Snowshoe tour Hohe Ranach

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty easy

Route 6,8 km

Time 2:00 h

Uphill 427 hm

Downhill 425 hm

Highest point 1979 m

“The Trace Collector": Experience a peaceful winter break on a snowshoe hike up the Hohe Ranach (1,981 m). Climb around 7 km through snow-covered forests and gentle slopes to the summit, where you can enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the Murtal valley and the Seetal Alps. Tip: This tour is also ideal for touring skis, with the descent taking place on a groomed slope.

An easy and safe snowtour can be found here in the northern area of the Seetal Alps in the Murtal adventure region, as a groomed trail leads over about 400 meters in altitude to the summit of the Hohe Ranach at 1981 m above sea level. Numerous winter hikers, ski tourers and snowshoe hikers like to take advantage of the trail, which 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. However, before setting out on snowshoes, it is important to know that you are walking here in the immediate vicinity of a restricted military area and that the hiking trail to 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. If you would like to extend the hike a bit, you still have the option of heading west to the Erslstand (2124 m) and enjoying the view of the extensive cirque (Fleischhackerboden - restricted military area).

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 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.

Large parking lot (1), 1550 m, opposite the soldier's church on the enamelAt the large parking lot (1), 1550 m, there is an information board of the Austrian Armed Forces, which gives information about the closed times of the hiking trails. From here we start our hike and go right through at the gate (see yellow information boards of the federal army). Mostly there are tracks, which we follow slightly uphill on 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. On the one hand, we have a better view and on the other hand, we escape, at least partially, the downhill route of the ski tourers. 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. For the descent we follow our ascent route.

Equipment for Snowshoe Hiking

Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good grip
Snowshoes & adjustable poles with winter baskets
Backpack with rain cover
Layering system: functional underwear, mid-layer, weatherproof winter jacket
Warm hiking pants, gaiters if needed
Gloves (plus a spare pair), hat/headband, scarf/buff
Sunglasses, ski goggles, and sun protection
Water bottle or thermos, snacks
First aid kit, emergency blanket, personal medication
Headlamp, mobile phone with emergency numbers, hiking map or GPS

Additional safety gear in alpine terrain:
When snowshoeing in unsecured alpine areas, an avalanche transceiver, probe, and shovel are essential. They are vital for quick companion rescue in case of an emergency.

Snowshoe tours in open terrain require both weather and avalanche updates:

Mountain weather Styria (including Murtal): wetter.ORF – Bergwetter Steiermark
Avalanche bulletin Austria: lawine.at
Emergency numbers: Mountain Rescue 140 | EU Emergency Number 112

There are numerous snowshoe hikes on the eastern side of the Seetaler Alps, including Tour 13 "Hüttenwanderung Seetaler Alpen" in the Snowshoe Guide Styria.

Unfortunately, this tour cannot be reached by public transport.

Recommendation: Travel by car or organize a carpool.

Schmelzhütte, Tel.: +43 3578 8240 or +43 681 20 488 137, 8750 Judenburg, Ossach 37. Schmelzhütte on Facebook

Winterleitenhütte / Nature Friends House at 1800 m above sea level, Tel. +43 3578 8210, Winterleitenhütte. Sled rental

Homepage Tülpl Seetaler Alpe of the federal army: Closing times of the hiking trails

Freytag & Berndt (2017): Seetaler Alpen, Seckauer Alpen, Judenburg, Knittelfeld. WK 212 Wander-, Rad-, Freizeitkarte; 1:50000

Weitere Informationen zum Schneeschuhwandern auf unserer Homepage www.murtal.at/schneeschuhwandern

Sarcletti S., Zienitzer E., (2. Auflage 2018): Schneeschuhführer Steiermark – Vom Dachstein bis zum Steirischen Weinland. Bergverlag Rother GmbH, München, S. 176.

Schneeweiß C., (2012): Schneeschuhgehen – Praxiswissen vom Profi zu Ausrüstung, Technik und Sicherheit. Bruckmann Verlag GmbH, München, S.192