Skitouring

The Gesäuse certainly has a lot to offer. And there’s quite a lot it doesn’t have either. Above all, there are no ski lifts. Which means, especially in winter: if you want to get to the top, you’ll need to power your own way up. No gondola, no chairlift – even in winter, the only way to the summits is through muscle power. No pain, no gain. Or, as they say: you’ve got to earn that schnapps.

When it comes to ski touring in the Gesäuse, the mountaineering village of Johnsbach immediately springs to mind, as its excellent snow conditions and mountain location make it a ski touring paradise. That’s why the Kölblwirt came up with the idea of setting up a proper ski touring test centre (with equipment to try out). So Johnsbach is a popular starting point for winter mountain tours! Incidentally, given its huge popularity, a trip during the week or outside the holiday season is highly recommended!

Another special feature of the Gesäuse is the selection of national park ski tours, which are marked with winter signage that’s always clearly visible, ensuring that you don’t disturb the wildlife during their well-deserved winter rest and that you don’t get lost yourself. The quality of the descents in the Gesäuse is also exceptional, as is the view of a natural landscape brimming with winter wonders, both big and small.

In the winter countryside

A winter mountain hike is a completely different experience to one in the heat of summer. In the cold season, green turns to white, and liveliness gives way to tranquillity and gentleness. It’s the time of year when experienced skiers venture out on their own into the Gesäuse Mountains and the Haller Mauern, whilst beginners ring up a friendly mountain guide or book a guided tour to find out and learn everything there is to know about ski touring. The only question that remains is: which tour should I do next?

Highlights

Our mountains are more than just their legendary peaks. They form a living, breathing whole – a blend of the Gesäuse’s natural beauty and its people – that we experience every day. We’ve summarised our absolute highlights in the world of ski touring for you here. The only thing missing from this masterpiece is you.

Rottenmanner Tauern

Perhaps not yet so well known to the classic Gesäuse ski-touring enthusiast, but amongst those in the know a very special little corner of the world when it comes to powder hidden gems and perfect ski-touring terrain: Oppenberg and the Rottenmanner Tauern. Here you’ll find a wide selection of easy to moderately difficult tours on slopes facing in all directions. A word of warning: definitely addictive!

National Park

Thanks to its excellent snow conditions and mountain setting, the mountaineering village of Johnsbach is the Gesäuse’s ultimate ski-touring paradise. What makes it special are the selected national park ski tours, which feature winter markings that are always visible, ensuring that you do not disturb the wildlife during their winter hibernation and that you do not get lost yourself. Equally special is the quality of the runs and the view of a natural landscape brimming with winter wonders, both big and small.

Salzatal

When it comes to ski touring, have you ever thought of the Salzatal or Wildalpen? When it comes to guaranteed snow and spectacular views, the northern slopes of the Hochschwab and the mountains surrounding this white-water mecca – which is otherwise so deeply dormant in winter – are still real hidden gems. Peace and solitude amidst a white natural backdrop, served up on a plate in the Gesäuse.