Tirolean Summer

Tirolean Summer – 26th June – 10th July 2011

What a combination!

Morecambe & Wise? No! – but pretty good in their day.
Sun, sea and sand? No sea or sand! – but lots of sun.
Fish & chips? Not in Austria – but coffee and cake in abundance.
Mountains, alpine meadows and valleys? Nearly there…

Try – Al & Jane Sarjeant leading the Tirolean Summer holiday, walking the valleys and mountains of the Stubai Valley, Austria.

Yes, I really mean ‘try it’ and you won’t be disappointed. Al and Jane’s enthusiasm for walking and for getting the most out of every situation could not fail to inspire you. “I’m sure we’ll climb out of the mist before we reach the col,” remarked Al as he hunted for the bridge in the mist. AND sure enough, an hour or so later the mountain tops emerged from the low, lying cloud for spectacular views, which just got better as the day went on.

The Stubai Valley held daily delights for the D/D+ group led by Jane and the C/C+ group led by Al. Walking with the C/C+ group I found each day equally challenging and rewarding, reaching summits or cols on country tracks, narrow paths and steep, limestone scree.

Below you will find a selection of photos to give you a flavour of the various walks, but nothing can compare with actually being there! One of the best holidays I have done with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays.

Day 1 – Neustift and the Stubai Glacier on the Valley Orientation walk

Day 2 – Schlickeralm and the Kalkkgögel on route to the Gloatsteig, a classic balcony pathDay 3 Rotspitzl with views down to the Stubai valley and on to the glacier

Day 4 Heading for the Neue Regensburger Hütte

Day 5 Nockspitze where we experienced all seasons in a couple of hours, sun, thunder, lightning, hail, snow and rainDay 6 Sulzenau Alm with its captive customersDay 7 Dresdner Hütte on our visit to the Stubai glacierDay 8 Elferspitze with a chimney to climb, at 8,220 feetDay 9 Serles (for the ‘A’ team)Day 10 Heading for Peiljoch – but where is the bridge?Day 11 Starkenburger Hütte – where both groups converged from different directions