Ski tour Hohe Ranach

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty medium

Route 6,0 km

Time 1:20 h

Uphill 427 hm

Downhill 427 hm

Highest point 1979 m

Leisurely Ski tour Hohe Ranach at almost 2000 m above sea level in the Seetaler Alps in the Murtal adventure region.

An easy and safe ski tour can be found here in the northern area of the Seetaler Alps in the adventure region Murtal, as a groomed trail leads over about 400 meters of altitude to the summit of the Hohe Ranach at 1981 m above sea level. This trail is also a popular winter hiking trail that is maintained by the federal army. Due to the exposed location of the extensive summit area, one has a wonderful view of the Judenburg-Knittelfeld basin and the surrounding mountain regions. Before setting out, however, it is important to know that you are walking here in the immediate vicinity of a restricted military area and that the hiking trail up the Hohe Ranach is closed during live-fire exercises. On the homepage of the Austrian Armed Forces you can see the closed times. In addition, there is an INFOPOINT board at the starting point with a digital display that informs about the current closed times of the hiking trails and you can also check your beeper here.

Best season

January

February

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More information

From Vienna (approx. 2.5–3 hours):

Take the A2 towards Graz.
At 161-St. Michael junction, switch to the S36 towards Judenburg.
Exit at Zeltweg-Ost/Obdach.
Follow the B78 Obdacher Straße to Obdach.
In the town, turn towards Amering/Schmelzhütte.
Continue along the road to the Schmelzhütte (parking available).

From Graz (approx. 1.5 hours):

Take the A9 towards Linz/Salzburg.
At 161-St. Michael junction, change to the S36 towards Judenburg.
Exit at Zeltweg-Ost/Obdach.
Follow the B78 to Obdach.
In the town, turn towards Amering/Schmelzhütte.
Continue along the road to the Schmelzhütte.

From Salzburg (approx. 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.
At 161-St. Michael junction, switch to the S36 towards Judenburg.
Exit at Zeltweg-Ost/Obdach.
Follow the B78 to Obdach.
In the town, turn towards Amering/Schmelzhütte.
Continue along the road to the Schmelzhütte.

Large parking lot across from the Soldier's Church.

At the large parking lot (1), 1550 m, there is an information board of the federal army, which gives information about the closing times of the hiking trails. From here we start with our ski tour and go right through at the gate (see yellow information boards of the federal army). Mostly there are tracks, which we follow slightly uphill to the left across an open meadow area until we reach a forest road. When the snow conditions are good, cross-country ski trails are also prepared here. In succession we hike straight ahead through the forest and at the next crossing we make a right-left combination and are now on the main path towards Hohe Ranach. Forest and meadow areas alternate and the path climbs comfortably over long serpentines. After about 2 km and 190 meters of altitude, we reach the Mühlbacher Sattel (2), 1788 m. From now on the forest becomes thinner and gradually we reach the tree line. Just after the Mühlbacher Sattel, when it goes uphill again, we keep to the left and hike along this prepared trail. If you want it to be shorter, you can also take the direct line uphill, although we find the small detour to the summit very nice. Shortly before we reach our destination, we turn left uphill for the last few meters and then we can already see the summit cross of the Hohe Ranach (3), 1981 m, in front of us. Descent via the prepared path to the parking lot.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

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

Good place to stop at the Schmelzhütte.

Unfortunately, this tour cannot be reached by public transport.