Snowshoeing: my 5 top tour tips

14 December 2023

Post originally written in: Deutsch

Snowshoeing is a unique outdoor activity that gives me a very special feeling. It is a harmonious combination of the tranquillity of the winter landscape, the physical activity and the feeling of being part of nature.

When you trudge through the fresh snow in snowshoes, you can hear a gentle crunching sound with every step. This sound, accompanied by the silence of the snow-covered surroundings, calms you down and makes the stress of everyday life seem far away. The clear, cold air fills your lungs as your gaze wanders over the snow-covered hills and peaks. It is an experience that heightens the senses and conveys a deep sense of connection with nature.

Snowshoeing is becoming increasingly popular. That's why I would like to introduce you to my most beautiful tours in the Innsbruck region today.

1. Tour to the Simmering

In the picturesque Tyrolean Oberland, on the expansive Mieminger Plateau, rises a modest yet impressive mountain: the Simmering. Thanks to its freestanding position, it offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding peaks and deep into the Inn Valley. The Simmering Alm (currently closed) and the nearby summit provide the ideal backdrop for a fascinating tour.

Our starting point is the picturesque village of Obsteig, more precisely the district of Finsterfiecht. The municipality of Obsteig can be easily reached by VVT bus 350 or 355 from Innsbruck main station. From the Obsteig Mooswaldsiedlung bus stop, a clearly signposted path leads to the former Grünberg lift. For those arriving by car, free parking is available directly at the Grünwaldlift. The former ski slope is unmistakable and is also the starting point for the ascent to the Simmering Alm. The toboggan run runs alongside the slope, which will take you to your destination in around two hours (note: the toboggan run is currently not groomed).

2. Summit tour to the Patscherkofel

Take the Patscherkofel cable car to the mountain station in comfort: this is the starting point for the snowshoe hike to the summit of the Patscherkofel.

Follow the well-signposted forest trail up a gentle incline to the summit. There you can warm up in the newly designed Gipfelsstube. The route is around six kilometers long. You can also hire snowshoes at the Patscherkofelbahn valley station. For me, this route is one of the best for beginners to get a good feel for this sport.

The way back follows the same route. If you still haven't had enough, you can continue with the snowshoes to the Hochmahdalmand Patscher Alm and then take the Patscherkofel cable car from the middle station down to the valley.

3. Padauner Kogel

A little further south of Innsbruck is the Padauner Kogel between Valsertal and Wipptal. The tour is easy to reach by public transport. The S3 train takes you from Innsbruck main station to the starting point in St. Jodok in Valsertal. From there, you have the option of taking a winter transfer by cab to Padaun. Or you can simply take the 4144 bus from Steinach am Brenner to the Vals-Padaunerstraße junction The rest of the ascent to Padaun can be managed from there.

Owners of the Welcome Card use public transport in the Innsbruck region free of charge. In this case, the Welcome Card ticket is valid as far as the Stefansbrücke stop. You only need to buy a ticket for the rest of the route to Steinach am Brenner.

Arrival by car

All those arriving by car should drive directly to Padaun. In wintry conditions with snow and ice, the road should only be driven on with snow chains. Parking is available at the parking lot near the mountain inn Steckholzer.

Hiking start in idyllic Padaun

Padaun, a tranquil high plateau between the Valsertal and Wipptal valleys, is home to more than just idyllic farmsteads. In winter, you are surrounded by countless wonderful photo opportunities. On our snowshoe tour to Padauner Kogel, we hike gently downhill from the charming farms in a westerly direction along the road. At the last farm, Larcherhof, a signpost is waiting to show us the path to Padauner Kogel. This is the perfect moment to strap on your snowshoes, as we are now entering untouched terrain.

From the summit cross of Padauner Kogels at an altitude of 2,066 meters, a breathtaking panorama opens up. Despite its comparatively moderate altitude, the summit offers sensational views that could hardly be more beautiful. Looking north, the view stretches as far as the imposing Nordkette near Innsbruck. To the south, you can see the majestic Tuxer Alpen and the impressive Olperer. The view to the west sweeps over the Stubai Alps, with the striking peaks of Obernberger and Gschnitzer Tribulaunvisible in the distance.

Plan around four hours for this eight-kilometre tour.

4. Feldringer Böden

The sunset snowshoe hike to Faltegartenköpfl is one of my absolute highlights. It is very safe from avalanches and the descent in the dark is no problem with the right preparation. Especially recommended on full moon nights! The sparkle of the snow in the moonlight is a unique experience.

From Innsbruck, the approach leads via the Sellraintalup to Kühtaialong the Längental reservoir and shortly before Ochensgarten to the so-called Sattele. Here there is a paid parking lot on the road, which is specially designed for ski tourers, winter hikers and snowshoe enthusiasts. It is the starting point for tours to Feldringalm and Marlstein.

The first stage

Our first stage takes us to Feldringalm. The winter hiking trail also serves as a toboggan run, so take care on the ascent. For those who prefer to be out and about on snowshoes, there is the option of either walking alongside the trail through untouched deep snow or shortening the hairpin bends through the forest. The Feldringalm is open from Wednesday to Sunday and offers a cozy place to stop for refreshments. From here, you can already enjoy a wonderful view of the opposite side of the Inn Valley and the Mieminger Plateau.

