Ski tour to the Hochschwung

“The Swing": Die Schwungvolle leads to the 2,196 m high Hochschwung – a varied ski tour with wide slopes, a summit offering spectacular views, and a wonderful descent. An insider tip for anyone who wants to combine enjoyment of nature with a sporting challenge.

The ski tour to the Hochschwung is a challenging undertaking in the Wölzer Tauern mountains. From the starting point at around 1,200 m, the route initially leads over moderately steep, rugged terrain before the terrain gradually opens up. Along the way, beautiful views open up before you reach Lake Tubay. From here, the ascent becomes significantly more challenging: the climb to the summit is steep and complex, requiring confident kick turn technique and experience in avalanche assessment. At the Hochschwung at 2,196 m, you are rewarded with an impressive panorama of the surrounding mountains. The descent usually follows the ascent route and offers a variety of slopes depending on snow conditions. With an altitude difference of around 960 m, this tour is aimed at experienced ski tourers who want to combine a sporting challenge with alpine experience

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

Best season

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

The tour in numbers

challenging

Level of difficulty

10,7 km

Route

4:00 h

Time

960 hm

Uphill

960 hm

Downhill

2196 m

Highest point

Map & downloads

Download GPX data

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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 Hansbauer car park.

Starting point at around 1,195 m at the Hansbauer car park in Bretsteingraben. The ascent initially leads steadily uphill over rugged terrain towards Tubaysee. From the lake, follow the increasingly steep route over the complex summit slope to Hochschwung (2,196 m). The upper section requires confident kick turn technique and avalanche awareness. Descend along the ascent route

Guided tours, avalanche seminars and ski technique courses for ski tourers:

Gundula Tackner

Alpine school on the Tauern

www.alpinschuleamtauern.at

Unfortunately, this tour cannot be reached by public transport.