Snow report Hochkönig, 03/31/2019

Snow condition

Problem-free start possible at the Arturhaus (south, 1500m). There, the snow is certainly still 1 m thick on average. On the Werfen (NE) side you can ski right down to the Dielalm (1000 m). However, the normal route up the Hochkönig has a number of clear sections at the top that have to be bypassed. The short carrying section on the Flosskogel can be done on foot, skinning is not necessary.

Snow quality

It's been two days now, but it shouldn't have changed much. On the Übergossene Alm down to the Steinkar you can still find powder on the north side and also in the flat, otherwise it gets more difficult. The ascent through the Ochsenkar is mostly very firm and crampons are not a bad choice in places. It probably snows up nicely there (after) midday.

The snowpack structure is generally quite favorable. Only the daytime warming plays a significant role. From my point of view, the danger spots are the eastern entrance to the Ochsenkar just behind the Mitterfeldalm, where you cross a very steep area (older wet snow avalanche is already there) and the southern slopes at the very bottom; but also when crossing the Schafriedl, whose eastern slope (fish mouths!) we did not cross on skis as a precaution (tracks available) but bypassed the ridge up to the northern slope, as well as the extremely steep catchment areas from the walls, where there is still a lot in there

Overall impression

Not particularly downhill-oriented, but still a fantastic ski traverse on the Hochkönig, completely alone on the descent. Unexpected, great powder sections and wonderful scenery, plus a friendly, spontaneous shuttle to Werfen station and good public transport connections back to the starting point. CR is slightly late, but I still think it's meaningful. Birgkar was also walked, but there are boulders in there and it is probably quite slippery.
We left at 6:00 at the parking lot and that was a good thing.