Safety tips for snowshoe hikers UNESCO World Heritage region of Hallstatt Dachstein Salzkammergut - © Kraft

Safety tips for snowshoe hikers

Safety tips for an accident-free snowshoe hike

The snowshoe hiker often seeks solitude and therefore often intrudes into the retreats of wild game. In order not to disturb the wildlife, we place particular emphasis on compliance with the following guidelines:

  • Observe the markings, instructions and recommendations
  • Always stay on marked or common hiking trails
  • Always avoid wild animals and their feeding points
  • Give a wide berth to forest boundaries, individual trees and groups of trees

Route planning:

There is a fundamental difference between marked snowshoe trails, as can be found more and more often around winter stations and routes that lead through the open countryside, where markings and paths are often not visible. Especially the latter require planning, experience and the ability to recognise nature’s signals.

  • Obtain weather forecasts
  • Check avalanche reports
  • Plan your route
  • Prepare a schedule
  • Plan alternative routes beforehand
  • • Use orientation aids (map, compass, altimeter)

The optimal equipment for snowshoeing:

  • Robust and waterproof hiking boots
  • Telescopic poles with large snow baskets
  • Weatherproof and warm winter clothes (Warm functional base layer, softshell jacket, windproof mountain trousers, Gore-Tex jacket, gloves, hat)
  • Rucksack (depending on the length of the tour 25-35 litres)
  • Topographic maps
  • Thermos flask with hot drink and a small snack (even energy bars)
  • Sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
  • Emergency Equipment: First aid kit and mobile phone

10 Code of conduct for snowshoers:

  • Observe Alpine hazards!
  • Before the tour always obtain avalanche and weather reports.
    The course must be safe from avalanches, fog, sudden weather changes and rock or ice fall!
  • Always carry the optimal equipment
  • An alternative route should always be at hand.
    Adapt the snowshoe tour to match the skills of all participants.
    Use information sources (weather forecast, mountain hut landlords) both before and during the tour.
  • Always carry a first aid kit in you rucksack for emergencies.
    Ensure sufficient intake energy and hydration (Tour tea and energy bars).

Emergency message:

  • The pan-European emergency number for the mobile or smart phones is: 112
  • The most important questions of rescue centre:
  • What happened? (Type of accident, number of injured, type of injuries)
  • Where did it happen? (precise location, terrain conditions, map coordinates)
  • How many injured? When did it happen? (Time)
  • Who is calling? (Phone number for callback)
  • Weather at the scene? (Visibility for potential air ambulance rescue)

Alpine distress signal:

The Alpine distress signal, valid within the whole of the Alps, for communication between accident victims and rescuers is that the person who requires assistance must give six signals (either visible or audible) at regular intervals within one minute. After a 1 minute pause, the signals are repeated until an "answer" is received in the form of a visible or audible signal (within 1 minute a visible and / or audible signal three times at regular intervals).

Uncomplicated winter fun in the World Heritage

Do you long for unspoilt landscape, making your own tracks in the fresh powder snow with not a soul in sight? For those looking for a real adventure during their winter holiday in the Salzkammergut, then the special "Easy snowshoeing" on the Krippenstein, in Obertraun on Lake Hallstatt is just for you: Simple, straightforward and always the complete adventure! Without obligation, simply browse through the accommodation directory of the Dachstein Salzkammergut holiday region and enjoy the anticipation of a wonderful winter holiday.

Informationen at a glamce

  • All 4 one
    Tourist information

    The 4 tourism offices of the
    UNESCO World Heritage region of H
    allstatt Dachstein Salzkammergut
    on a click
    Tourism information Bad Goisern
    Phone: +43 (0) 5 95095 100
    E-Mail
    Tourism information Gosau
    Phone +43 (0) 5 95095 20
    E-Mail 
    Tourism information Hallstatt
    Phone +43 (0) 5 95095 30
    E-Mail
    Tourism information Obertrau
    n
    Phone: +43 (0) 5 95095 40
    E-Mail

 

Search and Book