From the Felbertauernstraße there are some interesting ski tour options in the foothills of the Granatspitz group. One of which is the Wilde Mander Scharte (2600 m), an insection between the Glockenkogel and strange buttes which are known as the Wilde Mander. The wide, not too steep south-west slopes which proceed into the valley from the wind gap into Tauerntal, provide superb ski tour terrain and in the spring there are racy firn snow descents.
Our starting point is Landeckwald car park, around 3 ½ kilometres before the Felbertauern south portal and 1 kilometre before the junction to Matreier Tauernhaus. We follow the forest trail which takes us into the so-called Landeckwald and proceeds up in several hairpin bends. Not considering the dead-end routes, we get to Staudlach Alm (1812 m, 1 hour). There now follows a wide, truncated terrain. The impressive Glockenkogel points the way, since just right of it is the Wilde Mander Scharte (2620 m). The ski track takes us north-east through this terrain which provides plenty of views and our gaze is always drawn to the Venediger group. After 3 hours we reach our destination and with a bit of luck will get perfect snow conditions, with 1200 metres of fun descending down to the Felbertauern road. For experienced skiers scaling the Glockenkogel via the steep east-facing flanks is just another tasty treat.
Additional ski tour tips can be obtained in the ski tour guides by Thomas Mariacher. These are available here: https://www.tyroliaverlag.at/item/Skitouren_in_Osttirol_und_Oberkaernten/Thomas_Mariacher/43058387
