Alpine Club Vienna - Trip Sheet

Snowshoeing Hochwechsel
(Wechsel / Styria)

Date: Sunday March 1st, 2009

Suggested by: Peter Levenitschnig

Description:
First by chairlift, then through wood to a huge plain with great panoramic views.

Route:
Mönichkirchen Sessellift (chair lift) "Sonnenbahn" (967m) - Mönichkirchner Schwaig (1174m) - Hallerhaus (1350m) - Niederwechsel (1608m) - Hochwechsel / Wetterkoglerhaus (1743m). If there is time enough we could continue across the plane a bit. The same route back, perhaps downhill without chairlift.

Length of activity, elevation and grade of difficulty:
8km up and down, 570m up and down (if chair lift twice), 4-5 hours.Technically not difficult, maybe a bit more strenuous than usual because of lots of new snow. Intermediate.

Meeting and ending points and time:
Chair lift station "Sonnenbahn" at Mönichkirchen, 9:00 am
Ending point: The same, between 4:00 and 5:00 pm according to weather and the duration of our sun-bathing :-)

Driving instructions:
Wien - Südautobahn A2 - exit Aspang-Markt - Mönichkirchen. 96km from Vienna/City, 1 1/4 hrs approx.

Car sharing:
Is already coordinated. Peter will notify the drivers of the changed destination.

Equipment needed:
Usual gear for winter hiking, including gaiters, sun glasses, sun-cream and something to sit on in the snow outside at noon in the sun. It might be rather windy, so provide for that. Snacks for a small meal in between, thermos flask with hot tea. (Late) lunch break at Hallerhaus. Normal hiking boots fit in the binding of snowshoes but they should be water-resistant. Snowshoes can be rented e.g. from Alpenverein.

Registration required:
Done

The trip will take place (weather report says "sunny", no danger of avalanche at this route).