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Snowshoeing couple at summit with Steinberge panorama

Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing from DAS SAAL Saalfelden

Walk. Don't drive.

Winter hiking and snowshoeing from Saalfelden. From the hotel straight into the snowy mountain world.

No lifts. No crowds. Just you and the snow.

Winter hiking in Saalfelden Leogang is the simplest way to experience winter. No equipment, no lift pass, no prior knowledge needed. Warm boots on, jacket zipped, out the door. The region offers over 50 km of cleared and groomed winter hiking trails – from flat lakeside paths to panoramic circuits with stops at mountain huts. For families with children, couples seeking peace, and anyone who wants to experience winter away from the slopes.

Our favourite winter hikes.

Five routes we recommend to our guests time and again. Tested by the team.

Ritzensee LoopEasyKinderwagen

Ritzensee Loop

Flat. Beautiful. Always good.

approx. 3 kmapprox. 45 min

The quick after-dinner loop. Flat around Lake Ritzensee with views of the Steinernes Meer and Leoganger Steinberge. Often frozen in winter – then ice skating takes place next door. Perfect for families, a digestive stroll or a morning start.

1,500 m from hotel / directly at Nordic Park

Ritzensee also has a floodlit cross-country trail and a natural ice rink. Several activities in one spot.

Schwarzleotal to KnappenstubeEasy

Schwarzleotal to Knappenstube

Romantic. Snow-covered. With a stop for food.

4.5 kmapprox. 1.5 hrs186 m

Through the shady Schwarzleotal valley, snow piles up particularly high – one of the most romantic winter hikes in the region. The destination is the Knappenstube at Unterberghaus, where regional delicacies are served.

Ski bus to Asitzbahn car park (from hotel door)

Bring a sledge or bum slider – for the way back downhill. Ideal with small children.

Pirzbichl Loop (Leogang)Medium

Pirzbichl Loop (Leogang)

Panorama classic. Farmsteads and mountain views.

6.5 kmapprox. 2.5 hrs138 m

Scenic circular hike past the Krallerhof, across farmsteads and snow fields with first-class panoramic views of the Leoganger Steinberge. Return along the Leoganger Ache. A classic you must experience.

Ski bus to Leogang

Can be combined with a stop at the wildlife enclosure – red and fallow deer can be spotted there.

Winter Trail on the AsitzEasy

Winter Trail on the Asitz

Cable car up. Hike above. Marvel everywhere.

variable1–2 hrs

Take the Asitz or Steinberg cable car to the top station and follow the winter hiking trail. Past the TONspur sound islands to the summit experience and on to Sonnkogel with the legendary Nature Cinema. Breathtaking views without having to climb 1,000 metres first.

Ski bus to Asitzbahn Leogang

Perfect for meeting up at lunchtime with the skiing family – eat on the mountain, ride down together.

Sinnlehenalm with Toboggan RunEasy–Medium

Sinnlehenalm with Toboggan Run

Hike up. Eat in. Sled down.

2.1 kmapprox. 1 hr uphill165 m

Many know Sinnlehenalm from summer – since 2022/23 it has been open in winter too. Hike up at a leisurely pace, stop for a meal at the top and sled back down when there is enough snow. The perfect combination of hiking, indulgence and adventure.

Start from Leogang village or Leogang fish pond

Check the alm's opening times beforehand – the reception always has the latest information.

Deeper in. Further out. Quieter.

With snowshoes to where winter hiking trails end.

Strap on snowshoes and step into white silence. Almost soundlessly through deeply snow-covered forests, across untouched snow fields with views of the Steinberge. Snowshoeing is the most immersive way to experience winter in Saalfelden Leogang. Equipment hire is straightforward at sports shops in Saalfelden and Leogang. Good winter boots are all you need as a base.

Snowshoe Tour BibergEasy–Medium
The local mountain. Snowshoe up, sled down.

Snowshoe Tour Biberg

4.2 kmapprox. 3.5 hrs320 m

The Biberg is Saalfelden's local mountain. Either set off directly from the valley station or take the shuttle taxi to the middle station/Gasthof Huggenberg. From there continue to Berggasthof Oberbiberg at over 1,400 m with stunning views over the Saalfelden basin, Steinernes Meer and Leoganger Steinberge.

Free with Saalfelden Leogang Card, otherwise 20 euros/person. Snowshoe hire: 8 euros/person.

Guided snowshoe hikes
  • Weekly as part of the '365 Days Active & Creative' programme
  • Registration by 4 pm the day before
  • Often free or discounted with Saalfelden Leogang Card
  • Popular tours: Abergalm, Riedlalm, Snowshoe Trail on the Asitz

Start centrally. Return warm.

Location

Saalfelden centre. Ski bus stops at the door. Ritzensee trails and winter hiking paths 1,500 m away.

After the tour

Warm up in the restaurant. Austrian classics – from cheese dumpling soup to chocolate soufflé. Bar open until 11 pm.

Underground garage

Secured. 4 levels. 13 EV charging stations. No scraping snow off the car in the morning.

Saalfelden Leogang Card

Available at reception – many winter activities included or discounted.

Reception team

Current trail conditions, hut opening times, personal route recommendations – fresh every day.

Before you set off.

Winter hiking equipment

Good winter boots with tread, warm layered clothing, sunglasses, sun cream (reflection). Small backpack with water and snack. Optional: crampons/spikes for icy sections – available at local sports shops.

Snowshoe equipment

Winter boots (waterproof, ankle-high), snowshoes and poles (hire in Saalfelden and Leogang), gaiters recommended, change of clothing for the summit.

Respectful behaviour in the winter forest

The forest is a refuge for wildlife. Stay on marked trails, avoid noise, keep dogs on leads. Nature in Saalfelden Leogang is a gift – let's treat it that way.

Winter hiking map

Available at reception. All winter hiking trails, toboggan runs and snowshoe routes at a glance.

Good to know.

No. Good winter boots with tread are sufficient for most winter hiking trails. For icy sections we recommend crampons/spikes – available cheaply at local sports shops. Don't forget warm layered clothing, sunglasses and sun cream.

Snowshoes and poles are available for hire at sports shops in Saalfelden and Leogang. At Biberg, hire costs 8 euros per person. Guided tours from the weekly programme often include equipment.

The Ritzensee Loop is flat and wide enough for pushchairs. The other routes are better suited for carriers or older children. The reception team is happy to advise individually.

Lake Ritzensee is 1,500 m from the hotel. For routes in Leogang, the ski bus runs directly from the hotel door. The Saalfelden Leogang Card includes free public transport.

In rain or storms we recommend the Felsenfest climbing hall (500 m / 5-minute walk), Schloss Ritzen Museum, or a cosy afternoon at the hotel with sauna and restaurant.

Snowshoe hiking couple in deep snow with Steinberge panorama
DAS SAAL. Your winter hiking base camp.

Wake up. Breakfast.
Start walking.

Winter hiking trails directly accessible from the hotel. Ski bus at the door. Heated ski room. Restaurant with Austrian cuisine after the tour. Sauna to warm up. Old town on foot.

Stop for refreshments. Come back. And tomorrow? Simply a different route.

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