Speicher Finstertal from Öetz

We covered the first half via the Silzer Sattel climb. The second half, up to the reservoir, follows this profile. There’s a very steep section in the middle of the climb, near the first tunnel (a few hundred metres at 12–15%). After this, you get a bit of a breather for a while. Just before Kuhtai, turn right, head downhill briefly and then tackle the gruelling final 3 kilometres to the reservoir. An absolutely mad climb. At 1 km from the summit, it becomes almost impossible, with gradients of 15% once again. The long tunnel 500 metres from the finish is fascinating, with water dripping down its walls. It’s still a real struggle here too, partly due to the altitude (2,300 metres). The view is more than worth the effort.

A beautiful climb with little traffic, generally good road surface and… cows! For me, the toughest part of the ride to Kühtai was mainly the first 9 kilometres, especially combined with the heat. Before Ochsengarten, the climb levels out for a bit of a breather, only for you to be faced with a 1 km ‘wall’ at an average gradient of around 11 to 12 per cent (the elevation profile on the map doesn’t do this kilometre justice). After this wall, the climb to Kühtai is irregular, with easy sections and sections at or above 10 per cent, which were manageable overall.

Just before the summit, I turned right towards the reservoir. Very tough, but the reward is fantastic. The summit in Küthai didn’t give me that ‘wow’ feeling, but the views from the reservoir, on the other hand, are truly stunning. If you’ve got the legs for it, definitely give it a go! It’s well worth the effort.

Not to the summit but before that left to Kühtai Sattel as part of the Ötztaler. Nice climb through the forest. Immediately steep as you turn out of the valley, everyone stops there to take off jackets, arm pieces etcetera.

Great climb that in fact largely parallels the Kuhtai. Just before the summit, however, you take the turn towards the dam. What you find at the summit is fantastic!