Snow shoe walking in South Tyrol

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

For example, Matschertal, which is one of the most unspoilt valleys in the area, and turns out of the Vinschgau valley at Mals and goes up to the Ötztaler Alps. In Ultental valley meanwhile, guests can pay a visit to the oldest farmhouses and trees in South Tyrol. A trip to Sarntal valley feels like going back in time and it is just a few minutes’ car driver from Bozen. Here, various traditions are still alive and well and locals don’t just reserve their traditional costumes for Sundays. Lovers of steep, jagged rocks will really appreciate the Dolomite valleys. In winter these ‘Pale Mountains’ seem even wilder and even more striking.

> Holiday flats and rooms in Pfunderer Tal
> Holiday flats and rooms in Gsieser Tal
> Holiday flats and rooms in Schnalstal
> Holiday flats and rooms in Matscher Tal
> Holiday flats and rooms in Langtauferer Tal
> Holiday flats and rooms in Sarntal
> Holiday flats and rooms in Ultental
> Holiday flats and rooms in Tauferer Ahrntal
> Holiday flats and rooms in Pfelders