Round trip over all Bärenköpfe

The Gamsgrubenweg is followed from the Franz-Josefs-Höhe to its end at a paved area with information boards, benches, and tables. The first part leads through several tunnels; after tunnel No. 6, you enter the closed section. This section is prone to rockfall from the steep rocky slopes above the path up to the height of the former Hofmannshütte location. Additionally, some avalanche channels must be crossed, which can be hard-frozen early in the morning, requiring the use of crampons. From the Wasserfallwinkel, the route continues over the Southern Bockkarkees to the Bockkarscharte. Then it bends left (west) with a detour over the short, approximately 100 m high north flank to the Eiswandbichl. Under good firn conditions, the approximately 40-degree steep slope can be skied down without problems; otherwise, skis should be left below the bergschrund and the slope descended on foot. The further ascent continues via the southeast ridge to the Middle Bärenkopf, where the ridge itself is only moderately steep, and under good conditions, you can ski up to the summit. The descent towards the Keilscharte goes over a short but very steep slope, usually still hard-frozen early in the morning, onto the Western Bärenkopfkees up to about 3050 m. It may be necessary to ski further down to be able to ascend to the Gruberscharte. Caution is advised in the entire area due to crevasses! The ascent towards the east leads to the Gruberscharte with the ÖGV bivouac box and bends over the northeast flank to the Great Bärenkopf, with sections up to nearly 40 degrees depending on how far you deviate towards the Hohe Dock. Finally, the narrow eastern ridge leads to the summit. If snow conditions are sufficient, it is worthwhile to ascend the short north flank of the Bärenkopf directly (also about 40 degrees steep). From the summit, the descent goes via the north or northeast flank back to the Gruberscharte and west along the ascent track to the Western Bärenkopfkees. Then into the Keilscharte and steeply up to the Middle Bärenkopf. To the south to its south summit and down the beautiful southwest slopes to the Pasterzenboden at about 3000 m or somewhat lower (here, too, caution against possible crevasses). Return and in a bend over the Front Bärenkopf (which can, of course, be skipped) again to the south summit of the Middle Bärenkopf. A pleasant ski run past the Eiswandbichl and steeply down south to the Bockkarkees. Further over the glacier to the Wasserfallwinkel and back along the Gamsgrubenweg to the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe.