Ski touring

There are mornings in the Rauris Valley when you stand at the head of the valley in Kolm Saigurn at half-past six, hearing nothing but your own breath as the first light fills the rugged walls of the Goldberg Group from the top down. Moments like these are the reason ski tourers keep returning here season after season.

Located in the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park, the Rauris Valley is one of the most versatile destinations for ski touring in the Salzburg region. The Kolm Saigurn valley head opens into an expansive high-alpine amphitheater framed by a series of majestic 3,000-metre peaks. Whether you prefer a gentle ascent or are an experienced alpinist looking for perfect spring corn snow and vertical gain, you will find ideal routes here. The season begins early in winter and, under good conditions, extends well into sunny spring.

What Makes Ski Touring in the Rauris Valley Special

• High Summit Density: Short drives to trailheads, a valley-head base at around 1,600 metres, and summit objectives exceeding 3,200 metres.
• Untouched Alpine Nature: True tranquility in a national park valley where the primary touring terrain remains unmarred by ski lift infrastructure.
• Extended Season: Exceptional snow reliability in the Goldberg Group, offering continuous spring firn runs with over 1,000 vertical metres into May.
• Mountain Huts at Trailheads: Authentic rest stops and staging points located right at the starting points (Bodenhaus, Naturfreundehaus, Ammererhof).
• Historic Backdrop: Ascend past centuries-old miners' huts and historic tunnel portals from the Rauris gold mining era.

The Best Ski Tours in the Rauris Valley at a Glance

Gentle Entry: The Rauris Ski Touring Center

For those new to the sport or looking to practice away from alpine hazards, the Rauriser Hochalmbahnen provide an ideal setup. Two signposted ascent routes run separate from active pistes and remain accessible even during delicate avalanche conditions.

• Kreuzboden – Waldalm: Approx. 740 metres of elevation gain along a dedicated ascent track. Includes a cozy stop at the Waldalm hut and a safe descent via the groomed slope. Perfect for building stamina and after-work tours.
• Heimalm – Hochalm: Approx. 300 metres of elevation gain. Ideal for initial gear adjustments, equipment testing, or quick training laps during snowy days.

Scenic Tours with Panoramic Views: Seekopf and Kolmkarspitze

• Seekopf (2,413 m) & Kolmkarspitze (2,529 m)
  • Starting Point: Alpengasthof Bodenhaus / Lenzanger parking area in Kolm Saigurn.
  • Character: Moderate, technically forgiving, and exceptionally scenic. The route climbs through open larch forests before opening into wide basins, rewarding you with unobstructed views of the Rauris north faces.

The High-Alpine Classics: Hoher Sonnblick and Hocharn

• Hoher Sonnblick (3,106 m) with the Zittelhaus
  • Character: The valley’s landmark peak and, for many, the highlight of the winter. Demands roughly 1,500 metres of elevation gain from Kolm Saigurn in challenging, high-alpine terrain. The summit is home to the Sonnblick Observatory—one of the world's oldest permanently staffed high-altitude weather stations (operational since 1886)—situated right next to the Zittelhaus alpine shelter.
• Hocharn (3,254 m) – The Legendary East Face
  • Character: Widely regarded as one of the finest firn descents in the Eastern Alps: a continuous 1,700-vertical-metre downhill run back down toward the Naturfreundehaus and Ammererhof.

Kolm Saigurn: A Trailhead Steeped in History

The valley head at around 1,600 metres serves as the starting point and finish for most classic tours. Here you will find the Alpengasthof Bodenhaus, the Naturfreundehaus Kolm Saigurn, and the Rauriser Tauernhaus. Throughout the basin, old miners' quarters and trails serve as reminders that gold was mined here for centuries.

Access Note: Winter access on the toll road to Kolm Saigurn depends on current snow and road conditions. Our hotel reception provides daily updates on road clearances, shuttle options, and parking availability.

Best Time for Ski Touring in Rauris

• December to February: Ideal for safe on-piste tracks and gentle tours in the valley basin and through sheltered larch forests.
• March to May: Peak season for the 3,000-metre peaks of the Goldberg Group. Longer daylight, consolidating snowpacks, and legendary spring firn on Hocharn and Sonnblick.

Safety First: Mountain Guides, Conditions & Equipment

Ski touring in the Rauris Valley enters high-alpine environments where assessing terrain and conditions is just as critical as physical fitness:

• Guided Tours & Instruction: We work closely with Jochen Wieser from the Skischule Hohe Tauern and certified local mountain and ski guides. Whether you need technique coaching, an avalanche safety course, or a guided 3,000-metre summit ascent, private guides can be arranged directly through the hotel.
• Condition & Weather Reports: Always check the official Salzburg avalanche bulletin prior to departure. Daily weather reports and route assessments are available at our reception.
• Safety Equipment: An avalanche transceiver (beacon), shovel, and probe are mandatory for every group member in open terrain. For high-alpine tours, ski crampons (harscheisen) are essential, with crampons, an ice axe, and a helmet recommended depending on conditions.

Your Basecamp: Ski Touring at 4*S Hotel Rauriserhof

The family-run 4-Star Superior Hotel of the Rießlegger-Mayr family is perfectly tailored to alpine athletes who start early:

• Early-Bird Breakfast: For early morning summit pushes, we gladly prepare an early breakfast or an energy-packed thermos lunch for your backpack upon request.
• Ski Storage & Service: In-house heated ski room with boot dryers, plus a seamless overnight ski service drop-off directly at the hotel.
• First-Hand Route Advice: Up-to-date regional condition checks, topographic maps, GPS tracks, and honest local recommendations.
• Recovery in the Berg-SPA: Unwind after your descent across our sauna facilities, indoor pool, and year-round heated outdoor pool. Targeted sports massages help tired legs regenerate quickly.
• Regional Gourmet Cuisine: In the evening, enjoy a 5-course menu featuring regional ingredients—providing the right nutrients for your next day on the mountain.