The Speikboden is concealed in the sunny side of St. Veit (1495 m) in Defereggental and is one of the least visited tour destinations in the region. The conical shaped peak however has nothing much in common with a floor, since you are always out and about in hairpin bend terrain. The wonderful views into the distance, coupled with sunshine from early to late, gives this tour a very special flavour. Starting point is St. Veit im Defereggental (1495 m). We follow the narrow mountain road through the village through to the end (yellow signposts). Car parking at the start of the toboggan run (1660 m), which heads up to Speikboden Hütte. We now keep to the forest road heading for the inn, before we leave it, shortened on the summer trail, and head into the traditional rustic forest area. After an hour we get to the Speikbodenhütte (2076 m) and the terrain opens up. From here the ski track swings north into the steep trench which can be seen from quite a distance, with an ascent into the ridged, flat trough system. This is a key section in terms of technical avalanche terrain and requires good hairpin bend technique (south, 30°). Via a subsequent floor which crosses into a small trench we climb east via flat slopes to the southern ridge, where there is a cairn at the start. Via this very steep (35°), in skilful hairpin bends (ski crampons) or carrying your skis to the highest point which has a wooden cross (3 hours by car). Descent along the ascent track. Alternatively, follow the summer trail on the flatter west ridge. However this includes the often wind-swept ‘Scharten Hang’ and should be assessed specifically. Descent along the ascent track.
Additional ski tour tips can be obtained in the ski tour guides by Thomas Mariacher. These are available here: www.grafikzloebl.at/verlag/buecher/
