Snowshoeing in winter,
healthy exercise for everyone 

Austria's south and South Tyrol are virtually drowning in snow, but in the rest of Austria, too, Mother Hulda has meant well with the white splendour. But not everyone wants or needs to explore the beauty of the mountains on alpine or cross-country skis. If you want to move around in the magnificent landscape without great skill and with manageable equipment, winter hiking and easy tours on snowshoes are ideal. With snowshoes, you can make solitary tracks through the snow-covered landscape in absolute peace and quiet. Undisturbed by speedy skiers on the piste, snowshoe hikers enjoy a feeling of freedom and adventure at the same time. A pleasant alternative or addition to other winter sports!

The right equipment and the right route

Good, warm winter clothing and good footwear, poles with large enough plates, sunglasses and sun cream are all you need. And of course snowshoes, which are available for hire at the many resorts of the Best Alpine Wellness Hotels. Simply enquire at reception about the hire options in advance and then nothing will stand in the way of your winter fun.

The hotel hiking guides also usually have good tips for beginners' tours or secluded tours to the most beautiful places in the area. This means that even guests with no local knowledge can find the power spots in the region and enjoy nature and the winter landscape in all its facets. Some hotels also offer guided tours as part of the weekly activity programme. Alternatively, local sports shops also offer hire points, advice and guided tours. Your hotel hosts will have all the information you need.

Previous knowledge no, caution yes

Snowshoeing does not require a great deal of prior knowledge and is easy to learn. It is important to make sure that you don't start out on challenging terrain and that you bear in mind that you will have to hike back the way you came. In addition, the dangers of alpine terrain, similar to ski touring, should not be underestimated. It is advisable to check the weather, the avalanche situation and the snow conditions before setting off on a snowshoe hike. Caution is always advised in the Alps. If you choose the right route, you can enjoy hiking in winter without any restrictions.

Winter adventures with the whole family

Snowshoeing is also particularly enjoyable with children, who quickly get bored on ‘normal’ paths - the various figures, forest trolls and fairies can be recognised on snow-covered trees, one or two animal tracks can be identified and it is also great fun for the children to enjoy a little tea snack in the middle of the snow and romp around with their parents. In winter, snowshoeing is a varied adventure for the whole family. 

Hiking in winter with or without a sledge

Winter hiking is the (even) easier way to enjoy the alpine winter landscape. There are many permanently cleared winter hiking trails around all the resorts of the Best Alpine Wellness Hotels that are just waiting to be explored. The paths are safe and mostly well signposted. Many of them lead to mountain pastures all around, which are ideal for warming up and savouring the culinary delights of the region. If you feel like it, you can then head home on a sledge. Either take your own sledge with you or use the hire facilities at various mountain huts. The action-packed way home rounds off the winter hiking experience perfectly.