Alpine Club Vienna - Trip Sheet

Moonlight Snowshoeing "Stuhleck to Pretul"
(Fischbacher Alpen / Steiermark)


Date: January 10/11 2009

Suggested by: Peter Levenitschng

Description:
The idea is crossing Pretulalpe (a rather flat mountain ridge with great views to both sides) at moonlight with snowshoes. We'll start from Paffensattel (1372m) in the afternoon, arriving at Alois Günther-Haus at the summit of Stuhleck (1782m) at dusk, admiring a beautiful sunset and perhaps Alpenglow. After a hot drink at the hut we will continue at moonlight crossing Pretulalpe. We'll arrive at Rossegger-Haus (1586m) early enough to get a decent meal and hot drinks. Stay overnight there.
Next day we will return via the same route, this time during daylight and with sunshine (hopefully). Lunch time at Alois Günther-Haus, end of trip in the late afternoon at Pfaffensattel.

Route:
10 January: Pfaffensattel (pass near Spital am Semmering) - Stuhleck - Pretulalpe - Peter-Rossegger-Haus (stay overnight).
11 January: The same route back.

Length of activity, elevation and grade of difficulty:
Approx. 5 hours showshoe hiking each day.
10 Jan.: 400m uphill, 200m downhill, 11 Jan.: vice versa
More strenuous than walking, during the night possibly rather cold and windy, 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: 10 January 2009, 2.00 p.m.
Ending time: 11 January, approx. 4.00 p.m.

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:
Please state, if you need or can offer car sharing. Peter will coordinate this.

Equipment needed:
Usual gear for winter hiking at heights up to nearly 2000 meters. During the night at that height and perhaps with wind it might be very cold, so bring along one extra layer of clothes. Gaiters, sun glasses, sun-cream and thermos flask with hot tea, little snacks. Head lamp or flashlight (which ideally we should not switch on outside during the hike).Normal hiking boots fit in the binding of snowshoes but they should be water-resistant. Snowshoes can be rented e.g. by Alpenverein.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: At the monthly meeting on 5 Jan. or by phone (0680 2104624) or email (acvpeter@gmail.com) until 6 Jan (since I must make a reservation at the hut).

If the weather is bad (overcast) or danger of avalanches the trip will be postponed to 7/8 February. In doubt please phone Peter Levenitschnig on Friday (0680 2104624).