Step by step, you leave behind the everyday world and immerse yourself in the snow-covered winter landscape. The gentle mountains of the Kitzbühel Alps offer diverse opportunities for enjoyable snowshoe hikes. Our tips for your active relaxation around Kitzbühel.
Winter in Kitzbühel: Winter Sports in a Natural Paradise
Kitzbühel, renowned for its upscale charm and legendary sporting events like the annual Hahnenkamm Race at the end of January, is famous. But did you know that the Kitzbühel Alps are also a natural paradise for sports enthusiasts and relaxation-seekers? The range stretches from the Zillertal in Tyrol to Zell am See in Salzburg's Pinzgau region. The Kitzbühel Alps holiday region actually encompasses four smaller regions: Brixental, St. Johann in Tirol, PillerseeTal, and Hohe Salve, along with approximately 20 typical Tyrolean villages. Prominent peaks include the Hoher Rettenstein, Hohe Salve, Hahnenkamm with the famous Streif race hill, and the Kitzbüheler Horn. The impressive Wilder Kaiser is not far away either.
In winter, you can carve on more than 1,000 kilometers of slopes or relish the tranquility and solitude on 400 kilometers of winter hiking trails. For those in search of unique natural experiences, why not strap on your snowshoes over warm winter boots and trek through the glistening deep snow. The opportunities for snowshoe hikes in and around Kitzbühel are vast, and we've summarized our top 3 for you right here:
3 Snowshoe Hikes in the Kitzbühel Alps
#1: St. Johann, Tauwiesen Snowshoe Trail for Beginners: Starting at the Tauwiesenlift in Oberndorf, this snowshoe hike is ideal for beginners and those new to snowshoeing. It follows the edge of the slopes to the Dickat chapel and continues through the forest and alongside the Watschenbach. Descend over the snow-covered mountainside to piste 6a and return to the Tauwiesenlift. Approximate walking time: 45 minutes, 2 kilometers, and 100 meters of elevation gain. Spectacular: The view of the Wilder Kaiser. Accommodation tip: From Kitzbühel Suites Oberndorf, it's just 1.5 kilometers to the Tauwiesenlift and your first snowshoe hike in Kitzbühel!
#2: Snowshoeing in Wildschönau, Brixental: The gentle “Grass Mountains” in the Brixental region of the Kitzbühel Alps offer countless opportunities for snowshoe hikes. A snow-assured tour in the Wildschönau starts at the summit station of the Markbachjochbahn (Niederau, approximately 15 minutes by car from Brixental Suites Hopfgarten and Chalet 149 Westendorf. From there, the hike leads through open forest and gentle alpine terrain to the Kasalm / Brixentaler Holzalm. Your journey continues to the Halsgatterl chapel, which you'll reach after another kilometer and less than 50 meters of elevation gain. From there, proceed to the Lanerköpfel and return through the forest to the Markbachjochbahn. Total length: 6.5 kilometers; Duration: approximately 2.5 hours.
#3: Wild and Romantic Windautal Valley near Westendorf / Guided Snowshoe Hike: Discover a true natural jewel on one of the guided snowshoe hikes offered in Westendorf: the Windautal Valley. This southern side valley of Brixental, Tyrol, extends for over 16 kilometers and serves as a recreational area for athletes and those in search of peace & quiet, both summer and winter. During a guided snowshoe hike, offered every Thursday from late December to late March, you'll ascend 400 meters in elevation over the span of approximately 3 hours, walking through alpine terrain and mountain pastures, all the while enjoying magnificent views.
Your First Snowshoe Hike? Our Tips for Beginners
No snowshoe hike should be undertaken without proper planning! Especially for beginners, finding the right trail can be a challenge. If you're not joining a guided snowshoe hike, consider these points when preparing:
Choose a tour that matches your fitness level and skill. Check the weather and snow conditions as well as the avalanche report, and obtain detailed maps of the snowshoe routes in and around Kitzbühel. Make sure you have the necessary equipment, including first aid and avalanche gear. Whenever possible, avoid going alone. Snowshoe hikes are safer in a group.
For more detailed tips and explanations for beginners, refer to our article "Snowshoeing for Beginners".
What Equipment Do You Need for Snowshoeing?
We've already mentioned first aid and avalanche equipment. Additionally, you'll need the following for your snowshoe hike in Kitzbühel:
- Snowshoes and waterproof, insulated winter boots
- Poles – telescopic poles work best
- Performance clothing: We recommend the layering principle! Good gloves, a hat, and a neck gaiter
- Backpack with snacks, drinks, spare clothing, headlamp, maps, and a phone
- Emergency equipment
- Sunglasses, creams for cold and sun protection
Find out more about equipment needs in "Snowshoeing: Equipment Tips." A tip: Check the rental options locally at sports shops or tourist offices in the Kitzbühel area.
Snowshoeing in Kitzbühel: An Adventure for the Whole Family!
Snowshoeing is a winter sport for everyone, even children from around 5 or 6 years old and up can enjoy the gentle movement across deep snow. Planning and preparation are essential when snowshoeing with the family. Choose an easy, not-too-long, and beginner-friendly route and plan in plenty of breaks.
FAQs: Common Questions About Snowshoeing in Kitzbühel
From December to March, there is usually enough snow for snowshoeing in the mountains around Kitzbühel. It's important to keep an eye on local weather and snow conditions and do your research beforehand. At higher elevations, the snow can still persist into springtime.
Yes, there are many sports shops in Kitzbühel and surrounding areas in the Kitzbühel Alps that offer snowshoe rentals. Additional rental locations are often located near ski resorts or tourist offices. There, you can rent snowshoes in various sizes and models, and additional equipment like poles is usually available as well.
Before your visit, check if your preferred rental location offers snowshoes and if it's actually open during your visit. Some outdoor tour providers may also provide snowshoes.
Yes, indeed. Some tourist offices in the Kitzbühel Alps offer weekly programs that include guided (snowshoe) hikes and other activities, while another option is to book a certified mountain and hiking guide. Check with your booked accommodations, the tourist office, or, preferably well in advance, on the website of your holiday destination.
An experienced guide knows the routes, the surroundings, and potential dangers, which is especially important in winter terrain. They can also share interesting information about the Kitzbühel Alps, local flora and fauna, as well as cultural or historical insights. Some guided snowshoe hikes may even supply the equipment as well.
Verena Junger
Marketing Specialist at ALPS RESORTS
Millennial with a passion for solitary mountains and compelling stories, always on the lookout for exciting destinations and experiences.
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Photo materials © Kitzbüheler Alpen Marketing (Gerdl Franz, Hein-Norbert Eisele, Kurt Tropper)