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From Unterplanken across to the Schuher Alm, and from the Golfen all the way to the Hochhorn
Starting point & parking: Unterplanken in Pichl in the Gsieser Valley 1213 m
Descent: back via the ascent route
Hiking time: ca. 5 hours
Level of difficulty: moderate – difficult; for average skiers, open terrain with moderate slope gradient, minor technical difficulties
Altitude difference: 1400 m
Slope exposure: southwest
Best period: December till MarchRoute description: From Unterplanken, go eastwards, passing the small chapel of St. Florian and hike uphill along the forest path number 91, on the orographic right side of the stream. After about 45 minutes, the path leading to Oberplanken intersects; continue on that path briefly, then turn left walking into the direction of the Schuher Alm by leaving the actual path and walking uphill on the left side of the mountain stream directly through light spruce forest. At an altitude of 1751 m, cross an alpine path and continue across wide meadows to the Schuher Alm at 1958 m, enjoying the surrounding panorama of the Dolomites. This route now continues southwards on the famous “Toblacher Höhenweg” number 24; catch sight of the Rosszogel 2163 m and the Stacher Riedl 2173 m on your left. Now continue over a wide ridge to the Golfen at 2493 m and for the really ambitious it is another 30 minutes to the actual destination of the hike, the Hochhorn at 2623 m.
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The Kalksteinjöchl, at the passage into the Villgraten Valley (A) – an interesting challenge for snowshoe hikers and ski tour enthusiasts in a snow-covered alpine landscape
Starting point: Head of the valley in St. Magdalena in the Gsieser Valley 1465 m
Descent: back via the ascent route
Hiking time: ca. 2 ½ hours
Level of difficulty: easy
Altitude difference: 884 m
Slope exposure: North SlopeRoute description: From the head of the valley in St. Magdalena in the Gsieser Valley 1465 m, follow the signposts number 47/48 over the bridge, then immediately turn left and after the Schlosser Hof turn right. The path now leads through an old cattle drive towards the Tscharniettal. On the right side you are accompanied by the natural toboggan run, on the left by a magnificent winter wonderland. At an altitude of roughly 1627 m you get to a fork with clearly displayed signposts. Turn right over the wooden bridge and continue on forest road number 48. Just ahead of the second crossing of the stream, at an altitude of ca. 1851 m, (there is a small power station on your right), leave the alpine path and trudge uphill on the orographic right side of the stream through clear and pleasant larch woods. This route is truly an Eldorado for ski tourers and snowshoe hikers. Pass the new alpine huts at 1976 m and keep left along the wide, open ascending ridge. At about 2000 m, already above the treeline, still keeping left, catch sight of the notch of the Kalksteinjöchl at 2349 m in the east, literally guarded by the Geil and Körl Spitze.
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A beautiful panorama tour across the Aschtalm, Pfinnhütten, Pfinnscharte and Hoher Mann
Starting point: Head of the valley in St. Magdalena in the Gsieser Valley 1465 m
Descent: back via the ascent route
Hiking time: ca. 3 ½ hours
Level of difficulty: easy ski mountain that requires some endurance
Altitude difference: 1100 m
Slope exposure: south + eastRoute description: From the head of the valley in St. Magdalena in the Gsieser Valley 1465 m, follow the piste uphill on its edge to the alpine path number 10 “Ascht”. Now continue on a wide forest road through the woods covered in deep snow all the way to the Aschtalm at 1950 m (rest point). Then proceed westwards on the alpine path to the Pfinnalm at 2152 m and to the Pfinnscharte (notch) at 2395 m. Please consider the avalanche risk: only descend the slope if the covering of snow is stable! In another 30 minutes reach the Hoher Mann at 2539 m, over the steep ridge. The impressive panoramic view rewards your efforts. Now look forward to a fantastic downhill run! As the touring map explains, you can also climb on the orographic left side of the stream from the Aschtalm, traverse clear mountain woods and wide alpine terrain and hike past many hay barns of the Pfinnalm towards Hoher Mann. At the notch, at an altitude of 2499 m, keep left and climb the Hoher Mann over the “Nord Grat” (northern ridge). Snowshoe hikers: As explained previously, keep to the forest path number 10 all the way to the Pfinnalm 2152 m. From there, reach the Pfinnscharte (notch) at 2359 m in just 45 minutes by climbing up steeply along the basin of the valley.
