Winter and snowshoe hiking on the Rax is one of the favourite activities in the region.
Description
We go up to the Rax Alps on the Rax cableway, the oldest cableway in Austria, which started operation in 1926. Once you arrive at the top, you are met by snow-covered alpine meadows, fantastic views and healthy, cold mountain air. Starting point of the tour is the Raxalm mountain lodge. From there you can reach the Ottohaus in approx. 45 minutes by snowshoe.
Starting point of the tour
Raxalm mountain lodge
Destination point of the tour
Ottohaus
Route description Raxalm mountain lodge - Ottohaus (snowshoe route 1) approx. 45 min
The tour starts from the lower station of Rax cableway. A few minutes on the cableway takes us up to the mountain station 1,547 m above sea level. From Rax cableway mountain station we follow the signs to Gatterlkreuz and carry on until we reach the Ottohaus.
Directions
A2 to the Seebenstein intersection - S6 to Gloggnitz - B27 to Hirschwang an der Rax, Rax cableway lower station (at the end of Hirschwang village)
Parking
Parking is available at the lower station of Rax cableway.
Take the Southern Railway to Payerbach-Reichenau. Buses run at regular intervals between Payerbach-Reichenau station and Rax cableway lower station.
More info: www.vor.at
More info/links
Raxalm-Berggasthof: Tel. +43 2666/52450 open in the winter as well www.raxalpe.com
Ottohaus: Tel. +43 2666/52402 open during winter in case of nice weather at weekends and on public holidays (catering only) Neue Seehütte: phone +43 676/7488719 open during winter in case of nice weather at weekends and on public holidays (no overnight stay possible in any of the seasons)
Gloggnitzer Hütte: +43 2662/42962 managed on weekends by club members under simple terms (overnight stay possible)
Wiener Alpen in Niederösterreich, www.wieneralpen.at, +43 / 2622 / 78960
Tourist information Reichenau, Tel. +43 2666/52865 www.reichenau.at
Tourist information Payerbach, Tel. +43 2666/52423-12 www.tourismus-payerbach.at
Equipment
You need a sporty winter garment (waterproof, windproof and breathable), firm and waterproof winter or hiking boots reaching over your ankle, gloves, a winter hat and sunglasses. A backpack with granola bars and drinks in a thermos for the trip, spare clothes to change, balaclava and a second pair of gloves (mittens), ski goggles and sunscreen.
Safety information
Mountain rescue emergency number: 140
EU emergency number: 112
For information about avalanches: http://www.lawinenwarndienst-niederoesterreich.at
Your hiking experience in the Vienna Alps should be a thoroughly enjoyable and safe one. Therefore, please bear the following in mind: Preparation: When choosing a route, make sure it corresponds to your experience and physical fitness level. Check the weather forecast before you set off. The weather can change surprisingly quickly in the mountains. Always take appropriate equipment with you (e.g. rain protection).
Check whether the cabins and snack stations you intend to visit along the way are open. Inform someone before you set off of your chosen route and when you plan to return.
Author's tip
Vom Berggasthof entlang der makierten Strecke können Sie bis zum Schutzhaus Ottohaus wandern und eine verdiente Stärkung gönnen. (nur an Wochenden und Feiertagen bei Schönwetter geöffnet)
