Großer Bratschenkopf 2857m from Arthurhaus

Ascent:

From the parking lot at Arthurhaus along the summer path to Mitterfeldalm. Caution, there may already be avalanche danger on the way to the alm, not only on the crossings after Mitterfeldalm. Especially in spring, wet snow avalanches must be observed (see photos).

From Mitterfeldalm more or less level, then slightly descending to Kleine Gaißnase. With low snow cover the wire ropes of the summer path are visible and helpful. The following avalanche-prone slopes and gullies are crossed ascendingly into the flat outcrop of the lower Ochsenkar.

From here there are two possibilities:

Ascent variant 1: If stable conditions prevail, you can ascend directly through the lower Ochsenkar (our variant), whereby a steeper narrow section may be unpleasant to pass and may even require taking off the skis. This ascent is only recommended with really favorable snow and avalanche conditions. Under safe conditions, you can ascend further along the marked summer path roughly along the Schartensteig. However, here a very steep slope north of the Schrammbachscharte must be crossed, which is only advisable under safe conditions.

Ascent variant 2: Alternatively, from the lower Ochsenkar remain on the objectively somewhat safer summer path: Cross the Ochsenkar to the right (north) onto the ridge and follow through a system of hollows approximately along the line of the summer ascent to the foot of the Torsäule. Along the southern wall of the Torsäule, rather flat (here from the left the more direct ascent through the Ochsenkar comes over) to the west into the large cirque of the upper Ochsenkar, at whose end the so-called Kniebeißer leads to Schoberschartl. From Schoberschartl along the pole markings onto a ridge, which you reach approximately at the Schweizertafel, where the Schartensteig summer path also comes up.

Continue ascending over the ridge or slightly northwest below the pole markings. You bypass point 2751 southwards over moderately steep slopes, then further through a hollow until the ski marking turns right towards Übergossene Alm. Here you leave the Hochkönig ski ascent and stay in the long narrow valley (or on the ridge) and go west out of it. After a short somewhat steeper slope, turn sharply left and climb through a narrowing gully/hollow, which is not particularly steep, up to the summit plateau of the Großer Bratschenkopf. The cross stands a bit shifted to the south and lies slightly lower than the highest point.

Descent:

Roughly along the ascent track. Mostly Mitterfeldalm is open and offers itself for refreshment during descent.