Date: 9 February, 2008
Suggested by: Peter Levenitschnig (Idea by Roger Starkie)
Descripition of the hike:
Starting from the pass Pfaffensattel we walk up to the highest point of our snowshoe trip, Stuhleck (1782m). Great panoramic views, first hut stop. Thereafter downhill for a while, then for a long time crossing a large rather flat ridge with great views (mostly meadows, rarely wood). After the ridge the second summit of the day, Pretul (1666m), a viewing tower and a second hut (Roseggerhaus). After a short break down to Rettenegg through the wood via a small street (closed in winter). Social drink, then back to the cars by taxi or friends of mine.
According to conditions the trip might be shortened (see "Route").
Route:
Start at Pfaffensattel (1372m); parking space, Gasthaus. Partly across the wood (marked trail) to Stuhleck and Alois-Günther-Haus (both 1782m): 2 hours. Break for early lunch (1 hour at most).
From Stuhleck to Pretul (1666m), viewing tower (Peter-Bergner-Warte, 1656m) and Roseggerhaus (1586m): 3 hours. Short break (1/2 hour).
Down to Rettenegg walking across the wood via street to toll station (1170m): 2 hours, then by car to Rettenegg.
Social drink, then return to Pfaffensattel by car (taxi or private transport).
At very unfavourable conditions (e.g. weather, snow) it might be necessary to take a shorter route, not crossing the whole ridge: From Schwarzriegel (1 hour after Stuhleck) through the wood (marked trail) down to Rettenegg: 2 hours.
Length of activity, elevation, grade of difficulty:
7 hours of snowshoeing, 2 of them steeper uphill (400m). Uphill 400m, downhill 200m, across the ridge rather flat, then downhill 400m. Showshoeing is more strenuous then walking, therefore: High Alpine, suitable only for people in good physical shape and well trained.
Meeting point and ending point:
Pfaffensattel, parking space around Gasthaus. Pfaffensattel is a pass east of Stuhleck, on the way between Steinhaus and Rettenegg.
Meeting time: 9th February, 9:00 a.m.
Ending time: 8:00 p.m. (or later)
Driving instructions:
Wien - Südautobahn A4 - Schnellstraße S6 direction Semmering, but then not the local street to Semmering, but through the tunnel until Exit Spital/Steinhaus - Steinhaus am Semmering - in the village junction to Pfaffensattel. Approx. 120km from Vienna/centre, but the last 12 km are a small mountain street with many curves. At least 1 1/2 hours. Winter equipment for the car necessary (at least winter tyres!).
Car sharing:
I can offer 1 seat in my car. Please state, if you need or offer car sharing. Roger Starkie (0699 81632998) or Jack Curtin (0699 11551111) will coordinate that, since I am abroad until Wednesday.
Equipment needed:
Usual gear for winter hiking at heights up to nearly 2000 meters. Be prepared that the wind up there can be very strong! Gaiters, sun glasses, sun-cream and thermos flask with hot tea, little snacks. Head lamp or flashlight, since the last bit of the trip might be in the dark. Normal hiking boots fit in the binding of snowshoes but they should be water-resistant. Snowshoes can be rented e.g. by Alpenverein.
Additional remarks:
Registration required! Please register with Roger Starkie at the monthly meeting or by phone (0699 81632998), since I am abroad.
If the weather is very bad or danger of avalanches the trip might be postponed to the following Saturday. In doubt please phone Peter Levenitschnig on Thursday or Friday (0680 2104624).