Why we Love Winter Walking at Inntravel
Winter isn’t normally the season people choose to plan their walking holiday, but that brings with it its own uniqueness. The trails are quiet, the night skies glittering with constellations and the winter hearths roaring warmly, waiting to welcome you back after a day’s adventure.
On top of this, you’ll get to see the landscapes and natural beauty of your destination in a whole new light. Whether it’s seeing the breath unfurl in the air as you walk, an enchanting morning frost or perhaps a gentle dusting of snow, there’s something special about the stillness winter brings.
Below, we share five fantastic reasons to go on a winter walking holiday, plus some tips on where to go, how to prepare and how Inntravel can help.
Our Top Reasons to Go on a Winter Walking Holiday
The beauty of being a walker is that each season refreshes the landscape, bringing unique, seasonal joys to your adventures whenever and wherever you head out.
There are several fantastic reasons to go on a walking holiday this winter. Here’s why you should head out to discover somewhere new.
1. See landscapes in a different light
Walkers gush about the promise of spring, the fullness of summer and the russet hues of autumn, but often overlook winter as bleak and cold.
Those who do venture out in the chillier weather, however, are richly rewarded with crisp, clean air and landscapes that possess an otherworldly, ethereal beauty. Walking routes are typically much quieter, and you’ll be able to lose yourself in the sounds of the forests and the echo of the mountains in a way that isn’t quite possible in the (deservedly) popular summer months.
2. Enjoy incredible night skies
Winter’s clear, chilly evenings offer the best stargazing opportunities of the year, especially in areas with little light pollution. As the nights draw in, take a stroll from your hotel (or stay put on your balcony or hotel terrace with a cup of something warming) and marvel at the glittering constellations above you.
3. Explore at your own pace
Our winter walking holidays are based around one location, allowing you to set your own itinerary and choose which routes feel right for you. This allows you to plan your activities around the weather conditions (which can be changeable during winter) and also take your own energy levels and experience into account. Opt for the most challenging route available, enjoy a panoramic stroll from the top of a cable car or take a break for the day and explore the area via local public transport routes – it’s entirely up to you!
4. Give your mind a break
From frantic Christmas preparations to the dullness of the January blues, it’s fair to say winter is a season of ups and downs. Treating yourself to some time away in a remote Alpine village helps you reset your mind after the stresses of the season and engage in some well-earned relaxation. Walking in chilly weather releases endorphins – as does spending a little ‘me’ time in your chalet hotel’s pool and spa facilities.
5. Keep yourself healthy
The benefits of winter walking aren’t just felt on holiday. Shorter days and more time indoors make it easy to feel sluggish in winter. Because you feel sluggish, you go outside less and reduce your exposure to natural light. So you feel more sluggish. It’s a vicious circle.
A winter walking holiday is a fantastic way to get yourself out of the slump, try new activities and give yourself space and motivation to get some exercise in. By doing so, you’ll boost your heart health and Vitamin D, help your body fight off those nasty winter infections and feel more energetic overall – as well as reducing your risk of several long-term health conditions.
And, if you’re eyeing up a more strenuous walking holiday later in the year, keeping your activity levels up in winter is a fantastic way to stay in shape.
The Best Winter Walking Destinations to Discover
Fuschl-am-See, Austria
The Austrian Lake District is a popular winter destination for winter sports enthusiasts, but it’s still possible to eschew the boisterous apres-ski bars and busy ski slopes for a holiday that’s quieter. Fuschl-am-See is one such village – tucked away from the major resorts, the surrounding walking and snowshoeing trails are truly captivating, and traditional guesthouses offer roaring fires and a hearty welcome. Take a break from the trails with a scenic horse-drawn sleigh ride, or visit elegant
Salzburg at its winter best.
Discover Fuschl’s alpine walking on this holiday, staying at the traditional Hotel Seerose
Pertisau, Austria
Perched on the edge of the spectacular Lake Achensee, Pertisau is a traditional Tyrolean village that encapsulates everything that’s special about the region. Wooden chalets nestle under snowy peaks, providing an idyllic resting place after days exploring on your own two feet. Encompassing steeper ascents and leisurely lakeshore and valley floor walks alike, Pertisau offers something for every kind of walker to enjoy.
Enjoy a week in Pertisau, staying at the luxurious Hotel Wiesenhof
Lauenen, Switzerland
The Bernese Oberland is one of the world’s best winter destinations, thanks to its expansive network of trails and breathtakingly dramatic Alpine scenery. Escape the crowds and enjoy undisturbed, pristine snowscapes in the traditional village of Launen, tucked away behind Gstaad. Our top tip: alternate longer walks with shorter panoramic strolls accessible via cable car, or perhaps take a day to put your feet up on the GoldenPass Panoramic Train – both options offer some of the finest views you’ll ever experience.
Relax in Launen, and enjoy the warm hospitality of chalet hotel Alpenland
What to Expect on Inntravel's Winter Walking Holidays:
Inntravel’s winter walking holidays combine the joy of discovering a destination on your own terms, without a guided tour, with the in-depth local knowledge only an experienced holiday operator can provide.
What this means for you: on our winter walking holidays, you’re free to set your own itinerary and choose the walks that suit you best each day – or to take a break from walking entirely and opt for a different activity, such as snowshoeing or a daytrip to a nearby city.
At the same time, we provide everything you need . We’ll book you accommodation we know offers a great night’s sleep, take care of any advance transport arrangement and provide detailed walking directions for all the routes on your holiday – plus some recommendations about what else to do whilst you’re there.
And, if you have any questions at all, you can contact our friendly support team.
Accommodation
We carefully select accommodation to ensure you feel taken care of from day one. Our focus is to choose the most welcoming hotels, chalets and guest houses that are locally owned, benefit the surrounding community and offers a taste of local culture.
Food and Drink
Getting to know the local cuisine is one of the most enjoyable parts of any holiday – and walking in winter requires you to keep your energy levels up. On the holidays that include meals, we’ll ensure you get to experience regional delicacies made from quality, locally sourced produce – either served at your hotel or a well-regarded restaurant nearby.
If your holiday doesn’t include meals, our experts are always happy to help with restaurant recommendations.
Support
We’re here to take care of the logistics, so you can enjoy your holiday to the fullest. We take care of accommodation and advance transport booking, organise luggage transfers where needed and provide in-depth maps, trail descriptions and walking information (plus plenty of other recommendations, from restaurant recommendations to what to do).
When you’re on your trip, you can get in touch with our team 24/7 via phone – if something hasn’t gone to plan or you have any questions at all, you have an immediate point of contact who’ll do everything they can to resolve the issue.
How Fit Do I Need to Be for an Inntravel Winter Walking Holiday?
Unfortunately, there’s no precise answer we can give here – it depends on your current fitness level and the walking difficulty of the holiday you choose.
We grade all our walking holidays on a scale of 1-3 so that you can get an accurate idea of how achievable the holiday is for you, based on your fitness level and walking experience. Check this as you browse our holidays to pick one that’s right for you.
Grade 1: Easy walking with few ascent /descents, but perhaps the occasional long day
Grade 1-2: Easy-to-moderate walking with some ascents/descents, and occasional longer days
Grade 2: Moderate walking on varied terrain, with some long days and regular ascents/descents
Grade 2-3: Moderate-to-challenging walking on more rugged terrain with significant ascents/descents most days.
Grade 3: Challenging hikes, featuring long days with significant ascent / descent on challenging terrain. Compass skills may be required
Whilst it’s good to get some movement in before any activity holiday to reduce injury risk, if you choose a holiday that’s right for your experience level, you shouldn’t need to follow an intense training regime.