Snowshoe hiking mountain experience

EXPERIENCING

LIGHT-FOOTED PROGRESS THROUGH THE SPRING SNOW

Guest article by Maximilian Laborenz (April)

Now that winter is gradually departing and giving way to spring, our tired ski legs are longing for a little lightness of foot. So today I left the clunky ski boots at home and swapped them for feather-light, bear paw-like snowshoes. There are numerous snowshoe hiking trails in the Montafon begging to be explored so that you marvel at the partly untouched snow-covered landscape. I decided to take a guided BergePLUS snowshoe hike to Silvretta reservoir because of the promising, springlike conditions. Because on the Silvretta-Bielerhöhe, the conditions for this are supposed to be ideal until well into spring.

TO “HAIRPIN BEND 29” PLEASE!

The tour starts at the valley station of the Vermuntbahn in Partenen. Tranquil but charming Partenen – as the people of Montafon say – is still the starting point for unimagined snow fun long into spring and is therefore always worth a detour. Slowly but surely, the snow recedes from the valley, which makes it all the more diffi cult to believe that we should fi nd such a snowy area in mid-April. Let’s wait and see. Our hiking guide Catharina welcomes our group for the upcoming snowshoe hike with a colourful bouquet of winter equipment. In addition to suitable snowshoes, we’ll be equipped with height-adjustable poles and the necessary avalanche equipment. The anticipation rises and rises, while the mood could not be more exuberant. An entertaining gondola ride awaits us before – once at the top – all the passengers are distributed between two small tunnel buses. The buses wind their way up through old exposed gallery tunnels towards the Silvretta-Bielerhöhe. During the journey it feels as if we’ve set off on a mining expedition. After leaving the tunnels and a few more hairpin bends, the bus driver suddenly sounds “Snowshoes! Everybody off !” Catharina had previously told him exactly where we were starting our ascent: at hairpin bend 29.

THE SUN SHINES ON THE REMAINING SNOW.

It’s quiet all around us. The winter scenery already conveys an unusual sense of calm. Meanwhile, only Catharina raises her voice, explaining to us how to put on the snowshoes properly. Then the great stomping fun begins. On the fi rst few metres we receive tips on the right gait: fl at terrain up to moderate gradients can be walked using your normal walking technique. When you have to cross steep slopes, the snowshoes follow a single track, i.e. in front of each other. Downhill, the sliding helps you glide down the slope in a slightly supine position. We quickly get used to it and can fully concentrate on the surroundings. And they’re quite something. The mighty three-thousand-metre peaks of the Silvretta tower up in front of us. It’s a sight that makes us marvel.

ON THE TRAIL OF ALPINE ANIMALS

In the easily accessible terrain we quickly discover animal tracks in the snow. Catharina explains that these could be from black grouse which shelter in small hiding places near exposed plants and bushes. After crossing the currently untravelled Silvretta-Hochalpenstrasse, we now hike in the blazing sun, directly below a slope. On the left we see a herd of chamois. Not far away, there’s even an ibex, which surprises us with its massive antlers. The tour is a must for all those who can't get enough snow in spring. If you want to be away from the pistes in a relaxed atmosphere, this beginner-friendly snowshoe hike is just right for you.

Maximilian Laborenz

AS FAR AS THE EYE CAN SEE

Again and again, breathtaking views of the glacier world of the Silvretta open up before us on the tour. A glance over our right shoulder reveals Piz Buin, the highest mountain in Vorarlberg. During the drink breaks, Catharina keeps telling us interesting things about the area and what else we can do. We’ve now been walking over open terrain for more than two hours when we look down over a knoll onto the crystal-clear Silvretta reservoir. The sun has a clear path under a cloudless sky today, which is why the lake shows off the contours of the mountains, and the contrast between snow and rock really beautifully. Fantastic! The final destination of our tour has been reached.

To top it off, we made ourselves comfortable on the sun terrace of a mountain inn on the Silvretta-Bielerhöhe to soak up the unique atmosphere with a view of the crystal-clear Silvretta reservoir and, as if we hadn’t had enough already, to fill up on plenty of vitamin D. After an hour we returned to the buses, which were waiting for us just a few metres away, ready to depart on the return journey.

Tour information

Snowshoe hike to the Silvretta reservoir

When: 27 December 2022 until 7 April 2023 Duration: approx. 5 hours (walking time: approx. 3 hours) Price: €44 per person 20% discount with the Montafon Guest Card // free for guests of BergePLUS partner establishments Refreshment stops Silvretta-Haus, mountain inn Piz Buin, Madlenerhaus

montafon.at/bergeplus

THREE FANTASTICALLY BEAUTIFUL

SNOWSHOE TOURS IN THE MONTAFON

#1 FROM KRISTBERG UP THE MUTTJÖCHLE #2

An extremely panoramic and scenic snowshoe hikeawaits you on the Kristberg pleasure mountain. Along the route, which leads through dense forests and a deeply snow-covered, wide winter landscape to the summit of the Muttjöchle, a sweeping view of the Rätikon, Verwall and Silvretta mountain groups as well as the Lechtal Alps accompanies you.

■ Difficulty: average ■ Distance: 7.2 km ■ Duration: 4 hrs ■ Ascent and descent: 629 vm

GARGELLNER FENSTER

Go on an exciting exploration tour to deeply snow-covered Gargellen. In the highest mountain village of the Montafon, you’ll discover the special features of the Gargellner Fenster (Gargellner Windows) on a short but all the more idyllic snowshoe hike and get a multi-faceted and exciting view through all eras.

■ Difficulty: average ■ Distance: 1.5 km ■ Duration: 45 minutes ■ Ascent and descent: 114 vm

#3

FROM BARTHOLOMÄBERG VIA MONTENEU UP THE WANNAKÖPF

The start of this tour is the Baroque church in Bartholomäberg. From here, the trail climbs steadily uphill, past the historic mine and via the picturesque Fritzensee Lake to Monteneu. It’s worth taking a short break here to enjoy the fantastic view of the striking peaks of the Rätikon. When you reach the Wannaköpfen, you will also have a wonderful view over the alpine town of Bludenz and the neighbouring Walgau region.

■ Degree of difficulty: difficult ■ Distance: 10.6 km ■ Duration: 4 hrs 30 min. ■ Ascent and descent: 945 vm

TIPS FROM MONTAFON HIKING GUIDE IMELDA

■ Select the tour to match your own abilities. ■ Before the ascent, carefully inform yourself about the route, the weather and the current avalanche situation. ■ Stay on marked trails! If you leave them, carrying an avalanche emergency kit is obligatory. ■ Pack enough liquids and a change of clothes.

SNOWSHOEING PLEASURE IN HARMONY WITH NATURE

Prudence and respect are required to preserve our natural treasures and protect the sensitive flora and fauna. So, look out for designated wildlife reserves and restricted hunting areas marked with green signs, as well as other protected areas such as the European Conservation Area “Verwall” or the “Vergalden” reserve. There is a general or conditional ban on entering these areas. Snowshoe hikes can therefore only be undertaken along designated roads and paths.

montafon.at/naturvertraeglicherwintersport