Hiking in (winter) wonderland
“Even without snow, hiking in winter is something very special. Because everything looks different in winter than in summer; it doesn’t even have to snow,” says Wolfgang Sareiter, CEO of Feuer und Eis Touristik. “That’s why winter hikes are not only a lot of fun, but also good for the body and, above all, for mental well-being.” He adds almost casually: “Snow-covered landscapes are just the icing on the cake when it comes to winter hiking.”
Hiking guide Sissi, on the other hand, can’t stop raving about hiking in the winter wonderland. “When everything is covered in a glistening white blanket of snow, hiking becomes something very special. The nature around you, the mountains, the forest, seem calmer and softer… and the wonderful contrast with the (hopefully) blue sky!”
So one thing is certain: with or without snow, hikes in winter are unique and should be on every hiker’s bucket list.
Preparation is the be-all and end-all
As beautiful and soft as the snow looks, it also poses special challenges and even dangers. Depending on which tour or route you choose, there is a risk of avalanches, the cold is of course accompanied by the risk of frostbite and the fact that it gets dark earlier also brings with it some challenges and risks. But with the right preparation and approach, nothing stands in the way of a successful winter hike with countless wonderful moments. “The best way to prepare for a winter hike is to choose the right tour for your ability level,” says Sissi, the fire and ice tourism guide.
- Choose your tours wisely: Only tours that follow well-marked paths and do not run along trails, ski tour routes and tracks are suitable for winter hiking. The routes run away from wildlife protection zones and steep slopes (avalanche risk).
- Adapted tour length: Your own physical condition and that of all fellow hikers must be taken into account. Remember that it gets dark earlier in winter.
- Pay attention to the weather and conditions: Don’t just pay attention to forecasts for the weather, temperature, snow depth and difficulty level of the route, but also evaluate them regularly during the winter hike.
- Refreshment stops: Suitable winter hiking routes offer plenty of weatherproof rest stops. Especially in winter, when the tiled stoves keep the parlours pleasantly warm, it is all the more cozy in the huts. And a break in the warmth is a welcome change from the bitterly cold winter air.
Feuer und Eis Touristik therefore only offer winter hikes at lower altitudes, because the higher the tours go, the more dangerous the surroundings usually are.
Basic winter hiking equipment
Clothing based on the onion principle, a warm change of clothes in your luggage, hat, gloves and Gore-Tex jacket are a must when hiking in winter. Special equipment such as snowshoes should also be ready for use if the forecast is good.
You can’t go wrong with poles, snowshoes and avalanche equipment (consisting of a beeper, shovel and probe) that you know how to use. A headlamp, heat pads, a rescue blanket and a warm drink can also be helpful.
Booking reference:
Book your next winter hiking tour here:
Wolfgang’s hiking favorite for the winter is Winterseenzauber in the Bavarian Alps.
- To the tour: A foray through the wintry Salzkammergut
- To the tour: Winter dream at Lake Tegernsee short trip
- About the tour: Winter hike in the snow-covered Dolomites