Snowshoeing in the Alps: A Guide to the Best Trails and Hikes

Snowshoeing is an activity that I rediscovered only 3 years ago. Yes because I have to admit that I cannot skiing, much better tobogganing! But I cannot do without walking to enjoy beautiful landscapes, even in winter! And though the cold is not my ideal mate, snowshoeing is an activity I always recommend if you do not want to miss a glimpse of untouched nature and large expanses of snow enjoying a religious silence in winter.

You can rent snowshoes (bett renting them if you are starting now) or you can buy them. Wearing the snowshoes does not require any technical course. Just a bit far from villages you will be in the middle of beautiful landscapes, with woods and clearings inhabited by foxes and hares.

TIP: Check the snow risk forecast and always give people news about where are you going and your return times!

Here are my favourite place for snowshoeing in the Alps, Italy:

– VAL DI FIEMME: start from the Paneveggio Natural Park until Valles. Then, after arriving at the bridge that crosses the river Traignolo, you can put on your snowshoes. The trail is marked. You will reach the Venegia refuge through the wood, in about half an hour. It is a cabin in the middle of a clearing surrounded by spruce. Very impressive! The trail leads to the slopes of Mount Castellazzo, until the Cervino refuge. Have a look at these amazing excursions with snowshoes.

TIP: if you can make a small detour, head towards the famous Segantini hut at Passo Rolle (closed in winter). This is one of the most famous landscapes of the Dolomites.

– VAL FERRET. This is one of the most charming destinations in Val d’Aosta and also one of my favorites. From Courmayeur head to Val Ferret which you can also reach by a free ski bus. There are a few bends to overcome, then you arrive at a large valley surrounded by the snow with the summit of Mount Bianco, which stands out against the background. You can walk along the trail going up the valley up to the Arp Nouvaz.

– ALTA PUSTERIA. One of the most popular activites in Alta Pusteria is called “backcountry”. It consists in climbing the snow capped mountains off the beaten track with backpack and skiboard on your shoulders and then jump into the backcountry. You can also wear your snowshoes. A stunning spot you cannot miss is Mount Calvo; you can reach the first peak by following the Alta Via del Dobbiaco. Here you can enjoy fabulous sunrises. Website.

– LIVIGNO. In this area, snowshoes are called “drezola”. Snowshoes can be rented with only €3. And I recommend it highly, because Livigno is full of several charming paths immersed into the nature. Local mountain guides organize snowshoes excursions in the Stelvio National Park. If you feel safer with a guide the cost is about €170 per person from 9:00 to 12:30.

TIP: between Val Federia and Val Saliente up to Plan da la Pontiglia you can walk safely.

– VAL MARTELLO. In my opinion, Val Martello valley is more beautiful than Val d’Ultimo and Val Passiria in Val Venosta (South Tyrol). It is immersed in the Stelvio Park. Here you can enjoy an unspoilt nature and there aren’t ski resorts. It’s a paradise with many scenic trails and stunning views of the Gruppo dell’Ortles and Cevedale. Large spaces, silence and the view of the Stelvio glacier. Website.

TIP: Lake Gioveretto is very pircturesque. Then, refuge Nino Corsi is a famous stop for many climbers.

– VAL GARDENA. Another great place for snowshoeing in the Alps is Val Gardena. I recommend a trail for the beginners. From Selva take Vallunga, a side valley. Just at the beginning of the trail enters a flat path in the woods, crossing the path of skiers and coming up to the expanse of the Pra da Rì. I fell in love with the view of the Sassolungo and the Alpe de Siusi.

– COGNE. Just outside Cogne there is Valnontey which is very nice to climb on snowshoes especially at night! Yes, at night thanks to the guides you can learn the name of stars and planets. Guides points a laser at the sky to show stars and planets. You could be lucky enough to meet some chamois in the woods.

– VAL DI FASSA. If you are expert with your snowshoes I recommend the climb to the Locia Contrin hut behind the Marmolada. At first you’ll have to face a slope but then the trail starts getting flat and you’ll be in the plateau between the Gran Vernel and Monzoni. The view is quite amazing!

– TARVISIO. Take the cable car of Mount Lussari which also serves Di Prampero, the ski slope in Friuli Venezia Giulia. Here is a beautiful sanctuary dated 1300. We are above 1,700 meters and the view on the basin of Tarvisio surrounded by mountains is breathtaking. Also Fusine lakes on the border with Slovenia are beautiful!

These are just some of the most beautiful places for snowshoeing in the Alps! You don’t want to miss these breathtaking views, right?