Saalbach - Bernkogel Ost

You stay right on the ridge and go over four small summits - the third is the Bernkogel (1740m) - to the north. After the fourth summit, the real descent begins. Although the slopes of the ridge right look very tempting, you should definitely leave after the fourth summit, since otherwise you arrive at the Finsterbach and this is very rough terrain. In addition, the ski route leads to the east side of a trench and the crossing of a deep creek named Spielberg is practically impossible. After the fourth summit, an approximately 20m wide forest clearing on the ridge shows a great open bowl that can be passed as desired. From the start of the downhill you see a mountain hut at 1340m, which you can use as a guide until the end of the slope. This alpine cabin passes left and continues clockwise around the small, wooded hills in the saddle where the Spielberghaus (1319m) is. Right on past Spielberghaus, take the most groomed ski route down the valley. Depending on snow conditions you then have about 5-10 minutes walk to the gondola Bernkogel. Hint: Although the climb to Bernkogel takes some doing, the alluring eastern slopes before the summit should not be ridden, because you can come into rough terrain in the forest below! Despite slopes nearby, the avalanche danger on the partly very steep slopes should not be underestimated. On the ski route you should pay extra attention to ascending hikers and sledders.