An atmosphere of peace combined with invigorating sporting activities await active winter outdoor enthusiasts on a snow shoe hike: An unparalleled experience close to nature, ideal for individualists and all those who want to enjoy the winter without skis. Dream destination for such time-out enjoyment is the Allgäu region in Germany: Here is something for everyone, whether just for fun or top sporting performance.
The beauty of snowshoe hiking is that everyone can do it! And everyone can enjoy it in their own way. Ideal for families and small groups who just want to enjoy a sports experience together or for stressed bureaucrats and managers who simply want to concentrate on physical activities in a nature environment in order to forget about everyday life. And also for outdoor individualists who are looking for a challenge in the snow and to reaching their limits.
If you are thinking about going on a snowshoe hike, then you don’t have to travel to the hotspots like North America or Scandinavia: Here too in Allgäu there are excellent conditions for active winter hikers. Especially for beginners there are numerous dream routes for different skill levels. Our recommendation is that you do not simply set off on your own but first of all take part in a guided tour. Guides know the territory and can show you the most impressive routes.
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If you wish to discover the pleasures of snowshoe hiking for yourself, there is no need to buy snowshoes immediately but for the first time you can rent these. They are easily fitted to your hiking boots. Recommended especially for more difficult terrain are sturdy hiking / trekking boots. These give you the necessary grip in order to master the steeper passages and protect you from ankle strain or sprain.
With the packsack set Dry Bag Set by Tatonka. With roll closure and waterproof taped seams.
Set consisting of three packing bags in different sizes.
Tour tip: Spieser
A comfortable snowshoe tour with magnificent views is guaranteed on the tour to the summit of the Spieser, also very popular for ski tours although not quite so well visited as the neighboring Wertacher Hörnle.
The tour begins in the parking lot of the Hirschalpe and then follows the farm trail, mostly on the southern slopes. Along the “Kleiner Jochschrofen” the hiker then goes past the Jochschrofen and marches on to the Hirschalpe. From here you follow the Summer Path, parallel to the contour curve to the end of the southern slope and then ascend quite steeply towards the Spieser summit. The descent in the east direction leads back to the Hirschalpe and from here along the farm track again back to the parking lot.
Climbing to the summit of the Spieser means you have achieved around 650 meters above sea level; the tour (approx. 8 km) is classed as moderate difficulty level and takes about two hours.
Tour tip: Through Bolgental to Berghaus Schwaben
In Obermaiselstein at the Riedberg Pass begins the tour which leads over the Bolgen Alps up to the Berghaus Schwaben.
The first part of the route runs in the direction of Riedbergpass, but then branches off and runs towards the bridge over the Bolgenach. Hikers now follow the signposts to “Alpe Zunkleiten” along the forest trail. Once the Alpe Zunkleiten is behind you, you cross an open area and then a really steep unwooded slope where, especially after a new fall of snow, hikers should leave greater distances between them. A little later you cross a fall in the terrain but you continue on the way to the north east.
The terrain is not particularly steep and the panorama way can be reached without too much effort. From Riedberger Horn the clearly signposted route takes you to the Berghaus Schwaben, where you can take a comfortable break.
This tour is also classified at moderate level and is 12 km in total. The tour takes about 6 hours and is thus suitable for snow shoe trekkers in good condition.
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General tips for snowshoeing
- If you want to discover snowshoeing for yourself, you can borrow snowshoes. They can be easily adjusted and attached to the hiking boots.
- For footwear, sturdy hiking or trekking shoes are recommended, especially in rough terrain. They give the necessary support to handle even steeper passages, and protect against the kinking.
- Gaiters additionally protect against moisture. And thanks to their low weight and small pack size, they can be stored in the backpack without any problems when they are not needed.
- When using trekking poles, make sure to mount wide plates. They offer better grip in the snow.
