Snowshoeing in Bad Hofgastein

Probably the most intensive way to enjoy our snowy winter landscapes – trudging through Gastein valley with snowshoes on your feet. No one knows precisely when snowshoes were invented. What is certain, however, is that mankind had invented various ways to prevent sinking down into the snow thousands of years ago. Though without the rapid downhills, of course, snowshoeing represents the ideal alternative to a ski tour.

Snowshoeing is perfectly suited for guests who want to enjoy nature in a more intensive kind of way, yet don’t want to exhaust themselves completely. Whether sporty or leisurely, snowshoes are always a perfect companion to any winter getaway.

A brand-new snowshoe trail in Dorfgastein, which runs from the Fulseck to the lift mid-station, gets your winter vacation in Gastein Valley off on the right foot. With no prior experience necessary and with the right equipment, you can truly enjoy all that winter has to offer.

And with your hike “in the books”, there is nothing more wonderful than unwinding at the spa and enjoying the marvelous cuisine of our Thermenhotels.

In contrast to summer, when the picture before you is one of landscapes that have been sculpted over time by Mother Nature, the winter countryside takes on a whole new quality. A sun low in the sky, hoar frost, snow and ice bathe Gastein Valley in a very different light. Against the backdrop of a deep-blue sky, the snow-covered peaks of the Hohe Tauern stand out more distinctly than ever. Special moments are guaranteed when, out on your snowshoe hike, you encounter fresh animal tracks in the untouched snow. Nature lovers, of course, are always happy to rise to the challenge of identifying what animal had just recently crossed their path. And with just a little bit of luck, you might even catch a glimpse of one of the many creatures that call Gastein Valley their home.

Value added for health

Snowshoeing is the ideal combination of nature experience and sport. Without sinking into the deep snow, you trudge towards your destination. It's a bit like falling out of time: All around rest deep snow-covered forests, you hear only your breath and the crunching of the snow under your steps. Gentle on your own body and enchanted by the winter world of the Gastein Valley, this mode of locomotion is a treat for heart and soul.

In the past, snowshoe hiking had the reputation of being an old men's sport, but this has changed dramatically. After all, ambitious tours with steep climbs can burn up to 1000 calories per hour. But even on less strenuous tours, many muscle groups are sufficiently trained.
When walking uphill in wide strides, the outer thigh and hip muscles are used. On steeper climbs, you walk in small steps and most of your strength comes from your calves. When using the pole, the shoulder areas and upper arms are challenged. The steady movement ensures a higher basal metabolic rate of oxygen, which allows more red blood cells to be produced in the clear mountain air of the Gastein Valley. In addition, the increased sunlight at altitude has a positive effect both on the psyche and on the production of vitamin D, which ensures increased calcium storage in the bones. In combination, these effects ensure that snowshoeing is a real booster for your immune system.

Snowshoeing with Christian

You want to try the feeling of walking like a trapper through the snow first without buying equipment, then numerous rental stations will provide you with everything you need. Take your first steps under the guidance of an expert who will give you valuable tips. The snowshoe hiking guide Christian shows you how to move ergonomically in the terrain and makes you aware of all dangers. Stress-free enjoyment of nature is pre-programmed with this sport in his company.
Get to know the wonderful world of the Gastein Valley and go on a snowshoe hike with our Christian. You will not only be presented with the most beautiful corners but also told interesting facts about the history of the valley and its flora and fauna. Just ask at the reception of Hotel Norica or Hotel Alpina for the next snowshoe hike with Christian.

If you want to be on your own in the Gastein Valley, the APP from the Alpine Club "Alpenvereinaktiv.com" is very helpful. It supports you in choosing the right tour, the routes can be saved and accessed offline. An additional support for your sense of direction is to have the GPS activated on your phone.
The most beautiful snowshoe tours in the Gastein Valley lead through the Angertal, along the idyllically laid out Zirbenweg on the Graukogel or via the Roslehenalm challenging 7km up to the Altörl. Before setting out, inquire about the weather forecast, the avalanche situation and also about game reserves that lie on your route. Our staff and the tourist information office will be happy to give you information and also advise you on the best routes.

the right equipment

If you can walk, you are at the endurance trainer with positive effects on the cardiovascular system. The snowshoes have an uncomplicated binding that you can use with any shoe. Waterproof mountaineering boots and gaiters are ideal to prevent feet from getting wet from melting snow. It is crucial to choose the right snowshoe. Decisive which material you choose is the body weight, the terrain and the planned tour. Most ski boot hikers are on the move in rather flat terrain and for this the "Classic" models with aluminum frames covered with a firm plastic fabric are perfectly suited. With low weight and good buoyancy in the snow, even beginners find it easier to hike through the pristine winter landscape. For use in demanding terrain in high alpine areas and as an approach to the descent, the compact "Moderns", made entirely of cold-resistant plastic, are more suitable. Claws or crampons allow easier ascent in hard snow and ice. Whether Classics or Moderns, in addition to good functional clothing, sturdy ski poles are important, because these stabilize on the downhill passages and help on the ascent.