The snow crunches beneath your snowshoes, a silent winter forest opens up ahead, and the majestic 3,000-metre peaks of Hohe Tauern National Park glisten in the sun. This is exactly what our guests come to the Rauris Valley for: a winter that is calmer, clearer, and far more personal than the hustle and bustle of major ski resorts.
Around 35 km of groomed winter hiking trails and wide powder slopes make the valley one of Austria’s most beautiful and versatile regions for snowshoeing and winter hiking. From gentle valley paths for the whole family to panoramic high-altitude routes, there is something for every pace.
As a certified 4-star hiking hotel, Hotel Rauriserhof is your ideal base right in the middle of it all – with a team that knows every trail, every viewpoint, and every hidden gem in the valley firsthand.
We hike here ourselves all year round. We pass this local experience directly on to you on every tour:
1. Kolm Saigurn Snowshoe Trail (No. 65)
The classic trail of the valley – and rightfully a favorite among our guests.
2. Rauris Primeval Forest & Valley End
A place where time seems to stand still.
3. Hochbühl – Hochalm Winter Hiking Trail (No. 66)
Fresh mountain air and sweeping panoramas – ideal if you love wide-open views.
4. Seidlwinkltal & Krumltal Valleys
Gentle, quiet, and perfect for easing into your holiday.
To ensure your winter adventure is safe and enjoyable from start to finish, here are our essential recommendations:
Ready to leave your first tracks in the powder snow? Secure your winter stay at Rauriserhof now – we look forward to showing you the very best of the Rauris Valley!
The Rauris Valley, in the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park, is one of the loveliest places for snowshoeing in Salzburgerland. Around 35 km of cleared winter walking paths and wide powder slopes lead through quiet stone pine and spruce forests to Kolm Saigurn at the head of the valley, beneath the Hoher Sonnblick (3,106 m). From gentle valley paths to high routes with sweeping views, everyone can find their own pace here.
The classic is snowshoe trail no. 65 from Alpengasthof Bodenhaus to Kolm Saigurn. For wide views, try winter path no. 66 from Hochbühl to the Hochalm, which you reach by the Rauriser Hochalmbahnen gondola. The valley paths in the Seidlwinkl and Krumltal valleys are relaxed and a lovely way to start, and with a bit of luck you'll see bearded vultures and golden eagles circling above the cliffs. The snow-covered Rauris primeval forest at the head of the valley is a very special experience.
It's moderate and very manageable for anyone who enjoys walking. From Alpengasthof Bodenhaus (1,280 m), the trail climbs around 370 m through deep-snow forest to Kolm Saigurn (1,600 m); allow about three hours. For the first 500 m or so to the Jagahäusl you walk along the road without snowshoes, then the trail begins on the left. It's waymarked and easy to follow without a guide.
The free valley bus runs to Alpengasthof Bodenhaus on several days a week, including the days of the ranger tours. For the Hochbühl to Hochalm path, take the Rauriser Hochalmbahnen gondola to the middle or top station; the path starts just behind the drag lift. The valley paths in the Seidlwinkl and Krumltal valleys start just a few minutes from Rauris.
Not at all. If you can walk, you can snowshoe, and within a few minutes you'll have the hang of it. The gentle valley paths in the Seidlwinkl and Krumltal valleys or the easy route from Hochbühl to the Hochalm are great for a first outing. For an even more relaxed start, join a guided tour, so the route and the pace are taken care of.
Yes, two kinds. The Rauriserhof's own hiking guides head out with guests five times a week, to viewpoints you'd hardly find without local knowledge. There are also national park ranger tours, most recently on Wednesdays into the Hüttwinkl valley and on Fridays through the Rauris primeval forest, both meeting at the Bodenhaus car park. Snowshoes are provided, the ranger tours are free with the guest card, and booking is required.
Yes, and it's great fun. The flat paths in the Seidlwinkl and Krumltal valleys are made for families, and the Tilly trail winds through the snow around Kreuzboden. Children aged 10 and over can join the national park ranger tours, and 10 to 16-year-olds go free with a parent.
As a Rauriserhof guest, you can borrow snowshoes, telescopic poles and gaiters free of charge at the hotel for your whole stay. Intersport Pirchner and Sport Egger in the village also hire out snowshoes, and on the ranger tours they're provided at the meeting point.
Sturdy, ankle-high, waterproof walking boots give you a secure footing. Dress in layers: breathable base layers, a warm mid-layer and a windproof, waterproof jacket, plus a hat and gloves. Pack a flask of tea, a few snacks, sunglasses, sun cream and a head torch.
Stay on the marked paths and respect the wildlife quiet zones, so the animals in the national park can get through the winter in peace. Before every outing, check the Salzburg avalanche bulletin and the weather forecast. If there's an avalanche risk, please respect the barriers at the head of the valley. If you're unsure, it's best to go with the hotel's hiking guides or a national park ranger.
Yes. As a hiking hotel in the heart of Rauris, the team knows every route in the valley, the hotel's own guides head out with you five times a week, and you can borrow the kit free of charge. After your walk, warm up in the BergSpa with its sauna, indoor pool and heated outdoor pool, and treat tired legs to a massage. If you'd like to try the trails too, see cross-country skiing in Rauris.
