Panoramic view across Rax ridge where we will go. (C) Peter Levenitschnig 2005
Panoramic view across Rax ridge where we will go. (C) Peter
Levenitschnig 2005
Date: Saturday 4 March and Sunday 5 March 2006
Suggested by: Peter Levenitschnig
Description of the hike:
2-day trip across the whole Rax ridge. First day: From top station of Rax cable
car over the Rax plateau to Karl-Ludwig-Haus. Optionally going on to the summit
(Heukuppe) and back to the hut. Stay overnight. Second day: Same route back
(or to the summit on the second day). - Apart from approx. 1 1/2 hours per day
not steep. Only at favourable weather and snow conditions (good sight, no danger
of avalanches and snow not too exhausting). At fair weather and good snow a
great trip with marvellous views (see photo) !
Route: Via cable car from Hirschwang to top station (1.547m).
Possibility for renting snowshoes. Then going on to Ottohaus (1.642m, closed).
From here either via Jakobskogel (1.736m) over a somewhat higher ridge or more
level in a sort of valley to Seehütte (1.643m, closed). Then steeply up
to Trinksteinsattel (1.850m), a pass. Open-air lunch break. Thereafter via Predigtstuhl
(1.902m) to Karl-Ludwig-Haus (1.864m). Stay overnight. According to weather
conditions and our physical shape after a break we can go on to the summit (Heukuppe
2.007m) and back to the hut on the first day or on the second day in the morning.
Some people can also leave this part out, if they wish.
On the second day the same route back (variations according to weather conditions
etc.).
AT VERY UNFAVOURABLE CONDITIONS (weather, snow) THE TRIP COULD BE SHORTENED
TO ONE DAY OR BE POSTPONED TO NEXT WEEKEND!
Length of activity, elevation, grade of difficulty:
Each day at least 6 hours snowshoeing. Height difference per day not more than
700-900 meters, but partly steep and since it is showshoeing more strenuous
than normal hiking. Therefore: High Alpine, only for people in good physical
shape and well trained!
Meeting point and ending point: Talstation Raxbahn (bottom station of cable car), near Hirschwang, INSIDE THE STATION.
Meeting time: 4 March, 8:30 a.m. (we take the first train
at 9 o'clock, have to buy tickets). Please arrive punctually, perhaps we can
get a group fee (reduced fee for Alpenverein anyway, approx. EUR 15 for return
ticket).
Ending time: 5 March 5:00 p.m. at Talstation. Perhaps we have
a nice drink thereafter ?? I know a little cafe ...
Driving instructions:
Wien - Südautobahn A4- Schnellstraße to Semmering (S6) - Exit Gloggnitz
- B27: Gloggnitz - Reichenau - Hirschwang - Raxbahn. Approx. 100km from Vienna
/ city.
Car sharing:
I can offer 2 seats in my car. If needed, could others also offer car sharing,
please? Since I'm abroad until shortly before we go Jack Curtin is nice enough
to organize car sharing this time. Thanks a lot, Jack! Please contact him (car
sharing needed or offered): acvjack@gmail.com or 0699 11551111. Please state
from which region of Vienna you come and if speaking to an answering machine
tell your mobile number slowly, clearly and repeat it. Thanks!
Equipment needed: Usual gear for winter hiking at heights up to 2.000 meters. Usual hiking boots fit into the binding of snowshoes. You can rent them e.g. from Alpenverein, Sektion Austria or at top station of Raxbahn (cable car). At Raxbahn an identity card, driving licence etc. as deposit is required. Approx. EUR 7,- per day. Sun glasses, sun cream and thermos flask with hot tea. Food for two meals (huts in between are closed) and snacks. For the hut: Linen sleeping bag ("Hüttenschlafsack"), slippers, toilet bag, flashlight.
Additional remarks: Registration required, please register
with Jack Curtin (contact info see "Car sharing").
If weather is bad or danger of avalanches is high phone me or Jack on Friday
3 March, if the trip will take place or will be postponed to next weekend! Peter:
0699 13516232 (before 7:00 p.m.!)