German word

Hochtour

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈhoːxˌtuːɐ̯/

Meaning

  • feminine nounhigh-altitude climb

Example

Wir machen morgen eine Hochtour in den Alpen.

We're going on a high-altitude climb in the Alps tomorrow.

Illustration for Hochtour (high-altitude climb)

More examples

Bei einer Hochtour ist langsame Akklimatisation oft nötig.

Slow acclimatization is often necessary during a high-altitude climb.

Core concept

A roped ascent through snow, ice, and steep high-mountain terrain.

Common phrases

  • auf Hochtour gehen

    go on a high-altitude ascent

  • eine Hochtour absolvieren

    undertake a high-altitude climb

  • bei einer Hochtour akklimatisieren

    acclimatize on a high-altitude climb

Similar words

Bergtour: A light mountain hike lasting a day or a short overnight trip.
Gipfelbesteigung: A mountain climb undertaken to reach the summit.
Gletscherwanderung: A walk across a glacier using crampons and an ice axe.
Alpinismus: Specialized high-mountain climbing requiring advanced skills and experience.

Definition in German

Eine Hochtour ist eine Bergtour in großer Höhe, die meist alpine Erfahrung, spezielle Ausrüstung und oft Gletscher- oder Kletterkenntnisse erfordert.

Word origin

The compound joins German hoch, meaning 'high', with Tour, a borrowed travel word used for a planned route or outing.

Usage tips

  • Hochtour is feminine, with the plural Hochtouren: die Hochtour and mehrere Hochtouren.

Other meanings

  • high-altitude treknoun
  • high-altitude expeditionnoun

Opposites

  • Tagestourone-day tournoun
  • Talwanderunghike in the valleynoun

Related words

  • Hochtourenausrüstungequipment for high-altitude climbingnoun
  • Hochtourenkurshigh-altitude climbing coursenoun

Word lists with this word