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The “Rotlahner” – an easy but famous ski mountain in the Gsieser Alps
Starting point: Head of the valley in St. Magdalena in the Gsieser Valley 1465 m
Descent: back via the ascent route
Hiking time: 3 ½ hours
Level of difficulty: medium to difficult; with the exception of two steep slopes (one just beneath the Kasermähder Alm and the other in the area of the Heimwaldjoch) there are no considerable technical difficulties concerning the route
Altitude difference: 1270 m
Slope exposure: mainly southwest slopesRoute description: From the head of the valley in St. Magdalena in the Gsieser Valley 1465 m, follow the signpost number 47 over the bridge, then immediately turn left, and after a few metres turn right. The snowshoe hike, or rather the ski tour, leads you parallel to the toboggan run and along the Tscharniet Stream uphill to the Köfler Alm at 1806 m. Pass the big boulder, keep straight (do not follow the forest road) and continue through the steeply ascending stretch of forest to the Kasermähder Alm at 2048 m, passing various types of pine covered in deep snow. The gentle snowy slopes of the “Stierböden” lead to the Heimwaldjöchl at 2648 m. Once there, turn right and reach your final destination, the Rotlahner, in just 15 minutes.
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Snowshoe tour: The “Gsieser Törl” – over centuries a strategic passage for man and beast: pilgrims, smugglers, pedlars, hunters, shepherds, as well as the odd lover…
Starting point: Head of the valley in St. Magdalena in the Gsieser Valley 1465 m
Descent: back via the ascent route, from Kradorfer Alm left turn is also possible
Hiking time: 2 ½ hours
Level of difficulty: moderate to difficult; technical difficulties are minor; but last part of the climb is steep
Altitude difference: 740 m
Slope exposure: south slope
Rest point: Messner Hut 1659 m and Kradorfer Alm 1704 mRoute description: From the head of the valley in St. Magdalena in the Gsieser Valley, follow the signpost number 49 into the valley past the cross-country trail and the wood turner workshop; then hike straight across the dark spruce forest. Now partly continue along the path and partly across crunchy snow-covered alpine meadows all the way to the Pidigalm at 1674 m. Once there, continue straight past various hay barns, (partly with avalanche protection) always on the orographic right side of the valley and parallel to the stream, all the way up to the Oberberg Alm and enjoy the last steep climb to the Gsieser Törl (2205 m).
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The Uwaldalm – an area that offers the best views of the Gsieser Valley
Starting point: Head of the valley in St. Magdalena in the Gsieser Valley 1465 m
Descent: back via the ascent route
Hiking time: ca. 2 ½ hours
Level of difficulty: moderate – difficult; easy tour with the characteristics of a ski tour
Altitude difference: 577 m
Slope exposure: southwest – northwestRoute description: From the head of the valley in St. Magdalena in the Gsieser Valley 1465 m, follow the signpost number 12 over the new bridge, then turn left and after the “Schlosser Hof” left again before you reach the old “Viehtrieb”, the cattle drive, on your right enclosed by fences and shrubs. Near the “Burger Hof” cross the bridge of the rustic mountain stream and trudge along the windy forest road through winter landscape covered in deep snow. On your hike you come across several little glades that offer an impressive view of our valley and the Dolomites of Prags that rise into the blue sky in the southwest. At an altitude of approximately 1870 m cross the Pfoi Stream, hike through fenced alpine meadows and get, after a few metres, to the path diverting on the left that takes you westwards across meadows and woods to the Uwald Alm at 2042 m (rest point). b) shortcut: approximately 100 metres before reaching the bridge of the Pfoi Stream, leave the forest road number 12 by turning right and hike past the big notice board into the woods. There, cross the narrow bridge at 1522 m that has a wayside cross – now you are already on the old Pfoi trail that takes you along the left side of the stream to the forest road number 12 at 1800 m and on to the Uwaldalm at 2042 m (rest point) in a long steep climb. Enjoy the wonderful views across the Gsieser Valley!
