Winter vacation is the same as a skiing vacation? Not everyone is immediately drawn to the mountains in winter with their skis and snowboard in their baggage. For those who don’t automatically think of the perfect track in the snow, clear winter air, and majestic mountain panoramas, we have some wonderful tips here about being sustainable in the snow. Even without skis, you can experience a lot. Put on your winter coat and snowshoes and get out into a magical winter wonderland.

WINTER WONDERLAND IN THE ALPINE NATIONAL PARK BERCHTESGADEN

The Berghotel Rehlegg is surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the Alps in the Berchtesgaden National Park. At breakfast, you can already enjoy the magnificent view of the majestic Watzmann, Göll, and Brett. Hikes in the Alpine National Park are not only an experience in summer. The park casts its spell every season. In winter, a bright blue sky, shining white peaks, and the silent magic of a white blanket of snow that covers everything around you. How about a winter hike through the forest? For example through the so-called magic forest? The gurgling mountain stream covers the rocks with ice and creates an enchanting fairytale landscape with unique ice formations. The best way to enjoy sledding is on the ” Hirscheckblitz”. On the more than 2.2 kilometer long sledding track, you can descend 400 meters of altitude in only 15 minutes. A real experience! You can rent a sled at the reception. In Klausbachtal you have the possibility to watch and even feed wild animals because this is the home of about 50 wild animals. If you wish, you can even take a horse sleigh on a trip to feed the wild animals. In the evening, after a day in the snow, the solar-heated outdoor pool with panoramic views of the mountains awaits guests of the mountain hotel.

Sustainable in the snow: WELLNESS, YOGA & RELAXATION IN THE GERMAN ALLGÄU

In the Allgäu you can also enjoy the magic of the winter landscape. The Hotel Hubertus Unplugged is located in Balderschwang, at 1044 meters above sea level. The hotel with a modern alpine chic ambiance invites you to a balanced mix of activity and relaxation. The area is a real winter paradise. Meter-high snow cover, a glittering snow landscape, and the quiet magic of untouched nature are waiting for you here. The hotel manager himself will take you on so-called slowing-down tours. These tours take place all year round, in winter even with snowshoes. But there is also a lot to discover and experience on your own. With its holistic approach, the hotel wants to contribute to relaxation, recreation, and regeneration on different levels. You will find holistic food, holistic touch, and holistic spirit. After a hike through the impressive winter landscape, you can enjoy delicious, healthy culinary delights and Ayurvedic massages or simply relax and do nothing, which is even encouraged here. The retreat “Nixtun Unplugged” is available all year round. Here, sleeping in, lounging, relaxing yoga, sauna, and massages are on the agenda. How does that sound? You can also use the wintertime for a regenerating yoga retreat and consciously engage in the silence of winter during various yoga and meditation practices. Or maybe it’s time for a reset? Then you can participate in the hotel’s excellent detox offers.

UNTOUCHED WINTER LANDSCAPE IN THE MAIRA VALLEY OF PIEDMONT

The Maira Valley is also worth a visit, not only in summer. The untouched nature of the Piedmontese mountain landscape has its own special magic in winter. And Renato, the experienced mountain guide and manager of the Locanda Mistral Hotel, knows the area like the back of his hand. He will gladly organize the perfect winter tour for you. Of course, you can also explore the area on skis in a classic way. But a hike with snowshoes is not to be despised either. Not only in the high mountains but also in the lower areas, on the mountain plateaus and in the larch forests there are excellent possibilities for wonderful snow experiences, depending on your physical condition and the weather conditions. You have the feeling that time stands still. The snow covers the landscape and immerses everything in a peaceful and calm atmosphere.

Also in the eco-holiday village Sagna Rotonda you will be aware of the magic of the winter landscape: the peace of untouched mountain peaks, fresh deep snow and the silence of the larch forests are a very special experience. If you choose a vacation home with a fireplace, you can end the evening in a cosy place by the fire. Alternatively, you can relax in the Finnish sauna of the vacation village. An old arched basement has been converted with great love into a wellness area. There is a sauna, a small swimming pool with mountain spring water to cool down and a lounge with soothing sounds in the background. The wellness area can also be booked for private use.

Sustainable in the snow: ACTIVE & RELAXED IN THE LUXURY SNOW PARADISE

Those who like it even more luxurious will probably feel at home in the Summit Lodges, which are located in the Tyrolean Oberland, in the Austrian village of Pfunds. The luxury log cabins are surrounded by the high peaks of the Samnaun group in the northwest and the Ötztal Alps in the east. They are a mix of cabin feeling and modern luxury. The log cabins are inspired by the traditional log house construction of the northwest of the USA and Canada and therefore carry the names “Yosemite” and “Yellowstone”. Each “cabin” is very spacious with about 120 m² and can accommodate up to 6 people. In addition, each log cabin has its own fireplace and Finnish sauna. The wonderful winter landscape with extensive hikes through nature attracts visitors here as well. There are several winter hiking trails to choose from, all of them are between 1.5 and 5 hours long. But also sledding can be a real pleasure, for example on the 1.1 kilometer long ” Rodelbahn St. Ulrich in Pfunds”. The 3.5 kilometers long “Winter hiking trail to Frudiger at the beginning of the Pfundser Tschey” can also be used as a sledding track, even if it has not been prepared as an official sledding track. In addition, every Wednesday night sledding takes place from 7 pm to midnight on the illuminated “Hohlenegg” sledding run in Ried. What do you think about that? Perfect for a family vacation or a vacation with friends, right?

So if you love really good snow, but don’t feel like going on the boards, there are many ways to experience the perfect winter vacation. In snowshoes, on the sled, or in the outdoor pool with a view of the snow-covered mountain landscape.

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