Open

Snowshoe hike to the Gleinalm saddle

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty medium

Route 11,8 km

Time 4:30 h

Uphill 570 hm

Downhill 570 hm

Highest point 1586 m

Der Gleinalmsattel in der Erlebnisregion Murtal ist ein einfach zu erreichendes und besonderes Schneeschuhziel, da auf diesem Passübergang das Gleinalm-Schutzhaus und die Kirche Maria Schnee stehen.

The crossing at Gleinalmsattel is a popular year-round hiking destination in the Murtal adventure region. In the summer months, the place is usually bustling with activity, as the Gleinalm shelter and the Maria Schnee church attract many visitors. In winter, on the other hand, it is quiet and lonely and the snow cover gives a completely different character to this special place, which was already known and frequented in Roman times. The snowshoe hike is well suited for beginners, as you can comfortably hike along a forest road with a steady ascent, moving in "avalanche-safe" terrain. Directly at the saddle is the Gleinalm church Maria Schnee, which was built at the beginning of the 18th century and is often confused with the high alpine church Maria Schnee because of the same patron saint. After it burned to the ground in 2004, it was rebuilt with attention to detail. In the summer months there are the popular mountain masses on several dates, on these days it is also allowed to drive up to just below the shelter.

Best season

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

More information

From St. Michael in Upper Styria via the Murtal expressway S36 (subject to toll sticker) to Knittelfeld (Knittelfeld-Ost exit) (22 km, approx. 15 minutes) and continue via Glein to the starting point (total 38 km, approx. 40 minutes).

From Judenburg also via the Murtal expressway S36 (vignette required) to Knittelfeld-Ost and further via Glein to the parking lot (35 km, approx. 40 minutes).

By car to snowshoeing - a few things to watch out for!

Good winter tires are an absolute MUST!
Ice scraper, snow broom, de-icer for the door locks and a small shovel are part of the basic equipment.
Put snow chains and a tow rope in the car, even if you are not good with them yourself. Helping and knowledgeable hikers are always available on the mountain!
Clear the car completely of snow and ice, especially sweep off the roof of the car completely.When parking, make sure you leave room for other motorists.
Always park so that the rest of the roadway remains clear for cars, logging trucks, and snow removal vehicles.
Find out about the snow situation on the access road or parking facilities before setting off. (hut host, webcams).

There is a parking lot just before the Stanglhütte.

From the starting point Stanglhütte (1), 1026 m, a forest road leads in the direction of Gleinalm-Schutzhaus. For now we follow the cleared forest road, parallel to the Gleinbach, until we reach the road junction (2), 1083 m, Zeißmannhütte / Gleinalm-Schutzhaus and keep going in the direction of Gleinalm. After a few meters the forest road climbs more steeply. Passing a hay hut, we keep to the right at the next junction. Immediately afterwards we see on the left a clearing with a small farmstead vlg. Stadlmoar. After the first kilometers in the forest we enjoy the view of the Roßbachkogel (1848 m). The gradient along the forest road is constant and the path leads more or less straight ahead. Only in the last third of the ascent do we hike up the forest road in serpentines until we see the entrance to the hiking trail on the right after 5.5 km. Another short stretch along a sunken path and we reach the Gleinalmsattel (3), 1586 m, with the church Maria Schnee and the shelter, which is closed in winter. The way back is via the 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

If you want to extend the snowshoe tour, you can hike up to the Speikkogel (1988 m) in good visibility. Wonderful view!

There is no public transport connection to the starting point of the tour.

General information about public transport to the region: www.verbundlinie.at

Murtal Taxi, Tel.: +43 660 1018101, 8740 Zeltweg, www.murtal-taxi.at

Cab Jäger, Tel.: +43 3512 44833, 8720 Knittelfeld

Cab Steiner, Tel.: +43 3512 71718, 8720 Knittelfeld

Restaurant Gästehaus Seiger, Tel.: +43 3515 4237, 8715 St. Margarethen bei Knittelfeld, St. Lorenzen bei Knittelfeld 8, www.seiger.at

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