Koralpe: summit tour to the Großer Speikkogel

The starting point of this ski tour is the forest road on the Fleischhackerebene. Follow the forest road for about 2.7 km. At the fork (bridge over the Pomsbach), turn right into the forest. Continue for about 20 minutes through the forest until you reach the plateau at the Poms waterfall. From here continue straight ahead, after a short but very steep ascent the entry to the Große Kar is reached. From here it is about 1.5 km always slightly uphill to the slope entry towards Seespitz/Großer Speikkogel. The last section of the route requires a certain basic fitness, as 200 meters of elevation have to be overcome in 1 km of ascent. Return via the summit descent - ski slope - back to the starting point.

There are several variants for the ascent, which come together again before the Großer Speikkogel.

A checklist for ski tours 

Clothing:

Functional underwear Spare clothes for changing Fleece jacket or pullover Ski touring socks Ski touring pants Wind- and waterproof jacket Thin gloves (for ascending) Thick gloves (at the summit and for the descent) Hat Sunscreen Ski touring boots

Equipment:

Ski touring skis Climbing skins Telescopic ski poles Possibly crampons Backpack Sunglasses Ski helmet Ski goggles Sunscreen cream Snack Drink (approx. 1 1/2 liters) Mobile phone (with charged battery) Map Altimeter Compass Possibly GPS device Grip spray (in case the skins no longer stick, tape as a last resort) Headlamp

Safety:

Avalanche transceiver Avalanche shovel Avalanche probe First aid kit + rescue blanket Bivouac sack

Ski touring and freeriding: 10 recommendations from the Alpine Club

Healthy in the mountains: Ski touring is endurance sport. The valuable strains on heart and circulation require health and good self-assessment. Avoid time pressure and choose the pace so that no one in your group is out of breath. Make sure you have strength 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. Particular attention should be paid to the weather report, as strong wind and poor visibility greatly increase the risk of accidents.

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 hazard sources (What is the main danger today?).

Complete equipment: Adapt your equipment to the winter conditions and pay attention to low backpack weight. For avalanche emergencies, an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe are standard, as well as first aid kit, bivouac sack and mobile phone. An airbag system increases chances of survival.

Regular drink breaks: Fluids, energy and breaks are necessary to maintain performance and concentration. Hot, isotonic drinks are ideal thirst quenchers and warmers. Easily digestible foods such as muesli bars, dried fruit and cookies satisfy small hunger on the way.

Weigh avalanche risk: There are tight limits to human ability to recognize avalanche danger. Base your decisions on strategic methods for risk assessment ("Stop or Go") and learn to recognize hazard signs in terrain.

Keep distances: Release distances of 10 m when climbing steep slopes (≥ 30°) reduce stress on the snowpack and increase comfort for hairpin turns. Always maintain distances of at least 30 m when descending and ski very steep slopes (≥ 35°) individually.

Avoid falls: Falls during descent are the most common cause of accidents on ski tours. They also place a high additional load on the snowpack. Good ski technique and speed adapted to skill reduce the risk. A ski helmet can protect against head injuries.

Small groups: Small groups allow mutual help and reduce the risk of triggering avalanches. Stay together as a group. Beware of solo tourers: even small incidents can lead to serious emergencies. Always inform trusted persons about your destination, route and return.

Respect nature: Do not leave any waste, avoid noise, do not enter reforestation areas, respect protected and restricted areas. Special consideration for wildlife in winter! Carpool or use public transport for the journey.

Koralpe - for everyone who wants to actively experience the mountain.

More info at Koralpe.