Dachstein Glacier
Freeride routes
National ski tour
Dachstein crossing
For experienced skiers with good stamina – the traverse across the Dachstein. This 25 km route leads from the Dachstein mountain station via the Simony Hut and Gjaidalm down into the Dachstein Krippenstein ski area and on to Obertraun.
The return transfer from Obertraun to Ramsau is organized by the Planai buses. More detailed information can be found at: www.derdachstein.at
Freeride Tour Edelgrieß (32)
Dachstein Glacier
A legend among freeride routes in the Eastern Alps!
Spectacular terrain, alpine action and up to 1,400 vertical metres of descent – Edelgrieß is the freeride legend on the Dachstein. Access is via the well-known ladder to the Rosmariestollen doorway: put on your harness, clip into your via ferrata set and head up to the platform – a short adrenaline kick before the adventure begins.
After the tunnel, you are directly in the steep south-facing slopes. A rope-secured traverse of around 150 metres leads you into the open cirque – depending on conditions, it is worth using crampons and a via ferrata set here. Then it’s time to strap on your skis and enjoy one of the most beautiful lines in the Eastern Alps!
Powder or firn, narrow couloirs or wide open slopes – Edelgrieß offers countless variations. Depending on the line, the descent ends either at Türlwandhütte and then continues to the valley station of the Dachstein Glacier Cable Car, or you can extend the experience via Kramllahn all the way to Ramsau.
For whom: Experienced freeriders with very good skiing technique
Good to know: Avalanche knowledge & complete safety equipment are mandatory
Freeride Tour Gruberscharte (35)
Dachstein Glacier
This tour is not for casual skiers – it is for anyone looking for long lines, high-alpine terrain and real adventure. After the start via the ladder and the Rosmariestollen, the route leads over the rope-secured traverse into Edelgrieß and further up towards Edelgrießhöhe. A short ascent with skins or skis on your backpack – and the Dachstein panorama opens up in full force.
From here, you traverse below the distinctive Gamsfeldspitze to the Gruberscharte. The last few metres must be covered on foot – then you stand at the entrance to the massive Gruberkar: endless slopes, steep sections and powder as far as the eye can see. The descent leads far down into the valley, past terrain that becomes ever more open, until you glide out at the Feistererlift in Ramsau.
For whom: Experienced freeriders with stamina and experience in unpatrolled terrain
Good to know: Only ski in safe conditions – the terrain is demanding and requires alpine orientation.
More freeride classics on the Dachstein
In addition to Edelgrieß and Gruberscharte, more legendary lines are waiting for you – each with its own character:
31 Zugang Rosmariestollen: The entry point to many Dachstein classics. Over the impressive ladder and through the tunnel, you reach the sunny south-facing slopes directly – that alone is an experience.
33 Schwadrinn: Steep, demanding, legendary. Only for absolute experts – best with a guide!
34 Gamsfeld: One of the longest and most impressive descents in the region – 1,400 vertical metres down to Ramsau. High-alpine, technical, unforgettable.
Note: All routes go through unpatrolled terrain. Please check weather, snow and avalanche conditions in advance and carry complete safety equipment (avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe, first aid kit, harness, via ferrata set, etc.).
Ortovox Training Park & LVS checkpoint
An ORTOVOX TRAINING PARK and a LVS CHECKPOINT are now available on the Dachstein Glacier. These innovative facilities offer hands-on training opportunities and allow reliable function checks of safety equipment.
Ski touring and freeriding in alpine terrain are fascinating experiences that let you feel the beauty of the winter mountain world. With a wide range of marked piste tour routes as well as challenging terrain routes, the Dachstein Glacier offers ideal conditions for both.
Safety has the highest priority: At the Dachstein Glacier, the ORTOVOX TRAINING PARK and an LVS CHECKPOINT are available to you. These innovative facilities offer hands-on training opportunities and allow reliable function checks of safety equipment.
Realistic training for emergencies
Anyone travelling in unprotected terrain should regularly practise using emergency equipment. The new ORTOVOX TRAINING PARK on the Dachstein makes realistic avalanche rescue training possible without risk. The permanently installed facility is located at the beginning of the Hallstatt Glacier in the direction of Seethalerhütte and is easy to access. On an area of 80 x 80 m, transmitters are buried that allow a realistic simulation of avalanche victim searches at different levels of difficulty (1-6 buried persons). It is compatible with all avalanche transceivers.
Ortovox checkpoint: reliable avalanche transceiver check
A functioning avalanche transceiver is the basic requirement for moving safely in open terrain. The ORTOVOX CHECKPOINT enables a quick and reliable check of whether your own avalanche transceiver is switched on and transmitting properly. A visual and acoustic signal provides direct feedback on the device's functionality as you pass by. The checkpoint is installed in the area of the Dachstein mountain station and helps winter sports enthusiasts start their outing fully prepared.
Both facilities are available free of charge!
Mountain guide office Ramsau
Route tips with a mountain guide
Freeride Tour Edelgrieß
Edelgrieß is certainly the best-known and most popular powder descent on the Dachstein. 1,600 vertical metres of descent to Ramsau am Dachstein and the unique mountain scenery speak for themselves. Tour only recommended with a mountain guide and bookable at bergfuehrer-dachstein.at.
Freeride Tour Gruberscharte
Even on the way to Ramsau am Dachstein, the snowy powder slopes stretching down from the Guttenberghaus and the Gruberscharte catch the eye. The descent offers everything a freerider could wish for! Tour only recommended with a mountain guide and bookable at bergfuehrer-dachstein.at.
Freeride Tour Schwadrinn
A very steep and impressive freeride option directly below the Dachstein Glacier Cable Car. Once you have made it into the Schwadrinn, long, wide slopes await you down to the gondola valley station. When snow conditions are good, the descent continues all the way to the valley and offers a total of 1,700 vertical metres. Tour only recommended with a mountain guide and bookable at bergfuehrer-dachstein.at.