Winter hiking is one of the most authentic ways to experience nature. It slows you down, encourages mindfulness, and is environmentally friendly. However, winter hiking is not quite as easy as a summer hike. Snow, ice, cold temperatures, and short days require some preparation. That’s why we consulted with hiking experts from renowned hotels and sustainable accommodations in popular hiking regions.
As hiking guides or concierges, they are out and about every day, know the current conditions, and share what you should pay attention to, as well as which winter hikes they specifically recommend.

What to keep in mind when winter hiking—tips from real hiking experts

Alessa Konrad from Naturhotel Outside in East Tyrol believes that winter hiking is the ideal way to experience nature. Located in the Hohe Tauern National Park, the hiking hotel is surrounded by snow-covered peaks reaching three thousand meters high. It’s an environment with an almost magical atmosphere in winter, but it can also be challenging and demanding. Alessa’s recommendations for the right equipment are accordingly clear:

„It is important to wear sturdy, waterproof winter boots with good traction, as well as warm, layered clothing, a hat, and gloves. Depending on the conditions, hiking poles and crampons are recommended to ensure stability..“

Planning is just as crucial. Only use approved winter hiking trails, keep an eye on the weather and snow conditions, and adapt your tour to the shorter days of winter. One often-overlooked aspect is:

„It’s also important to drink enough – ideally warm tea from a thermos, since you lose fluids through exercise, even in winter.“

Bonus tip: Hiking concierge Karin Steiner always carries a bar of chocolate in her backpack during tours—for quick breaks or when energy levels start to dip.

A tour tip from Naturhotel Outside

The Wohlgemuth Almen-Runde in the Tauern Valley is ideal for those who want to experience the quiet enjoyment of winter hiking. The 2.7-kilometer, easy-level trail mostly follows the Tauernbach stream and passes winter meadows and snow-covered larch trees. Along the route, hikers are rewarded with impressive views of the Hohe Tauern mountains. Quiet, close to nature, and far away from the hustle and bustle of skiing.

Winter hiking in South Tyrol

Family knowledge and alpine experience

#1 My Arbor on the Plose near Brixen – with Alexandra Huber

In South Tyrol, it’s also clear that the best recommendations come from those who have known the mountains for generations. Around 15 minutes from Brixen lies the adults-only hotel My Arbor on the Plose. When asked what you need for winter hiking, hostess Alexandra Huber responds: “Just warm clothing and good footwear.”

Guided winter hikes are led by Günther and Hannes, her father’s brothers. They both know the Plose trails like the back of their hand. Three free winter hikes are offered each week as part of the regular program, and private tours are available upon request.

Even if there isn’t snow around the hotel all the time, the conditions in the mountains are still excellent:

„There isn’t always snow at My Arbor at the beginning of winter, but there is plenty in the mountains.“

After the tour, the spa and culinary delights beckon you to unwind. The cuisine at My Arbor is sure to be a hit. If would like to learn more, we interviewed the hotel’s head chef and bread sommelier for our blog.

Ahrntal: Quiet paths and clear rules

#2 OLM Nature Escape – with Thomas Steiner

The farther you venture into the Ahrntal Valley, the quieter it becomes. Thomas Steiner of the energy-self-sufficient aparthotel OLM Nature Escape reports ideal conditions:

„We have wonderful snow in the winter“

The hotel recommends winter hikes in Rein, Weißenbach, and, in particular, Kasern, which is located at the northernmost point of Italy. Here, winter hiking is secluded, peaceful, and scenically impressive.
Another  particularly atmospheric hike is the trek to the Kofler Lakes near Rein in Taufers. The hike features high-altitude, frozen lakes at over 2,400 meters, snow-covered forests, and a backdrop that slows you down just by looking at it.

At the same time, risks are handled very transparently in the Ahrntal Valley. Some winter hiking trails are not cleared or gritted and are only accessible when conditions permit. Studying avalanche reports is part of the preparation process here (and everywhere else!). Respecting such limits is also part of sustainability.

Ritten: Winter has many faces

#3 Hotel Weihrerhof – with Klaus Pichler

Winter does not necessarily mean snow in every place. Klaus Pichler of the Hotel Weihrerhof on Lake Wolfsgrubener See on the sunny Ritten plateau openly states:

„We usually get snow in the winter. And even if it doesn’t snow, we still have the frozen lake for ice skating, hockey, and curling.“

Even without snow, you can still enjoy exercise, fresh air, and mindful experiences at this time of year. Whether ice skating or hiking through the frosty, albeit snow-free, landscape.

