Großer Bösenstein - a classic in the Rottenmanner Tauern mountains

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty medium

Route 7,3 km

Time 3:30 h

Uphill 785 hm

Downhill 785 hm

Highest point 2448 m

“The summit crown”: This ski tour to the Großer Bösenstein is a classic in the Rottenmann Tauern mountains. The steady climb requires stamina, but every effort is rewarded at the striking summit – with a majestic view over Ennstal, Gesäuse, and Dachstein.

From the parking lot of the Edelrautehütte it is actually not so far to the highest peak of the Murtal region, the Bösenstein - "only" about 800 meters in altitude.

The tour leads across the alpine pastures, through an old Swiss stone pine forest, and hopefully under snow-covered mountain pines to the Gr. Scheiblsee. Already here you can appreciate the beauty of this landscape. In the direction of view the crystalline of the Bösensteine, in the back the mighty Gesäuseberge.

Behind the Scheiblsee it goes over some steeper steps and slope crossings up into the Elendkar. On one side, the Kleine Bösenstein rises, on the other side you can already see the summit cross of the Großer Bösenstein. Over a steep slope you reach the Elendscharte in a few hairpin bends. After setting up the ski depot, you climb over the ridge to the summit of the 2448m high Bösenstein.

Crampons should be with you, hairpin bends cannot be a problem!

Best season

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

More information

From Vienna (approx. 2.5 hours):

Take the A2 towards Graz.
At 161-St. Michael junction, switch to the S36 towards Judenburg.
Exit at Judenburg-Ost.
Continue on the B114 through the Mur valley towards Trieben/Hohentauern.
In Hohentauern, follow the signs to the Edelrautehütte.
Drive along the toll road to the parking area below the Edelrautehütte.

From Graz (approx. 1.5 hours):

Take the A9 towards Linz/Salzburg.
Exit at 100-Trieben.
Drive on the B114 towards Judenburg/Hohentauern.
In Hohentauern, follow the signs to the Edelrautehütte.
Continue on the toll road to the parking area below the hut.

From Salzburg (approx. 2.5–3 hours):

Take the A10 towards Villach.
At exit 63-Altenmarkt, change to the B320 towards Radstadt/Schladming.
Continue via Schladming to Liezen.
Join the A9 towards Graz.
Exit at 100-Trieben.
Drive on the B114 towards Judenburg/Hohentauern.
In Hohentauern, follow the signs to the Edelrautehütte.
Drive along the toll road to the parking area below the hut.

Parking lot Scheibelalm

From the parking lot of the Edelrautehütte, go either along the summer trail or in the sense of the ascent to the left of it (southeast) across open meadows to the Großer Scheiblsee. Along the right shore of the lake and in the area of the almost rear end of the lake up over the small steep step (alder bushes with little snow) to the foot of the Rote Rinne. Now in a southwesterly direction up over a steep step. At about 2000m the route turns to the NW. Now you are "1 floor" below the Elendkar. This can be reached either by crossing the slope on the right side (NE). Often here it is easier to take the crampons out of the backpack and use them! There is also the possibility to walk in the flat valley floor to the foot of the Kleiner Bösenstein. At the end of the flat bottom you climb to the right (NE) over a steep step, thus after again meets the previously described route (after the traverse) at the beginning of the Elendkares. The route continues in a northwesterly direction into the Elendkar.

The steep ascent to Elendscharte covers a good 100 meters in altitude. Some hairpin bends are necessary. To install crampons is often good. In or shortly after the Elendscharte a ski depot is reached. Via the summit ridge you reach the summit of the 2448m high Bösenstein.

Descent as ascent

Equipment for Ski Touring

Touring skis with skins, bindings, and compatible ski touring boots
Crampons (ski crampons) for icy sections
Adjustable ski poles with winter baskets
Backpack with ski attachment system
Layering system: functional underwear, mid-layer, insulating jacket, wind- & waterproof shell
Touring pants, gaiters if needed
Helmet (recommended for descents and rocky terrain)
Gloves (spare pair recommended), hat, headband, buff
Ski goggles, sunglasses, and sun protection
Water bottle or thermos, high-energy snacks
First aid kit, bivy sack, personal medication
Headlamp, mobile phone with emergency numbers, map or GPS

Essential safety gear in alpine terrain:
For ski touring, an avalanche transceiver, probe, and shovel are mandatory. Equally important are proper training in their use and up-to-date information on weather and avalanche conditions.

For ski touring, up-to-date weather and avalanche information is vital:

Mountain weather Styria (including Murtal): wetter.ORF – Bergwetter Steiermark
Avalanche bulletin Austria: lawine.at
Emergency numbers: Mountain Rescue 140 | EU Emergency Number 112