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The classic Gsieser ski and snowshoe hike through the Pfoital and to the Hochkreuzspitze
Starting point: Head of the valley in St. Magdalena in the Gsieser Valley 1465 m
Hiking time: 4 ½ hours
Level of difficulty: moderate – difficult; for average skiers, the route offers a wide and open terrain with only a few steep slopes that only require extra caution following fresh snow
Altitude difference: 1274 m
Slope exposure: southwestRoute description: a) From the head of the valley in St. Magdalena in the Gsieser Valley at 1465 m, follow the signpost number 12 over the new bridge, turn left, after the Schlosser Hof left again and after just a few metres keep right and turn into the old “Viehtrieb” (cattle drive), enclosed by fences and shrubs. Ever so often you come across small glades that offer beautiful photo scenes of the valley and the impressive Dolomites of Prags in the southwest. After about 90 minutes you reach the fork (1930 m) to the Uwaldalm (rest point) – from there it is another 30 minutes to the just mentioned Alm. b) shortcut: approximately 100 metres before reaching the bridge of the Pfoi Stream, leave the forest road number 12 by turning right and hike past the big notice board into the woods. There, cross the narrow bridge at 1522 m that has a wayside cross – now you are already on the old Pfoi trail that takes you along the left side of the stream to the forest road number 12 at 1800 m and on to the Uwaldalm at 2042 m (rest point) in a long steep climb. Now, climb the hilly landscape ahead of you and hike predominately along the mountain ridge up to the so-called plate. The route now takes you partly across flat and partly over rocky passages (perhaps remove skis along some passages). At ca. 2500 m cross the slopes towards the right and get to the already familiar route just beneath the Pfoi Lakes, which takes you up to the Hochkreuz. For whoever does not want to cross the transverse slope, follow the ridge and reach directly the middle Hochkreuz at 2702 m, and a little further the Hochkreuzspitze at 2739 m. The best descent or downhill run is either via the Pfoital or the ascent route.
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Snowshoe hike along the Besinnungsweg (path of reflexion)
Starting point: Church in St. Magdalena in the Gsieser Valley
Distance: 3 km
Hiking time: 1 hour
Level of difficulty: easy
Altitude difference: 120 m
Return: by public transport or on footRoute description: “Life has become unsettled for all of us. Sometimes it resembles wild water rafting that hurls us from wave to wave, from stone to stone and from vortex to vortex. That is why we all need a quiet cove where we can find ourselves and where we can find God” (Reinhold Stecher, former bishop of Innsbruck). From the parish church in St. Magdalena, walk along the main road down to the bridge; there, on the left side by the turnoff of a side street is the first reflexion point. Now pass the small chapel and go left and down over the bridge of the local stream; after a light ascent turn right. Trudge along the country lane, always down the left side of the stream and past several reflexion points. Once you crossed the asphalt road, wander southwards to the start of a deciduous forest; the red-and-white-markings with the initials of Martin and Magdalena are showing you the way on large boulders. There, pass very old dry-stone walls, traditional wooden fences, a hayrack and several wayside shrines all the way to the hamlet Schuher. Turn right and down, but try to avoid walking on the main road by keeping to the roadside. Close to the edge of the forest, another boulder points the way, taking you right over a bridge to the district of Kapaiern. Immediately turn left and follow the wooded riverbank and various other reflexion points down to St. Martin. The reflexion walk can be done from St. Magdalena as well as St. Martin – in winter use snowshoes. Guides available in most churches.
