Winter activities in Grossarl

Experience winter beyond the slopes

A winter day in Grossarl does not have to be spent on skis. Cleared winter walking trails, snow-covered landscapes, toboggan runs and horse-drawn sleigh rides offer countless ways to discover the Grossarl Valley at a gentler pace. And if you would like to head higher, simply take the mountain lift, soak up the panoramic views, enjoy a winter walk at altitude and stop for lunch or a drink in one of the mountain huts.

For a more active day outdoors, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and ski touring reveal another side of winter in the Austrian Alps. Through the guided BERG-GESUND programme, guests of the GROSSARLER HOF can also join selected winter activities free of charge.

Winter holidays without skiing in Grossarl

So many ways to enjoy winter

Winter in the mountains

Head up the mountain without skis

You do not need skis to experience Grossarl from above. Take the mountain lift up as a pedestrian, enjoy panoramic views of the snow-covered peaks, go for a winter walk and stop for lunch or a drink at one of the mountain huts. Winter in the mountains can be just as memorable without skis.

Winter walking in Grossarl

Discover 45 km of winter trails

Around 45 kilometres of cleared winter walking trails lead through the snow-covered landscapes of the Grossarl Valley. From an easy stroll to a longer winter walk, many routes require no special equipment and offer a wonderfully simple way to experience the quieter side of winter.

BERG-GESUND programme

Guided experiences included

Discover the Grossarl Valley in winter with experienced BERG-GESUND guides. As a guest of the GROSSARLER HOF, you can join selected guided winter activities free of charge – an ideal way to try snowshoeing and other winter experiences with professional guidance.

Tobogganing in Grossarl

Stop for a bite. Then head back down.

A toboggan ride is one of those winter experiences that requires neither skis nor any previous experience. Around Grossarl, two natural toboggan runs await at the Lammwirt and Loosbühelalm, each offering around three kilometres of downhill fun through the snowy landscape.

Make your way up, stop for something to eat or drink, then enjoy the ride back down into the valley. Toboggans are available to hire on site.

Discover the toboggan runs

Horse-drawn sleigh rides in Grossarl

A romantic ride through the Grossarl winter

Wrapped up warmly beneath a blanket, glide through the snow-covered landscapes of the Grossarl Valley on a horse-drawn sleigh ride. Various rides are available from Grossarl and Hüttschlag, with one of the most atmospheric routes leading into the peaceful valley head at Hüttschlag.

A wonderfully unhurried way to enjoy the winter scenery – whether as a couple, with family or simply for a memorable afternoon in the snow.

Enquire about a sleigh ride

Winter walking in Grossarl

Simply step outside and embrace winter

You do not need skis or snowshoes to enjoy a winter day in Grossarl. Around 45 kilometres of cleared winter walking trails lead through Grossarl and Hüttschlag – alongside the Grossarler Ache river, through snow-covered landscapes and to scenic viewpoints.

From a leisurely stroll to a longer winter walk, the Grossarl Valley is easy to explore at your own pace. Put on a pair of sturdy winter shoes, step into the crisp mountain air and simply start walking.

Along the Grossarler Ache

A leisurely walk through the valley

Cleared winter trails follow the Grossarler Ache through the snow-covered valley. Mostly level and easy to walk, they are ideal for a relaxed stroll and a peaceful way to enjoy the fresh mountain air.

Winter walking in Hüttschlag

Nature and tranquillity

Around Hüttschlag, the landscape becomes particularly peaceful and unspoilt. Cleared winter trails lead through the snow-covered scenery of the upper Grossarl Valley, opening up beautiful views of the surrounding mountains along the way.

From Kieserl to Fulseck

Panoramic views in the mountains

Take the Kieserlbahn comfortably up to 1,954 metres, then follow the panoramic winter walking trail towards Fulseck at 2,033 metres. Over approximately 2.1 kilometres, enjoy spectacular winter scenery and sweeping mountain views, with the option of stopping for a relaxing break at WOLKE 7.

Winter in the mountains without skis

Take the lift straight into winter

You do not need skis to experience the mountains around Grossarl. Pedestrians can take the mountain lift up into the snow-covered mountain landscape, where panoramic views, winter walks and cosy places to stop for lunch or a drink await.

Whether you fancy a walk at almost 2,000 metres, a leisurely break overlooking the snow-covered peaks or simply a few relaxing hours high above the valley, the mountains are just as enjoyable for non-skiers. Winter walking, panoramic views and mountain dining come together effortlessly.

Winter panorama at 2,000 m Dining in the mountains

Cross-country skiing in Grossarl

Just 200 metres from the trails

Discover cross-country ski trails

Classic and skating

From the GROSSARLER HOF, it is only around 200 metres to the nearest cross-country ski trail. From here, groomed tracks lead through the snow-covered landscapes of the Grossarl Valley – perfect for a leisurely outing or a more energetic session.

Whether you prefer classic cross-country skiing or skating, Grossarl and Hüttschlag offer varied trails surrounded by beautiful winter scenery. For something a little different, the high-altitude trail at the head of the valley offers another rewarding cross-country experience.

