Gedscho Downhill on the Schöckl: New Line, More Safety!
So, who among you has the Schöckl so well under control that you know every root by name? Listen up, because there’s a small but neat route change on the Gedscho downhill course that you should definitely be aware of. And yes, even if we Grazer:innen can sometimes be a bit stubborn about our habits, this is about your safety!
Specifically, it concerns the area where the trail crosses the lift line. Previously it went over the Ersatzmautstraße there, but for safety reasons this has now been moved further up. Why? Quite simply: hikers kept taking breaks in the old crossing area, and for us downhillers the speed at that spot was pretty high. Although nothing has happened in 25 years — typically Austrian, right, don’t wait until something actually happens — the section was reworked. That also has a nice side effect: the extreme steep section that was there before is now gone. Hooray for gentler transitions!
The route is now different: instead of blasting straight down the slope, the new line leads directly toward the lift line. But don’t worry — for those who like choices, the proven high- and lowline variants remain. That keeps the fun factor high, even if the route is a bit different.
Very important: the old route sections are closed and may no longer be ridden. Please strictly follow the new routing so everyone can travel safely. If you want to watch the first riding scenes on the new line, there’s a video with Wolfi Tüchler at the entrance and Michi Gölles, who shows us the entire section in a POV recording.
And if you’re already getting your bikes ready: the Schöckl is open daily for you until February 22. So, get up to the Grazer Hausberg and try out the new Gedscho line! Have fun on the bike, have fun on the Schöckl!
