Northwest ridge

This is the standard and best-known ascent of Hochalmspitze. It is an alpine mixed route with glacier travel and short rocky sections rather than a pure hiking path. The difficulties are generally moderate, but conditions on the glacier and in the upper snow/ice slopes can change the seriousness significantly. Route-finding is important in poor visibility, especially on the glacier approach and near the ridge. The route is commonly treated as the normal way to the summit in alpine guidebooks. A rope, glacier equipment, and basic alpine experience are typically required.

The south ridge is another established mountaineering route on Hochalmspitze. It is an alpine ridge climb with mixed terrain and a more serious character than the normal route. The route is exposed and can require careful movement on rock and snow, depending on conditions. It is suitable for experienced alpinists comfortable with route-finding and ridge climbing. As with other routes on the peak, conditions can alter the difficulty considerably.