When the sound of cowbells in summer gives way to fun in the snow on the farm, the cold season has arrived. The rural refuges of South Tyrol’s quiet valleys are perfect for snowshoe walking. These picturesque routes set against an impressive mountain backdrop usually start right from the farm. Snowshoe walking enjoys a long tradition in South Tyrol and farmers have always made use of these wide plates fitted onto their boots to get around. They are a welcome alternative to
ski touring for holidaymakers, as they make it possible to discover even the remotest corners of the countryside covered in deep snow. After a hearty
farmhouse breakfast made up of home-made bread and jam and hand-made cheese, it’s straight out into the crisp South Tyrolean winter air. You’ll be sent on your way with a snack of tasty farm fare and tea made from dried herbs from the garden.
Look out! There’s lots to see and discover for natural scientists both big and small. The morning sun reveals traces of all manner of
hooves and paws in the sparkling snow. It’s pretty wild in some of these side valleys, and farm guests can go on
wildlife observation tours with the farmer on foot or on snowshoes and get really close to deer, chamois, squirrels and foxes.
When the sun goes down, the atmosphere on the farm becomes more peaceful and relaxed, such as when making arts and crafts or playing with the family in the
cosy, warm ‘stube’ of your holiday flat. Or you can simply relax with a book and a cup of tea beside the crackling fire.
> Farms, which offer guidet snow shoe walking tours