Ski Mountaineering and Snow-Shoeing
Alpine history was written in the Gesäuse and so it is not surprising that winter also offers numerous activities in the mountains. For many alpinists, ski touring is the most beautiful form of mountaineering, yet it requires more than touring in summer: avalanche and weather knowledge, as well as an understanding of the winter dormancy of flora and fauna are indispensable. Especially in a national park.
In addition to ski mountaineering, snowshoe hiking is also becoming increasingly popular, as it offers a good alternative for non-skiers to experience the beauty of winter nature. The tours in the Gesäuse National Park were developed in close consultation with nature conservation and ensure a fair balance between flora, fauna and winter sports.
Safety in alpine terrain
The usual dangers of the mountains - falling rocks, weather conditions, danger of falling - are exacerbated in winter above all by the danger of avalanches. This poses a challenge for beginners and professionals alike. Being able to assess the avalanche situation requires thorough preparation and years of experience. Therefore, please observe the principles of safe touring. In any case, the following are indispensable:
- Good tour planning (route, avalanche situation report and weather report, include data from weather stations)
- Complete equipment (especially avalanche equipment)
- Stay on the route, even when descending
- Minimization of risk – know your limits
Respect the rules of nature conservation and thus protect the sensitive nature in the Gesäuse National Park!
Tour planning with respect - now also digital
The Gesäuse not only offers suitable conditions for ski mountaineering and snowshoe hiking, but is also the habitat of the rare grouse. In order to enable respectful coexistence between animals and humans on the mountain, we have considered routes where we can disturb capercaillie and the like as little as possible and designated areas where they can retreat. From now on, these so-called forest-wildlife conservation areas will be visible to you on the usual digital tour planning portals and can therefore be taken into account in advance when planning your tour. These are voluntary steering measures in favour of nature, which have been designed in coordination with the Alpine associations. Our aim is to protect as much as possible with as few restrictions as possible. You can make a valuable contribution to this!
You can read more about ski tour guidance measures here:
https://www.alpenverein.at/portal/natur-umwelt/av-naturschutz/besucherlenkung/skitourenlenkung.php
winter sports in the National Park - What to look out for
- Ski touring and snowshoeing along the designated routes
- Ski touring and snowshoeing at dusk and darkness
- Ascent or descent through winter dormancy zones
- Ascent or descent through young stands (trees smaller than 3m)
- Drone takeoff and landing
Legend
- have fun
- in the national park not cool, voluntary restriction in favor of nature
- not allowed in the national park, prohibited by law
May we introduce ourselves?
As your companions in the terrain, we provide clear information on the signs. We will tell you where to go and which areas you are not allowed to enter under any circumstances. Whether summer or winter: just listen to us and make a valuable contribution to us and to the undisturbed development of nature. Thank you very much!
