Snowshoe hiking: Time off from everyday life

On winter walks, in the middle of snow-covered Styria, you’ll experience a wonderful break from everyday life. Snowshoeing is possible for people of all ages and is an easy way to combine getting out in nature with exercising in the fresh air. The Semmering-Waldheimat-Veitsch region offers you the perfect conditions for an unforgettable snowshoe hike. Loose powder snow, pristine snowy landscapes, astonishing serenity and idyllic solitude – for anyone who likes to be outdoors in the fresh winter air, a snowshoe hike is a great way to get moving and be active.

With snowshoes – large, flat mats under your feet – you can not only hike on the forest roads and winter hiking paths but also move across deep snow, and thus climb a peak or two. Warning: You should always be cautious of nature and aware of the risk of avalanches! Snowshoe hiking has a very long history; as far back as more than 10,000 years ago, hunters and gatherers used snowshoes as transportation. Commercial demand rose in the 1970s and 1980s, and snowshoe hiking has since become a genuinely trendy sport. The activity is healthy, invigorates the circulation, burns fat and strengthens the heart. In other words: Strap on your snowshoes and let’s head off into nature!

There are a lot of hiking trails in the region of Semmering-Waldheimat-Veitsch, which are also great on snowshoes. The Rosegger-Almenrunde and the Hiking Trail Network on the Alpl are particularly enjoyable for snowshoe hiking. Additionally, there are tours to the Hauereck (over the Jägerhöhe), Pretul, Stuhleck, Stanglalm or Teufelstein.

Snowshoe hiking tip

Set out on snowshoes on the Christmettenweg – from Rosegger’s birthplace to St. Kathrein am Hauenstein. It’s a simple stretch and around 2 hours’ walk.

Christtagsfreude hike

Walk in the footsteps of Peter Rosegger – the Christtagsfreude (‘Christmas Joy’) Trail takes you from the house where he was born on the Alpl to the village of Langenwang.

Große Scheibe

Ideal terrain for snowshoe hikers and marked ascent over the ‘deep valley’ to the Scheibenhütte. Walking time: around 2 hours.

Ganzalm

The Ganzalm area is also well suited to snowshoe hikers: Ascent by car to the Bärenkogelsattel, then proceed on snowshoes for about one hour to Ganzalm. In the municipal area of Mürzzuschlag and Mürzer Au, you enjoy winter hiking at your own risk. Tel. +43 3852 3399

St. Barbara im Mürztal / Veitsch

On snowshoes, you can start your trip right from the town centre of Veitsch. Your hike will take you around the Pilgrim Cross and, in sections, via the Magnesite Hiking Trail.

Guided snowshoe tours and winter hikes

Your mountain hiking guide will take you through the wonderful winter landscape of the Semmering-Waldheimat-Veitsch region. On narrow snow-covered paths, let the romantically glittering surroundings have their effect on you. You’ll experience winter at its best! Fees between €25 and €30 per person, minimum number of four participants, sale and rental of snowshoes and poles, equipment recommendation: sturdy high shoes, functional pants and layered clothing, hood/headband, gloves as well as drinks and a small snack in the rucksack; participants are asked to arrive at the meeting point 30 minutes before the start time.

Registration absolutely necessary:

Mountain hiking guide K. Maierhofer,
Tel. +43 680 3319386
k.maierhofer(at)outlook.com
www.steirischwandern.stadtausstellung.at