Panoramic view across Rax ridge where we will go. (C) Peter Levenitschnig 2005

Snowshoeing Rax, Niederösterreich / Steiermark
2-day hike, 23-24 February 2008

Date: Saturday 23 Feburary and Sunday 24 February 2008

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: 23 February, 8:30 a.m. Please arrive punctually, perhaps we can get a group fee (reduced fee for Alpenverein anyway, approx. EUR 15 for return ticket).
Ending time: 24 February 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:
In case you need or can offer car sharing please contact Peter (levenit@aon.at, 0680 2104624). Please state from which region of Vienna you come; if you leave a mesage 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 (water resistant) 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, gaiters 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 Peter (contact info see "Car sharing"). State if you want to rent snow shoes at Rax cable car station, so that I can make a reservation for it.

If the weather is bad or danger of avalanches is high give me a call on Friday 22 Feb, if the trip will take place or will be postponed to next weekend!