Mountain Adventure Holidays
Six days of guided snowshoeing and winter hiking in the Lechtal, an immense river valley which offers stunning mountain views and a network of winter trails. Explore the Lechtal Alps with an experienced professional guide who will introduce you to this beautiful part of the world which provides a fantastic playground for mountain enthusiasts all year round.
The Lechtal Alps offer over 130 kms (81 miles) of winter hiking options. The valley is dominated by the River Lech which for centuries has been a lifeline for numerous villages and towns that line its banks. The Lech is described as one of the only remaining wild rivers in Europe. On its journey to join the famous Danube River it is allowed the freedom to spread out and shape the riverbed in the way nature intended. There are many panoramic trails which showcase these Tyrolean mountains, where a day out ends with apple strudel and a cosy hotel.
Today you arrive in the village of Bach im Lechtal in the Lechtal. Your guide will meet you at your hotel this evening, and you will be debriefed about the week ahead. After the briefing you will enjoy local Tyrolean dishes in the hotel restaurant. Information on getting there is available under Trip Information, 'Arrival and Departure'.
We will use today as an introduction to the area, allowing people to find their snowshoeing legs. As with many of our tours we enjoy access to the trails using the local bus service. A 20 minute ride takes us to Elmen. On arrival, a wide forest track leads over the Antetalbach river and gently ascends until it reaches the wide open clearing, ‘Mühlboden’. From here we continue climbing to the Stablhütte and, a little further on, the Stablalm hut, our destination. This traditional hut is reputed to be one of the most beautiful in the Tirol. Lunch here is superb. It serves excellent local food from the Lechtal Valley, including a dried bacon or Speck that is smoked at the hut using a traditional technique. It is perched on a sunny plateau above the Lechtal Valley and from its majestic position at 1412m it offers fabulous views of the meandering river Lech and iconic mountains in the valley such as the Pfeilspitze and the Kreuzspitze. We retrace our route to descend.
Ascent: 540 m (1771 ft) Descent: 540m (1771 ft) Distance: 9.4 km (5.8 miles) Duration: 4h00
Alpine huts or refuges are a wonderful feature of the alps. Today we will take a climb up to one of the regions popular huts that has been renovated to exacting sustainability criteria. Managed by the German Alpine Club (DAV) but closed in
winter, the guardians provide a small, simple winter room for mountaineers to spend the night complete with a bio-toilet (no flush toilets here!). We take a beautiful trail through forest until the track takes us through tunnels protecting the route from rockfall. We emerge into the forest continuing through meadows and past the Sulzalpe. Our high alpine valley trail eventually leads us onto steep zigzags before the exposed location of the hut. After a break at the hut to take in the views and refuel ourselves we descend the same route back to Stockach and the bus back to our hotel.
Ascent: 903m (2961ft) Descent: 903m (9261ft) Distance: 14.7 km (9 miles) Duration: 5h30 - 6h30
A gorgeous tour at the entrance to the Rotlechtal valley. Today we will climb our first summits of the trip. We climb up through forest onto the open hillside passing Ehenbichler Alm at 1694m to the summit cross on the Galtjoch at 2109m. Our decent will likely take us over the Abendspitze and across snow covered meadows to our start.
Ascent: 1,046 m (3431 ft) Descent 1,046m (3431 ft) Distance: 12.2 km (7.6 miles) Duration: 6h30
Today we travel to the Krinnenalplift at the end of the Tannheimtal. We will use this chairlift to gain 400m in beginning our scenic and high mountain tour. The Krinnenspitze offers a beautiful summit tour with great views from the summit cross.
Thanks to lift support and mostly gentle slopes, it is straight forward for us to reach via the Gräner Ödenalpe hut. We either will return by the same route or descend without the chairlift depending upon conditions.
Ascent: 578m (1895ft) Descent: 578m (1895ft)/ 860m (2821ft) Distance: 6.1km (3.8 miles) Duration: 4h00-5h00
To start the day we take the bus to Elbigenalp. Our route takes up through the forest below the mighty Söllner Rotwand mountain. Our destination is the Kasermandl, another ‘Lechtal Winter Magic Hut’. Our trail takes us past the beautifully situated Ölberg chapel and then ascends the winter hiking trail that leads us into the fairytale, snow-covered forest. After about three kilometers we reach the cosy Kasermandl Hütte. Depending upon conditions we may be able to take a loop back to the valley or we may choose to descend the way we came up.
