Freeriding on Dachstein Glacier

Richard Skandera, © Simon Lemmerer

Dachstein is the easternmost glacier of the alps and also the highest mountain in the east of Salzburg. Freeriding here can be the greatest thing on earth, but the more spectacular and famous runs are always rather hardcore - in terms of avalanche danger and fall hazard on the way to the drop in. This comes from the huge amount of snow Dachstein gets every winter and from the steep shape of the mountain. If you go freeriding on Dachstein, be aware of the fact that you are responsible for your own safety and the safety of the ones being with you. take the following advice to enjoy some of the best powder Austria has to offer!

Required profile: Excellent control of the sporting devices in all situations, mountain experience, perfect equipment (e.g. the bindings may not be opened to easily), absolute sure-footedness, a head for heights, and nerves of steel. Courage is an absolute requirement, but recklessness is out of place. One should definitely first test their suitability to take on the steep face at the extremely steep but relatively safe run from Kleinen Gjaidstein to Schladming glacier. If you wet your trousers here, then you should definitely refrain from attempting other steep face runs!

Tour S1: Tour training terrain on Kleinen Gjaidstein

In order to prepare oneself for the steep runs, one can practice on a perfect training ground, which is located directly next to the Schladming double cable lift. Tour description for the steepness test: from the mountain station of the Schladming double cable lift, one skis at the left of the lift line to Gjaidstein-Sattel with the small mountain rescue cabin. Over the flat rocks of the small Gjaidstein, one ascends a few minutes until one reaches the entry of the steep (45 degrees = 100%) of the south-eastern flank. The approx. 300 meters long, steep slope ends directly at the base station of the Schladming double cable lift. Everyone can test their ability in conquering steep faces here; before one takes off for the dangerous steep faces.

Tour S2: Schwadrinn

Extreme skiing and free riding Eldorado directly underneath the Dachstein glacier railway. The “Schwadrinn” describes the broad cirque directly underneath the Dachstein glacier railway. The entries to this cirque are extremely steep (inclination over 45 degrees = 100% declines!). The classic entry comes over S2a, which can be directly seen from the mountain station (see the image on the left). Tour description: From the mountain station over Koppenstollen to the entry of Edelgries. From here on, one can select two alternatives:

a) From here directly down to the steep Coloir (45 degrees) or b) Over the broad southern flank (45 degrees) into the broad cirque of Schwadrinn underneath the cable car. Depending on the time of day, one seeks the ideal line through the broad cirque of Schwadrinn. The western slopes offer good firn snow in the afternoon. A direct exit from Schwadrinn is blocked by 2 rock barriers. Along the right (Scheiblingstein), head for a small, striking notch, which enables a crossing in the direction of Südwandhütte. Underneath the rock faces, along the Südwandhütten trail, one crosses Steinfeld in the direction of the base station. Proficient skiers should be able to complete the tour in approx. 1.5 hours, and it will lead them directly to the base station of the glacier railway. .

Tour S3: Fluderrinn

The classic steep run to Ramsau. From Ramsau, the entire Fluderrinn run is a very beautiful one. It consists of two parts: from the steep Hochkar, Fluder and Knolllahn, which leads you behind the town of Ramsau. 1,600 meters in height of steep firn! Tour description: From the mountain station through Rosmarie – Stollen and the upper Edelgries to the top of Edelgries, 2,505 m (see 3b). From the top of Edelgries, at the same height, cross to the ascending gorge at the west of the prominent “Schmiedstock”, approximately 100 meters in height up to Fluderscharte (2,600 m). Towards south east, a deep view of the upper part of 40-degree steep Fluder gorge opens up in front of you. During good firn conditions, this is an absolute dream. After countless swings and swerves, you will reach the lower part of Hochkar. At this point, you have to overcome an approx. 6 m high rock step (abseil hooks). Keeping to the right, through steep avalanche gorges, back over the broad slopes of Knolllahn, and down to its deepest point. Forest crossing, half left to Knolllift and to the town of Ramsau.

Tour S4: Gamsfeld

The 1 km broad south-western flank of Gamsfeldspitz is a very enjoyable tour for experienced skiers. Slopes incline up to 45°. Tour description: Entry identical to Tour S3. From the Fluderscharte (2,600 m), keep right, into the broad steel flanks of Gamsfeld. Through the narrow Gamsfeldgassl and the Kraml-Lahn down to Ramsau-Brückenhof (scheduled buses).