Feldringalm to Faltegartenköpfl

After a challenging ascent to the Feldringalm, you reach a magical high plateau. Here, framed by the summit of the Pirchkogels, a breathtaking panorama opens up over the majestic mountains of the Kühtai. The sparkling crystals of the untouched snow cover are already glistening in the low afternoon sun. At this moment at the latest, it becomes clear why a snowshoe tour is so good for the soul. From the high plateau, it's another 30 minutes or so to our destination, Faltegartenköpfl. The new summit cross shines in the sun from afar and shows us the way. We reach the summit via the back, along the ridge.

Sunset and starry sky

The view here is spectacular. The Inn Valley stretches directly below us, with a clear view of the village of Stams and its abbey. Opposite us rises majestically the Mieminger Plateau and the Tschirgant. On the other side you can see Kühtai with the entrance to Pitztal. The sun is already leaning towards the horizon and will set shortly - I am perfectly on time. After enjoying the magnificent panoramas, I set up my tripod and wait for the sun to disappear behind the horizon of the numerous peaks. The reward is an almost unreal sunset. Behind me, the full moon has already risen over the Inn Valley, creating a fascinating contrast. A wonderful moment that creates unforgettable memories. But sometimes such moments are best described by pictures.

Way back after sunset

You should allow around 2.5 hours for the ascent. The descent is by headlamp via the same route. A very special experience.

5. Into the Karwendel

Snowshoe from Gnadenwald east of Innsbruck to the Walderalm.

Getting to the starting point in Gnadenwald is easy with public transport from Innsbruck. Either take bus no. 502 from Innsbruck main station to the Föhrenwald terminus and walk a short distance. Or by S-Bahn to Hall and bus line 3 to the start of the tour in the hamlet of Kranzach. Drivers can park there in a paid parking lot. This is located directly after the turn-off towards Fritzens on the right-hand side of the road.

To the Walderalm

Opposite the parking lot and the bus stop, signs already point the way to the Walderalm, which takes an estimated 1.5 hours to walk. In winter, however, you should allow a more generous 2 hours. The hike is particularly recommended when there is fresh snow, as you can then easily think about using snowshoes from the village.

Immediately behind the houses, a well-signposted path leads into the forest. After passing the sports field, you reach the path to the Walderalm in the Karwendel Nature Park. The ascent covers an altitude difference of around 600 meters and alternates between steep sections and pleasant stretches that lead up in serpentines via Gnadenwald. Fresh snow transforms the surroundings into a magical winter landscape.

After seven hairpin bends and impressive views of Innsbruck, you reach a small high plateau. From here, the path is gentle until you reach a junction. You can either take the steep path to the Walderalm or continue along the path in a westerly direction and reach the high plateau of the alp via further hairpin bends. It is advisable to choose one of the paths for the ascent and the other for the descent.

Magnificent views

The impressive mountain landscape of the Karwendel unfolds in this high-altitude region above the tree line. The majestic Hundskopf presents itself impressively on the left-hand side. Shortly before reaching your destination, you pass a wayside shrine and see the picturesque huts of the Walderalm with a breathtaking panorama. On the right-hand side of the alp, on a small hill, you can see the Maria Schutz Chapel. The alp itself lies at an altitude of 1,501 meters.

Helpful tips for snowshoeing

Keep an eye on the weather and snow conditions: Find out about the current weather conditions and the snow report before setting off on your hike. This will help you adapt your route accordingly and prepare for possible challenges.
Choose the right equipment: Make sure you use the appropriate snowshoes for your weight and the snow conditions. Also wear waterproof and insulated boots to keep your feet warm and dry. Ski poles can improve stability.
Wear appropriate clothing: Dress in layers to adapt to changing temperatures. Make sure you wear weatherproof clothing that protects you from wind and moisture. Gloves, a hat and sunglasses are also important.
Take safety equipment with you: Carry avalanche equipment, especially if you are traveling in areas with an increased risk of avalanches. This includes an avalanche transceiver (avalanche transceiver), a probe and an avalanche shovel.
Use the right technique: Snowshoeing requires a slightly adapted walking style. Lift your knees a little higher to avoid getting stuck in deep snow. Try out the technique beforehand on flat terrain.
Planning the route: Choose routes according to your fitness level and experience. Avoid steep slopes and danger zones. Share your hiking plans with someone and inform them of your estimated return time.
Respect nature: Be careful not to disturb wildlife and stick to marked trails. Respect local rules and environmental regulations.
Emergency equipment and first aid: Carry an emergency kit, including a first aid kit, flashlight, extra food and water. Knowledge of first aid is also helpful.
Group formation: It is safer to hike in a group, especially in remote areas. If you are traveling alone, inform someone of your plans and keep in regular contact.
Environmental awareness: Don't leave garbage behind and respect the environment. If there are regulations for snowshoeing in the region, abide by them to protect nature and avoid disturbing other hikers.