Schneeberg - Breite Ries

Ascent: From the valley station of the chairlift, either take the lift up or follow the piste (options: either on the very left shady edge of the piste or more to the right over a tree-free ridge on the sunny side in the morning, partly also on pistes) to the Edelweisshütte. Without lift 1 hour
From the Edelweisshütte, take a few steps to the former Sparbacherhütte and before it turn left to the SW on the yellow-marked Fadensteig (carry skis), initially through forest, then past under rocks on the right (some very easy climbing sections) and onto a ridge, 1450 metres. Climb higher over this, then right round a rock face and upwards in a gully (belays). Now a sometimes tricky traverse of a steep flank (two slack steel ropes, but these may be under snow, be careful). Another traverse to an exposed corner (belays). Then climb more steeply again and finally over steep rocks (crampons?) to the exit on the plateau at point 1723 m, great view and good resting place (if the cold wind is not blowing). 1 ¼ hours
Continue following the very good pole markings to the Fischerhütte or directly north of it to the nearby Kaiserstein (monument, deep view into the Puchberg basin, be careful of cornices). 1 hour.

Ascent options:

• From the Edelweisshütte on the Fadenweg, then through the Hoyosgraben to the Fischerhütte.
• From the Edelweisshütte on the Fadenweg to the Heinrich Krempel Hut and through the Wurzengraben, or via the Schauerstein, to the Fischerhütte.

Descent: From the Fischerhütte, follow the poles as on the ascent via the Fadensteig. Pass the junction to the left (green poles of the Schauerstein ridge) and soon turn right to the edge of the plateau and the direct entrance (iron pole). Continue a little further to the usual entrance into a shallow saddle, 2000 metres. Incline into the steep gully and descend through it. After a narrowing, free of obstacles through the literally wide Ries. In the course of spring, the centre ridges become paler, better on the left track up to 1330 m to a large snack stone. Then in the forest shortly to the junction with the red-marked approach to the Bürklehütte and on the wide path up to 1100 m. There, after a bend, turn left on a narrow path (red markings) around a ridge, then a flat traverse to a forest path at 1060 metres. Continue along this to the piste and turn right to Losenheim.

Descent option: Privatries: for specialists, the extremely steep entrance to Breite Ries, just north of Kaiserstein. First down a steep flank keeping to the right, then very steeply into a hollow. Continue to an extremely steep, short narrow section (aperture early, then unbuckle and climb down briefly). Then free ride into Breite Ries, 1880 m, and continue as above.