Skitour to the Seitnerzinken

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty challenging

Route 12,4 km

Time 3:00 h

Uphill 915 hm

Downhill 915 hm

Highest point 2164 m

“The Hidden One”: This mysterious tour takes you to the 2,164 m high Seitnerzinken near Pusterwald. The tour climbs up quiet alpine pastures and gentle slopes, offering spectacular views. At the summit, a wide panorama opens up, and the descent over wide slopes makes it an enjoyable experience.

The Seitnerzinken (2164 m) is one of the most popular ski tours in the Bretsteingraben and offers an ideal combination of sporting challenge and scenic enjoyment. The starting point is the car park at the Bichler at around 1160 m. First, follow the forest road on a gentle incline until the terrain opens up above the Gamperhütte. You climb higher over rugged slopes and a sparse basin before reaching the broad western ridge. From here, the route climbs steadily to the striking summit. With an elevation gain of around 960 meters and a walking time of approximately three hours, the tour is also suitable for beginners in good physical condition, but requires basic alpine skills and a sound assessment of snow conditions. The ascent is rewarded with an impressive panoramic view of the Rottenmanner and Wölzer Tauern mountains. Depending on conditions, the descent is either via the extensive south slopes or along the ascent route – a pleasure in safe snow conditions.

Best season

January

February

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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 Bichler car park.

Hansbauer car park or Bichlerhütte car park

Start at the parking lot at the Bichlerhütte (1,160 m). The ascent initially follows the forest road towards the Gamperhütte. At around 1,350 m, turn right and follow the forest road or shortcuts uphill in serpentines until the terrain becomes more open. Continue through the basin, keeping to the left, then over the broad western ridge to the summit of the Seitnerzinken (2164 m). Descend via the ascent route or variants over the southern slopes.

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