Snowshoe happiness

foray through the wintry Salzkammergut
bookable from 06.01.24 – 31.03.24
  • Arrival daily possible
  • Snowshoe hikes in magnificent mountain scenery, characterized by the ice-age Dachstein glacier and the Traun river system as well as a multitude of mountain lakes
  • 2 overnight stations, including entry to the Narzissenbad in Bad Aussee
  • with luggage transfer

“The first fall of snow is not only an event, it is a magical event. You go to bed in one kind of a world and wake up in another quite different, and if this is not enchantment then where is it to be found?”

John B. Priestley, English writer and journalist

Snowshoe hiking is the nature experience par excellence in winter for all those who love to move in a white landscape in the fresh air away from all pistes and cross-country trails. With modern snowshoes that prevent you from sinking into the deep snow, you can enjoy the silence and seclusion as you trudge through the snow. As a reward, rustic huts with regional specialties await you. Far away from the crowds, experienced mountain hikers as well as hobby hikers can make high alpine experiences that will inspire everyone. Winter sports enthusiasts hike step by step across the idyllic alpine winter landscape and explore uncultivated terrain. Mighty peaks like the Hoher Dachstein keep coming into view.

Route planning:
The following average times were used for the calculated walking times:
Per hour: 2.6 kilometers / 200 meters in altitude

The execution of the tour depends on the weather and avalanches!
Changes to the route due to weather conditions are possible!

Highlights

  1. Snowshoe hiking on the Krippenstein - part of the UNESCO World Heritage
  2. Stay in the Inner Salzkammergut with the fjord-like Lake Hallstatt
  3. Tranquility and enjoyment in the Ausseerland - the quiet natural beauty
  4. Winter sports with fascinating panoramas on the Dachstein mountains
  5. At the foot of the Loser – the landmark of the Ausseerland

Itinerary of the snowshoe tour

Day 1: Individual arrival in the climatic health resort of Bad Goisern

Arrival in sun-drenched Bad Goisern. The pretty spa town with its outstanding geographical location on Lake Hallstatt attracts sports and mountain enthusiasts in both summer and winter. Depending on the time of arrival, a leisurely winter hike along the Traun on the Traunreiterweg to the district of Weißenbach is worthwhile to 'warm up'. From the Goiserer bridge you will be accompanied by the tireless rushing of the Traun to the Weißenbach bridge. This easy path has been one of the most popular running and walking paths for many years.

You will receive your travel documents at the hotel in Bad Goisern. (5 nights)

Hiking: approx. 1 1/4 hours round trip (3 km, without significant ascents and descents)

Day 2: Dachstein High plateau on the Krippenstein

The public bus takes you to the valley station of the Krippenstein cable car. You ride it up to       the Schönbergalm (middle station) and further over steep rock faces to the high Krippenstein           at an altitude of 2,100 meters. Located on the northern edge of the Dachstein massif, this        limestone massif offers an overwhelming view of the broad karst plateau of the Dachstein.

From here there are several ways to explore the plateau:

Variant 1 (simple) Heilbronner Cross
From the mountain station of the Krippenstein cable car, hike the signposted circular route to the Heilbronnerkreuz. Here you can enjoy the spectacular view over the Dachstein high plateau. From the cross, it takes 1 ½ hours to the third section of the cable car, which takes you back to the starting point. But you can also hike an extra stretch along the ski slope to the Krippenstein mountain station.
Snowshoe hike: approx. 2,5 - 3 hours (7.3 km; 400 Altitude meters in ascent and descent)

Variant 2 (medium) Wiesberghaus
From the Krippenstein mountain station, take the gondola again – this time to the Gjaidalm, which is ideal for a short refreshment. The karst plateau north of the High Dachstein is a wonderful area for technically easy snowshoe tours. The views sweep over the Salzburger Land as well as to the glaciers and rock castles of the Dachstein peaks. The path follows the gentle up and down through this wonderful natural landscape before you can enjoy the sun terrace at the Wiesberghaus at 1,882 meters. Finally, it's back to the cable car station and you take the gondola back down to the valley, where you can review the impressions of the day.
Snowshoe hike: approx. 4 hours (10.9 km; 700 Altitude meters in ascent and descent)

Day 3: Goisererhut and Kalmberg

You start today with the public bus into the Gosau valley. The tour to the Goiserer Hütte with a stop for refreshments and to the High Kalmberg is a wonderful destination for a snowshoe tour with a view of the Dachstein and the Gosaukamm. In the district of Ramsau, the signposted ascent begins first through forest areas and over a spacious alpine pasture area, such as the Iglmoosalm and numerous other (unfortunately not serviced) huts. It goes up through a mountain spruce forest over the Schartenalm and in the direction of the Goisererhut. Once there, the fabulous panorama of the Goisern Valley stretches out below you. Depending on your physical condition, you can hike further past the Kalmooschurch on the High Kalmberg before returning to Gosau and taking the bus to Bad Goisern.

