Arriving
Drive up in daylight, a short walk, light the stove and dinner.
Guide to mountain winter
Winter holidays in the mountains – arriving safely and enjoying at ease
The right access road, dry equipment, a realistic snow day and clear boundaries between winter trail and open terrain. That's how winter stays beautiful – outside and in the parlour (Stube).
01 · The right winter hut
It's not just the distance to the piste that counts
An accommodation right on the piste is convenient. For winter hiking, sledding or quiet days, another location can fit better. Before booking, check the access road, parking, ski bus, space for wet clothing, heating and room layout.
Honest details matter more to us than a spectacular headline. That's exactly why our accommodations state what access and equipment are really like – when in doubt, just ask us.
02 · Winter access
Snow chains in the boot only help if you can fit them
Before arrival, check the road conditions, weather and your host's advice. On mountain roads, winter tyres alone may not be enough in heavy snowfall or ice.
In Austria, a situational winter equipment requirement applies to cars from 1 November to 15 April in wintry road conditions.
03 · Skiing
Ski-in/ski-out is convenient – a suitable ski area matters more
Beginners and families often benefit from clearly laid-out pistes and short distances. Experienced skiers may look for larger areas. Check the ski pass, ski school, rental, valley run and the last ride back.
A good ski day is allowed to end in the early afternoon. That leaves time for sauna, food and a quiet evening.
04 · Sledding
A sledding run is not the same as a walking path
Walk up, laugh down: sledding suits families, couples and friends. Check beforehand whether the run is open, its lighting, difficulty, oncoming traffic and run-out.
Public roads have different conditions than a secured sledding run – when in doubt, choose the open run.
05 · Winter hiking & snowshoes
Cleared winter trail or open alpine terrain?
A marked winter hiking trail is easy to plan. Snowshoes, however, quickly lead into untracked terrain. The name of the activity therefore says nothing about the risk – the trail decides.
In avalanche-prone terrain, knowledge and emergency equipment are essential. The Alpenverein names an avalanche transceiver (LVS), shovel and probe as basic equipment for snowshoe tours in alpine terrain.
06 · Ski touring & off-piste terrain
Beyond secured pistes, a different topic begins
Ski tours and off-piste variants require avalanche knowledge, tour planning, partners and complete emergency equipment. A GPX track or a trace in the snow is no substitute for your own judgement.
Current avalanche report for Tyrol, South Tyrol and Trentino
07 · Cross-country skiing
A calm rhythm, yet real endurance
Cross-country skiing seems gentle but challenges the whole body. Start with a suitable loop and observe direction, trail rules and weather.
In darkness, only use approved, lit trails – the short winter days are easy to forget.
08 · Winter with children
Snow in front of the house can already be the biggest programme
Small children don't need ski school and a sledding run every day. A snowman, a short winter walk and a warm Jause (snack) can be enough. Plan for dry spare clothing and breaks.
09 · Winter packing list
Warm, dry and prepared for the access road
10 · A loose winter plan
Not every day has to be a full ski day
Skiing or cross-country
Start with a suitable loop or half a ski day.
Sledding
A short climb, a safe run and a warm finish.
Rest day
Sauna, cooking, a winter walk and no obligations.
Favourite activity
Let weather and energy decide.
Stay open
Snow, visibility and mood set the day.
Winter doesn't have to be used to the maximum every day to stay special.
Once more, briefly
Frequently asked questions about winter holidays
Which hut suits a ski holiday?
For a ski holiday, distance to the lift or ski bus, access, ski room and room layout are important. Ski-in/ski-out is convenient, but not necessary for every group.
Can a winter holiday be lovely without skiing?
Yes. Sledding, winter hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sauna and quiet days in the hut are just as much part of the mountain winter.
Do I need snow chains for the hut?
That depends on the access road and weather. The accommodation description states special requirements. On mountain roads, snow chains should be within reach anyway.
Is snowshoe hiking safe?
On cleared or marked safe trails it is easy to plan. In open alpine terrain, avalanche danger and orientation can become demanding.
Which accommodation suits families?
Short distances, a small or family-friendly ski area, sledding options and enough space for drying clothes are particularly helpful.
What absolutely belongs in the car in winter?
Winter equipment, an ice scraper, warm clothing, gloves, a blanket and, depending on the mountain access, snow chains. Check the actual road conditions before arrival.
The winter plan is set. Now the hut is missing.
In the hut finder, “ski hut & sledding hut” is already set – or tell us who you’re travelling with and we’ll search with you.