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Snowshoe hike along the Gsieser Talblickweg (view-of-the-valley-path)
Starting point & parking: Head of the valley in St. Magdalena in the Gsieser Valley 1465 m
Altitude difference: 250 m
Distance: 8,5 km
Level of difficulty: easy, but long route
Hiking time: ca. 3 hours
Return: via public transport (bus)Route description: From the head of the valley in St. Magdalena in the Gsieser Valley at 1465 m, hike into the valley for about 5 minutes, then, near the barn of the Hackler Farms, trudge uphill. At the wayside cross, turn left, carefully cross the ski slope and continue past the new hayrack, through the ancient hamlet “Huiben” at 1265 m and on to the Weißberg. The farm chapel already indicates the direction from a distance. Once there, enjoy the beauty of the Gsieser Valley all the way to the Dolomites of Prags. The Hohe Gaisl (3136 m) in the west rises majestically into the blue sky. From there, continue on a narrow field and forest path to the restaurant Lanzberg. The sun terrace offers a beautiful panorama and good cuisine and invites the visitor to linger. There is, however, still a considerable distance to cover, orienting yourself on the Talblickweg. It shows you the trail along the Harmer Farms, St. Martin, Kargruben, Steinegge and all the way to the hamlet Wiesen in Pichl at 1280 m. Remove your snowshoes and walk on the paved road to the main street. At the “Herz-Jesu-Kapelle” (Sacred Heart of Jesus Chapel) you also find the bus stop for public transport. Reduce this route in length to suit your personal plans.
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Panorama hike: over the Lutter- and Durakopf
Starting point: parking area above the mountain restaurant Mudler Hof in Taisten 1584 m
Ascent: ca. 3 to 3 ½ hours
Descent: ca. 2 hours, toboggan run until mountain restaurant Mudler Hof
Level of difficulty: moderate – difficult; slightly steep ascent through the forest – unproblematic and fairly smooth alpine terrain – mostly gentle downhill run
Altitude difference: ca. 700 m
Toboggan run: easyRoute description: From the tourist office in Taisten 1203 m, turn left at the gothic piety column and pass the parish church in the direction of the Hotel Alpen Tesitin. Turn right onto the Guggenberg and follow the forest road to the next crossing. Please note: take a left there and after a tight right corner and another 300 m reach the starting point of your route at the large parking area. There, at 1590 m the forest path numbered 31 diverts on your left in a westerly direction. After the first bend take the steep and bumpy path on your left, leading you directly to the higher situated forest road. Cross it and walk leisurely uphill by paying attention to the red-white markings and number 31. The landscape visibly becomes more fascinating as you cross the terrain at an altitude of 2000 m above sea level. In the distance, catch sight of the summit cross of the Lutterkopf 2145 m, surrounded by magnificent mountain scenery. The tour continues northwards across open alpine terrain. Always along the ridge and after a considerable hike reach a fence with an opening, taking you directly down to the Taistner Vorderalm. At this point, however, continue to your second destination, namely the Durakopf at 2275 m. From its summit, go down eastwards to the Klenkboden at 2186 m and then southwards across a vast mountain pasture to the Taistner Vorderalm at 2012 m (rest point). From here, return to the starting point Mudler Hof (rest point) in just 1 ½ hours on foot or much faster by tobogganing.
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Tranquil low mountain hike – clockwise through meadows and woods of the Taistner Unterrain
Starting point: crossroad 100 m after the Hotel Alpen Tesitin in Taisten
Altitude difference: 260 m
Hiking time: 2 to 3 hours
Level of difficulty: easy and ideal terrain for snowshoe hiking
Important: Orientation in forest difficult when leaving marked path
Please note: this is only a snowshoe hike
Rest point: mountain restaurant Mudler HofRoute description: Starting point is the crossroad 100 m after the Hotel Alpen Tesitin located above Taisten (on the way to the mountain restaurant Mudler Hof). From here, follow the Unterrainerstraße (cleared from snow in winter and numbered 21) for 3 km all the way to the Feichterhof at 1377 m. Once there, proceed uphill with your snowshoes on; depending on snow conditions either keep to the edge of the forest (trail number 21) or hike through the forest (trail 21 a) all the way to the hidden Kirmlehof at 1577 m. Follow the access road of the farm till it crosses the road leading to the mountain restaurant Mudler Hof (worthwhile rest point); now continue south-eastwards by keeping to the road until the snowshoe signs clearly point to the right and into the forest. Now in south-easterly direction descend the woods and meadows all the way down to the starting point. Please take particular note of the signs in the forest! Alternative route from the crossing at Kirmle/Mudler Hof: continue on road number 31 and through the hamlet Guggenberg and return to the starting point.