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Outdoors

Winter Hiking in Saalbach

Through the impressive snowy landscape with hiking guide Hans

Anyone familiar with the Glemmtal valley will certainly know about the many winter hiking trails that wind their way through the mountain and valley. In addition to the varied downhill runs in the 270-kilometre ski area, it is a wonderful change to explore the landscape on foot. 140 cleared winter hiking trails are offered in total. There are leisurely walks as well as challenging tours. Something they all have in common: the magnificent views and the dreamlike mountain scenery! You can explore the winter hiking area on your own (detailed maps are available online and in print at the tourist office) or take part in one of the varied and guided hikes. Today I joined the mountain hiking guide Hans Adelsberger and some motivated hikers. It's exciting to hear what the local guide has to say!

Our route - a relaxed hike with the best panoramic views

We meet at the 12er KOGEL gondola in Hinterglemm shortly before 10 am. A good meeting point for all those arriving by their own car (there is a free car park) or with the ski bus included in the valid ski pass (the bus stop is directly at the station). Take with you: good shoes (always recommended in the mountains), weatherproof clothing, sun protection and something to drink in between.

Today the weather is unsteady. For this reason, some decide to go on a winter hike, others would like to take a day off skiing, yet others would like to explore the region with a local guide and some are in the mood for a leisurely day and a visit to the hut together. Everyone agrees - this offer is perfect for everyone who loves the mountains and enjoys hiking.

After Hans introduces himself to the group and roughly reports on the route, we march off in the direction of the sports centre. Hans knows the region like the back of his hand and knows a thing or two about current events and weather conditions. He has been guiding guests to the most beautiful places in the Glemmtal in summer and winter for 25 years. Originally Hans was a cook. But his love of nature and passion for exercise in the fresh air eventually led him to become a ski instructor and later a mountain hiking guide. "Being a mountain hiking guide is actually more of a vocation than a profession," says Hans. "You meet people from all over the world. Often you don't even speak the same language. But in the mountains you somehow understand each other anyway."

The trail takes us down the promenade along the Saalach to the Lindlingweg. From here it's uphill. The road winds comfortably up to the Rosswaldhütte. It takes us just over an hour and 30 minutes to cover the four kilometres.

The cosy hut serves regional delicacies - perfect for a short rest with delicious coffee and sweet-smelling Kaiserschmarrn. We enjoy the fine food and refreshing drinks in the sun and take in the panorama. And I have to admit: Although I have known the view since my earliest childhood, I am always amazed by this special beauty.

After everyone has strengthened themselves and the hut owner Marianne brings a schnapps, we set off again.

The path back leads comfortably in the direction of the Reiterkogel middle station - past the newly built retention pond and through a fairytale forest (which is part of Kodok Mountain in summer) - to the gondola. This lift is the only one at this point that can be used by pedestrians. The chairlifts leading to the top are reserved for skiers and snowboarders.

Hans explains to the group that this lift is also the access to the popular toboggan run, at the starting point of which we pass.

After a short ride we get off at the Reiterkogel valley station. We say goodbye to the group. From here, everyone goes their own way again.

It is always exciting to see the people you meet on the hikes. From completely different countries and regions, some a few decades older, some younger. And yet they all have one thing in common: a love for the mountains. Exciting conversations with breathtaking scenery. Hans has the group firmly in his grasp with his witticisms. With a smile on his lips, he answers all the questions of his fellow hikers and tells them a lot about the region and its special features. He adapts the tour to the weather and the group and everyone enjoys a beautiful day of hiking in the mountains. What more could you want?

Our hike in numbers:

Duration: 3.5 hrs (including 2.5 hrs walking time)
Level of difficulty: easy
Conclusion: VERY RECOMMENDABLE!

The hikes in the current weekly programme

There are many different hikes in the Glemmtal. While we opted for a very leisurely tour on this day, there are challenging routes and quite a few metres in altitude to conquer. You can find the current schedule of free hikes in the current weekly programme at saalbach.com/events. Hans and his colleagues are looking forward to guiding you through the area. They know the most beautiful places in their home country and love to share them with people from near and far.

And here is another of my personal favourite hikes:

The Hinterglemmer End of the Valley always mesmerises me in winter with its icy beauty, but also with the versatility of the experience. If you like, you can take a horse-drawn sleigh to the Lindlingalm, stop there and enjoy the view with the best delicacies. There's also the Golden Gate Bridge of the Alps and the Treetop Trail to explore.

I also like to go further: via the Saalalm to the Ossmannalm and back. The scenery is unique - and the Tristkogel seems within reach.

Tips for refreshments:
Lindlingalm: Be sure to try the blueberry omelette!
Ossmannalm: Here you can try the Kaspressknödel (cheese dumplings) with homemade cheese

The hike (Talschluss-Runde) in numbers: