Winter hiking and snowshoeing in The Kaunertal
Every step through the snow tells its own story
In the Kaunertal, hiking is a popular activity year-round!
The nature park and glacier region takes you step by step through the unique Tyrolean winter landscape! The only question is: do you prefer snowshoes or hiking boots?
Winter and snowshoe hikes are more than just a break from skiing — they can be a romantic escape or a fun adventure for the whole family. Whatever you're looking for in your Tyrolean holiday.
Winter hikes in the Kaunertal
Whether you explore the Kaunergrat Nature Park or the winter slopes of Fendels, you'll find an extensive network of winter hiking trails - many of them fully accessible. The 5.6 km Harbe trail is a perfect example: following the cross-country trails through snow-covered forests and meadows, you'll discover the magic of winter in Tyrol at every turn. Whenever you need a moment to breathe it all in, idyllic rest spots along the way are never far.
Also worth considering: try Nordic Winter Walking in the nature park and glacier region. A dedicated Nordic Walking school offers special courses!
Snowshoeing in the Kaunergrat Nature Park
Already familiar with snowshoes? The Harbe Weiher trail offers a comfortable two-hour, 2.5 km route through the snow, while the Feigwasser loop covers an equally attractive 3 km. For those looking for a bit more, the 4.5 km route through the Görfen Moor bog is suitable for beginners and experts alike - and can be comfortably done in three hours.
Also recommended: the loop at Piller Sattel. Or would you rather make your way to a mountain hut? The ideal starting point for most snowshoe tours is the Kaunergrat Nature Park Museum.
The winter hiking trails in the nature park and glacier region
Many paths lead through the snow-covered Kaunertal — glittering powder as far as the eye can see, crisp mountain air straight from the Ötztal Alps, and nothing but peace and pure nature. Would you like to explore the regions of Kaunertal, Kauns, Kaunerberg, and Fendels on foot? These routes are the perfect place to start:
Safety as your most important companion on winter hikes
Together we are strong! True to this motto, we recommend making your first attempts at snowshoeing in a group. During a taster course with experienced professionals, you will quickly get to grips with the special features of snowshoeing - all in a safe and guided environment.
Starting at the Kaunergrat Nature Park Museum, the three-hour snowshoe hike costs just €6 - with snowshoe rental available for an additional €6. For more guided tours, check out the weekly events calendar.
Speaking of safety: Make sure to look at the Winter Hiking Service Checklist. It contains many useful tips and important information about first aid, tour planning, and proper equipment.
Sign description
During the winter months the pink signs are valid. The yellow information signs only apply to hikes during the summer months. These paths are closed without exception in winter.
Tips for snowshoe hikes in the Kaunertal holiday region
Snowshoe hiking in the Kaunertal nature park and glacier region is probably the most enjoyable way to experience winter - with nothing but the crunch of snow beneath your feet. Explore the winter landscape on a guided tour with a local hiking guide, or simply set off on your own.
More tips and recommendations for snowshoe hikes
Organized tours are offered by the Top Kaunertal Ski School, the Kaunergrat Nature Park or the Kaunertal mountain guides. You can find current offers in our weekly winter programme. Snowshoe equipment can be rented in the Feichten and Fendels sports shops and in the Kaunergrat Nature Park House.
Please always pay attention to the current snow report and the avalanche situation when hiking in the snow!
- Snowshoe hike to Falkaunsalm: Start in Nufels/Kaltenbrunn or Wiesenhof - Hike along the forest path through a beautiful spruce forest to the Falkaunsalm - duration: approx. 3-4 hours (same return route)
- Snowshoe hike to Verpeilalm: Start in Feichten/Quellalpin - Hike along the forest path in the direction of the Adlerblick viewing platform up to Verpeilalm (no facilities) - duration: approx. 3-4 hours (same return route)
- Snowshoe hike Harbe Naturparkhaus Kaunergrat: Start at Nature Park House Kaunergrat at Gachenblick - Hike along or next to the winter hiking trails through the forest in the "Harbe" - Duration: approx. 2 hours (loop)
- Snowshoe hike to Aifneralm - Kaunerberg: Start in Kaunerberg/Falpaus/parking lot Schnadiger Weiher - Hike along the forest path to the Aifneralm (no facilities); the first part of the path is groomed & a toboggan run, the upper part of the path is untouched - Duration: approx. 3-4 hours (same return route, or return through the meadows)
- Snowshoe hike to the Wiesele ruin- Fendels: Start at Fendels Erlebnishotel - Hike along the Wiesele winter hiking trail through a romantic, snow-covered winter forest - duration approx. 3-4 hours (same return route)
Refreshments for winter and snowshoe hikers
There's nothing like crisp mountain air to work up a proper appetite. Round off your winter hike or snowshoe adventure with a hearty meal in one of the welcoming restaurants in Kaunertal, Kauns, Kaunerberg, or Fendels.
