Tour skiing practice track to Loibersbacher Höhe
The most popular
beginners' ski tour
in Faistenau
A ski tour takes a lot of strength and endurance. Yet at the same time, most people find it really relaxing to glide across the deep snow. Beginners in particular often underestimate just how strenuous such ascents can be. That's why the Fuschlsee region has something very special to offer novices: A touring practice track up to Loibersbacher Höhe at 1,456 metres in the skiing resort of Gaissau-Hintersee. Information boards lead skiers up to the summit of Loibersbacher Höhe, which offers a fantastic view of the Osterhorngruppe range.
At the same time, thanks to the guidance provided by 7 information boards, beginners learn something about the sport itself, learn how to behave on the terrain and alpine safety including avalanche awareness. Important: always check the current avalanche warning level before setting off and assess whether an ascent is possible. The signposting only provides basic information and is not comprehensive. It offers NO protection against alpine dangers and avalanches. Choosing to go on a recommended tour while relying on sign postings is at your own risk!
Facts regarding your tour
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Length: 4.3 km
- Change in altitude: 627 m
- Parking available (for a fee) – Keflau (Tiefbrunnau, Faistenau)
- Season: From December to March, depending on snow
- Free of charge and open-access
From Döllerwald or Keflau to Loibersbacher Höhe
Ascent: The ascent to Loibersbacher Höhe starts in the car park in Keflau, which is in the district of Tiefbrunnau in the municipality of Faistenau. From the car park, follow the path in the direction of the toboggan run. Beware, you must then turn left at the bridge and and leave the path. Here you will shortly come to a forest road before you reach the edge of the forest – follow it uphill. This passage involves a slight climb. After a short stretch, you will return to the forest road, along which you will then climb the next ascent and pass the Grögeralm on the right. After the Grögeralm, turn right again onto a footpath that takes you to the toboggan run. Here you come to another bridge, after which you must keep left and cross an open area. After crossing this open area, you will reach the foot of the steep eastern slope of the Schafberg. Now follow a track past a prominent spruce (don't worry, you will recognise it) until you reach the forest path to the Schafbachalm at the end of the path on the left side. Now follow the forest path and pay particular attention to the avalanche catchment area and the avalanche runout on the long traverse below the southern slope of the Schafberg. Continue to follow the trail to the lower hut, then over the flat ridge to the alpine hut, which is located on the saddle of the mountain. Now you can choose whether to change your clothes and start the descent or go along the wide ridge to the summit cross.
Descent: The descent down the Loibersbacher Höhe starts by following the same route as the ascent. First, go down the forest trail, making sure to pay particular attention to the east-facing summit slope, which is prone to avalanches. Please also be aware of the avalanche corridor and runout zone during the long traverse below the southern slope of the Schafberg. Across the wide slope, which is perfect for a few deep snow turns in fresh snow, the trail descends through a small forest aisle. Here, you have to cross slightly to the left into a dip and make sure to gain momentum, because after the dip, the road climbs slightly to the Schafbachalmen. Here you will again find the ascent route, leading down the forest trail and over the bridge to the car park in Keflau.
Equipment to protect you
In the Hotel DAS Hintersee, guests can also hire skis. We recommend the following equipment for ski tours:
- ski tour equipment
- ski tour clothing, especially gloves and cap
- helmet
- avalanche transceiver
- avalanche shovel (aluminium, not plastic, as plastic shovels break easily)
- avalanche probe
- first aid kit including bivouac sack and survival blanket
- change of clothes
So, are you interested? Experience what a ski tour feels like and make use of our tour training trail. If you have any questions, feel free to send an obligation-free enquiry. We are also available by phone if you need further information: +43 6224 8900. We look forward to your visit!
