Snowshoe hiking is a unique way of experiencing nature, far away from the hectic modern world. Learn more about the new trend sport here, from the right equipment to the best regions to try it out!
Have you heard of the “Big Five” of the Alps? Trudging through the deep mid-winter forests of the Hohe Tauern National Park in East Tirol, it is quite possible that the national park ranger will point one of them out to you. Although the ibex, golden eagle, snow grouse, chamois and bearded vulture show themselves only rarely in winter, the ranger knows exactly where and when these shy creatures are most likely to be seen.
The ranger knows the national park like the back of his hand, including the names of the many three-thousanders whose jagged peaks stretch into the dark-blue sky. Almost everybody generally remembers the Großglockner and the Großvenediger, the two highest mountains. One delightful side effect of this exciting and varied snowshoe adventure: That wonderful feeling as the stress and cares of your everyday life fall away.
Sandra is a classic city dweller. She lives in Berlin and therefore knows the mountains and snowy landscapes mainly from hearsay. During her winter break in Austria, she decides to go on a snowshoe hike through the Bregenz Forest – an area known as Austria’s winter wonderland. Read on how it went!
Standing in front of the hotel in Bregenz Forest late in the evening, I watch the snowflakes fall. Gently and quietly. When I look out of the window the next morning, they are still there. In fact, the snow has become even more. Later, the sun will come out and turn them into a magic wonderland. I am excited as a small child to put on my snowshoes and start hiking.
Jürgen, our guide, awaits our small group of six after breakfast at the hotel. He is a typical countryside guy with tanned skin who also works as a ski instructor. You can tell that he has spent his whole life in the outdoors, he probably knows every pebble in the area. He selects snowshoes for all of us at the hotel, sticks are added in the adjoining sports shop. Afterwards, we hop on his bus and drive a short distance to the Salober valley station.
On the way, I realise that I have a lot of respect for the hike. My relationship with snow hasn’t been very amicable so far. At best, we are acquaintances. Distant acquaintances. It hardly ever snows in Berlin in the colder months. How would I have had the opportunity to experience winter at its best?
Today’s snowshoe hike in the Bregenz Forest therefore feels like a real adventure – even though I am slightly worried it could be very exhausting. After all, there won’t be any groomed slopes or cleared paths waiting for us. Instead, we will be hiking cross-country through deep powder snow.
To prevent us from sinking in the white masses, we strap plate-like aids around our hiking boots that balance out our body weight – and off we go.
Jürgen has scheduled in plenty of time to pay attention to all of us individually. We hike at a leisurely pace so that everyone can keep up with the group. It’s a lot less exhausting than I imaged. During a break, I ask Jürgen if we need to worry about avalanches. With so much snow around, they are surely a realistic danger that should not be underestimated? He assures me that we are in safe hands with him by our sides as he knows the snow and the area well. I relax.
I have tears in my eyes several times that day because it’s so incredibly beautiful here. The quietness, the countless snow crystals glittering and dancing in the sun. At times, the snow is churned up by other hikers. And look at this! Fresh traces of a mountain hare that must have passed here recently. The trees look like someone had lovingly sprinkled them with an extra portion of powdered sugar. Then, of course, there’s the blue sky and the sun. Black dots wander around on a slope in the distance, it must be a herd of chamois. We keep walking surrounded by hills and mountain peaks, which are sometimes clearly visible, at other times mysteriously hidden behind a veil of clouds. I wish this hike would never end.
Unfortunately, it does eventually, at the Salober valley station, which we left a few hours ago. Skiers have painted patterns on the white slopes that were almost untouched in the morning. I take another look at the winter landscape because I will leave it tomorrow. I will travel on to Bregenz, where spring has already arrived. It will probably take a while until I see snow again. I would love to take it with me, stuff it in my pockets, along with the mountains and the clear, cold air. The day in the snow ranks high in my collect of moments of happiness and I will surely consider winter holidays more often in the future. The snow and I have become good friends.
Should you go on a wintershoe hike all by yourself? Simply put, it depends on the area, your fitness level and experience as well as the weather and snow conditions. If you are unsure, it’s always a good idea to opt for a guide! A professional hiker knows the area like the back of his hand and allows you to fully immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings while he or she takes care of the route planning and the equipment. What's more, should you experience any issues along the way on your first snowshoe hike, you always have a pro right by your side.
Still up for going solo but slightly worried about it all? Try winter hiking first, where you are out and about in regular winter or mountain boots on secured and marked trails.