Ascent: 350m (1148ft) Descent: 350m (1148ft) Distance: 4km (2.5 miles) Duration: 4h00
This is probably our longest day and a highlight of the trip. Our route today begins at the mini-ski area of Elbigenalp and initially climbs up past the short drag lift. This takes us initially into forest, gradually ascending onto the Bernhardseck ridge and then to the Bernhardseck Huette (1812m) which is open in winter. The views here of the Lechtal, Tirol and the Allgäu alps are magnificent but even better, if conditions allow, we will continue our ascent along the ridge to the summit of Auf der Mutte at 2189m. Our return journey takes us back past the hut descending to the bus.
Ascent: 1280m (4198ft) Descent: 1280m (4198ft) Distance: 12.8km (8 miles) Duration: 7h00 - 08h00
Today is your departure day. Please refer to the Trip Information section and 'Arrival and Departure' for further details.
It is always our aim to complete the proposed itinerary outlined above, however, it may be necessary for our guides/instructors to adjust the daily itinerary based on the weather conditions, group safety and enjoyment.
In the event of there being a lean winter and a lack of snow to cover the entirety of our route this trip will go ahead. Snowshoes are an aid to hiking in winter and if we do not require them we will still enjoy a winter walking trip.
On all of our trips we aim to accommodate our guests in well-situated, comfortable, characterful, family run accommodation. Detailed below are examples of our favoured venues in the area. All of our trips are based on two people sharing a bedroom, this will either be a double bedroom, if appropriate, or what we call a 'twin' meaning two single beds in one bedroom. On many of our trips single rooms are available on request for a supplementary fee. Please contact us to discuss this.
There are various options for arriving and departing from Bach im Lechtal, in Austria.
Train
You can travel by train from London, UK, to Innsbruck, Austria, then by train to Imst-Pitztal. At that point you will need to take a taxi to Bach im Lechtal. From Imst-Pitztal to Bach im Lechtal is a journey of around 40 minutes by taxi. Websites such as Rail Europe are a useful tool when researching your best route.
Air
The nearest airport is Innsbruck, in Austria. You can then take a train to Imst-Pitztal. At that point you will need to take a taxi to Bach im Lechtal. From Imst-Pitztal to Bach im Lechtal is a journey of around 40 minutes by taxi.
We find that rome2rio.com offers good information about the options available.
Activity, Injury and Mountain Rescue
It is a condition of booking that you are insured against medical expenses, injury, illness, death, cost of repatriation and personal accident risks. For all of our trips your insurance must also cover mountain rescue. The exception to this is if the trip is being held in the United Kingdom or Norway where mountain rescue is free of charge. Please ensure that your insurance covers you to the maximum altitude given on your trip itinerary. The maximum altitude for any trip can be checked on the 'At A Glance' box on each trip page.
Trip Cancellation/Curtailment Insurance
You should also have insurance to cover trip cancellation and curtailment. Insurance should be booked as soon as we have confirmed that your trip is going ahead. Note that your deposit and balance payments are non-refundable unless it is Tracks and Trails who cancel the trip due to a failure to reach the required minimum numbers. In this case we will offer you a refund or the option of transferring to another trip if one is available. We also advise that you should have insurance which covers baggage loss/equipment damage as Tracks and Trails will not be held responsible for loss/damage to baggage/equipment.
All of the above insurances are detailed in our Terms and Conditions. For further details, please read the Insurance section on our website.
Winter mountain weather in the European Alps can vary considerably, and in this respect it is no different to any mountain environment where the terrain influences the weather and it can change from valley to valley.
In winter the weather can deliver everything from clear blue skies, and glorious sunshine, to heavy snowfall and strong winds. Essentially, as with all mountain journeys, you should be prepared for any eventuality.
Temperatures vary depending on the month, generally December, January, and February are colder, but by March and April the temperatures are warming up and spring is on the way.
In December and January they can range from -10°Celsius (14°F) to 3°Celsius (37.4F), in February from -5°Celsius (23°F) to 7°Celsius (44.6°F), and in March from 0°Celsius (32°F) to 13°Celsius (55.4°F).
The above figures are a general indication only as the weather can vary considerably year on year for any given month.
When packing for a trip in the mountains it is important to have the appropriate equipment and clothing. This kit list features items we believe are necessary for the weather you might encounter and the accommodation you will be staying in.
Generally clothing for snowshoeing should be equivalent to that used for walking in the mountains in winter. For this trip all the necessary snowshoe equipment is provided free of charge. This includes snowshoes, walking poles, snow probe, snow shovel, and avalanche transceiver. The carrying of this safety equipment is compulsory and demonstrates ‘best practice’.
