Ski tour via the Schwabergerhütte to the Kreuzkogel

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty challenging

Route 13,9 km

Time 2:44 h

Uphill 867 hm

Downhill 867 hm

Highest point 2109 m

The ski tour to the Kreuzkogel (2,109 m) leads from the Bichler parking lot via Gamperhütte and Schwabergerhütte through sunny alpine terrain to the Große Windlucke. The final ascent over the east-facing ridge is demanding and requires technique and fitness. Descent variants over cirques and gullies make this tour a special alpine experience.

The ski tour to the Kreuzkogel is one of the most challenging undertakings in the Murtal adventure region. The starting point is the Bichler parking lot, from where the ascent leads via the Gamperhütte to the Schwabergerhütte (1,511 m). From here, sunny alpine terrain opens up, climbing steadily to the Große Windlucke (1,857 m). The transition to the east-facing ridge brings the tour to its most challenging section: steep passages, exposed terrain and an energy-sapping final ascent to the Kreuzkogel summit at 2,109 m. Those who master this challenge will be rewarded with an impressive panoramic view of the Niedere Tauern. The descent is not identical to the ascent route: depending on the snow conditions, cirques and gullies offer a variety of options that require avalanche expertise. With an altitude difference of around 950 meters and an alpine character, the tour is reserved for experienced ski tourers who are in good physical condition, have good technique and can assess the conditions with confidence.

Best season

January

February

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December

More information

From Vienna (approx. 3 hours):

Take the A2 towards Graz.
At St. Michael junction (161), switch to the S36 towards Judenburg.
Exit at Judenburg-Ost.
Continue on the B114 towards Trieben/Hohentauern.
At Pöls-Oberkurzheim, turn right onto the B113 towards Bretstein.
Drive through Bretstein and continue into the Bretstein valley (Bretsteingraben).
Follow the road until you reach the Bichler car park (signposted).

From Graz (approx. 1.5 hours):

Take the A9 towards Linz/Salzburg.
At St. Michael junction (161), change to the S36 towards Judenburg.
Exit at Judenburg-Ost.
Drive on the B114 towards Trieben/Hohentauern.
At Pöls-Oberkurzheim, turn onto the B113 towards Bretstein.
Continue through Bretstein and follow the road to the Bichler 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.
At Pöls-Oberkurzheim, turn left onto the B113 towards Bretstein.
Pass through Bretstein and continue into the Bretstein valley.
Follow the road to the Bichler car park.

You can park directly at the Bichler parking lot

From the Bichler parking lot via the forest or alpine path first to the Gamperhütte and on to the Schwabergerhütte (1,511 m). Over open alpine pasture terrain uphill to the Große Windlucke (1,857 m). From there over the east-facing ridge in challenging terrain to the Kreuzkogel (2,109 m). The descent is not identical to the ascent, but via cirques and gullies back to the Schwabergeralm and into the valley.

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 the magnificent view over the Pölstal region with a cup of tea at the summit cross. Breathtaking mountains, fresh air and unspoilt nature away from mass tourism.

Refreshment stops: GH Beren in the village or GH Schaffer

Unfortunately, this tour cannot be reached by public transport.