The world is magical when seen through a child’s eyes. We still vividly remember the excitement we felt the first time we saw our breath in the cold winter air. Nowadays, for most people, that’s reason enough not to leave the house at all. It’s almost a crime, really, when you consider just how magical our Oberpinzgau looks during the frosty winter months.

Whether in the valley along the Salzach or in the mountains of the National Parks – winter walks are not only beautiful but, above all, one thing: cold. Without warm clothes, sturdy shoes and hot tea, we wouldn’t set off anyway. It would be a daft idea with temperatures hovering around freezing. Nevertheless, the effort it takes to get out there is definitely rewarded – even when the sun isn’t shining. Of course, the blue winter sky and the glistening snowfields are lovely. But dancing in the snowfall and catching snowflakes on your tongue is much more fun.

Just as with skiing, the appeal of deep snow is often greater than that of groomed slopes when it comes to winter hiking. However, as a great deal more caution is required when hiking in winter than in summer, the rule is: either stick to the marked trails or take part in a guided tour. There are plenty of both in the Oberpinzgau, and, as we all know, safety comes first. After all, who wants their holiday ruined by an avalanche? Every now and then, it’s also worth taking a break from the ski slopes and toboggan runs. Whether on snowshoes or without any heavy kit at all, you can fully savour the tranquillity of the Hohe Tauern National Park. As always with excursions off the slopes, a qualified guide is essential if you’re not familiar with the region. Conveniently, guided snowshoe hikes are also one of our specialities in the Oberpinzgau. This ensures that exploring our national park valleys is sure to be a unique experience.