Koralpe: Hike to the Großer Speikkogel

10 recommendations from the ÖAV

Healthy in the mountains: The valuable stresses for heart and circulation require health and good self-assessment. Avoid time pressure and choose a pace so that no one in your group gets out of breath. Watch your energy reserves for the descent. Careful planning: Maps, guidebooks, internet, and experts provide information about the length of the route, elevation difference, difficulty, and current conditions. Special attention should be paid to the weather forecast, as strong winds and poor visibility greatly increase accident risk. Study the avalanche report: Inform yourself thoroughly about the current danger level (European avalanche danger scale with 5 levels) before starting the route. Pay special attention to information about danger spots (Where is it dangerous today?) and sources of danger (What is the main danger today?). Complete equipment: Adapt your equipment to winter conditions and keep backpack weight low. For avalanche emergencies, an avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe are standard, as well as a first aid kit, bivy sack, and mobile phone. An airbag system increases survival chances. Regular drinking breaks: Fluid, energy, and breaks are necessary to maintain performance and concentration. Hot, isotonic drinks are ideal thirst quenchers and heat providers. Easily digestible snacks like muesli bars, dried fruit, and cookies satisfy light hunger on the way. Weigh avalanche risk: Human ability to recognize avalanche danger is limited. Base your decisions on strategic risk assessment methods ("Stop or Go") and learn to recognize danger signs in the terrain. Small groups: Small groups enable mutual help and reduce the risk of triggering avalanches. Stay together in the group. Caution solo hikers: even small incidents can lead to serious emergencies. Therefore, always inform trusted persons about your destination, route, and return. Respect for nature: Do not leave any waste, avoid noise, do not enter reforestation areas, respect protected and restricted zones. Show special consideration for wildlife in winter! For travel, form carpool groups or use public transport.

More info on route choice, safety, and dangers when snowshoe hiking can be found at ÖAV Snowshoe Hiking Safety Tips.

From Graz/Klagenfurt: A2 South Motorway - Wolfsberg South exit - 1st roundabout second exit towards St. Stefan/Koralpe - 2nd roundabout second exit towards St. Johann/Koralpe - after about 500 m turn left following the sign/Koralpe - about 8 km to the Koralpe parking lot.

see plan route

Active on the Koralpe - more info at Koralpe Summer & Winter.