The Ederplan, also described by locals just as the ‘Plon’, is the most westerly cornerstone of the Kreuzeck group. Just beneath its domed peak is the traditional Anna Schutzhaus (1991 m), named after the wife of painter Franz von Defregger. The ski tour to the ‘Plon’ is only recommended when there is plenty of snow, when a descent to the lowlands is possible.
The starting point for our tour is the parish of Görtschach (800 m) to the east of Dölsach, where an asphalt road takes us to the highest buildings. There are only a few car parking options available there. Via long forest trails we achieve height slowly. Short-cuts through the steep forest are not advisable in the lower section since you are in a rough area of forestation. However as soon as you leave this terrain you can truncate the route via a forest trail over forest aisles and glades which have a few hairpin bends. After around 2 hours we reach the ‘Kalte Mösl’ (1635 m), a small inn which has a pond and superb panoramic views. We cross the small plateau and keep heading north on the steeper forest aisles again (route signposts!). Via the summer trail which proceeds via deep snow-covered pastureland and glades, after another hour we get to Anna Schutzhaus. From there it is 15 minutes and a few more hairpin bends back to the highest point again. The descent proceeds along the ascent track via pastureland, glades and forest aisles which are on the sunny side, to Görtschach. Those who have opted for the ascent from Stronach and who want to head for Dölsach should stop at the alpine inns beneath there and proceed on the left side, into the forest (old, red signposts show the route)!
Additional ski tour tips can be obtained in the ski tour guides by Thomas Mariacher. These are available here: www.grafikzloebl.at/verlag/buecher/
