The present normal route to the Strahlkogel runs along the West Arete. The start point for an ascent is the village of Niederthai in the Ötztal valley at a height of 1,538 metres above sea level. From there the route runs southwards to the lake of Grasstallsee, then east on the Grasstallferner glacier as a mountain tour (only to be attempted with the right equipment and experience) and along the west arete requiring climbing of UIAA grade II - III sections to the summit. According to the literature the ascent takes about five hours. The Strahlkogel may, however, also be ascended via very difficult climbing routes up the south flank and along the southeast arete. The start point for this approach is the Winnebachsee Hut (2,362 m) above Gries im Sulztal.