Langschneid

How to reach East Tirol (Osttirol, Austria):
1) From Munich or Verona via the Brenner motorway to exit at Bressanone. Drive through the Pusteria valley to reach the Italian-Austrian border. Continue from here past Lienz towards Felbertauern to reach the starting points in about 1 hour.
2) From Munich to Salzburg, then continue south to Bischofshofen. Leave the motorway here and drive through the Salzachtal to reach Mittersill. From here take the the Felbertauern road, through the tunnel, to enter the East Tirol.

Continue by car to the nearby village St. Jakob in Defereggental and park at bottom of the ski lifts.

We take the lift to the highest point at about 2300m above sea level. From here we ski down the piste for 500m to reach the Bruggeralm (1818m) from where our ascent starts: follow the summer path up to the Ragothalm, where the landscape opens up onto marvellous slopes. We ascend this valley to reach the Ragothlenke pass and enjoy the view onto the highest mountain in the area, Mount Hochgall. From here we follow the easy crest northwards to easily reach the top of Langschneid.

There are two descent options: either ski down the ascent route (this is the safest option) or descend via the steeper (circa 35° - 45°), fantastic powder slopes to the north – north east. With a descent of circa 1500m and an ascent of just 870m (thanks to the ski lift), this is certainly one of the ski touring highlights in the Defereggen valley. However, this second descent can only be carried out in safe snow conditions and careful assessment of an expert is therefore paramount!

Contact the Alpine Guides Kals am Großglockner: www.bergfuehrer-kals.at
East Tirol Tourist office: www.osttirol.com

For the Langschneid there are two maps: Freytag&Berndt (WK 123) or ÖK Blatt Nr.178
New for 2012: the ski touring guidebook of East Tirol by Thomas Mariacher