Rosenkogel from St. Oswald

We start directly at the church in St. Oswald (1), 982 m, and orient ourselves by the yellow signs with the inscription "Rosenkogel via Sommerriedlweg 3 h Nr. 01". For the time being we follow the asphalt road, which then continues slightly uphill as a forest road. To the left and right, extensive meadows open up and after a short time we come to a farm. Directly here at the "Tenegger-Hof" we turn right uphill (yellow signpost in the direction of Rosenkogel), for the time being along a road and after a short time the hiking trail leads again to the right. From now on we follow the wooden boards with the inscription "Rosenkogel" and the red-white-red markings, which are easily recognizable on the trees. Here we are also on the Mariazeller Gründerweg (from St. Lambrecht to Mariazell), which can be recognized by the signs. A steep section of path follows, accompanied by several Stations of the Cross. From the last station of the Way of the Cross, the Klarampf Cross (2), 1281 m, it now becomes somewhat flatter. During the ascent we pass a few crossroads, but the path is clearly indicated by markers and signposts. It is important to pay close attention to the markings, including small red-white-red panels with the inscription "Riedelweg 1". With the altitude above sea level and the sparse or open forest areas, the view becomes increasingly expansive. The view ranges from the Seetaler Alps, the Gurktaler Alps to the Wölzer Tauern. The Lachtal with the wind turbines is also very well visible. At Rudersattel (3), 1546 m, we follow the path to the right, which leads comfortably uphill over sections with great views. This path ends in a forest road that leads slightly downhill to the right. Here we just cross the road and see an entrance (4), 1623 m, with a wooden board "Rosenkogel". Attention, this board can be slightly hidden below the snow cover in winter. From now on we go along a path slightly uphill. Soon we cross a steep clearcut, where caution is advised (avalanche danger). We continue through the forest until we reach a forest road again, where we continue to the right. Above us there is again a large clear-cut area. There are no markings to be seen here. We go along the forest road only a short distance, then at the end of the clear cut we leave to the left and keep in a line always slightly uphill through the forest until we come to a much used ascent track. Because here our paths cross with those of the snowshoe and touring hikers, from the Sommertörl to the Rosenkogel. Further it is still about 100 meters of altitude to the summit, with markings and numerous tracks clearly showing the way. At 1918 m above sea level we have reached our goal, the Rosenkogel (5). The descent follows the ascent route, although we recommend a small detour via the wooden chapel of Maria Loretto (6), (1817 m). The wooden chapel can already be seen on the ascent or in the summit area if visibility is good. Then follow the path in the direction of Sommertörl until the next signpost. Turn right here and climb a few more meters until you reach the familiar ascent route again.

Equipment for Snowshoe Hiking

• Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good grip
• Snowshoes & adjustable poles with winter baskets
• Backpack with rain cover
• Layering system: functional underwear, mid-layer, weatherproof winter jacket
• Warm hiking pants, gaiters if needed
• Gloves (plus a spare pair), hat/headband, scarf/buff
• Sunglasses, ski goggles, and sun protection
• Water bottle or thermos, snacks
• First aid kit, emergency blanket, personal medication
• Headlamp, mobile phone with emergency numbers, hiking map or GPS

Additional safety gear in alpine terrain:
When snowshoeing in unsecured alpine areas, an avalanche transceiver, probe, and shovel are essential. They are vital for quick companion rescue in case of an emergency.

Snowshoe tours in open terrain require both weather and avalanche updates:

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

The short detour via the wooden chapel of Maria Loretto is recommended, as you have access to the small interior even in winter.

This tour can be reached by public transport.

• Timetable information: Verbundlinie Styria
• Tip: Always check the latest bus and train schedules before departure.

Gasthof Holzmann - Kirchenwirt, Tel.: +43 3571 2265, 8763 St.Oswald-Möderbrugg, St. Oswald 22, www.gasthof-holzmann.at
Freytag & Berndt (2017): Seetaler Alpen, Seckauer Alpen, Judenburg, Knittelfeld. WK 212 Wander-, Rad-, Freizeitkarte; 1:50000
Sarcletti S., Zienitzer E., (2. Auflage 2018): Schneeschuhführer Steiermark – Vom Dachstein bis zum Steirischen Weinland. Bergverlag Rother GmbH, München, S. 176.

Schneeweiß C., (2012): Schneeschuhgehen – Praxiswissen vom Profi zu Ausrüstung, Technik und Sicherheit. Bruckmann Verlag GmbH, München, S.192