Snowshoeing
in a pristine natural setting
Treading Softly
For the Indians of North America, snowshoes were important to their very survival. Nowadays, snowshoeing fascinates more and more nature lovers wanting to explore new paths away from the maintained ski slopes.
On snowshoes, imposing worlds of light, snow and ice, previously reserved purely for backcountry skiers, reveal themselves before you. And best of all: In Werfenweng, everyone can participate, even children and seniors, since the area at the foot of the Eiskögel has trails appropriate to all fitness levels.
Trudging through glistening deep-snow, feeling lighter than ever before: With snowshoes, winter fairytales do come true.
Hike 1: Eulersberg
Eulersberg Snowshoe Trail
Length: 10.6 km
Gain: ca. 555 m
Time: ca. 3.5 h
Refreshments: Sonnseit´n Hochmaisalm, Tennenblick
The tour begins at the church and leads along the hiking path towards Eulersberg as far as the Steinberghof/Sonnenhof. From there continue in the direction of Obereulersberg. Shortly before the path exits the forest, a snowshoe route branches off to the left. This will bring you through a clearing and a short forest section to a forest path, which in turn leads to the Sonnseit'n-Hochmaisalm. In the mood for a refreshment stop? The path now takes us downhill along the ridgeline of the Steinbergriedel, then right towards Gasthof Tennenblick. The snowshoe route continues downhill to Gasthof Schöntal, and below Gasthof Strassreith to the Zaglaustrasse, from there back to the town center.
Hike 2: Wengerau
Werfenweng - skating rink - Gamsblickalm - Seealm - Werfenweng
Wengerau Snowshoe Trail
Length: 6 km
Gain: ca. 145 m
Time: ca. 1.5 h
Refreshments: Gamsblickalm, Bettleralm, Seealm
The trail to Wengerau begins at the farm store in Werfenweng. It takes us to the swimming lake, which freezes over in winter to become a skating rink as smooth as a mirror, from there past small villages to the Gamsblickalm. Here you can remove your snowshoes and take a refreshment break: The Gamsblickalm invites you to stop in for a drink and a hearty meal. The route now leads you back in a loop just a little higher in elevation, back to the Seealm and then to the town center. The whiteness of the snow and the redness of your cheeks do a world of good: After a hike such as this, the food tastes great and you'll sleep like a baby!
Important: Please never leave the marked route, wildlife need to be left in peace during the winter.
Rucksack packed, thought of everything? - check one last time!
Before trudging off, an important request: Double-check your equipment so that your safari through the snow truly is a fun, memorable experience.
Other than snowshoes and poles, you'll need the following for your tour:
- Sturdy, warm shoes, at least ankle-high. They don't have to be winter boots, sturdy hiking shoes will also do, it just depends how sensitive you are to the cold.
- Water-repellant pants. Ski pants are generally not suitable, since they're too warm. When you're snowshoeing, you generally move more than on the ski slopes.
- Depending on how far you plan on pushing yourself physically, you should also wear functional clothing, a short t-shirt, potentially a long shirt on top of that. A soft-shell jacket will protect you from wind and cold. Gloves and a hat.
- Sunglasses, sun block and cream to protect you against extreme cold.
- Compass and / or GPS device
And please always bring something to drink!
Absolutely obey all the safety rules! Before your expedition, stop by Werfenweng Tourist Office to check on current snow conditions and routes. It's important, especially for your personal safety.
Guided Tours
Certified snowshoe guide, Waltraud Hermann, offers individual guided snowshoeing tours. Tel. +43(0)664/2001867
Snowshoe Rentals
You can rent out your equipment at the Sport 2000 store located at the valley terminal of the Ikarus lift or in the village at the Sport Alpin Bergresort Werfenweng.
For Holders of the SAMO Advantage Card:
Free Equipment Rental
Exclusive: For all holders of the SAMO Advantage Card, rental of snowshoeing gear is free of charge.
Free Guided Hike
For those who support our dedication to climate and nature with the SAMO Advantage Card, we wish to express our thanks with yet another extra: our free guided snowshoe hike! The route varies according to snow conditions and lasts about two hours.
Time: every Monday and Thursday, 10.00 am or 2 p.m. by the Tourist Office. Please sign up at the tourist office.
Phone: 0043(0)6466 4200