Dachstein Crossing - Austria's National Ski Tour
łatwe Ski tour open terrain · Dachstein
“The roof of Styria” is calling you! Austria's national ski tour is the most spectacular way to experience the UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage Site of the Dachstein. The classic ski crossing of the Dachstein massif from south to north - a nationally renowned, technically easy ski tour. Touring skis are not absolutely necessary, the crossing is groomed throughout and can also be done with normal alpine skis. From Ramsau/Dachstein, the route leads over the Hallstätter Glacier past the Simonyhütte to the Gjaidalm below the Krippenstein. From there, one of the longest groomed ski runs in Austria takes you down to Obertraun on Lake Hallstatt.
Return to the starting point with the Planai buses.
An experience worth recommending!
The Planai buses offer a comfortable transfer back to the starting point. Please book in advance.
Variant: Many variants can be incorporated into this ski tour (for which touring equipment is required). For example, a descent to the Eissee and the short ascent to the Simonyhütte are possible. The ascent to Hoher Trog and the descent through the wild Weittal valley to Hallstatt is somewhat longer. Also popular is the detour to the Wiesberghaus and the Tiergarten descent, which leads through the Echerntal valley to Hallstatt.
All these variants are mostly unmarked and lead through the open ski area, so please make sure you have the appropriate safety equipment with you. They require serious tour planning, avalanche knowledge and very good local knowledge. We recommend that you are accompanied by local mountain and ski guides.
Please note that the demands on your physical fitness increase considerably with possible variations.
From the west: Tauern Autobahn (A 10) to Knoten Ennstal - turnoff direction Graz/Schladming - stay on the Ennstal-Bundesstraße (B320) for approx. 20 km until Schladming - take the turnoff for Ramsau - via the Dachsteinstraße to the Dachstein Gondola Bottom Station
From the north: Pyhrn Autobahn (A 9) direction Liezen - take the Ennstal-Bundesstraße (B320) to Schladming - turnoff Ramsau - via the Dachsteinstraße to the Dachstein Gondola Bottom Station
Bus - Transfer Ennstal to Dachstein Glaciar Cable Car
Guests and locals (groups of 25 people or more) can take the Ramsauer Verkehrsbetriebe bus from Irdning sports ground to the Dachstein Glacier cable car. Please register on the bus for the return transfer from Obertraun. Registration is required by calling +43 3687 81870.
Bus - Transfer from Obertraun to Schladming, Ramsau and Dachstein Glacier Cable Car
Planai buses provide safe and carefree return transport from Obertraun to Schladming. The buses run in good weather and against registration from the valley station cable car Obertraun to Schladming, Ramsau and Dachstein valley station. Registration is required at +43 3687 22042 117.
With the Ramsauer Verkehrsbetriebe there is also a return transport from Obertraun to Ramsau am Dachstein at the Obertraun valley station cable car. Registration is required at +43 3687 81870.
Even though there are parking spaces at the Dachstein Cable-Car Station, it is recommended that you take the public bus from Schladming or Ramsau to use the gondola.
Make sure you are prepared for rapid changes in the weather and increased UV exposure in high alpine terrain. A wind and water-repellent jacket, hood and moisture-resistant gloves are essential. Sun protection (eyes, skin and lips) is also very important.
Safety equipment
A modern avalanche transceiver, a metal avalanche shovel and a probe are part of the basic equipment for every ski tour and freeride descent that takes you off the secured slopes and into the open ski area. This triumvirate of avalanche transceiver/shovel/probe not only helps you to be found quickly in the event of an avalanche burial, but above all to be able to help any companions or other buried victims quickly.
The smartphone is with you anyway. We generally recommend installing a GPS app and familiarizing yourself with how to use it. Network coverage is generally good on the Dachstein. A small first aid kit with a multitool should also always be carried.
For many tours, it is advisable to carry a glacier harness and via ferrata set, crampons, ice axe and a short rope so that you can react quickly to snow conditions. The exact equipment for each tour can be found in the individual route descriptions.
The alpine emergency number in Austria is 140 (Europe 112).
If you have no network reception, please restart your phone. However, before you enter your PIN code for the SIM card, dial the emergency number. You can also make the emergency call in other networks.
For detailed information, please contact our local alpine schools or mountain guides: Mountain and hiking guides | Schladming-Dachstein
Skitouringfolder online availabe and in all Information offices.