On the Other Side of the Slope
Snowshoeing in the Grossarl Valley
Hiking in a Different Season
A winter hike offers one-of-a-kind sensations and experiences. Snowshoeing through snow-covered forests and peaceful alpine meadows is just as stirring as ascending the easier mountain heights and gentle peaks on backcountry skis as the winter sun shines down on the vast mountain panoramas.
With the proper equipment and our expert guides, hiking in the “white” season can be incredibly fun.
Discover the fascination of winter hiking!
Tips on Equipment and Walking Techniques
- The heavier the person, the larger the necessary surface area of the snowshoes . Snowshoes should be both light and stable.
- Normal, ankle-high hiking boots or shoes are fine, but they should be waterproof and breathable.
- Clothing should be very breathable, because on hikes through deep snow you can work up quite a sweat.
- Hiking poles with baskets are fine for snowshoeing. Special snow and Nordic walking poles are even better, though, because they provide shock absorption for the joints in the arms, which is very important.
- Start gathering experience on guided tours. No real instruction or special ability is required. Anyone who can walk and run can also snowshoe. A little physical fitness is an advantage.
- If you are snowshoeing alone in deep snow, be careful not to disturb wildlife that needs its peace in the winter. You should also protect yourself against avalanches by properly planning your tour route, having avalanche search and rescue equipment and by gathering important tips from us.
Cross-country Skiing in the Grossarl Valley
Over 30 kilometers of cross-country trails await cross-country ski enthusiasts. One of these is the Grossarl Trail from Grossarl to the museum of local history in Kösslerhäusl. Another is the Hüttschlag Trail, which heads from Hüttschlag south to the beloved “Aschaustüberl,” before continuing on to the end of the valley where you will find the „Talwirt“ national park guesthouse, with a large parking lot, Mountain Forest exhibition and information center. The majority of the trails are traditional with parallel tracks, but there are also some skate-skiing tracks. All cross-country skiers can use the Post and ski buses for free to get between Hüttschlag and Grossarl. These run every hour through the morning and early afternoon and every half-hour starting at 2 pm.
Night Trail
In the 2002/2003 season a lighted night trail was created, which is about 3 kilometers and starts at the Aschaustüberl in Hüttschlag. 3 km zur Verfügung. It is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 6pm-8:30pm.
Backcountry Skiing in the Grossarl Valley
Welcome to El Dorado for backcountry skiers. Away from the confusion of the ski slope you can find innumerable, alluring peaks and glittering hillsides around Grossarl and Hüttschlag. Tons of backcountry tours of varying distances and difficulty are waiting to be conquered!
With its 12 smaller side valleys and two townships, (Grossarl and Hüttschlag) as well as Hohe Tauern National Park Salzburg’s Grossarl Valley is home to vast areas of alpine meadows and innumerable mountain peaks with elevations between 2000 and nearly 3000 meters.
The local ski schools offer expert information as well as equipment rental.
Lighted Toboggan Run
For all of those who would like to take on a “toboggan party” in the evening, there is a lighted, vehicle-free toboggan run (approx. 2.5 km) at the Lammwirt Hotel. To get to the top, either walk or take a taxi van.
Winter Hiking
Around 35 kilometers of groomed winter hiking trails provide opportunity for long walks or short tours, some of which head into the mountains. After a hearty snack or a hot “Glühwein” those who carry their sleds on their backs can shoot back down into the valley.
Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides in Grossarl
Those who like it romantic can indulge themselves with a comfortable horse-drawn carriage or sleigh ride, gliding peacefully through the magnificent landscape wrapped in warm blankets.
Curling in the Grossarl Valley
Four curling lanes await curling enthusiasts in the Grossarl Valley. The tournaments between guests and locals are particularly fun, while the weekly tournament for guests in Hüttschlag also enjoys great popularity.
