Safety tips for winter hiking and snowshoeing
The Achensee region has countless designated routes for winter hiking and snowshoeing that invite you to explore the breathtaking winter wonderland. To ensure that your adventure is both safe and enjoyable, it's important to keep a few essential tips in mind. By following these guidelines, you can minimize your risks and fully enjoy the beauty of nature.
The winter hiking trails in the Achensee region are divided into easy and moderate routes. For a complete overview of all available trails, visit maps.achensee.com and plan your ideal winter adventure. To help with navigation, the trails are temporarily marked with purple signs to provide clear orientation and guide you safely through the breathtaking winter scenery.
- Equipment: Wear sturdy, ankle-high footwear and choose snowshoes or crampons based on your route. Dress in warm, breathable, and weather-appropriate layers to stay comfortable.
- Mind your step: While winter hiking trails are generally easy to navigate, snow conditions can vary - think powder, firn, or hard-packed snow. Late winter brings changing snow conditions throughout the day, so stay alert.
- Plan your time wisely: Winter days are short! Start your hike early to ensure you’re back before dark.
- Respect nature: Be mindful of wildlife and their habitats. Avoid disturbing animals as they struggle to conserve energy in winter.
Equipment and planning
- Essential gear: For snowshoe hikes, make sure to carry an avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe, first-aid kit, and a mobile phone.
- Tour planning: Carefully plan your route while checking the weather, snow conditions, and potential alpine hazards. Use resources like the Lawinenwarndienst Tirol (Tirolean avalanche warning service) to stay informed about current risks.
- Avalanche transceiver checkpoints: Before setting off, test your equipment at one of the five avalanche transceiver checkpoints in the region to ensure everything is functioning properly.
Out in the terrain
- Stick to marked trails: Always stay on designated trails to minimize risks.
- Group size: Travelling in small groups makes communication easier and enhances safety.
- Take regular breaks: Resting helps you recover, stay oriented, and maintain your energy levels throughout the hike.
- Assess your abilities: Be honest about your fitness and experience level when choosing routes to match your physical condition.
In case of an emergency
- Emergency numbers: 144 (ambulance), 140 (emergency number for alpine accidents in Austria), 112 (European emergency number)
- Emergency app „SOS EU Alp“: This app shares your GPS coordinates with local emergency response teams, reducing the time between alert and rescue considerably. The SOS EU Alp-App is a valuable addition to the official alpine emergency number 140.
