The Dachstein crossing – “Austria’s national ski tour“ is nowadays as early as never due to the perfect snow conditions and they are just perfect! “Austria’s national ski tour” is known to be one of the most beautiful ski tours across the Alps. - Start to the national ski tour is at early 2,700 meters on the Styrian side (Dachstein cable car can be reached via Ramsau am Dachstein) the finish is in Upper-Austria’s Obertraun. Austria’s national ski tour is the most spectacular way to experience the UNESCO World Heritage Dachstein. A distance of more than 20 kilometres is mastered, mainly in the form of downhill runs!
And here is how you can organise your ideal Dachstein day:
+ Ascent with the Dachstein cable car (cable car operates from 8.30am to 4.50pm). Ski amadé tickets are of course valid. Note: register with the Dachstein cashier for the return journey from Obertraun!
+ Before you start take in the stunning view from the Dachstein Sky Walk panorama platform. The platform is right at the mountain station of the Dachstein cable car and sticks out over the rocks of the Hunerkogel, right in the middle of the face dropping 205 meters down! Parts of the Sky Walk floor are made from glass – this guarantees an incomparable view down and into the distance.
+ Before you set out on the Dachstein crossing, a second important interim stop is scheduled: the new Dachstein Ice Palace. It takes you straight to the depths of the Dachstein glacier. Immerse in the Dachstein glacier and visit the Thronsaal (throne hall), the Kristalldom (crystal dome) and the blauer Salon (blue salon). Plus, the stars of the film Ice Age are waiting for you.
+ After visiting the Ice Palace Austria’s national ski tour is on the agenda: the first ascent to the Dachstein look-out (Seethalerhütte) requires a little energy, but no pain no gain! The Seethalerhütte is open and invites to take light refreshments.
+ The big START sign then marks the beginning – 20 km of downhill runs are in front you! The tour takes you straight across the Dachstein, mainly downhill, the small ascents can easily be managed with alpine skis (no tour equipment required).
+ At the Simonyhütte you again have the option to rest and have some refreshments.
+ The tour continues through stunning landscapes of the UNESCO World Heritage Dachstein to the Schilcherhaus on the Gjaidalm. And here you are already coming towards the end of the Dachstein crossing, so time for some more refreshments!
+ At the Schilcherhaus a small lift helps you over the last hill before you venture on the 11-km (!) downhill run to Obertraun making your skiers heart pulsate again.
+ At 3.15pm a bus is then ready at the Obertraun valley station to take you back to Ramsau am Dachstein. This bus runs every day until 6 January – then every Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday. On your return journey you can recap the impressions, discuss the events and rest your tired legs …
The Dachstein takes about 4 to 5 hours in total.
Dachstein crossing information:
Dachstein cable car valley station, 8972 Ramsau am Dachstein
Contact: Tel. 03687/22042-800 or e-mail dachstein@planai.at.
Operating hours of the Dachstein cable car: daily from 8.30am to 4.50pm.
Registration for return journey from Obertraun mandatory!
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