Snowshoeing from Leutasch: The 5 Best Routes

Guests staying at the Wilderer Chalets have a snowshoeing paradise right on their doorstep. Leutasch sits at 1,136 metres in the Wetterstein mountain range and offers an extensive network of snowshoe trails — from gentle walks through snow-covered forests to stamina-testing mountain hikes with panoramic views.

Why Leutasch is perfect for snowshoeing

The Leutasch valley stretches for over 16 kilometres and lies mostly between 1,000 and 1,400 metres altitude. This means reliable snow cover from December to March, hardly any avalanche-prone slopes, and a stunning backdrop of the Karwendel and Wetterstein mountains. Unlike the larger ski resorts in the area, Leutasch remains quieter and more unspoiled.

The 5 best routes

1. Gaistal: from Salzbach to the Hämmermoosalm (easy, 1.5–2 hrs)

The classic beginner's tour of a Leutasch winter — this is exactly the route the tourist board offers as an easy snowshoe hike. You start at the Salzbach car park at the entrance to the Gaistal and follow the Leutascher Ache gently up the valley, first through snow-covered forest, then across open meadows to the Hämmermoosalm at 1,417 metres. Around 4 kilometres and 180 metres of elevation gain there and back, no avalanche terrain — and without snowshoes you simply take the cleared winter walking trail W11. At the top, Kaspressknödel (cheese dumplings) and a sun terrace await (December to March, closed on Wednesdays); if you have a sledge with you, you can toboggan back down to the valley on the natural toboggan run.

2. Winter loop around the Weidachsee (easy, 1 hr)

This short loop starts at the music pavilion in Weidach — virtually on the doorstep of the Wilderer Chalets. The winter walking trail W9 circles the frozen Weidachsee in 3.8 kilometres with just 40 metres of elevation gain, through quiet forest and with views of the snow-covered slopes; if you want more, add the detour along the Leutascher Ache (5 kilometres, 1.5 hours). Perfect for a late afternoon before heading back to the warm fireplace.

3. Leutasch – Mösern (moderate, 2.5 hrs)

Those looking for more elevation gain can hike from Leutasch up to Mösern at 1,206 metres. At the top, a magnificent view of the Inn Valley and the Karwendel range awaits you. For the return, you walk back the same way or arrange a pickup.

4. Wildmoosalm circular route (moderate, 3 hrs)

The Wildmoosalm at 1,338 metres is a popular snowshoe destination in winter. The trail leads through open mountain forest and across Alpine meadows. The alm hut serves warm drinks and traditional Tyrolean snacks — the perfect turning point before descending back into the valley.

5. Snowshoe trail S4 to the Rauthhütte (moderate, 2.5 hrs)

The most athletic tour in our selection is the marked snowshoe trail S4: from the car park at the Ropferstub’m in Buchen it climbs 4.3 kilometres and around 390 metres of elevation gain up to the Rauthhütte below the Hohe Munde, then descends to the Mundestadl. The ascent requires fitness, but rewards you with quiet winter scenery and sweeping views across the valley. Good equipment and some experience are recommended — and it's best to check the hut's opening hours beforehand.

Equipment & tips

• You can hire snowshoes in Seefeld and Leutasch — the sports shops and the tourist board can point you in the right direction
• Poles are recommended on all routes — they relieve pressure on knees and shoulders
• Sturdy hiking boots or mountain boots are sufficient for all easy to moderate routes
• Start early: the trails are often untouched in the morning and the snow is at its best
• Check the weather forecast: Alpine conditions can change quickly

After a snowshoe hike, an evening by the fireplace feels even better – at Chalet Steinadler and Landhaus Moritz, your own sauna awaits too.

Wilderer Chalets Team

Whether you're stepping into snowshoes for the first time or you're an experienced winter hiker — Leutasch has the right route for everyone. And when you return exhausted and happy, the fireplace and terrace in your Wilderer Chalet will be waiting for you – at Steinadler, your own sauna too.