Snowshoe hiking in Montafon

Snowshoeing is one of our favorite mountain experiences because it allows us to enjoy winter in a gentle, sustainable way.

Centuries ago, our ancestors already knew the technique we still use today to trudge through the glittering snow. By widening the surface area, the weight is distributed more evenly and sinking is prevented. Modern snowshoes achieve this with an aluminum frame covered with plastic. Thanks to the lightweight materials, you can make good progress even in deep snow. This is particularly appealing to people who find the ski slopes too hectic or who are looking for a more sustainable form of winter sport. Snowshoes allow you to hike directly through untouched nature and experience winter in a way that is otherwise hardly possible.

1. Clear your head: Step by step, the white powder snow crunches under your snowshoes. Sunlight shines through the sugar-coated treetops. Against this backdrop, it's easy to forget everyday life and concentrate entirely on the here and now. You won't regret it!
2. Healthy exercise: Slow and steady is the best way to hike through the winter forest. The longer, steady exertion gently stimulates fat burning and circulation.
3. Wonderful memories: The snow-covered Montafon is a picturesque place. On a snowshoe hike, you are sure to discover beautiful views that you can capture with a snapshot. This way, the joy of your vacation will continue even after you return home.

Snowshoes come in different sizes, but these are based on your weight rather than your shoe size. The heavier you are, the larger the snowshoes should be, as this will distribute your weight better. If your tour takes you over particularly steep terrain, choose slightly smaller snowshoes to give you more grip. The bindings that attach the snowshoes to your own shoes should be easy to open with a quick-release fastener. Bindings that also allow sideways tilting movements relieve pressure on the ankles and offer more comfort.

It is particularly important to choose waterproof shoes when snowshoeing. Because with wet feet, you are guaranteed not to get very far. Waterproof hiking boots with a good tread are ideal. It is best to wear waterproof gaiters over them to prevent snow from getting into your shoes from above. Adjustable telescopic poles with wide snow baskets give you the necessary support in the terrain.

What clothing should you wear for snowshoeing?

Functional clothing in layers is the perfect snowshoe outfit. Make sure you wear several layers of sports and winter clothing so that you can add or remove layers depending on the weather. If you plan to stop at a hut, it's best to bring a change of top with you. In addition to sufficient fluids and a small snack, you should also bring an avalanche transceiver and probe, an avalanche shovel, and a fully charged cell phone with you on your tour. You can easily carry all of this in a small sports backpack.

First things first: take it slow! When you set out on your first snowshoe tour, don't take on too much. Moving around with wide snowshoes takes some getting used to and requires a lot of strength. A short tour that isn't too steep is ideal for beginners. Once you've got the hang of it, you can venture further and increase the length and difficulty of your next tour.

It is also advisable, especially for beginners, to rent snowshoes rather than buying them straight away. This way, you can relax and find out whether this sport is for you. Many ski rental shops also offer snowshoe rentals. You can also rent snowshoes from us at Fernblick to go on your first tours through the Montafon. You are welcome to reserve them easily by email before your stay.

• The hike to Lake Fritzensee is also an experience in the snow. In summer and fall, it is one of our favorite hikes. In winter, you can explore the idyllic area around Lake Fritzensee on snowshoes. The traditional Maisäss huts look even more romantic when covered in snow.
• The snowshoe hike to Silvrettasee is not for beginners. Take the Vermuntbahn cable car in Partenen for the first part of the ascent before hiking above the tree line in bright sunshine to the Silvretta reservoir at an altitude of over 2,000 m. Unparalleled views included.
• Gargellner Fenster: Another hike that we can recommend at any time of year. The panoramic tour around the municipality of Gargellen is also worth a trip in winter with snowshoes.

Visitors to Montafon may feel a little overwhelmed by the wealth of opportunities for exploring the valley on snowshoes. Fortunately, many accommodations also offer guided snowshoe hikes. At Fernblick, Klaudia is responsible for this. She knows the most beautiful spots around Bartholomäberg and will take you on varied guided tours with unique views of nature.

Snowshoe tour with culinary highlight

The guided picnic snowshoe hike offered by TVB Montafon is a special experience. The route takes you along the snow-covered paths of the Kristberg to the Ganzaleita viewpoint, where you can enjoy a regional picnic with Montafon specialties. After hiking back through the snow, treat yourself to the delicious Kaiserschmarren at the Panoramagasthof Kristberg. A unique experience full of culinary and sporting highlights.

Nature-friendly winter sports

Since snowshoeing takes you away from the slopes and groomed trails, respect for nature is particularly important during all activities. This is because your snowshoe hikes often take you directly into the habitat of a wide variety of forest animals, which you should treat with special care. Pay attention to signs marking wildlife sanctuaries and hunting reserves and stay on the marked trails. Wild animals already have a hard time finding enough food and peace and quiet in winter, so it is especially important to protect nature.

Of course, there are many other activities you can enjoy in winter away from the slopes. In Montafon, there are 290 km of groomed winter hiking trails where you can discover the region. Or you can explore the local mountains on touring skis. There are also romantic sleigh rides, fast toboggan runs, ice rinks, and, of course, the popular Christmas markets. So nothing stands in the way of a complete winter experience.

Photo credits:

All images: Stefan Kothner – Montafon Tourismus GmbH, Schruns

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