Snowshoe tour from the Waldheimhütte to the Zirbitzkogel

From the Waldheimhütte (1), 1614 m, we follow the path with the number 320 in the direction of the Zirbitzkogel, which is clearly recognizable by yellow signposts (in the immediate vicinity of the parking lot). At the edge of the ski slope we go slightly uphill, passing the head station of the drag lift on the left and then along the wide path through the stone pine forest. Above the tree line we come to a crossing point (2), 1900 m, which leads to the right to the Rothaidenhütte, which is unmanned in winter, and further on to the Alpengasthof Sabathy. During the ascent you can see the Rothaidenhütte well. The further course of the path is clear through the Radrakspur with the snow poles. Soon we recognize our goal, the Zirbitzkogel with the Schutzhaus, in the distance. The slope becomes less and less and before it becomes almost flat, we still see the crossing point Rothaidenweg (3), 2140 m, which is recognizable by a yellow hiking sign and would be an alternative for the descent. Furthermore, the prepared track leads us past the waypoint Kote (4), 2181 m, and then we are only facing about 200 meters of altitude difference. After seven turns and a pleasantly laid out trail, we reach the Helmut-Erd-Schutzhaus or Zirbitzkogel-Schutzhaus (5), 2376 m, as it is also called. The summit cross and orientation board of the Zirbitzkogel (6), 2396 m, is only a few minutes away. The descent takes us to the waypoint Kote (4), 2181 m, along the ascent route. Here we have the possibility to hike back over snow-filled gullies. It is important to consider these descent options only in fair weather. As soon as we reach our ascent track again, we follow it back to the Waldheimhütte (1).

Another hike from Alpengasthof Sabathy to the Waldheimhütte can be found in the snowshoe guide Styria under tour 13 "Hüttenwanderung Seetaler Alpen". The book is available at the Waldheimhütte.

Unfortunately, this tour cannot be reached by public transport.

• Recommendation: Travel by car or organize a carpool.

There are enough parking spaces at the Waldheimhütte.

Waldheimhütte, Tel.: +43 3578 8205, 8742 St. Anna am Lavantegg, Lavantegg 57,

Zirbitzkogel-Schutzhaus (officially Helmut-Erd-Schutzhaus), Tel: +43 3578 8205 or +43 664 9140283, 8742 Obdach, Granitzen 41

Open in winter with appropriate snow and weather conditions on weekends and during winter holiday weeks. The innkeeper will be happy to provide information about opening hours by telephone. A winter room is open all year round, but does not offer heating and cooking facilities.

Freytag & Berndt (2017): Seetaler Alpen, Seckauer Alpen, Judenburg, Knittelfeld. WK 212 Wander-, Rad-, Freizeitkarte; 1:50000

You can also find more information about the region on - www.murtal.at 

Sarcletti S., Zienitzer E., (2. Auflage 2018): Schneeschuhführer Steiermark – Vom Dachstein bis zum Steirischen Weinland. Bergverlag Rother GmbH, München, S. 176. 

Schneeweiß C., (2012): Schneeschuhgehen – Praxiswissen vom Profi zu Ausrüstung, Technik und Sicherheit. Bruckmann Verlag GmbH, München, S.192