South 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 northwest ridge is a documented alpine climbing route on Hochalmspitze. It is more demanding than the normal route and involves sustained mixed climbing on exposed terrain. The ridge character makes it more technical and more serious in poor weather or when the rock is wet or icy. It is a genuine mountaineering line rather than a trekking ascent. Parties should expect route-finding, exposure, and the possibility of snow or ice on the upper sections.