On the Mugel in winter - High above Leoben

We start at the spacious winter parking lot (1), 722 m, in the Niklasdorfgraben and orient ourselves by the yellow signposts in the direction of Ochsenstall/Mugel. We go straight uphill along the forest road, past the summer parking lot to the Hüttenanger/Rosseck junction. At this junction we keep straight on and pass a hunting lodge (2), 964m. Shortly after the hunting lodge, the hiking trail leads to the right, where we always see tracks in winter. If you are on snowshoes, you can take the shortcut here. For winter hikers it is recommended to follow the road and continue along the Silberbrunngraben, then turn right uphill and soon leave the forest. From now on, we continue hiking with a view and can already see the radio station, which is our next stage destination, in front of us. The road leads comfortably uphill along the alpine landscape around the Ochsenstall (3), 1202m. We continue again along a wooded area until we pass the transmission tower (4), 1429 m, in succession. In front of us is a large meadow area, where we keep slightly to the left and follow the usual ascent tracks. At the end of the meadow we hike a short distance along a forest road and then branch off to the right onto the hiking trail. A short and somewhat steeper ascent to the summit through the forest follows. On the last meters of altitude we can already see the Mugel shelter in front of us. Passing the shelter we reach the summit cross on the Mugel (5), 1630 m, which is only a few meters away. After a leisurely break, we leave the summit area and choose the way back along the ascent route, whereby there are numerous shortcut options for snowshoe hikers.

When choosing a winter hike or snowshoe tour, weather, snow and avalanche situation are essential criteria. Basically, the decision of the tour depends on your own experience and basic physical condition. In advance, factors such as weather, avalanche situation report and equipment, must be clarified in detail. Even if you have prepared perfectly, the given weather and snow conditions and the physical condition of the day during the hike itself must also be taken into account. Thus, there is an important basic rule: please turn around if the hike becomes too strenuous or if the external conditions require it.

Spikes are now indispensable as a winter hiking utensil. These "snow chains" for mountain boots have become increasingly popular in recent winters and belong as standard in the winter hiking backpack.

Walking times: The indicated walking time is to be understood as a guideline, as it depends on the snow conditions, the terrain and the presence of a trail. The individual condition and stamina for strenuous trail work also play an important role. Sometimes the duration of the tour can change significantly due to large amounts of new snow, broken slush, soft sulzing snow, etc.

Alpine emergency call:

Mountain rescue emergency number: 140

EU emergency number: 112

Avalanche info:

www.lawine-steiermark.at

Weather service:

www.zamg.ac.at

Direct link mountain weather Styria:

https://www.zamg.ac.at/cms/de/wetter/produkte-und-services/bergwetter/steiermark

Spikes

Telescopic poles with snow plate

Waterproof mountain boots or lined winter mountain boots

Backpack

Gloves: waterproof and warming

Headgear

Gaiters: If there are no closable leg cuffs on the pants.

Pants: Ski pants are not recommended, because they are often too warm, but we need water-repellent and warming pants.

Warming outerwear: Onion layering system, t-shirt, sweater, jacket and winter jacket with hood.

Sunglasses: Very important, as snow reflects up to 95% of the light.

Creams: Protective measures for the skin are important against both the sun and the cold.

Headlamp: In winter it gets dark early, especially in the forest it can often be very dark when dusk begins.

Thermos: On cooler days a warming drink is pleasant.

Snack 

First aid kit

Other important items of equipment:

Mobile phone

Tour description

Map: For overview a map in scale 1:50.000 of the respective region and a detailed plan of the hike

GPS d

eviceLVS device (avalanche transceiver), shovel and probe

The Mugel shelter is open in winter 2022 (Tuesday day off), www.mugel-schutzhaus.at

The starting point of the hike is not accessible by public transport.

Refreshment stops:

Mugel-Schutzhaus, Tel.: +43 (0) 664 19 91 210, Mugelweg 5, 8712 Niklasdorf, www.mugel-schutzhaus.at

Niklasdorf: Hotel-Restaurant Brücklwirt, Tel.: +43 3842 81727, 8712 Niklasdorf, Leobner Straße 90, www.bruecklwirt.co.at

Freytag & Berndt Wander-, Rad- und Freizeitkarte Gleinalpe, Lipizzanerheimat, Leoben, Voitsberg; WK 132, 1 : 50.000