Your guide will arrive at the ‘Welcome Meeting’ with only enough snowshoe equipment for those who have booked it via their Booking Form.
Equipment
Clothing
Comfort
Personal First Aid
Documentation
Additional Items
**Supplementary snacks if you follow a gluten free or coeliac diet**
Leaders are all first aid trained and carry their own first aid kit
The image below gives examples of how snowshoes can be attached to your rucksack
On many of our trips there will be an element of 'group kit' which will be shared amongst our guests. As mountain people you will be used to team work and working together to the mutual benefit and safety of the group.
The 'group kit' will be minimal and usually just a case of sharing a few lightweight 'survival shelters'. For example on a week-long trip you may carry a small shelter for just one day before passing it on to the next person.
If you are booking a trip in winter there will be a few additional safety items. These will be distributed in such a way that no one is over burdened.
Other group items necessary for safety and comfort will be carried by your guide/instructor.
For each of our trips a minimum number of guests is required before we can confirm that your trip will go-ahead. The minimum and maximum number of guests on your trip is displayed in the 'At a Glance' box on the righthand side of the trip page.
We strongly advise you do not book travel until we have confirmed your trip is 'guaranteed' to run. If you book travel before we have confirmed it is 'guaranteed' we cannot be held responsible for any financial loss if the trip does not go ahead.
When booking a holiday as a solo traveller a twin bedded room comprising of two single beds, is booked as standard. This will be with someone of the same gender unless you request to pay extra for your own room. Single rooms are often limited in supply so if you would like to pay a supplement for a single room we urge you to get in touch as soon as possible. For 2025 the single supplement will be £120, this is a special rate for winter 2025 only. In 2026 it will be £205 per person.
We go to great lengths to work with first class guides who are passionate about their work. They are all fully qualified, insured, and hold the correct documentation.
Please note your snowshoe guide has complete discretion to make a daily decision on whether or not to take the advertised route based on the weather and the ability of the members of the group. They have our authority to make any route changes they believe are necessary in the interests of safety and enjoyment. This is particularly relevant in a winter environment where the snowpack can change on a daily basis.
Your guide will be a fully qualified and experienced International Mountain Leader. International Mountain Leaders are not only qualified to ensure the safe management of the group, but are also a source of knowledge about the local flora and fauna, and traditions of the area which you are visiting. You can learn more about our guides and instructors on the About Us page.
For this trip where you are centre-based, in other words where you are staying in the same accommodation all week, you are welcome to bring whatever luggage you require. However, please note that not all the hotels we use have elevators. This means you may need to carry your luggage to your bedroom and this might involve climbing several flights of stairs. We would suggest that luggage with wheels is generally a good idea.
For this trip you are centre-based, in other words you are staying in the same accommodation all week, and you are welcome to bring whatever luggage you require. However, please note that not all the hotels we use have elevators. This means you may need to carry your luggage to your bedroom and this might involve climbing several flights of stairs. We would suggest that luggage with wheels is generally a good idea.
We do not include lunches in your trip fee for various reasons, the most important of which is food waste. In general our guests have particular tastes and requirements for 'trail' or 'hill' food and it is better you purchase your own snacks rather than throw away items from the picnic lunch which we would supply.
Lunches on our trips are 'picnic' style lunches, in other words you take a packed lunch with sufficient snacks, food and fluid to sustain you throughout the day. Buying snacks and trying local specialities is a great way to inter-act with local people and to practise your language skills.
If there is the possibility of lunch being taken at a restaurant/farm/cafe beside the trail, your guide/instructor will advise you of this. Each evening you can order a picnic or a sandwich from the hotel, or your guide/instructor will advise you of other options such as a local shop or market. In all cases we would ask you to settle any 'bill' for lunch or drinks the evening before you depart, and not in the morning when there may be a queue.
On your itinerary you will find an indication of the amount of ascent and descent you can expect each day. This offers a guideline to how much effort might be expended each day and allows you to decide, based on previous experience, if your fitness and stamina are correct for the trip.
We make every attempt to ensure these statistics are as accurate as possible, but ask you to note that the most modern of technology used to record these details can show considerable variations in terms of ascent, descent, and in particular distance. In other words no two people using GPS devices on the same route will have exactly the same details recorded at the end of the day.
The statistics given should be used as a 'general' indication of the effort required.
