You don´t feel yet up to a ski tour through open terrain, but still want to enjoy a taste of what ski touring is all about?
If so, the newly opened Ski Touring Center Raurisertal is probably the place for you: Two main, clearly marked routes lead from the valley stations Hochalm and Kreuzboden to Hochalm and Waldalm. After having reached your goal you get to ski back downhill via the groomed pistes of the Rauriser Hochalmbahnen family skiing area. The routes are only open during the operating times of the Rauriser Hochalmbahnen lifts and on Fridays from 5 to 10 p.m. Use at own risk.
Along the trails information boards provide useful information about the route, the gains and distances still ahead of you, the direction, and about the trail as a whole. At each start and finish point you find open alpine restaurants offering refreshment and delicacies.
1 Schwoagaberg - Hochalm
2 Heimalm - Hochalm
3 Kreuzboden - Waldalm
4 Kreuzbodenhütte - Waldalm
The routes are located outside of the secured ski areas. Piste maintenance crews do NOT conduct safety inspections.You should always be keenly aware of alpine dangers. We strongly recommend bringing along an avalanche transponder, probe and shovel on every tour. The transmission power of your avalanche transponder can be tested at the Ortovox checkpoints at the valley stations.
Before setting out on a backcountry ski tour, you should be well aware of the dangers that the winter brings. Plan your tour taking into account weather, snow and avalanche conditions, and equip yourself accordingly.
Comply with Opening Times: The trails and pistes should only be used when the Rauriser Hochalmbahnen lifts are running.
Only use the marked routes: 2 main routes with 4 variants are available to ski tourers at Ski Touring Center Raurisertal. If a section happens to lead across a piste, skiers must ascend in single file along the side of that piste. Cross the piste only at points where there is good visibility, leaving a sufficient gap between each skier. On the pistes, the standard FIS rules of the slopes for alpine skiers apply (skiers dropping down towards the valley have priority).
Obey warning signs: Warning signs and closures must be obeyed without exception. Also obtain accurate information about current snwo and weather conditions.
Study the avalanche risk forecast: Before beginning your tour, find out the details f othe current danger level (5-level European Avalanche Warning Scale). Pay particular attention to the precise location of danger areas (Where is it dangerous today?) as well as the sources of danger (What is the main danger today?).
Full equipment: Adapt your gear to the wintry conditions and minimizethe weight of your rucksack. Standard avalanche safety equipment includes a transponder, showvel and prove, as it does a first-aid kit, bivouac sack and a mobile phone. An airbag system increases your survival chance.
Visibility and health: In poor visibility or darkness, use a headlamp and reflective clothing. Ski touring is an endurance sport. Take plenty of breaks, put energy back into your body wisely and insure you have enough strength in reserve to ski back down the mountain.
Only ski on the fringes of freshly groomed pistes: Ruts that have frozen overnight may have a major impact on the quality of the piste.
Dogs are not permitted on the pistes.
Learn from the pros: So that ski touring is fun for you from the very outset, always pick up tips from the local professionals.
Respect for nature: Don´t leave trash behind, avoid making noise, do not enter reforestation zone, respect protected or closed areas. Be particularly considerate of wildlife in winter! When traveling in, join a carpool or take public transportation.
Please obey the rules for ski tourers on the slopes of the Rauriser Hochalmbahnen lifts.
staatl. geprüfter Berg- & Skiführer, Ortsstellenleiter Bergrettung Rauris
staatl. geprüfter Skiführer & Skilehrer
staatl. geprüfter Diplom-Skilehrer & Skiführer, ÖSV-Trainer