SalzburgerLand Tourism
/ Michael Grössinger
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A romantic ride through the countryside on a horse-drawn sleigh or a more action-packed dogsledding adventure – Austria offers a wide variety of ways to experience winter in tandem with animals.
It’s not until the gentle clopping and ting-a-ling of an approaching horse-drawn sleigh intrudes that we are brought back into the present. The horses snort and their breath forms little clouds in the winter air as they stop in front of the hotel. Now it’s time to snuggle up in the back under the thick warm blanket and start the joyful sleigh ride! Filzmoos is a sure bet for snow, and in most years the robust Noriker horses can pull the sleigh over snow-covered paths up to Oberhofalm - situated picturesquely at the foot of the striking Bischofsmütze - until even March.
Marvel at the miracles of a Winter Wonderland: rays of sunshine try to get by the branches of a thick pine forest, creaking under the burden of the snow and sparkling like millions of tiny diamonds. The coachman has many stories to tell - about his horses, the region and its history. Do not miss out on his funny anecdotes! If you brave the cold, take a seat next to him and he will share a sip of his Schnapps to warm you up from the inside! There is no getting closer to natural life!
Standing on the sled, pulled by a team of huskies through the snow-covered landscape, you feel like you’re in the high north. Cold wind on your face, glistening snow on fields and forests – winter as far as you can see. Going on a sledding adventure with a musher and his pack lets you get in touch with nature and experience the close connection between man and dog.
Originally, these robust sledge dogs were companions to the nomads of northern Siberia, proven by their thick, two-layered fur and their relatively small paws, which prevent loss of body heat.
A husky’s eyes can be blue, brown, or even multi-colored; their temperament makes them friendly, gentle dogs.
Thanks to their exceptionally well-developed sense for direction, they can follow trails and paths even when covered with a thick blanket of snow. In recent years, dogsledding with huskies has become a popular sport in alpine regions.