It is useful to arrive at your destination with some cash in the local currency, however, on most occasions it is relatively easy to visit a 'cash machine' after arrival and withdraw money on a credit or debit card. Some of our locations are an exception to this in particular Norway, where the accommodation will often have no facilities for withdrawing cash, but they will take a credit card.
On many of our trips we will visit remote cafes/farms where it is wonderful to enjoy a drink and a cake, at places such as these they will often only accept payment in the local currency in cash.
Food
On all of our trips we encourage you to experience local tastes and dishes.
If you are vegetarian catering for your diet is not generally a problem. If you have a 'special' diet because of an allergy/intolerance we would ask that you make your needs clear on your booking form so we can discuss your requirements with the accommodation as soon as possible. A diet that is not related to an allergy/intolerance or beliefs cannot be catered for. It is simply not possible for mountain accommodation to deal with many variations in diet while providing meals for groups.
In addition, if you have an allergy/intolerance we would suggest you bring/purchase suitable snacks as a supplement to the picnic lunches. At times finding gluten free bread, for example, can be an issue. If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet, gluten or lactose intolerance please contact us.
We request that you do not CHANGE your dietary requirements during the trip as we will have pre-ordered your meals.
Water
The countries we visit all have tap water which is drinkable. If for any reason a particular hotel or mountain hut is having a problem with a water supply they will normally post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water.
A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required. Please check the relevant embassy or consulate for the country you are visiting, paying attention to your citizenship. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.
New European Travel Regulations from mid 2025
If you are a guest travelling to one of our European holidays you may be impacted by a significant change to travel regulations expected to be in place from the middle of 2025. The new EITAS scheme will start operating this year and, whilst a start date is not yet confirmed, it is likely to affect our summer holidays in 2025 and any winter holiday thereafter. As your holiday approaches we recommend that you check for updates on the website HERE.
We ask that you carry a paper copy of your passport with you on your trip. We suggest keeping your passport in your rucksack, and a paper copy of your passport in any luggage you might have. If your trip is without luggage transfers then keep a paper copy somewhere in your rucksack, separate from your original document.
We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at:
Plug, Socket & Voltage by Country
Note that if your trip involves staying in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut that electric sockets may be in short supply and for that night you may not be able to charge any items. Although the accommodation will have electricity this will often be supplied by solar panels or a generator and limited to use by the staff. For this reason we advise that carrying a small slimline and lightweight 'battery pack' can be very useful for recharging phones which many of you will also use as your camera.
Tracks and Trails pays guides/instructors a fair and appropriate fee for their professional service. However, if you feel your guide/instructor has provided an excellent service that went 'above and beyond' then it is at the discretion of each guest whether to tip or not. Guests will often give a tip of between 2 - 5 per cent of the total value of their trip. It is entirely up to you and any gesture will no doubt be appreciated no matter the size.
Before booking consider whether you expect to be in the appropriate physical condition on the date of your departure to allow you to fully participate in and enjoy your holiday. If you have any doubts because of an illness or injury it would be advisable to check with your doctor.
For UK residents travelling to an EU country you should obtain and bring with you a free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment in certain European countries, but is not a substitute for medical travel insurance.
If you have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for a GHIC to replace it. The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. Please check this before departing. We advise that you always carry your insurance documents with details of the Emergency Medical telephone number for your insurance provider, and your policy number.
We feel strongly about protecting the environment and do not encourage the use of single-use plastic items. We would ask that you arrive with a ‘water bottle’ or ‘hydration system’ that can be used repeatedly. We would point out that we operate a ‘zero tolerance’ for rubbish, and would ask you to remove all your rubbish items from the mountain even those you consider to be bio-degradable. In particular we ask that you remove any toilet tissue.
You can read our full policy here.
Working across international boundaries, and with various currencies means that the price of our trips can change overnight. We have, however, undertaken to guarantee that once you have paid your deposit the price of your trip is fixed. In this respect we urge you to book early to ensure that you receive the price advertised on our website. The website price may increase due to currency fluctuations, but we guarantee that the price advertised on the date of your booking will be maintained in your individual case.
Prices may vary depending on date.
| Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sat 11 Jan - Sat 18 Jan Code: AUS1 |
Price: £1995 | Limited availability | Book |
| From Price | £1995 |
| Holiday Type | Snowshoeing |
| Duration | 8 Days |
| Group Size | 4-8 |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Maximum Altitude | 2000m (6560ft) |
| Countries Visited | Austria |
| Meet In | Bach im Lechtal, Austria |
