Festkogel

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty challenging

Route 11,0 km

Time 6:00 h

Uphill 1400 hm

Downhill 1400 hm

Highest point 2269 m

The ski tour from Johnsbach to the Festkogel (2,269 m) is one of the most beautiful in the Gesäuse, but also one of the most difficult.

The Festkogel is indisputably one of the highlights of ski mountaineering in the Gesäuse National Park. Steep climbs, breathtaking views, amidst the rock towers of the Hochtor Group, adrenaline on the way to the summit and feelings of happiness on the steep descent. What sounds here like the collected dreams of real ski touring fans can be found all along the ascent to the Festkogel. And this begins right behind the Kölblwirt.

Best season

January

February

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More information

A9 Phyrnautobahn to exit Ardning/Admont and from there past Frauenberg, approx. 10 km to Admont. Via the B146 (Gesäuse Bundesstraße) from the west into the Gesäuse.

Or via Leoben, Vordernberg and Eisenerz to Hieflau and from there via B146 in a westerly direction into the Gesäuse.

A1 Westautobahn to exit Ybbs and from there south through Scheibbs, Lunz am See, Göstling an der Ybbs and Palfau to Hieflau. From there take the B146 in a westerly direction to the Gesäuse.

In the National Park there is only one intersection worth mentioning, namely the one into the Johnsbachtal (coming from Admont after approx. 11 km and coming from Hieflau after approx. 15 km). Follow this road (L743) about 10 km into the valley. Through Johnsbach to the famous Kölbwirt inn.

Large car park at Gh Kölblwirt

From the starting point at Kölblwirt, follow the summer trail, which is well marked with ski markers even in winter, first across meadows and soon steadily upwards in the forest. Just before you reach the lower Koderalm, you turn off the trail to the left and cross it, keeping to the right. Then take a wide curve around the Festkogel tower to the wide cirque between Festkogel and Hochtor. There, look for a path through the strongly indented terrain. At about 1900 you will reach the first steep section of 35 degrees, which leads to a flatter ground.

Decide there whether to traverse to the summit, the slope here is between 35 and 40 degrees.

For the descent you can choose your track in the Festkogelkar, usually you ski close to the right side in the downhill direction. Then continue along the ascent track to the valley.

Exposed sections: the traverse to the summit is steep and exposed. Safe skiing technique is a prerequisite

Downhill technique: steep slopes, great firn, BUT you must be able to control your skis. Experience is a prerequisite!

Many passages are steep and require the use of hairpin turns. Also a very long and enduring tour.

You must pay attention to the avalanche warning levels!

Emergency call mountain rescue: 140

Safety in alpine terrain

The usual dangers of the mountains - falling rocks, weather-related falls, danger of falling - are exacerbated in winter above all by the danger of avalanches. This poses a challenge for beginners and professionals alike. Being able to assess the avalanche situation requires thorough preparation and years of experience. Therefore, please observe the principles of safe touring. Indispensable are in any case:

Good tour planning (route, avalanche situation report, weather report, weather stations).

Complete equipment

Stay on the route

Minimising the risk

Respect for the rules of nature conservation and thus protect the sensitive nature in the Gesäuse National Park!

Ski touring and avalanche equipment, as well as a ski touring backpack with appropriate contents (water bottle, hiking map, snack, etc.). You should also be well prepared for a change in the weather.

Crampons may be required for the summit area!

A stop at the famous Kölblwirt is a must!

www.oebb.at

www.busbahnbim.at

Tourismusverband Gesäuse

Hauptstraße 35, 8911 Admont, Österreich

Tel. +43 (0) 3613 21160-10

Email: info@gesaeuse.at

www.gesaeuse.at

Nationalpark Gesäuse GmbH

Weng 2, AT-8913 Admont, Österreich

Tel. +43(0) 3613 211 60-20