Snowshoeing in Grossarl

Step by step through the snow

Beyond the cleared winter trails

Guided or independently

With snowshoes, you can venture deeper into Grossarl’s winter landscape – through snow-covered forests, across deep snow and into the surrounding mountains. Marked snowshoe routes around Grossarl and Hüttschlag offer options for first-time snowshoers as well as those with more experience.

For those who prefer to explore with a guide, BERG-GESUND offers guided snowshoe tours led by experienced professionals. As a guest of the GROSSARLER HOF, you can join selected BERG-GESUND tours free of charge; transfers, equipment hire and refreshments are not included.

Ski touring in Grossarl

Reach the top under your own steam

Away from the pistes

Explore the quieter side of the mountains

Away from the ski slopes, the mountains around Grossarl and Hüttschlag offer varied terrain for ski touring. Snow-covered slopes, peaceful side valleys and panoramic summits make the Grossarl Valley an attractive starting point for tours of different lengths and levels of difficulty.

Those who prefer to head out with professional guidance can join guided ski tours with experienced BERG-GESUND guides – a rewarding way to explore the winter mountains with local expertise and safety in mind.

More winter experiences in Grossarl

Fancy something different?

A true Alpine tradition

Curling on ice

Try your hand at a traditional Alpine winter pastime. Ice stock sport in Grossarl and Hüttschlag combines friendly competition with plenty of fun – and equipment can be hired on site.

The Grossarl Valley from above

Tandem paragliding

See the snow-covered mountains from an entirely new perspective. A tandem paragliding flight over the Grossarl Valley combines spectacular winter views with a memorable dose of adventure.

Time to unwind

Wellness & spa

After a winter day in Grossarl, relaxation continues at the Erlenreich Relax & SPA – with soothing warmth, indoor and outdoor whirlpools and plenty of time to simply switch off.

Frequently asked questions about winter holidays without skiing

Everything you need to know about winter in Grossarl

What can you do in Grossarl in winter if you don’t ski?

There is plenty to experience in Grossarl beyond the ski slopes. Around 45 kilometres of cleared winter walking trails, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing and horse-drawn sleigh rides are just some of the options. Non-skiers can also take the mountain lifts, enjoy panoramic winter walks at altitude and stop for lunch or a drink at one of the mountain huts.

Can non-skiers use the mountain lifts in Grossarl?

Yes. Pedestrians can use selected mountain lifts to reach the snow-covered mountains without skis. One particularly scenic option is the panoramic winter walking trail from Kieserl towards Fulseck, combining mountain views, winter walking and places to stop for food and drinks.

How many winter walking trails are there in Grossarl?

The Grossarl Valley offers around 45 kilometres of cleared winter walking trails in Grossarl and Hüttschlag. They range from leisurely walks along the Grossarler Ache to longer routes through the snow-covered landscape. No special winter sports equipment is required for many of the trails, although sturdy winter footwear is recommended.

How far are the cross-country ski trails from the GROSSARLER HOF?

The nearest cross-country ski trail is only around 200 metres from the GROSSARLER HOF. Around Grossarl and Hüttschlag, there are approximately 25 kilometres of groomed cross-country trails, with many prepared for both classic skiing and skating.

Where can I go tobogganing in Grossarl?

There are two natural toboggan runs in the Grossarl Valley, at the Lammwirt and Loosbühelalm. Both offer around three kilometres of tobogganing and can easily be combined with a stop for food or drinks. Toboggans are available to hire on site.

Are horse-drawn sleigh rides available in Grossarl?

Yes. Horse-drawn sleigh rides through the snowy winter landscape are available in Grossarl and Hüttschlag. One particularly atmospheric option leads towards the head of the valley in Hüttschlag. Guests of the GROSSARLER HOF are welcome to contact our reception team, and we will be happy to assist with arranging a sleigh ride.

Can you go snowshoeing in Grossarl?

Yes. Marked snowshoe routes around Grossarl and Hüttschlag lead through the winter landscape. Guided snowshoe tours are also available through BERG-GESUND, offering the opportunity to explore the mountains accompanied by experienced guides.

What is BERG-GESUND, and is it free for guests of the GROSSARLER HOF?

BERG-GESUND offers guided winter activities in the Grossarl Valley, including snowshoeing and ski touring with experienced guides. As a guest of the GROSSARLER HOF, you can join selected BERG-GESUND tours free of charge. Additional services such as transfers, equipment hire or refreshments may incur an extra charge.

Is Grossarl a good choice if some of us ski and others don’t?

Absolutely. Grossarl works particularly well for couples, families and groups with different ideas of a winter holiday. While skiers head into the Grossarltal-Dorfgastein ski area, non-skiers can enjoy winter walking, cross-country skiing, tobogganing, horse-drawn sleigh rides or a trip up the mountain by lift. Everyone can then meet again for lunch in the mountains, at the hotel or for some well-earned relaxation in the spa.

Ready to experience the full variety of winter in Grossarl?

Winter holidays in Grossarl

Prices & availability