September 4 - 14, 2008      $1440

Status: 7/10 participant spaces available

        

A classic experience! Parents of students engaging on a trek through the Austrian Alps. On this trip you will meet  Frank and Nancy Brown (Alumnus '76 & Parents '10), Linda Morris (Alumnae '74) and Chuck Steiner (Alumnus '08) as they share their wisdom and expertise on the Gettysburg Experience with you. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about Gettysburg College, by those who have a profound knowledge of the school. Best of all, this program is designed and facilitated by Gettysburg's own.

This trek itself will follow the alpine routes overlooking the expansive topography of the Austrian Alps. This is a remarkable European opportunity to meet people from all over the world sharing in a passion that fosters fellowship and camaraderie. During this trek, the group will sleep in alpine huts, which are clean, comfortable and have showers. Backpacks are light since group gear is minimal and we are not camping. During the evening, the group will sit on the balcony and enjoy Bergsteigeressen "mountain climber's food," which is hot and hearty Austrian cuisine.

The route that is planned for this trip is known as the Dachstein Gruppe and lies 50 kilometers south of Salzburg, Austria. This route stays in the shadows of the highest mountain of Styria, Dachstein which stands 2993 meters and is surrounded by expansive glaciers.

Though the route is enjoyed and traveled highly by people of all age groups and is well defined, we should be prepared to experience rapidly changing weather conditions and some areas of steep terrain. Our goal is to provide a wonderful experience that has a bit of challenge, but ultimately we have the ability to deviate from our route at anytime. This trip is focused on trekking and connection, and there is no technical gear or requirements necessary to participate.

If you have any question about the route, necessary experience or just would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to call John Regentin at 717.337.6319.

Trip details:

• Meet in Salzburg, Austria for 2 nights to get organized (flights are not included)
• Depart for trailhead September 6 via private transportation
• Group size 12 including staff
• Hike 7 days between 4-8 miles a day depending on group and daily evaluation gain/loss.
• Self contained group carrying backpacks weighing on average 20 lbs. Will need to carry personal clothing/essentials, lunches, water, and fleece sleeping bag.
• Sleeping accommodations provided in the Alpine huts, as well as all dinners provided by resident chefs in the huts.
• Huts have showers, dorm style rooms (private/semi-private), and beer.
• Membership to the Austrian Alpine Club included in trip cost
• Return to Salzburg on September 13th, clean up and enjoy a final toast to the group.

September 4--Meet in Salzburg, Austria
The group will meet at the Hotel Lilienof for introductions, trip preparations, and a kick off dinner downtown. The group will convene in the lobby at 5:00pm. You will be able to leave your personal possessions at the hotel during the duration of the trip.

September 6-13--Hiking in Dachstein Range
The group will head to south from Salzburg to the town of Ramsu Ort were we will begin our trek.  The first night we will hike 3mi to Dachstein Sudwand Hutte  (671-615). The second day we will leave Dachstein Sudwand Hutte and hike 7mi to Hofpurgl Hutte (617-601). On day three we will hike 5mi from Hofpurgl Hutte to Gablonzer Hutte (611).  Day four we will circle around and return to Hofpurgl Hutte (661).  On day five we will hike 5mi to Adamek Hutte (612-601). Day six, seven and eight will take us down to the valley: 6)Adamek Hutte to Schilcher Haus 5mi (614-650) 7)Schilcher Haus to Guttenberg Haus 5.6mi (616) 8)Guttenberg Haus to Ramsau Ort 2.5mi (616).

September 13th/14th--Return to Salzburg
Return to Hotel Lilienhof in Salzburg by mid-afternoon and then enjoy a final dinner in town. Enjoy the laughs and conversations about the encounters you experienced on the trail.  Send off on the morning of the 14th.

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