Skitour and ascent to Dachstein summit

Descent from the Dachstein mountain station to below the Dirndl on the groomed and marked piste. Ski up and follow the path in a long left-hand bend to the shoulder ascent. From there, depending on the avalanche situation, ascend the steep, glaciated summit slope in the direction of the Randkluft. The eponymous Randkluft is no longer a major difficulty today, as the glacier is torn apart by a massive crevasse approx. 50 metres below the start. This crevasse can be an obstacle in early winter or when there is little snow, and is normally crossed on the right during the ascent - if in doubt, use rope protection. The last few metres to the start of the via ferrata are steep, so it is advisable to set up a ski depot at a suitable point in good time and put on crampons, climbing harness and via ferrata set.

The 100 metre-long, partially exposed climb from the edge fissure to the summit is almost continuously secured with a steel cable, which is often snow-covered in winter, however - after snowfall, you have to make tracks, especially in the upper section.

You should allow a similar amount of time for the descent to the ski depot as for the ascent. A great north-facing slope with often sensational snow awaits you here - please pay attention to the avalanche situation. Refreshment stop at the Seethalerhütte. Finally, the easy descent and the short ascent to the mountain station of the glacier railway follow the familiar route.

Variant
The summit can also be reached via the shoulder ascent (250 metres). Recommended if the risk of avalanches below the Randkluftsteig is too great. This ascent is also secured with wire ropes, the last section leads over the upper part of the Randkluftsteig. Crampons and a via ferrata set are also required here.

This ski tour requires surefootedness, the use of a via ferrata set and crampons as well as general avalanche judgement. We generally recommend that you are accompanied by a mountain and ski guide on this tour.

Of course you will find numerous providers in the Schladming-Dachstein region who will support you at the start of your ski touring career, teach you the right ascent and descent techniques or take over your tour planning for more challenging undertakings and guide you safely through the high alpine terrain.

You can find contacts to our mountain guides at www.schladming-dachstein.at/bergfuehrer.

From the station in Schladming take bus number 960 directly to the valley terminal of the Dachstein glacier cable-car.

Parking at the valley terminal of the Dachstein glacier cable-car.

The terrain is often highly structured and treeless. This often makes orientation difficult. In fog (‘White Out’), orientation can become almost impossible. For more challenging tours, we strongly recommend that you use a GPS device and carry the appropriate safety equipment.

As a general rule, when you leave the marked and open pistes, you are in open ski terrain. The open ski area is not marked and is not secured against alpine dangers.

The tour described is situated between 2,600 and 3,000 metres above sea level. At these altitudes, your body reacts more strongly to stress. Your breathing becomes faster and your need for fluids increases. Please take this important fact into account when planning your tour.

Refreshment stops
There are several huts and catering establishments on the Dachstein massif that are also open in winter. For example, the Dachstein Glacier Restaurant at the mountain station and the Seethalerhütte. Nevertheless, it is necessary to always take enough liquid and food (e.g. muesli bars) with you. There are no refreshment stops on some of the routes described.

The alpine emergency number in Austria is 140 (Europe 112).