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Festkogel

Ski Touring · Gesäuse

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TV Gesäuse

im Hintergrund der Gamsstein
Photo: Tourismusverband Gesäuse, TV Gesäuse

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The ski tour from Johnsbach to the Festkogel (2,269 m) is one of the most beautiful in the Gesäuse, but also one of the most difficult.

difficult

Distance 11.1 km

3:30 h

1,402 m

2,266 m

863 m

The Festkogel is indisputably one of the highlights of ski mountaineering in the Gesäuse National Park. Steep climbs, breathtaking views, amidst the rock towers of the Hochtor Group, adrenaline on the way to the summit and feelings of happiness on the steep descent. What sounds here like the collected dreams of real ski touring fans can be found all along the ascent to the Festkogel. And this begins right behind the Kölblwirt.

Author’s recommendation

A stop at the famous Kölblwirt is a must!

Author

Tourismusverband Gesäuse

Update: March 30, 2022

Difficulty

difficult

Technique

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Highest point

Gipfel Festkogel, 2,266 m

Lowest point

Gh Kölblwirt, 863 m

Best time of year

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Cardinal direction

Track types

Show elevation profile

Rest stops

Gasthof Kölblwirt

Safety information

Exposed sections: the traverse to the summit is steep and exposed. Safe skiing technique is a prerequisite

Downhill technique: steep slopes, great firn, BUT you must be able to control your skis. Experience is a prerequisite!

Many passages are steep and require the use of hairpin turns. Also a very long and enduring tour.

You must pay attention to the avalanche warning levels!

Emergency call mountain rescue: 140

Safety in alpine terrain

The usual dangers of the mountains - falling rocks, weather-related falls, danger of falling - are exacerbated in winter above all by the danger of avalanches. This poses a challenge for beginners and professionals alike. Being able to assess the avalanche situation requires thorough preparation and years of experience. Therefore, please observe the principles of safe touring. Indispensable are in any case:

Good tour planning (route, avalanche situation report, weather report, weather stations).

Complete equipment

Stay on the route

Minimising the risk

Respect for the rules of nature conservation and thus protect the sensitive nature in the Gesäuse National Park!

Tips and hints

Tourismusverband Gesäuse

Hauptstraße 35, 8911 Admont, Österreich

Tel. +43 (0) 3613 21160-10

Email: info@gesaeuse.at

www.gesaeuse.at

Nationalpark Gesäuse GmbH

Weng 2, AT-8913 Admont, Österreich

Tel. +43(0) 3613 211 60-20

Email: info@nationalpark-gesaeuse.at

www.nationalpark-gesaeuse.at

Start

Gh Kölblwirt (864 m)

Coordinates:

47.531499, 14.615079

DMS

47°31'53.4"N 14°36'54.3"E

UTM

33T 471027 5264302

w3w

Destination

Gh Kölblwirt

Turn-by-turn directions

From the starting point at Kölblwirt, follow the summer trail, which is well marked with ski markers even in winter, first across meadows and soon steadily upwards in the forest. Just before you reach the lower Koderalm, you turn off the trail to the left and cross it, keeping to the right. Then take a wide curve around the Festkogel tower to the wide cirque between Festkogel and Hochtor. There, look for a path through the strongly indented terrain. At about 1900 you will reach the first steep section of 35 degrees, which leads to a flatter ground.

Decide there whether to traverse to the summit, the slope here is between 35 and 40 degrees.

For the descent you can choose your track in the Festkogelkar, usually you ski close to the right side in the downhill direction. Then continue along the ascent track to the valley.

Note

all notes on protected areas

Public transport

www.oebb.at

www.busbahnbim.at

Getting there

A9 Phyrnautobahn to exit Ardning/Admont and from there past Frauenberg, approx. 10 km to Admont. Via the B146 (Gesäuse Bundesstraße) from the west into the Gesäuse.

Or via Leoben, Vordernberg and Eisenerz to Hieflau and from there via B146 in a westerly direction into the Gesäuse.

A1 Westautobahn to exit Ybbs and from there south through Scheibbs, Lunz am See, Göstling an der Ybbs and Palfau to Hieflau. From there take the B146 in a westerly direction to the Gesäuse.

In the National Park there is only one intersection worth mentioning, namely the one into the Johnsbachtal (coming from Admont after approx. 11 km and coming from Hieflau after approx. 15 km). Follow this road (L743) about 10 km into the valley. Through Johnsbach to the famous Kölbwirt inn.

Parking

Large car park at Gh Kölblwirt

Coordinates

47.531499, 14.615079

DMS

47°31'53.4"N 14°36'54.3"E

UTM

33T 471027 5264302

w3w

///sunbeams.jackpot.fidgeted

Arrival by train, car, foot or bike

Author’s map recommendations

Carto.at Wander- Rad- & Skitourenkarte Nr 801 "Nationalpark Gesäuse", 1: 35 000

Kompass Karten "Nationalpark Gesäuse" Nr. 206, M 1 : 25 000

Alpenvereinskarte - Gesäuse und Ennstaler Alpen, Blatt 16. 1 :25 000

Equipment

Ski touring and avalanche equipment, as well as a ski touring backpack with appropriate contents (water bottle, hiking map, snack, etc.). You should also be well prepared for a change in the weather.

Crampons may be required for the summit area!

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Difficulty

difficult

Distance

11.1 km

Duration

3:30 h

Ascent

1,402 m

Descent

1,402 m

Highest point

2,266 m

Lowest point

863 m

Refreshment stops available Summit route Clear area

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Waypoints

Rest stops

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