This is the standard and best-known mountaineering route on Hochkalter. It is a serious alpine climb rather than a hike, with sustained steep rock and exposed sections. Depending on conditions, the route may involve snow or ice in the upper mountain, especially early in the season. The line is commonly approached from the Blaueis Hut, which serves as the usual base for the ascent. Route-finding can be important in the upper part of the mountain. The descent is normally made by the same route, so careful downclimbing is required.
This is a more serious alpine variant on Hochkalter that uses the Blaueis Glacier and steeper mountain terrain. It is more demanding than the normal route and is affected strongly by snow, ice, and glacier conditions. The route is exposed to objective hazards such as rockfall and changing conditions on the glacier. It requires solid alpine experience and appropriate glacier equipment when conditions demand it. Because of the steeper terrain, it is less suitable than the normal route for parties seeking an easier ascent. Descent may be complex and is often done by the safest available line rather than the ascent route.
