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Winter- & snowshoe hiking 
on the Schmittenhöhe

Winter- & snowshoe hiking on the Schmittenhöhe

Enjoy unforgettable winter moments on foot

You think the wintry Schmittenhöhe in the Zell am See region is only for skiers? Far from it! The Pinzgau’s adventure mountain is perfect for hiking during the colder months. Little or “big-footed”: Enjoy the snowy winter landscape to the fullest! 

Winter hiking trail on the Pinzgau’s adventure mountain

Winter hikers and snowshoe hikers are at the right place on the panoramic mountain in the Zell am See-Kaprun region. The popular winter hiking trail leads from the trassXpress mountain station over the Schmittenhöhe summit to the Sonnkogel. After arriving at the trassXpress mountain station, the green signs with number 28 will guide you along the way. As the first stage, you hike about 15 minutes to the Elisabeth Chapel, which is clearly visible on the summit of Schmittenhöhe. Then it goes on towards Sonnkogel. You will also pass some sculptures from the exhibition "Art on the Mountain". There are also always sunny resting places along the way. When you arrive at the Sonnkogel, you can enjoy the unique panorama on the viewing platform. Then hike back on the same route to the trassXpress mountain station. The entire winter hike takes about 2 - 2.5 hours.

Guided winter hikes - weekly program

The Schmitten in winter – a magical experience! On a guided snowshoe or winter hike, you will discover the winterly Schmittenhöhe from its snowy side. During the winter months, you can choose from various guided activities: Whether you opt for a snowshoe tour with stunning 360-degree views or a more chllenging guided winter hike: Every tour is an adventure!

Snowshoe hike with 360-degree panoramic view and a work of art at the summit

Date: 1 January 2025 – 12 March 2024
Time: 9.00 am
Meeting Point: Schmittenhöhebahn valley station | InfoCenter
Description:

Duration: approx. 3 hours

 

Every Wednesday, our mountain guide accompanies you on a snowshoe hike from the summit of the Schmittenhöhe via the high-altitude promenade to the Sonnkogel. The winter hiking trail offers impressive views of the snow-covered mountains and Lake Zell. The destination of the hike is the Schrambachkopf, where the artwork ‘Opfertisch or a Halleluja’ is located. Afterwards, we descend together to the Sonnkogel Restaurant and the Sonnkogelbahn.

 

We recommend sturdy footwear and warm winter clothing for the hike. Snowshoes and poles can also be rented on site for a small fee.
Snowshoe hire fee: € 6,00

Registration: Registration only via the online shop, until 12.00 noon the day before!
In case of cancellation you will be informed the day before. 

 

Challenging snowshoe hike for experienced, sporty and active hikers

Date: 27 December 2024 – 14 March 2025
Time: 9.00 am
Meeting Point: Schmittenhöhebahn valley station | InfoCenter
Description:

Duration: approx. 4 hours

 

The clear winter air refreshes and revitalises experienced hikers as they embark on a challenging snowshoe hike. Every Friday, accompanied by our hiking guide, you set off from the summit of the Schmittenhöhe in the direction to the Maurerkogel. Off the slope, the silence is only interrupted by the crunching of the snowshoes, which provide stability as you walk. You will be rewarded with a boundless view over the most famous mountain massifs in Pinzgau. Enjoy the view of snow-covered peaks and valleys. Then you walk back together to the Schmitten summit.

 

We recommend sturdy footwear and warm winter clothing for the hike. Snowshoes and poles can also be rented on site for a small fee.

Snowshoe hire fee: € 6,00

Registration:

Registration only via the online shop, until 12.00 noon the day before!
In case of cancellation you will be informed the day before. 

 

The best scenic viewpoints on the wintry Schmitten 

A panoramic view of 30 impressive three-thousand-metre summits and Lake Zell at your feet: The Schmittenhöhe really deserves its nickname of “scenic-view mountain”! The little hill on the Salersbachköpfl is not the only location where you have an amazing view of the surrounding scenery. Read more about this and other fantastic photo spots on the Schmitten. As well as the Photo Points where you can have your picture taken in front of a stunning mountain backdrop … 

Experience winter on the Schmittenhöhe while hiking

Winter hiking and snowshoe hiking promise one thing first and foremost: ultimate relaxation! In contrast to sports on the slopes, these two relatively slow-paced activities emphasize calm movement. No hustle and bustle, no stress, no time pressure: Take a moment to admire the breath-taking mountain panorama at 2,000 metres above sea level time and again. Numerous options for taking a break on Zell’s landmark mountain guarantee varied joys. 

You’d like to escape the turmoil on the slopes and explore the Schmittenhöhe with and without skis? That’s great! Put on your hiking boots or snowshoes and let’s go! 

Tips for relaxed winter hikes in Zell am See

You’ve decided on a winter hike on the Schmittenhöhe? That’s great! To make it a resounding success right from the start, you should check out the various possibilities of how to get there and the parking options available on site. Additionally, we recommend sturdy footwear for each one of the hikes. Don’t forget your hat, gloves, sun glasses and camera! And watch out for the signposts along the trails – especially if there are skiers nearby. 

Good to know: 

Participating in guided hikes is for free with a valid cable car ticket! 

  • Good and stable footwear (mountain boots) is necessary for the hikes.
  • Schmitten tip: Winter hiking poles are recommended!
  • Snowshoes and poles can be rented on site. Just provide a valid ID (passport or personal ID) as a security deposit and off you go on your hike! 
  • For further information, send an e-mail to infocenter@schmitten.at or call +43 (0) 6542 789 211!