ST_N4 Polinik (2,332 m)

Level of difficulty: Difficult

6.8 km

Distance
3.3 h

Duration
1220 vm

Lowest elevation
2332 vm

Highest elevation
1108 vm
1159 vm

ST_N4 Polinik (2,332 m)

From the Plöckenhaus into the Angerbachtal and then up to the Spielboden Alm on flat forest roads. Finally, steep and alpine to the summit. A challenging route that offers magnificent slopes especially in the upper section.

Suggestion

Caution during south-facing wind blocks. In such cases, the Polinik can quickly become covered in dense clouds.

The uppermost section is very steep and absolutely safe conditions are required here.

Equipment

avalanche transceiver, probe, avalanche shovel, crampons

Directions

Public transport:

The most sustainable way to reach the area is by train to Oberdrauburg (from Lienz or Villach) or to Hermagor (from Villach).

From Oberdrauburg or Hermagor, you can then take a bus to the town of Kötschach-Mauthen. From there, depending on the season and availability, there is the option to use a call bus or a taxi to the Plöcken Pass.

Details at - Nassfeld Mobility Info as well as Kärntner Linien Route Planner

By car:

From Hermagor via the B111 (Gailtal Road) or from Oberdrauburg via the B110 (Plöckenpass Road) to Kötschach-Mauthen, then continue towards the Plöcken Pass to the Plöckenhaus.

Directions

From the Plöckenhaus, take the road westwards into the Angerbach valley to the Grünsee lake following the "Polinik" signs. After the lake, the Frostweg leads to the sunny side, where the trail also branches off up to the Untere Spielbodenalm. If the snow conditions are suitable, you can ascend via this to the alpine pasture at 1621m. If there is little snow, there is the possibility of a lengthy ascent via the forest path in several, sometimes wide hairpin bends. Just east of the Untere Spielbodenalm the forest path meets the marked summer path. Again following the signpost Polinik, the trail climbs up through the forest for a short time, where the ski tourer finally reaches open terrain at about 1700m above sea level. Soon you reach the Oberen Spielboden Alm (1821m) and from there you cross over a steep slope into a wide basin. Keeping to the left (western) side of the valley, the ski tourer climbs higher over steep slopes. Depending on the snow conditions, you either head directly over the south-east flank towards the summit or first head for Spielbodentörl and from there over steep slopes to the highest point. To reach the summit cross, the summiter has to descend a few meters on foot to the north over the ridge.

More info