Skitouring Schwalbenwand (northern rise)

Logo Skitouring Schwalbenwand (northern rise)
Logo Skitouring Schwalbenwand (northern rise)
Tour data
4.98km
900 - 1,917m
Distance
1,016hm
19hm
Ascent
03:30h
 
Duration
Brief description

Wide forest aisles and alpine pastures in predominantly ideal steepness are characteristic for this route - and that almost continuously over 1200 metres in altitude!

Difficulty
medium
Rating
Technique
Fitness
Landscape
Experience
Starting point

Car park Jetzbachgraben

Route


Best season
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Description

The route leads across extensive alpine meadows and forest aisles, without a single boring flat section. The terrain has mostly ideal slopes, but there are also short steeper sections in between. The short, steep forest step can be quite unpleasant in hard snow or icy conditions. In good snow, a dream tour with fantastic views of the Steinberge, the Steinerne Meer and the Hochkönig. Without a trail, some sense of direction would be required, but that will rarely be the case on this popular tour.

Directions

From the car park, walk a little into the Jetzbachgraben and turn right over meadow slopes to the Hinterjetzbachalm and on to the Oberstegalm.Now follow the wooded ridge to the Hofer Hochberghütte and on to below the Brunnkopf. Short steep ascent in several hairpin bends to the summit of the Brunnkopf. This is where most people end the tour.

The route continues along the ridge to the summit of the Schwalbenwand. Watch out for the steep slopes on the left (east) side.The descent leads along the ascent route over the mostly treeless alpine slopes back to the car park. A direct variant also leads in the direction of the Jetzbachalm over beautiful steep slopes back to the Jetzbachgraben. Watch out for the forest belts on the descent. These are very steep.

 

Alternative:
The Schwalbenwand can also be reached via the Langeck - mountain station of the Aberg mountain railway. From the mountain station via the summer path to the Statzerhaus on the Hundstein, then a short descent and 5-minute ascent to the Grünkar. Then always follow the course of the ridge down to just before the Schönwieskopf and over the Schönwieskopf to the Schwalbenwand. Beautiful ridge hike with minimal difference in altitude.

Alternative:
Langeck- Hundstein 1 hr.
Hundstein - Schwalbenwand 2 hrs.

Highest point
1,917 m
Endpoint

Schwalbenwand

Height profile

Equipment

Ski touring equipment
Crampons
Backpack with hot drink and light snack
Necessary medication
First aid kit

Safety instructions

Healthy in the mountains Ski and snowshoe tours are endurance sports. The valuable stress stimuli for heart and circulation require health and good self-assessment. Avoid time pressure and choose the pace so that no one in your group gets out of breath. Make sure you have energy reserves for the descent.
Careful planning Maps, guide books, internet and experts provide information on length, altitude difference, difficulty and current conditions. Pay particular attention to the weather forecast, as strong winds and poor visibility greatly increase the risk of accidents.
Study the avalanche situation report Before setting out on the tour, inform yourself in detail about the current danger level (European danger scale for avalanches in 5 levels). Pay particular attention to the information on danger points (Where is it dangerous today?) and sources of danger (What is the main danger today?).
Complete equipment Adapt your equipment to the winter conditions and make sure your backpack is light. For avalanche emergencies, an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe are standard, as are a first aid kit, bivouac sack and mobile phone. An airbag system increases the chances of survival.
Regular hydration breaks Fluids, energy and breaks are necessary to maintain performance and concentration. Hot, isotonic drinks are ideal thirst quenchers and warmers. Easy-to-digest foods such as muesli bars, dried fruit and biscuits satisfy small hunger pangs on the way.
Weigh up the avalanche risk When it comes to recognising the avalanche danger, humans have narrow limits. Therefore, base your decisions on strategic methods of risk assessment (reduction methods) and learn to recognise danger signs in the terrain.
Maintain distances Relief distances of 10 m when ascending steep slopes (≥ 30°) reduce the load on the snowpack and increase comfort when making hairpin turns. Always keep distances of at least 30 m when skiing downhill and ski very steep slopes (≥ 35 °) individually.
Avoid falls Falls on the descent are the most frequent cause of accidents on ski tours. They also place a great deal of additional stress on the snowpack. Good skiing technique and a speed adapted to your ability reduce the risk. A ski helmet can protect against head injuries.
Small groups Small groups enable mutual help and reduce the risk of triggering an avalanche. Stay together in the group. Attention lone skiers: Even small incidents can lead to serious emergencies. Therefore always inform familiar people about destination, route and return.
Respect for nature To protect nature: Do not leave waste behind, avoid noise, do not enter reforested areas, respect protected and restricted areas. Show special consideration for wild animals in winter! To get there, carpool or use public transport.

 

Emergency numbers: Alpine emergency call: 140                                         
                                          International emergency call: 122

Tips

Avalanche danger: Low - but only with ideal track selection! The terrain does have steep passages that are quite tempting, especially on the descent.

Additional information

An overview map is available at the tourist office.

www.hochkoenig.at 
region@hochkoenig.at
+43 (0)6584 20388


Directions

Coming from Salzburg: Take the A10 motorway to the Bischofshofen exit, then take the B311 towards Bischofshofen. Follow the Hochkönig Bundesstraße/B164 to Maria Alm.
Coming from Innsbruck/ Kufstein: Take the Loferer Straße/B178 in the direction of St. Johann i.T., then follow the Hochkönig Bundesstraße/B164 via Saalfelden to Maria Alm.
A valid vignette is required to use the Austrian motorway and motorway network. It is also compulsory to carry a first-aid kit, warning triangle and high-visibility waistcoat. Further information can be found under Asfinag.

Public transportation
Parking

Free parking near the Aberg ski center - drive past here until you reach the Jetzbachgraben.
At the first right-hand bend you will find the parking spaces on the left.


Author

3,3
Overall rating

5

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