Winter ACTIVITIES
The programme of winter activities is extensive. Maybe cross-country skiing through the mountains, or taking a snow shoe walk through the fabulous snow-covered countryside. How about hurtling down Vorarlberg’s longest floodlit toboggan run on a sled? Boredom has no chance here!
Skiing
With an unrivalled snow record, the "Silvretta-Montafon" ski region is an extremely diverse area, offering a selection of runs to suit all standards. With140 kilometres of pistes you are not going to get bored! Wide open slopes enable you to hone your carving skills, while the steeper pistes require tidy short swings. And how about testing the strength of your legs on the bump runs?!
The powder flies up around you; your skis sing as they bite into the snow. Above your head the sun is shining in a deep blue sky. This is skiing in the Silvretta Montafon. If it’s action, adventure and an adrenaline buzz you’re after, why not try the speed and race tracks, or venture onto the seven extremely steep black runs? Not for nothing are they nicknamed the black scorpions! For an unrivalled mix of sport and natural beauty choose the HochjochTotale, Vorarlberg’s longest valley descent.
Ski touring
Taking an off-piste ski tour with a highly qualified mountain ski guide is one of the absolute highlights of a winter holiday, and there are tours available to suit all abilities. Since they require no specialised touring equipment, the Madrisarundtour (an international trip to Klosters in Switzerland) and the ski safari to Galtür in the neighbouring Tyrol, can be especially recommended.
A guided off-piste ski tour with a state-approved mountain ski guide is a very special experience. Thoroughly trained in local snow, weather and avalanche conditions, our guides will ensure that you enjoy an unforgettable day’s touring. When choosing a tour make sure that snow and weather conditions are favourable! The appropriate mountain equipment is absolutely essential when embarking on a ski tour! Protect the environment and avoid descending through young and newly planted woodland!
Please respect marked descents and restricted hunting areas!
You will enjoy views to die for.
Cross-country skiing
The cross-country track in St. Gallenkirch / Gortipohl passes through gentle countryside (mostly flat) following the course of the river Ill. Frequently, where the landscape allows, double tracks or circuits are provided. The track leads through fields and light riverside woodland, offering a lot of wonderful views of the surrounding mountains. For guaranteed cross-country snow, try the circuit on the Silvretta Bielerhöhe saddle.
20 km of cross-country skiing enjoyment for all abilities:
Lake circuit: 5 km, easy, on the Silvretta lake, High circuit: 4 km, intermediate, Dam circuit: 1.5 km, intermediate - easy
Wiesbadener hut: 8 km, no cross-country ski track – walking track, accessible with cross-country skis.
Tobogganing
Enjoy nature and have fun at the same time – on one pair of runners!
On a toboggan you can enjoy the same breathtaking descent into the valley as on skis or a snowboard. And you’ll have a barrel of laughs! The Montafon offers a selection of excellently prepared toboggan runs of all standards both for experienced sledgers and those who want to learn. Some of the runs are floodlit for nighttime toboggan parties. Toboggans may be hired locally.
Free riding
Powder skiing – a feeling of freedom.
Enjoy the very best of off-piste skiing and snowboarding. The numerous freeride hot-spots in the Montafon are among the finest options available in Vorarlberg and the whole of Austria.
Snow shoe walking
Come and discover the Montafon in winter.
For many people snow shoes provided the only means to access to the countryside in winter, so they are no certainly no new-fangled invention. The aboriginal peoples of North America used them to avoid sinking into the snow. But don’t forget how important it is to respect any wildlife which may be encountered, lest the presence of humans cause the animals to flee into deep snow and waste precious energy reserves.