Dachstein crossing – the National Ski Tour
| NOTE: Dachstein crossing ski tour not possible due to snow conditions! |
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The classic ski crossing of the Dachstein massif from south to north is a technically simple ski tour of national renown. Touring skis are not essential as the crossing is completely groomed and can also be done wearing normal alpine skis. From Ramsau/Dachstein the route leads over the Hallstatt glacier past the Simonyhütte lodge to the Gjaidalm lodge beneath the Krippenstein peak. From here you ski down one of the longest groomed ski runs in Austria to Obertraun by Lake Hallstatt. Planai buses take you back to the starting point. This is a highly recommended experience!
13 Dachstein crossing – the National Ski Tour
From the Dachstein mountain station it is a short descent to beneath the Dirndl along the groomed and marked path. From here you carry your skis for a short climb towards the Seethalerhütte lodge. At the signposted turn-off towards the Simonyhütte lodge, the easy descent begins via the groomed and marked trail along the western edge of the Hallstatt glacier to the Simonyhütte lodge (food and drink available). From here, continue along the similarly easy signposted and groomed trail with short counter ascents to the Gjaidalm lodge (food and drink available). From here there is a short, chairlift-assisted ascent to the Oberfeld, from where you ski down to the valley station of the Krippenstein gondola (the snack bar is recommended).
Please find out whether the valley descent is still open from April. If not, the gondola lift travels via the Krippenstein to Obertraun (take note of opening hours, potential additional costs).
Planai buses offer a comfortable transfer back to the departure point. Please ensure that you book in advance.
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Start |
Dachstein mountain station (2,687m) |
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| Finish | Obertraun cable car 600 m |
| Difficulty | red (black variants) |
| Metres in altitude | 200 m/2,200 m (ascent/descent) |
| Time required |
approx. 5.5 hours |
Variants
Many variants can be built into this tour (for which touring equipment is required). Options include a descent to the Eissee lake and the short climb to the Simonyhütte lodge. Slightly longer is the climb to the Hoher Trog peak and the descent through the wild Weittal valley to Hallstatt. Also popular is the detour to the Wiesberghaus lodge and the Tiergarten descent through the Echerntal valley to Hallstatt.
All of these variants are largely unmarked and lead through the open ski area. Please ensure that you have the correct safety equipment. They require proper tour planning, avalanche knowledge and very good local knowledge. We strongly advise that the services of a mountain and ski guide with local knowledge are employed.
Please note that the demands on your physical fitness increase considerably with possible variants.