PS: In the vast ice field, you will also find a hole that the hotel has cut out for ice bathing.

#4 ADLER Lodge RITTEN – with Sofia Rabanser

Also on the Ritten is the ADLER Lodge RITTEN, composed of wooden lodges surrounding a small pond which often freezes in the winter. Sofia Rabanser provides insight into the activity program and recommends a guided winter hike to the Earth Pyramids. The hike takes about an hour and offers a unique natural feature and fantastic views of the Dolomites. However, her bonus recommendation is the newest addition to the program: a hike with the hotel’s own alpacas.

All activities are included in your stay at the ADLER Lodge. The hotel will reopen at the beginning of February.

Sustainable winter vacations in Germany: Winter hikes and peaceful retreats

Winter retreat just outside of Munich

#1 Gut Sonnenhausen – with Alexandra Baeten

Winter hiking also reveals its serene side in the Alpine foothills. Gut Sonnenhausen, located near Munich, sent us a video capturing snow-covered meadows, the sound of crunching snow, and a sense of tranquility—perfect for experiencing the winter season, even in the lowlands. Take a stroll through the landscape park or hike along the high-altitude circular trail.

Hiking with Bergbaschdi in the Allgäu

#2 Hotel Das Rübezahl – with Alexander Thurm

In the Allgäu region, Bergbaschdi, the hiking concierge, guides guests through the countryside, even in the winter. Alexander Thurm, a member of the host family at Hotel Das Rübezahl, reports:

„There is guaranteed snow on the mountain, but it is only sporadic in the valley. Depending on conditions, guided hikes will continue to take place with or without snowshoes.“ (January 23, 2026)

Snowshoes, poles, crampons, and headlamps for evening tours can be borrowed free of charge. After your hike, relax and unwind in the Roman-inspired spa, enjoy the private infrared saunas in select rooms, and sample the highly acclaimed cuisine. Recommended reading: We have previously discussed and featured chef Erik Wendt on our blog.

Austria: Guaranteed snow in Seefeld and Pfunds

#1 Hotel Klosterbräu – with Familie Seyrling

In Seefeld, Tyrol, you can enjoy snow cover for most of the winter. Here, the luxurious Hotel Klosterbräu, housed in 500-year-old monastery walls, recommends winter hikes starting right at the hotel: an easy tour through the Möserer Valley, or a moderately difficult circular hike around the Gschwandtkopf with panoramic views of the Inn Valley for more advanced hikers. The hotel provides an overview of all winter hiking trails on its website.

#2 Summit Lodges Pfunds – with Marco Spiss

As demonstrated by a special tip from the Tyrolean Oberland, winter hiking doesn’t always have to take place in the morning or during daylight hours. Marco Spiss from Summit Lodges Pfunds recommends enjoying a picnic under the moonlight in Pfundser Tschey, a high valley far from brightly lit cities that offers perfect conditions for stargazing.

After a leisurely 30-minute winter hike, you will find yourself in a natural setting that is particularly rare in winter: true darkness. With the help of an expert guide, you can discover constellations in the clear night sky while keeping warm with hot punch or mulled wine and a small snack.

Good to know: The Moonlight Picnic lasts for around two to three hours and takes place on selected dates. The next full moon nights, which offer the best conditions for stargazing, are on 1 and 3 February 2026. The new moon (ideal conditions for stargazing) occurs on 17 February 2026. Registration is required as the number of participants is limited.

Important: If you plan to be out after dark, make sure you’re prepared with a headlamp, etc. Be sure to check that it is charged beforehand. Even if you plan to be back before dark, you may misjudge the length of your tour, or something unexpected may happen. To ensure you can safely get down from the mountain, always carry a charged pocket flashlight or, better yet, a headlamp in your hiking gear (a cell phone flashlight is not sufficient). Also, always inform someone in the valley about your planned tour and expected return time.

Walk quietly and see far — experience a winter like no other

From snow-covered forests in Hohe Tauern National Park to sunny high plateaus in South Tyrol to groomed trails in Tyrol to the Tyrolean Oberland under the moonlight, winter hiking reveals the power of slowness. It requires no lifts, noise, or spectacle. All you need are good shoes, a little preparation, and a willingness to embrace the season.

Conversations with the guides reveal: Winter hiking is an invitation to reconnect with nature.

Is it winter where you live, too? If so, you can lace up your hiking boots right now. Take with you what winter can teach us: peace, clarity, and an eye for the essentials.

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