Info on the first stage of the Stubaier Höhenweg

Info on the first stage of the Stubaier Höhenweg

This is a difficult (black) mountain trail and by no means a hiking path!! Most of the Stubaier Höhenweg is classified as a black mountain trail!

Definition of hiking paths and mountain trails

An excerpt from the hiking and mountain trail concept of the Province of Tyrol

Hiking paths

Hiking paths are easy, generally accessible, built and continuously waymarked routes, as a rule intended for pedestrians during the snow-free season, within the permanently settled area and the adjoining forest. They are sufficiently wide and have only slight inclines/descents. As a rule they are not exposed, carry no risk of falling and are relatively safe even in bad weather. Sections with a risk of falling are secured by suitable measures. In exceptional cases there may be hazardous spots, which are signposted; hiking paths can be walked without any special knowledge or skills. Trainers and clothing suited to the weather are sufficient equipment.

Mountain trails

Mountain trails are built and continuously waymarked routes intended for mountain hikers during the snow-free season, which run outside the permanently settled area, mainly above the tree line in alpine terrain, but not across glaciers. They can be dangerous, especially in bad weather, and place particular demands on the mountain fitness, experience and equipment of their users.

Moderately difficult (red) mountain trails are often narrow and steep and may be exposed in places. They may include short secured walking passages or short sections where using your hands for support is helpful. These trails should only be walked by sure-footed mountain hikers with good stamina, appropriate mountain equipment and alpine experience.

Difficult (black) mountain trails are narrow, mostly steep and exposed. They may include climbing passages (sections where you need your hands to move forward) or longer secured sections. These trails should only be walked by sure-footed mountaineers with a head for heights, good fitness and alpine experience, with appropriate equipment.

Moderately difficult and difficult mountain trails differ above all in the demands on a head for heights, the length of the exposed sections and the gradient.

Exposure: Spots are called exposed where, due to the steepness of the terrain, there is a high risk of injury in the event of a fall.

Sure-footedness: is the ability to move safely over rough terrain when hiking and mountaineering. This requires good coordination, as well as reserves of strength and sufficient perception of the terrain.

Head for heights: Having a head for heights means having no fear of heights and no susceptibility to height vertigo. Anyone standing at exposed spots high above the ground perceives their own posture as unstable. Normal height vertigo can also trigger feelings of fear!

Further explanations on these topics can be found on WIKIPEDIA.