5 gentle winter sports to try
The winter months attract many of us to the mountains for sporting activities. But the classics of skiing and snowboarding are not only extremely expensive, but often not particularly sustainable either. But those who want to be more careful with the environment and resources do not have to miss out on fun in the snow. There are numerous alternatives to the classic Winter sportsWe'll tell you which gentle winter sports these are.
Very important: Most of the gentle winter sports mentioned take place in the great outdoors. Please only move in terrain that you are familiar with, find out about avalanche safety and weather conditions or, better yet, book a guide to go with you. Safety always comes first!
1. Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is one of the most original ways to move through deep snow. With special snowshoes, you can explore the landscape without sinking into the snow. Snowshoeing does not require any special equipment other than shoes and poles and is also particularly suitable for beginners and families. It is not only easy on the joints and improves endurance, but also offers you a unique connection to nature. Away from the crowded ski slopes and without the need for ski lifts, you can experience the tranquility of the winter forests and enjoy the fresh air and peaceful atmosphere to the fullest.
2. Winter hiking
Who says you can only hike in summer? Many hiking trails are also groomed in winter and are easy to walk with sturdy, waterproof shoes and suitable clothing. Apart from that, winter hiking does not require any special equipment and offers the opportunity to explore the snowy landscape without much effort or special preparation. It is an activity that is particularly suitable for beginners, families and older people, as they can choose the pace and route individually.
3. Cross-country skiing
Cross-country skiing is one of the most efficient and gentle winter sports when it comes to the strain on the entire body. Whether you do it in the classic style or the more sporty skating style: the sport on two narrow skis promotes both fitness and coordination. The gentle, even movement is also easy on the joints and allows you to be active without going too fast. Cross-country ski trails often run through picturesque forests and valleys and do not require any major intervention in nature. Compared to skiing, the equipment is also simpler, less expensive and can often be used for many years.
4. Ski touring
Ski touring has become really popular in recent years. Equipped with special touring skis and skins that prevent you from slipping back on the way up, you slowly climb uphill - until you can finally enjoy the untouched nature on the way down. Ski touring combines the joy of skiing with an intense experience of nature, as the routes usually run away from the ski slopes and provide access to particularly quiet and secluded corners of the mountains. It is definitely a demanding sport that requires endurance and surefootedness, but also gives you an incomparable feeling of freedom.
5. Tobogganing
You could say that tobogganing is not a sport, but have you ever hiked up a mountain with a toboggan in tow? It's pretty strenuous. If you want to take a gentle approach to tobogganing, skip the lift or gondola and head out on foot. This is not only much more sustainable, but will also give you a rewarding feeling on the descent, similar to ski touring. If you're looking for a little adventure, you can also toboggan in the evening (on illuminated slopes!) equipped with a headlamp and a warm cup of tea, and experience the snowy landscape from a completely new perspective.
More exciting articles about winter:
FIVE PLACES FOR WINTER SPORTS
CAR-FREE WINTER HOLIDAY IN CARINTHIA
EXPERIENTIVE WINTER IN THE ZUGSPITZ REGION
FIVE PLACES IN WINTER
Nadine Pinezits
Nadine is a freelance editor and copywriter. She lives in Austria and commutes between Salzburg and Vienna. This means she is either in the mountains or in the urban jungle, but at the same time tries to spend as much time as possible in her beloved country, Portugal.
Ulla Maurer
Unfortunately, I can't see any DB connections from Frankfurt or Munich on the train navigator! There have probably been changes since your article "car-free Carinthia" was written?