Further information about the area in TouringTip Ankogel and SpotCheck Freeride Ankogel.
Summary
Difficulty: ***
Starting point: Böckstein train station or Hannover Haus
Altitude difference ascent | descent: 150 m | 1.400 m
Maximum gradient: 40°, short section at the entrance to the Knallkar
Requirements: Technically, the descent through the Knallkar does not present any major difficulties. However, slopes of 35-40° should be mastered. The steep entrance and consistently steep slopes in the Knallkar require safe avalanche conditions.
Base:Hannover Haus of the German Alpine Club (2,566 m). The hut is ideally located just below the mountain station of the Ankogel cable car. It is a good idea to use this hut as a freeride base for a freeride weekend. You'll always be the first to make fresh tracks in the ski area or set off towards the Ankogel.
Logistics: The tour through the Knallkar requires some planning, as the starting point and end point of the tour are not the same. Coming from the north, leave your car at Böckstein train station and take the train through the "Tauernschleuse". In 10 minutes you reach Mallnitz on the other side of the main Alpine ridge; a ski bus takes you directly to the valley station of the gondola in another 10 minutes. If you want to return to Hannover Haus for another day of freeriding, you'll have to adjust your departure to the train times, as it only runs every hour.
Maps: Alpine Club Map 44 / Hochalmspitze-Ankogel, 1:25,000