Winter walking holidays

Walking holidays in winter

- the quiet side of the mountain

Walking is one of the best ways to enjoy the Alpine winter: no previous experience, special technique, or specific clothing is required, and you move at a pace that allows you to appreciate every frosty berry and natural ice sculpture.

These holidays are about more than just walking, however. They’re about pausing for a warming hot chocolate at a welcoming mountain hut, visiting fascinating local towns and nearby cities, and relaxing at the end of each day in your hotel spa – or in front of its roaring lounge fire.

Depending on the altitude of your chosen location – and, of course, the conditions while you’re there – your surroundings may either be lightly dusted with snow or true winter wonderlands. Come prepared for all weathers – they’re all magical.

Our winter walking holiday destinations

What to expect from an Inntravel winter walking holiday

The quiet side of the mountain

Winter brings a gentle stillness to Europe, creating ideal conditions for unhurried exploration. Forest paths fall quiet, valleys settle under a soft layer of snow, and crisp air sharpens the views in every direction. With fewer people around, familiar landscapes take on a new character, and each walk feels more personal - a chance to enjoy peaceful trails, wide‑open spaces and the simple pleasure of moving through nature at your own pace.

Our winter walking holidays are shaped to make this experience effortless. We arrange the hotels, transfers and practical details, and provide clear route notes so you can choose exactly how far you want to go each day. Some mornings you might set out on a panoramic trail or try snowshoeing through untouched snow; on others, you may prefer a shorter stroll before retreating indoors. The beauty of winter is that both feel equally rewarding.
Settle in to a self-guided experience

Our winter walking range is centred on a single, hand‑picked hotel - often family‑run, always welcoming - where you can truly settle in. After a day outdoors, return to warm lounges, hearty regional dishes and perhaps a spa or sauna to ease tired legs. There’s time for hot chocolate by the fire, a good book, or simply watching the snow fall outside. These quiet moments become part of the journey, offering a comforting balance to the crisp freshness of the trails.

Above all, an Inntravel winter walking holiday is about choosing your own rhythm. Whether you’re drawn to Arctic forests, frozen lakes, gentle Alpine villages or dramatic snow-capped peaks, you’ll experience winter in a way that feels authentic, unhurried and deeply restorative - a season to savour, step by step.

Winter activities

It's not all about walking
it's so much more....
  Although winter walking is at the heart of many Inntravel holidays, it’s far from the only way to enjoy the season. Our destinations offer a whole world of gentle adventure, from snowshoeing along untouched trails to cross‑country skiing through quiet valleys or even trying your hand at curling or ice skating. If you’ve ever dreamed of husky sledding, exploring frozen forests, or simply hearing the satisfying crunch of snow beneath your boots, you’ll find plenty of ways to make each day feel special - with the freedom to do as much or as little as you like. Each holiday explains exactly which additional winter activities are available.

And when you’re not out exploring, winter invites you to slow down and savour the cosier side of travel. Many of our hand‑picked hotels offer warm lounges, spa facilities, saunas and hearty local dishes - perfect after a morning outdoors. You might spend an afternoon unwinding with a hot chocolate by the fire, take a leisurely stroll around a snowy village, or enjoy a peaceful scenic train ride. With Inntravel, every day is yours to shape: walk, relax, try a new activity, or simply embrace the quiet magic of winter at your own pace.
 

Why winter walk with Inntravel?

Where to pick?

Winter destinations
Our winter walking destinations in Switzerland, the Austrian Tyrol, Slovenia’s Julian Alps, Finland, the Bavarian Alps, and the Dolomites offer a unique and peaceful alternative to busy ski resorts; instead focusing on gentle, well-marked winter trails, many through silent forests, valleys, and alpine meadows.

They’re ideal for skiers and non-skiers alike, with all regions boasting majestic mountain backdrops, frozen lakes, and traditional villages. Enjoy snowshoeing options or cross-country ski trails nearby, too – our route notes provide all the details you need.

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Popular winter walking holidays

Destination expert, Marie-Louise, shares her Austrian winter walking highlight



"I love the mountains - being up high and seeing the views, then walking down in complete peace and quiet with snow under your feet. It's beautiful and magical."

- Marie Louise, Inntravel winter expert

An introduction to Inntravel winter walking breaks

FAQs

  • A winter walking holiday is a gentle, self‑guided break where you explore Northern Europe's often snowy landscapes on foot, following well‑prepared trails and detailed route notes. It combines crisp outdoor exploration with cosy relaxation afterwards - from fireside lounges to spa time.
  • Yes - when routes are chosen carefully and conditions are respected. Inntravel only selects regions with well‑maintained winter trails and provides detailed notes about the area. Our hotel partners are very experienced in local winter conditions, so you can walk confidently at your own pace.
  • You’ll need sturdy waterproof boots, warm layers and good gloves. Some routes benefit from simple winter gear such as microspikes or snowshoes - our partner hotels will always advise if this is needed, and will often be available to hire locally. Our holiday notes explain exactly what’s recommended for each destination.
  • Temperatures vary by region, but crisp winter days are part of the charm. With the right clothing and regular breaks, winter walking feels refreshing rather than uncomfortable - especially when you return to a cosy hotel afterwards.
  • Absolutely. Many winter walking routes are gentle, well‑marked and designed for those new to snowy conditions. With flexible daily options, beginners can enjoy relaxed walks and choose shorter routes whenever they wish. Because our winter walking holidays are centre-based, if you want a day off the trails to enjoy the local facilities, that's entirely up to you.
  • Yes — many destinations offer snowshoeing, tobogganing, dog-sledding and other activities. Many of our hotels also offer spa facilities. You can mix walking with other activities as you wish.
  • Accommodation, breakfasts, some, if not all, dinners, detailed notes and all essential transfers. It differs from holiday to holiday, so be sure to check online or speak to a member of our team. Optional winter activities and equipment hire can be arranged locally unless stated.
  • Popular regions include the Alps, especially in Austria and Switzerland, where each region offers a different experience. There are also great options in the Dolomites, the Bavarian Alps, the Julian Alps and Scandinavia. Each offers peaceful trails, snowy scenery and cosy villages — ideal for slow, atmospheric winter exploration.
  • Yes, you can personalise your start date, duration, and travel arrangements.
  • What makes a centre-based walking holiday without a car so appealing is that carefree feeling: you needn’t pack and unpack every day or two, and don’t have to worry about driving on foreign roads. Head out from the door or make use of local transport and/or taxis to access the walks, following our route notes at your own pace.
  • Detailed route notes, 24/7 customer support and tailored travel arrangements. Our routes have varying difficulty levels, from the length of the route to ascent/descent and terrain.

Preparing for your winter walking holiday

Prior to your holiday, familiarise yourself with the walking routes provided and consider training ahead of time with walks of varying difficulty to build your stamina.
Additionally, ensure you have the right gear, including waterproof boots and layers to keep you warm and dry, to enhance your comfort and enjoyment during the walks.

Our winter holiday collection

Our diverse winter selection includes high-quality hotels and incredible walking destinations such as the Dolomites and Pertisau, each crafted to provide breathtaking scenery and delicious cuisines, catering to varying fitness levels and experience.

Plus, our snowy holidays feature unique opportunities that encompass activities such as spectacular rail journeys, dog sledding and the captivating Northern Lights. Regardless of your preference for crisp or warmer temperatures, we assure you that we have a holiday to suit you.
 
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Winter walking holidays

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Winter sun holidays

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Winter rail holidays

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Warmer winter rail holidays

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Winter experience holidays

Find the right holiday for you

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