Marked Ski Touring Routes amid the skiing area Rauriser Hochalmbahnen

You don´t feel yet up to a ski tour through open terrain, but still want to enjoy a taste of what ski touring is all about?

If so, the newly opened Ski Touring Center Raurisertal is probably the place for you:  Two main, clearly marked routes lead from the valley stations Hochalm and Kreuzboden to Hochalm and Waldalm. After having reached your goal you get to ski back downhill via the groomed pistes of the Rauriser Hochalmbahnen family skiing area. The routes are only open during the operating times of the Rauriser Hochalmbahnen lifts and on Fridays from 5 to 10 p.m. Use at own risk.

Current avalanche conditions Current weather reports

Marked Ascent Routes at Ski Touring Center Raurisertal

Along the trails information boards provide useful information about the route, the gains and distances still ahead of you, the direction, and about the trail as a whole. At each start and finish point you find open alpine restaurants offering refreshment and delicacies.

1 Schwoagaberg - Hochalm

Length5,1 km
Metres   of Altitude807 Hm
StartValley station Hochalmbahn cable car
FinishHochalmhütte (open alpine restaurant)
RouteThe first stage takes you through a series of switchbacks and forest sections. At kilometer 2.95, you will have reached the lift mid-station and the Heimalm (open alpine restaurant). Until this point, there are numerous opportunities to leave the trail and ski back down the regular piste. You then take Route No 2 - Heimalm to Hochalm.

2 Heimalm - Hochalm

Length       2,14 km
Metres     
of Altitude
302 Hm
Startmid-station Hochalmbahn cable car
(Ride up on the Hochalmbahn cable car possible)
FinishHochalmhütte (open alpine restaurant)
RouteFrom the Heimalm hut, your ascent takes you along the forest´s edge and past funslope (right). From there, it is just a few more meters gain until you reach the Hochalm hut.

3 Kreuzboden - Waldalm

Length         4,23 km
Metres     
of Altitude
743 Hm
StartValley station Kreuzboden chairlift
FinishWaldalmhütte (open alpine restaurant)
RouteThe ascent is moderately difficult and does demand good ski-touring technique. The route leads initially across a meadow, before taking you on a climb through dense forest. After ca. 1.8 kilometer you will come to the  Kreuzboden toboggan run which you will have to cross - do so with caution!
At kilometer 2 you will come to the first crossing of a ski piste. And after another 20 vertical meters, you will have reached the Kreuzboden hut (open alpine restaurant). Further on route No 4 - Kreuzbodenhütte - Waldalm.

4 Kreuzbodenhütte - Waldalm

Length                2,11 km
Metres 
of Altitude
414 Hm
StartTop Station Kreuzboden Chairlift
(Ride up on Kreuzboden Chairlift possible)
FinishWaldalmhütte (open alpine restaurant)
RouteAbove the Kreuzboden hut, the route leads you through dense forest, before you come to a steep point on the edge of the piste (option to return). From there, climb steeply uphill through sections of forest until you come to the Waldalm hut.

The routes are located outside of the secured ski areas. Piste maintenance crews do NOT conduct safety inspections.You should always be keenly aware of alpine dangers. We strongly recommend bringing along an avalanche transponder, probe and shovel on every tour. The transmission power of your avalanche transponder can be tested at the Ortovox checkpoints at the valley stations.

Before setting out on a backcountry ski tour, you should be well aware of the dangers that the winter brings. Plan your tour taking into account weather, snow and avalanche conditions, and equip yourself accordingly.

Safety Rules at Ski Touring Center Raurisertal

Comply with Opening Times: The trails and pistes should only be used when the Rauriser Hochalmbahnen lifts are running.

Only use the marked routes: 2 main routes with 4 variants are available to ski tourers at Ski Touring Center Raurisertal. If a section happens to lead across a piste, skiers must ascend in single file along the side of that piste. Cross the piste only at points where there is good visibility, leaving a sufficient gap between each skier. On the pistes, the standard FIS rules of the slopes for alpine skiers apply (skiers dropping down towards the valley have priority). 

Obey warning signs: Warning signs and closures must be obeyed without exception. Also obtain accurate information about current snwo and weather conditions. 

Study the avalanche risk forecast: Before beginning your tour, find out the details f othe current danger level (5-level European Avalanche Warning Scale). Pay particular attention to the precise location of danger areas (Where is it dangerous today?) as well as the sources of danger (What is the main danger today?).

Full equipment: Adapt your gear to the wintry conditions and minimizethe weight of your rucksack. Standard avalanche safety equipment includes a transponder, showvel and prove, as it does a first-aid kit, bivouac sack and a mobile phone. An airbag system increases your survival chance.

Visibility and health: In poor visibility or darkness, use a headlamp and reflective clothing. Ski touring is an endurance sport. Take plenty of breaks, put energy back into your body wisely and insure you have enough strength in reserve to ski back down the mountain. 

Only ski on the fringes of freshly groomed pistes: Ruts that have frozen overnight may have a major impact on the quality of the piste.

Dogs are not permitted on the pistes.

Learn from the pros: So that ski touring is fun for you from the very outset, always pick up tips from the local professionals.

Respect for nature: Don´t leave trash behind, avoid making noise, do not enter reforestation zone, respect protected or closed areas. Be particularly considerate of wildlife in winter! When traveling in, join a carpool or take public transportation. 

Please obey the rules for ski tourers on the slopes of the Rauriser Hochalmbahnen lifts.  

Intersport Pirchner
Marktstr. 51
5661 Rauris, Österreich

Tel.: +43 6544 7302

E-Mail: rauris@intersport.at
Web: www.intersport-pirchner.at
Sport Egger
Marktstr. 78
5661 Rauris, Österreich

Tel.: +43 660 850 00 11

E-Mail: Sportegger@hotmail.com
Web: www.sport-rauris.at
Skischule Karl Maier
Liftweg 2
5661 Rauris, Österreich

Tel.: +43 6544 6637

E-Mail: info@ski-maier.at
Web: www.ski-maier.at
Skischule Adventure Rauris
Kirchplatz 1
5661 Rauris, Österreich

Tel.: +43 6544 7900

E-Mail: ski@ski.co.at
Web: www.ski.co.at
Bergwolf, Wolfgang Rohrmoser
Hundsdorfweg 12
5661 Rauris, Österreich

Tel.: + 43 664 415 39 23

E-Mail: w.rohrmoser@bergwolf.at
Web: www.bergwolf.at

staatl. geprüfter Berg- & Skiführer, Ortsstellenleiter Bergrettung Rauris

Schischule Hohe Tauern
Grubweg 6
5661 Rauris, Österreich

Tel.: +43 676 581 02 40

E-Mail: jochen.wieser@sbg.at
Web: www.schischule-hohetauern.at

staatl. geprüfter Skiführer & Skilehrer

Skischule Karl Maier, Mario Ratz
Liftweg 2
5661 Rauris, Österreich

Tel.: +43 6544 6637

E-Mail: info@ski-maier.at
Web: www.ski-maier.at

staatl. geprüfter Diplom-Skilehrer & Skiführer, ÖSV-Trainer