Winter Activities

Frequently Asked Questions

• What should I expect on a winter walking holiday?

  Winter walking holidays offer a completely different experience from summer mountain walking, often considered more magical by those who've experienced both. Expect shorter daylight hours but incredibly crisp, clear days with stunning visibility that can stretch for miles. The landscapes are transformed – frozen waterfalls become natural ice sculptures, snow-laden trees create forest cathedrals, and that special quality of light unique to winter mountains makes everything luminescent. Our expert guides handle all route planning and safety considerations, monitoring conditions constantly and adjusting routes to ensure the best possible experience while maintaining safety. You can focus entirely on enjoying the experience – the crunch of snow underfoot, the silence of winter valleys, and the warmth of traditional mountain huts where hot drinks taste like liquid comfort.

• Do I need previous snowshoeing experience?

  Not at all! Snowshoeing is surprisingly easy to learn – if you can walk, you can snowshoe. Most people are comfortable within the first few minutes, and our guides provide full instruction and all necessary equipment. The technique is natural and intuitive: snowshoes work by distributing your weight over a larger area so your feet don't sink completely into the snow. Modern snowshoes are lightweight and designed for easy walking, with the heel left 'free' for natural movement. Walking poles help with rhythm and balance, but the learning curve is remarkably gentle. Within minutes of strapping on snowshoes, you'll be exploring off-piste terrain that would be impossible to reach on foot, making it perfect for anyone wanting to explore winter terrain without technical climbing skills.

• What equipment do you provide for winter activities?

  We provide all specialist equipment to ensure your safety and comfort throughout your winter adventure. This includes high-quality modern snowshoes made of lightweight materials, adjustable walking poles designed for winter conditions, and comprehensive safety equipment where required. All equipment is regularly maintained and replaced to ensure optimal performance and safety. You'll just need warm, waterproof clothing appropriate for mountain conditions – we provide detailed packing lists tailored to your specific destination and time of year. Our equipment is selected by experts who understand both performance requirements and comfort needs for multi-day winter adventures.

• How challenging are winter walking holidays?

  Our winter walking holidays are carefully graded using our clear 1-3 system, from gentle winter walks suitable for most fitness levels to more challenging mountain adventures for experienced walkers. Grade 1 holidays typically involve 3-5 hours of walking daily on well-maintained paths with frequent stops at warming huts. Grade 2 adventures, including most snowshoeing trips, involve 4-6 hours daily with more varied terrain but remain achievable for anyone with reasonable fitness. Grade 3 adventures may include walking in unprepared snow and steeper mountain terrain, perfect for those seeking more challenging winter experiences. Winter walking can be more demanding than summer due to snow conditions and shorter daylight hours, but routes are carefully chosen to match group abilities, and detailed fitness requirements are provided for each holiday.

• What's the weather like during winter activities?

  Winter mountain weather can be wonderfully clear with bright blue skies and spectacular visibility that photographers dream of – those crisp, clear days when snow reflects sunlight creating an almost magical luminescence. Temperatures vary significantly by altitude and region: valley floors might be pleasantly cool while higher elevations require full winter gear. Our expert guides monitor weather constantly, with access to detailed local forecasts and mountain conditions. They adjust routes daily to ensure optimal experiences while maintaining safety, often knowing secret alternatives when conditions require flexibility. Winter mountain weather can change quickly, which is why our guides' local knowledge is invaluable – they know which valleys stay sunny longest and where to find shelter if needed.

• Are winter walking holidays suitable for solo travellers?

  Absolutely! Many of our winter walking guests are solo travellers who love the friendly, welcoming atmosphere of small group adventures. Winter experiences naturally bring people together – there's something about shared moments like warming up with hot drinks after a day in snowy landscapes, or watching sunrise light up snow-covered peaks, which creates lasting bonds. The intimate nature of winter mountain experiences, combined with the cosy atmosphere of Alpine hotels and mountain huts, means solo travellers often find themselves part of a close-knit group within hours of meeting. Many lifelong friendships have been forged on these special winter journeys, and our expert guides are skilled at creating inclusive group dynamics where everyone feels welcome.

• When is the best time for winter walking holidays?

  The winter walking and snowshoeing season typically runs from December through March, with timing varying by altitude and location. December and January offer the most reliable snow conditions but shorter daylight hours. February and March often provide the perfect combination of good snow cover with increasing daylight hours and stronger sun, making them ideal for photography and longer daily adventures. Our destinations in Austria, Switzerland, Spain's Pyrenees, Italy's Dolomites, and Bulgaria's mountains each have optimal seasons. Our expert team monitors conditions across all destinations and can advise on optimal timing for specific regions, ensuring you experience the best possible winter mountain conditions.

• What type of accommodation can I expect?

  We handpick characterful hotels and lodges that enhance rather than simply support your winter experience. From cosy Alpine hotels with roaring fires where locals gather for après-adventure drinks, to traditional mountain lodges where the smell of wood smoke mingles with hearty regional cooking. Many of our winter accommodations feature spa facilities perfect for relaxing after mountain adventures, while others focus on authentic Alpine atmosphere with wood-panelled rooms and traditional décor. In Switzerland, stay at properties like Seiler's Vintage Hotel in Kandersteg; in Austria, enjoy traditional hotels like Hotel Gruner Baum in Bach. After days exploring winter landscapes, returning to comfortable, atmospheric accommodation becomes part of the adventure's rhythm.