Snowshoe hike: approx. 5 hours (12 km; 1,066 Altitude meters in ascent and descent)

(Without the ascent to the Kalmberg, the distance is reduced by about 2.5 km and 200 m of altitude difference)

Day 4: Relaxation day in Bad Aussee with a visit to the brine bath

Today you leave the Inner Salzkammergut and use the organized transfer to the Ausseerland. To get there, the Pötschenpass has to be overcome at 993 meters. Shortly thereafter, the valley opens up and the striking peak of the Loser comes into view.

Take a break from the sporting activities of the past few days and visit the Narzissenbad in Bad Aussee. In the brine water from the Ausseer Salzberg, the largest salt deposits in Austria, you can regenerate wonderfully. A bathing experience in a fantastic natural setting awaits you, because the Narzissen Vital Resort offers a unique view of the mountains and natural landscape of the Ausseerland. While you relax, your luggage will be transported to your  booked hotel in Bad Aussee. (2 nights)

Day 5: Loser – striking panoramic mountain in the Styrian Salzkammergut

Today the bus will take you to Altaussee at the foot of the Loser. This mountain scenery with      a mountain lake already impressed James Bond actor Daniel Craig in the film "Spectre".

If you are looking for a leisurely snowshoe hike in a fantastic setting, you will find it on the Blaa Alm. From the Loser Ski Arena you start in the direction of the Blaa Wirtshaus with a place to stop for refreshments; it goes past the so-called Blaa-Eck and over snow-covered meadows. This snowshoe hike, with a small difference in altitude, is the perfect tour to end the trip. After the descent, take the bus back to Bad Aussee.

Snowshoe hike: approx. 1.5 hours (7 km; 30 Altitude meters in ascent and descent)

Day 6: Ausseerland - Individual departure

If you have the opportunity to extend your stay in the sun-drenched Ausseerland, the repertoire of discoveries is far from exhausted and additional nights can be booked. Otherwise, the return journey will take place in the morning.

Recommended equipment for carefree snowshoeing:
  • 3 sets of underwear
  • 2- to 3-layer outerwear / warm, functional, waterproof and windproof
  • Hood and gloves
  • Sunglasses and/or ski goggles, sunscreen
  • sturdy, waterproof winter shoes
  • gaiters up to the knees are beneficial, prevent snow from entering the shoe
  • the backpack should offer attachment options for the snowshoes

Arrangement

5x
overnight stay in ***hotels with breakfast buffet and 3-course dinner
1x
welcome drink
1x
public bus ride there and back Krippenstein cable car (day 2)
1x
ascent and descent Krippenstein cable car (day 2)
1x
public bus ride there and back Bad Goisern - Gosau (day 3)
1x
4 h admission to the Narzissen Vital Resort Bad Aussee including sauna (day 4)
1x
transfer from Bad Goisern to Narzissen Vital Resort Bad Aussee
1x
public bus ride Bad Aussee – Altaussee Loser (day 5)
1x
public bus ride Altaussee Loser – Bad Aussee (day 5)
1x
map and other information material
1x
luggage transfer (2 pieces per person, max. 25 kg per piece, each additional € 5,- / piece on site)
+
Daily service hotline from 08:00 – 18:00 (also on weekends)

Rates per person for the arrangement in €:

  06.01. – 31.03.2024
Double room 805,--
Supplement for single room 122,--
Solo Traveler Supplement 50,--
Extra night (before/after) on request
arrival daily

Snowshoe rental – please pre-order!

Snowshoes including poles: € 100,-- per person for the entire tour

The local tax, also known as visitor's tax, is payable locally to the landlord; the amount depends on the resort and is between €1,00 and €4,00 per person per night. Children up to the age of 15 are usually exempt.

The standard terms and conditions of the Salzkammergut Touristik GmbH apply in the current version.

Our recommendations:
Get a travel cancellation insurance.

Informationen

For environmental reasons, we recommend arriving and departing by public transport (train/bus). We are happy to help you organise your train journey within Austria. Talk to us!

The UNESCO World Heritage List currently lists 1,154 natural and cultural sites from 167 countries worldwide. The excellent cultural and natural monuments have an extraordinary universal value that must be preserved in the long term. Austria is represented with 10 World Heritage Sites.

For questions we are available.

Salzkammergut Touristik GmbH

Götzstraße 12

4820 Bad Ischl


Tel.: 0043 (0)6132 24000-51

office@salzkammergut.co.at