Ski tour to the Hochschwung

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty challenging

Route 10,7 km

Time 4:00 h

Uphill 960 hm

Downhill 960 hm

Highest point 2196 m

“The Swing": Die Schwungvolle leads to the 2,196 m high Hochschwung – a varied ski tour with wide slopes, a summit offering spectacular views, and a wonderful descent. An insider tip for anyone who wants to combine enjoyment of nature with a sporting challenge.

The ski tour to the Hochschwung is a challenging undertaking in the Wölzer Tauern mountains. From the starting point at around 1,200 m, the route initially leads over moderately steep, rugged terrain before the terrain gradually opens up. Along the way, beautiful views open up before you reach Lake Tubay. From here, the ascent becomes significantly more challenging: the climb to the summit is steep and complex, requiring confident kick turn technique and experience in avalanche assessment. At the Hochschwung at 2,196 m, you are rewarded with an impressive panorama of the surrounding mountains. The descent usually follows the ascent route and offers a variety of slopes depending on snow conditions. With an altitude difference of around 960 m, this tour is aimed at experienced ski tourers who want to combine a sporting challenge with alpine experience

Best season

January

February

March

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November

December

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 Judenburg-Ost.
Continue on the B114 towards Trieben/Hohentauern.
In Pöls-Oberkurzheim, turn right onto the B113 towards Bretstein.
Follow the road into the Bretstein valley (Bretsteingraben) until you reach the Hansbauer car park (signposted, at the end of the road).

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 Judenburg-Ost.
Continue on the B114 towards Trieben/Hohentauern.
In Pöls-Oberkurzheim, turn onto the B113 towards Bretstein.
Follow the road into the Bretstein valley (Bretsteingraben) to the Hansbauer car park.

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.
Exit at 100-Trieben.
Drive on the B114 towards Judenburg.
In Pöls-Oberkurzheim, turn left onto the B113 towards Bretstein.
Continue into the Bretstein valley (Bretsteingraben) to the Hansbauer car park.

You can park at the Hansbauer parking lot!

Starting point at around 1,195 m at the Hansbauer car park in Bretsteingraben. The ascent initially leads steadily uphill over rugged terrain towards Tubaysee. From the lake, follow the increasingly steep route over the complex summit slope to Hochschwung (2,196 m). The upper section requires confident kick turn technique and avalanche awareness. Descend along the ascent route

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