Snowshoe hike Hochkeil

Start your hike at the Arthurhaus parking lot. Follow the clearly visible, well-trodden path that initially leads you through a picturesque forest. Here you can enjoy the fresh, clear air and the winter landscape. Pay attention to the markers that show you the right way. The ascent is steady and requires some fitness, but after about 1.5 to 2 hours you reach the summit of Hochkeil. Take your time for a break and admire the wonderful panorama with views of the surrounding mountains and the snow-covered Mühlbach. For the descent to the Alpengasthof Rapoldsberg, follow trail No. 84, which leads down at a pleasant, steady gradient. The path winds through the snowy landscape and continues to offer impressive views. Be careful as the path can be slippery — use your snowshoes to ensure the necessary stability. After about 1 to 1.5 hours you will reach the Alpengasthof Rapoldsberg. Here you can reward yourself with a warm meal or a drink and enjoy the cozy atmosphere.

Snowshoe rental:

Ski, snowboard, and snowshoe tours offer great opportunities for fitness, community, and nature experience. The following recommendations serve to effectively address the risks in the winter mountain environment. Their practical implementation is taught in ski touring and avalanche courses: Get trained!

1. Healthy to the mountains

Ski and snowshoe tours are endurance sports. The valuable physical strain for heart and circulation requires health and good self-assessment. Avoid time pressure and choose a pace so that no one in your group gets out of breath. Watch for energy reserves for the descent.

2. Careful planning

Maps, guide literature, internet and experts provide information about length, altitude difference, difficulty, and current conditions. Special attention is given to the weather report, as strong wind and poor visibility greatly increase the risk of accidents.

3. Study avalanche reports

Inform yourself thoroughly about the current danger level (European avalanche danger scale in 5 levels) before starting the tour. Pay special attention to the indications of danger spots (Where is it dangerous today?) and sources of danger (What is the main danger today?).

4. Complete equipment

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

5. Regular drinking breaks

Fluids, energy and breaks are necessary to maintain performance and concentration. Hot, isotonic drinks are ideal thirst quenchers and heat providers. Easily digestible food like muesli bars, dried fruit and biscuits satisfy small hunger on the go.

6. Weigh avalanche risk

Humans have limited ability to recognize avalanche danger. Base your decisions on strategic risk assessment methods (reduction methods) and learn to recognize danger signs in the terrain.

7. Maintain distances

Relief distances of 10 m during ascent in steep slopes (≥ 30°) reduce the load on the snowpack and increase comfort in switchbacks. Maintain distances of at least 30 m during descent and descend very steep slopes (≥ 35°) individually.

8. Avoid falls

Falls during descent are the most frequent cause of accidents on ski tours. For the snow cover, they also mean a significant additional load. Good ski technique and speed adapted to your skill reduce the risk. A ski helmet can protect against head injuries.

9. Small groups

Small groups enable mutual help and reduce the avalanche trigger risk. Stay together in the group. Warning for solo hikers: even small incidents can lead to serious emergencies. Always inform trusted persons about destination, route, and return.

10. Respect nature

To protect nature: take no rubbish with you, avoid noise, do not enter reforestation areas, respect protected and restricted areas. Pay special attention to wildlife in winter! Form car pools or use public transport for arrival.

Arrival from Salzburg: Take the A10 motorway to the Bischofshofen exit, then follow the B311 towards Bischofshofen. Follow the Hochkönig federal road/B164 to Mühlbach.

Arrival from Innsbruck/Kufstein: Take the Loferer Straße/B178 towards St. Johann i.T., then continue via the Hochkönig federal road/B164 via Saalfelden and Maria Alm to Mühlbach.

Then continue along Mandlwandstraße towards Arthurhaus.

You can enjoy your holiday from the start with the train. No traffic jam will stop you from coming to the Hochkönig region!

You can book your train connection at www.oebb.at.

Line bus

Ski bus

Hochkönig Tourism GmbH

Am Gemeindeplatz 7

5761 Maria Alm

Tel. +43 6584 20388

region@hochkoenig.at

www.hochkoenig.at 

It's always time for a rest stop in the Berghotel Arthurhaus, the Schweizerhütte or the Alpengasthof Rapoldsberg ;)