And only the moon is watching
And only the moon is watching
Tip for ski touring on the Ronachkopf
Following your own rhythm, getting closer to your goal step by step and enjoying the silence and beauty of winter nature: a ski tour has something almost meditative about it - especially when you're out in the moonlight. Have you ever done a night ski tour? If you want to try it, we have the perfect tip for you!
When the day in Zell am See-Kaprun slowly comes to an end and night falls over the mountains, we will just be setting off on this tour: a very special adventure is on the agenda! The tour leads up a mountain that is only reserved for ski tourers and winter hikers - the Ronachkopf near Zell am See. Down in the valley the full moon reflects in the water, the bright lights of the town twinkle, but up here only the moonlight and - admittedly - our headlamps show us the way. It's a magical atmosphere nonetheless.
You & the Ronachkopf under the starry sky
Leading uphill to an altitude of 1,350 metres, the enjoyable night ski tour starts at the car park in the small district of Zell am See in Thumersbach. Did you know that the Ronachkopf used to be a popular ski mountain until 1998? Since it was reopened as a ski touring mountain in 2014, only ski touring fans can make their tracks towards the mountain summit from December to April. However, the piste is still groomed as needed and ensures a safe descent under a starry sky.
The tour is particularly beautiful when the full moon in winter lets the snow glitter at night. By the way, the next full moon in 2022 is on 16 February and is appropriately called "Snow Moon" for good reasons. If you are on holiday in Zell am See-Kaprun during this event, you should not miss out on this adventure.
Panorama tour with refreshment stop
Beginners and the advanced can conquer the ascent according to their ability and experience: Those who don't like steep paths and want to avoid the demanding middle section can follow the route through the forest after the first, more leisurely section. The third, somewhat flatter part is again manageable for every level of endurance and leads past the Enzianhütte to the summit.
In about 1 to 1.5 hours, you will have completed the almost 500-metre altitude training consisting of terrain and piste, and you will be more than rewarded at the finish: a unique mountain panorama spreads out before you and you see Zell am See-Kaprun in all its winter splendour. The view stretches from Lake Zell all the way up to the Hohe Tauern.
Once you have taken off the skins of your skis, a reward awaits you at the Enzianhütte at 1,260 metres just before the descent: the Enzianhütte is open until 10 pm for a stop on the ski touring mountain. This is also the closing time of the ski touring mountain, which must be adhered to by all sportsmen and women.
Perfectly equipped and well prepared
A successful ski touring experience is not only about snow and delicious refreshments, but also about the right preparation. Even though the Ronachkopf is a ski touring mountain with a secured piste, every ski tourer should have at least basic knowledge of avalanche awareness and should obtain information about the current weather and snow situation.
We also recommend that you pack a change of warm clothes and enough to drink. And even if you don't need them on the ascent: don't forget your helmet and ski goggles for the descent! A first aid kit should also be in your rucksack. If you are not skiing on secured pistes, a full avalanche kit (avalanche transceiver on your body, avalanche probe, avalanche shovel) is also a must.
RONACHKOPF NIGHT SKI TOURING AT A GLANCE
- Length: 2.5 km
- Difference in altitude: 500 m
- Duration of the ascent: 1-1.5 h
- Suitable for: beginners and the advanced
- Opening hours: daily from 8 am to 10 pm (beginning of December to mid-April)
- Refreshment stop: Enzianhütte near the Ronachkopf summit
- Detailed tour description incl. map and equipment here.
HAVE FUN AND ENJOY!
