Snowshoe hiking for beginners

‍Away from the ski slopes, snowshoeing allows you to experience the beauty of the mountains in a uniquely quiet and intimate way. Getting started is easy: snowshoe costs are manageable, and just a few centimeters of fresh snow are enough to take your first steps in an untouched winter landscape.

The origins of the snowshoe reach far back into history. The oldest known snowshoe—no surprise—comes from Tyrol. More precisely, it was found at the Gurgler Joch, an ancient Alpine pass in the Ötztal. This snowshoe dates back to the late Neolithic period, making it around 5,800 years old. The first written mention of a snowshoe was made by a Greek historian around the turn of the era. Since then, much has happened—the snowshoe has endured.

Snowshoes: at home all over the world

Interestingly, snowshoes have been used not only in Europe but also in America and Asia for hundreds of years. People on different continents devised clever ways to create the perfect fit: there are triangular, round, oval, and teardrop-shaped snowshoes. Some are flat, while others have raised tips or heels. Flexible wood and leather straps were the primary materials. With snowshoes, hunters, trackers, and travelers could traverse snowy terrain quickly without sinking. During winter hunts, this was a technical breakthrough that could mean the difference between life and death.

Modern snowshoes for winter sports

Like the sled, snowshoes evolved from a work tool into a sporting device. Modern snowshoes are made from innovative, cold-resistant, lightweight materials and feature helpful additions such as crampons, spikes, and climbing aids. Wood and leather have been replaced by plastic, aluminum, and carbon. Lightweight, grippy snowshoes are produced for various sizes and weight classes, with top models costing around €150. As a guest at Hotel Jägerhof, you can try snowshoeing for yourself: take part in guided hikes and enjoy the free rental of top-notch equipment!

All the benefits of snowshoeing‍

Can you walk a few kilometers? Then you can snowshoe! Siegi Augscheller has summarized the main benefits of this trend sport:

• Snowshoeing requires no prior knowledge or special technique. After a few minutes, you are comfortably walking. Poles provide extra balance and stability.
• Whether for leisurely walks or challenging hikes to the peaks, you set your own pace—from gentle to heart-pumping.
• Snowshoeing is an endurance sport that, at altitudes above 1,000 meters, increases oxygen levels in the blood, acting like a natural rejuvenator.
• Snowshoeing is suitable for all ages—from children to grandparents.
• Snowshoes allow safe travel on all types of snow, from fresh powder to firm crust.
• The equipment is inexpensive; aside from snowshoes, no special gear is required.
• Snowshoes are simply attached to winter boots, and hiking is done in regular winter clothing.

Snowshoeing for beginners at the Jägerhof‍

Around the Jägerhof, there are beautiful snowshoeing opportunities for all levels. The slopes are free of ski tracks, offering plenty of options for gentle winter sports. Guests at the Jägerhof can borrow equipment free of charge, and multiple guided snowshoe tours are offered each week, carefully planned and adapted to participants’ fitness levels.

Siegi Augscheller: “Since 1998, we have been offering snowshoe tours at the Jägerhof. We have specialized in this winter activity and can confidently say that anyone interested in this sport will feel right at home with us!”

In the Passeiertal and the surrounding mountains, snow often remains well into spring — perfect conditions to try snowshoeing. Book your snowshoe holiday here!