter.
Start Location
The start for the Karlstor ski tour route is located at the Wandeparkplatz Baad that is easily assessable from the B19 via Oberstdorf. Parking cost is 8 Euro per day and can be paid using the Parkster App. As this area is very popular for winter activities I would recommend getting there early, especially on the weekends.
Karlstor Ski Tour Ascent
From Carpark cross the round-a-bout, head over the bridge and follow the path on the left side of the valley towards Inner Widdersteinalpe. After 1km (approx 1300m) bear SE towards the corner of the forest block (1415m), from there the north facing slope of the Karlstor is easily identifiable. Pick your way through the trees and follow the stream SE into the shady cirque. The climb steeping here all the way to its summit.
Karlstor Ski Tour Descent
Northeast Descent
The northeast descent is my personal favourite. Over 800 meters of steep to moderately steep dream slope, down into Gemsteltal. The only con is the you may have to ski out from Gemsteltal via the XC track (approx 2km). However there is a bus stop in Gemse that is take you back to the carpark.
From the summit simply lock down, click in and enjoy the freeride down this fantastic slope. At the bottom turn north toward the Bernhard’s Gemstelalp. Continue north until you have reached Gemstelboden. From here you can decide to take the bus or ski back to baad via the Cross-Country track.
North Descent
The north descent is my is another meters moderately steep dream slope, but will lead you back the carpark Valley. However, this route can become track out quickly making it harder and less enjoyable to ski. Simply transition into ski mode and reverse your ascent.
About the Author
Dave Lamb
Dave is outdoorsman with a passion for sport. In his former year a member of the Great Britain XC skiing & Biathlon Team's. Since 2013 Dave has worked in the outdoor industry as a BASI Trainer and a trainer / assessor for rock climbing, mountain biking and mountaineering instructors. You can usually find him in the backcountry, looking for stories to share.
