Ski tours: Are steering concepts necessary in Salzburg?

“Mountain clear, otherwise ski touring is over,” warn the nature lovers in a broadcast. Because touring has developed into a mass phenomenon in recent years, conflicts are increasing. Specifically, ski touring fans would clash with landowners or hunters.

Friends of Nature for steering concepts “in individual cases”

“Since its founding in 1895, the Friends of Nature have seen themselves as both an alpine leisure organization and an environmental and nature conservation organization. Therefore, in certain situations, steering concepts are a suitable instrument for reconciling the interests and needs of outdoor sports enthusiasts with the requirements of nature conservation. However, the necessity must be examined in each individual case,” summarizes Andreas Schieder, chairman of Naturefriends Austria.

Since 1975 it has been legally permitted to enter the forest free of charge. “Unfortunately, free access to nature is hindered in many ways. Nature lovers are increasingly encountering no-entry signs. It is not uncommon for high parking fees to be charged in order to even get into nature,” they say. Ski tour guidance concepts exist, for example, in Tyrol, in Salzburg in the Großarltal, in Styria in the Gesäuse and in the Triebental and in Lower Austria on the Göller. In Upper Austria, a ski tour management concept for the Pyhrn-Priel region is being developed.

Alpine club sees idea “positive”

The Salzburg Alpine Club sees things somewhat differently. In principle, people are “very positive” about steering, as Peter Kraus, chairman and state representative for huts and paths, explained in the SALZBURG24 interview on Wednesday. In Tyrol it has been shown that steering is well received – even if only after two or three seasons. “It is fundamentally absolutely necessary that ski tourers stay out of the protected areas, especially on heavily frequented fashion ski tours. “You should also stay away from areas with reforestation or where wild animals are fed,” the expert notes.

Leaving traces is extremely important

Especially now at the beginning of the winter season, “sensible” tracking is extremely important. “The person who lays the first track usually sets it for those who follow. If the trail is bad, everyone runs after it.” But what distinguishes a good trail from a bad one? According to Kraus, you should make sure that the path does not lead up the mountain in a straight line. “This is something for competition or if you want to work out.” It is better to choose a track with an even incline and take advantage of the terrain. Because if the trail is too steep, it often happens that some tourers are unable to make the climb, slip, and “weird” trails are created.

Tyrol as a role model for Salzburg?

The chairman of the Salzburg Alpine Club sees Tyrol as a role model when it comes to steering. “We are failing due to financial resources. In Tyrol there are two to three permanent employees who take care of this. But this requires political will. We’re probably not that far along yet.” Nevertheless, Alpine clubs or nature lovers themselves are trying to teach their members “sensible handling” through training courses, notes Kraus.

When it comes to the potential for conflict, the Pinzgauer remembers the Corona period. “It was extreme back then because there was a lot of snow in Lungau and everyone went there. The region around the Riedingtal was particularly affected, as it was flooded with people from the city or from Bavaria.” Here, the parking situation in particular would have heated people up – just as in Gaißau (Tennengau). In the past, cars parked there would have completely blocked the street, which would have caused dissatisfaction among the lift operators. “Actually, you can say whether there are conflicts depends on the snow conditions. Because when there is the same amount of snow everywhere, people spread out well,” says Kraus.

Fees for ski tours justified for experts

Speaking of parking: In recent years it has often been discussed whether tourers should pay – for example for using parking spaces or when they climb up on the edge of the piste. “The fact that cable car operators charge fees is justified if it is moderate,” says the expert. He couldn’t give an exact amount; it depends on the individual offer or usage. In the Snow Space Flachau, Wagrain and St. Johann (Pongau) ski areas, for example, there are various packages for ski tourers. Especially in ski areas near the city of Salzburg, the Alpine Club chairman can imagine that ski tourers will be asked to pay in the coming years.

(Source: SALZBURG24)