Ski tour to the Schießeck from Pusterwald

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty medium

Route 17,9 km

Time 5:00 h

Uphill 1194 hm

Downhill 1194 hm

Highest point 2275 m

“The Classic”: This ski tour leads to the 2,274 m high Schießeck near Pusterwald. The tour climbs steadily over gentle alpine pastures and wide slopes. At the striking summit, a panorama opens up to Dachstein and Gesäuse, and the descent over wide slopes makes it a real pleasure.

The tour starts in the center of Pusterwald and leads over the Fuchsgraben through the Bärental valley. You soon reach the Steinbachhütte, an important stopover for orientation and a rest. Further up is the Grillerhütte before you reach the transition to the summit ridge via the Grillerlucke. The summit of the Schießeck at approx. 2,275 m rewards you with far-reaching views over the Pölstal, Dachstein and Gesäuse. The route runs mainly over wide alpine pastures and gentle slopes, but the ascent requires a good level of fitness throughout. Technically, the tour can be classified as moderately difficult - with sections where surefootedness, safe walking on snow and possibly crampons are helpful. The descent over wide slopes makes the return to the Grillerhütte pleasant. If you are up for a challenge, you will find a rewarding mountain experience in a quiet environment, away from the crowds.

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 Judenburg-Ost.
Continue on the B114 towards Trieben/Hohentauern.
At Pöls-Oberkurzheim, turn onto the B113 towards Pusterwald.
Follow the road into the village center, to the Pusterwald village square (Dorfplatz).

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.
At Pöls-Oberkurzheim, turn onto the B113 towards Pusterwald.
Drive into the village center, to the Pusterwald village square (Dorfplatz).

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.
At Pöls-Oberkurzheim, turn left onto the B113 towards Pusterwald.
Continue into the village center, to the Pusterwald village square (Dorfplatz).

Park directly in the village center next to the churchPark directly in the village center next to the church

The tour starts at the village square in Pusterwald at around 1,070 m and leads through the Fuchsgraben into the Bärental valley. You ascend to the Steinbachhütte via forest and alpine pasture terrain. Above this, the terrain opens up and you reach the Grillerhütte via increasingly steep slopes. From here you are in open alpine terrain, where there is an increased risk of avalanches, especially in drifting snow and icy passages, and crampons can be helpful.
The further ascent leads over open flanks to the Grillerlucke, a prominent saddle. This section requires a safe choice of tracks, as dangerous snow drifts often form here. From the saddle, you reach the summit of the Schießeck at 2,275 m via hilly terrain and a final steeper slope.
The descent mostly follows the ascent route. Wide slopes offer smooth skiing, but require stable snow conditions. In the lower section through the forest, the descent is narrow and requires careful maneuvering.

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

Enjoy local delicacies from the Murtal region at the GH Jagawirt inn on your way home.

Unfortunately, this tour cannot be reached by public transport.