Snowshoe Hiking in Austria
Following Winter's Trails

Snowshoe hiking is a unique way of experiencing nature, far away from the hectic modern world.

Whether you should embark on a snowshoe hike on your own depends on the area, your fitness level, your experience, and the weather and snow conditions.

If you go on a snowshoe hike with a national park ranger, there's a good chance you might spot one of the "Big Five of the Alps": ibex, golden eagle, ptarmigan, chamois, and bearded vulture. These elusive animals are rarely seen in winter, but the ranger knows the best times and places to spot them, for instance in the Hohe Tauern National Park.

They also know the names of the 3,000-metre / 9,800-foot peaks whose rugged, white summits tower into the sky. The Grossglockner and Grossvenediger, the two highest, are usually memorable even to first-time visitors. An added benefit of this adventurous snowshoe hike is the wonderful feeling of happiness as the everyday stresses gradually melt away.

Snowshoe Hiking in Vorarlberg

3 Tour Tips

Snowshoe Hiking in Tirol

7 Tour Tips
Did you know, that ...

... snowshoes already existed around 12,000 years ago? Ancient rock paintings prove it.

... the extended, moderate activity of snowshoeing boosts fat burning?

... snowshoeing's endurance training positively impacts the cardiovascular system?

... in Mongolia, 6,000-year-old snowshoes were found? They were wooden planks wrapped in fur.

Snowshoe Hiking in the SalzburgerLand

7 Tour Tips

Snowshoe Hiking in Carinthia

4 Tour Tips

Snowshoe Hiking in Styria

4 Tour Tips

Snowshoe Hiking in Upper Austria

5 Tour Tips
Snowshoe Hiking in Lower Austria

At 2,000 metres above sea level, snowshoe hiking on the Rax is a special experience. The Rax cable car conveniently takes hikers to the hiking area, where guided tours with mountain guides are also available. Tours in the Ötscher and Hochkar areas in the Mostviertel region are equally recommended.

FAQ

  • It's best to strap snowshoes onto mountain or hiking boots with a stable, torsion-resistant tread sole.

  • Larger snowshoes help you stay on top of deep snow, while smaller ones are better for steeper terrain. Narrower snowshoes make walking less strenuous.

  • Choose bindings that are easy to open and close with a quick-release mechanism, even with gloves on. Bindings allowing lateral tilt reduce ankle strain, and adjustable bindings fit various shoe sizes.

Whether you should embark on a snowshoe hike on your own depends on the area, your fitness level, your experience, and the weather and snow conditions. If you’re unsure and want to fully enjoy your snowshoe experience, it's best to get a guide – either for yourself or as part of a group hike.

  • Food: Pack an energy-boosting snack like muesli bars or nuts and tea in an unbreakable thermos.

  • In Alpine terrain: Be prepared with an avalanche shovel, probe, beacon, and a bivy sack.

  • Gaiters: They prevent snow from getting into your boots and help keep your trousers dry.

  • Tour backpack: Choose a durable, waterproof backpack with good carrying comfort.

  • Always pack: Sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, and a mobile phone.

  • First aid kit with rescue blanket: Lightweight and invaluable in an emergency.

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