Ski touring

An uncomplicated introduction to ski touring in Kötschach-Mauthen. The former ski slope on the Sonnenhügel is suitable for practising technique, first kick turns and a short training outing.

Start: Kötschach-Mauthen · Altitude: 1,200 m

Route: Kötschach - Vorhegg / former ski slope - return

LONCIUM tip
Ideal for your first touring day or a quick outing. Check current snow and terrain conditions here too.

A short, scenic ski tour to one of Lesachtal’s best-known alpine pastures. The ascent starts on a prepared track, then continues over open alpine meadows where appropriate.

Start: St. Lorenzen / Lesachtal · Altitude: 1,612 m

Route: St. Lorenzen - forest track - open alpine meadows - Lackenalm

LONCIUM tip
Good for beginners. For more, continue to Lackenkreuz: about 100 additional metres of ascent.

A Lesachtal classic with a steady ascent and wide views. On a clear day, the summit plateau looks out from the Sexten Dolomites to the Karawanks.

Start: Maria Luggau · Altitude: 1,991 m

Route: Maria Luggau - mountain meadows / forest - Samalm cross - return

LONCIUM tip
One of the tours we particularly like to suggest to guests with some experience. Descend broadly along the ascent route.

One of Lesachtal’s most popular ski tours. Forest tracks, larch meadows and pastures lead to a generally steady ridge. Comparatively straightforward technically, with impressive scenery.

Start: Nostra / Birnbaum · Altitude: 2,119 m

Route: Nostra - alpine track - larch meadows - ridge - Runseck - return

LONCIUM tip
Important: do not descend into Niedergail or Wolayertal. The official route recommendation is to descend near the ascent track.

A rewarding tour amid the Carnic Alps’ dramatic rock scenery. The approach through Valentintal passes the alpine pastures to Wodnertörl and offers a fine introduction to this touring area.

Start: Plöckenpassstraße / Valentintal · Altitude: 2,059 m

Route: Plöckenstraße - Untere Valentinalm - Obere Valentinalm - Wodnertörl

LONCIUM tip
A strong LONCIUM recommendation for experienced ski tourers visiting Valentintal for the first time.

One of the finest classic ski tours near Kötschach-Mauthen. Beyond Obere Valentinalm an impressive basin opens below the mighty walls of Hohe Warte and Kellerspitzen.

Start: Heldenfriedhof / Valentinalm junction · Altitude: 2,142 m

Route: Plöckenstraße - Untere Valentinalm - Obere Valentinalm - Valentintörl

LONCIUM tip
The pass is a wonderful destination in its own right. Continue towards Rauchkofel only in suitable conditions.

A demanding ski tour on the distinctive local mountain above Kötschach-Mauthen. Terrain becomes more alpine with height; safe conditions, fitness and experience are essential.

Start: Plöckenhaus / Plöcken area · Altitude: 2,332 m

Route: Plöcken area - Spielboden / pass area - Polinik - return

LONCIUM tip
Not for beginners. Assess snow, wind and avalanche conditions conservatively, especially near the summit.

A magnificent and serious ski tour below the highest walls of the Carnic Alps. From Valentintörl the route enters steeper terrain and crosses the south-facing slope to Rauchkofel; the final summit ascent may be on foot.

Start: Plöckenpassstraße / Kreuztratte · Altitude: 2,460 m

Route: Valentintal - Obere Valentinalm - Valentintörl - south-facing slope - Rauchkofel

LONCIUM tip
Especially beautiful in good spring firn conditions. *Times vary by source and variant; allow generously for the whole day.

A varied traverse with a south-easterly aspect. Meadows, mountain forest and sparse larches lead to the Samalm plateau; the descent goes via Wieseralm to Tuffbad.

Start: Xaveriberg / St. Lorenzen · Altitude: 1,992 m

Route: Xaveriberg - Samalm cross - Wieseralm - descent to Tuffbad

LONCIUM tip
Plan transport: start and finish are different. Two cars or an arranged transfer make it easier.

A true Upper Gailtal classic. An alpine track gives way to open terrain; the sheltered north-facing location often preserves usable snow well into spring.

Start: Mühlenstüberl / Obergail · Altitude: 2,294 m

Route: Obergail - Obergailer Alm - Enderberghütte - basin - Schönjöchl

LONCIUM tip
Fitness matters more than technical finesse. In spring, take daytime warming into account.

A varied ascent with particularly beautiful open upper slopes. The shaded high valley can preserve snow for a long time; the summit slope itself requires careful assessment.

Start: Mühlenstüberl / Obergail · Altitude: 2,247 m

Route: Obergail - Obergailer Alm - high valley - Wasserköpfe

LONCIUM tip
If the summit slope raises doubts, the plateau below is already a rewarding and sensible destination.

A long, rewarding tour to one of Lesachtal’s viewpoints. Terrain is comparatively gentle up to the plateau above Liesinger Hochalm; the final summit ascent is steeper.

Start: Niedergail · Altitude: 2,221 m

Route: Niedergail - alpine track - Niedergailer Alm - plateau - east slope - Mittagskofel

LONCIUM tip
If conditions on the summit slope are unsuitable, the plateau above the pasture is a sensible alternative.

A magnificent tour in a secluded valley head. Via Ingridalm and Hochweißsteinhaus to Bladener Joch, then more technical terrain across ridges and cirques towards Hochalpl.

Start: Frohn / Lesachtal · Altitude: 2,385 m

Route: Frohntal - Ingridalm - Hochweißsteinhaus - Bladener Joch - Hochalpl

LONCIUM tip
Ski crampons strongly recommended. This variant requires excellent avalanche assessment skills. *Ascent time.

A varied, demanding ski tour. Schwalbenkofel is often possible over a longer part of winter; continuing to Schulterhöhe requires significantly more favourable snow and avalanche conditions.

Start: Raut / Maria Luggau · Altitude: 2,424 m

Route: Raut - Gossenwiesen - Schwalbenkofel - short descent - Schulterhöhe

LONCIUM tip
Treat Schwalbenkofel as a destination in its own right. Schulterhöhe is an extra for very safe conditions and experienced tourers.