The classic Montafon hut-to-hut circuit typically starts in Silbertal and heads to Latschau, taking about eight days. My version started and ended at the village square in Schruns and followed the route in the opposite direction. It was long and technical, but stunningly beautiful.

Rising straight out of the Knik River valley near sea level, the climb to South Pioneer Peak is a classic, aesthetic, and relentless vertical climb. It offers one of the most direct, continuous vertical gains in the Chugach Range.