Winter Walking in Trins, Austria

From the picturesque village of Trins we'll explore three different valleys in the heart of the stunning Tyrol, each offering a vast range of walking tracks amid spectacular alpine scenery. Walking paths rise directly into Gschnitz and Obernbergtal Valleys where we enjoy walking through forests under the impressive flanks of the rugged Stubai mountains.

Our journey into the Schmirntal Valley, which ascends east into the Zillertal Alps, offers other equally impressive panoramas and the chance to experience an thrilling toboggan run. We may also choose to discover the high rolling plateau of Maria Waldrast (1700m), a unique mountain location above Trins, which is home to a former medieval Servite monastery. Each walk allows us to stop for refreshments in traditional mountain huts, like Nosslach, where we'll have the chance to savour some exceptional Tyrolean cuisine. Innsbruck is also easily reachable from Trins, where the varied architecture of this beautiful city can be discovered by simply walking along the banks of the Inn River.

Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Start Trins.

Day 2 - 7
Five guided winter walks, plus one free day. From Trins itself walking paths ascend the Gschnitz valley to the hamlet of Feuerstein, and continue on to the head of the valley, under the impressive flanks of the rugged Stubai mountains. Other routes take us down-valley to Steinach and follow a forest road up to Nosslach hut to the south; or we may take a path up to the refreshment hut at Bergeralm from where there is an impressive panorama (and a cable-car to bring us back to the valley). A little further afield we walk in the Obernbergtal where we reach the delightful Obernberger See at 1590m. We also explore the high rolling plateau of Maria Waldrast just north of Trins.

Day 8
End Trins.

Is this trip for you?
Winter walking is ideal for those who want an active week in magnificent scenery, but are not tempted by snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. The emphasis is on relatively gentle walking at a relaxed pace, with plenty of time to admire the scenery. You walk mostly on paths and forest tracks, many of which are cleared or rolled after new snowfall. While there may be some walking in unprepared snow, winter walking weeks do not use snowshoes. Each day the leader will carefully assess the situation and choose the route according to current conditions and those forecast, with the over-riding priority being group safety. Your leaders are required not to proceed with any proposed route (including those mentioned in brochure or trip notes) if they believe the risk to be too high.

From the door of your hotel the free ski bus links up with Trins and Steinach ski area, which feature 25km of downhill slopes (mainly for beginners). Ski rental prices for downhill kit are approx £15 per day. Although Exodus give information on the alpine skiing in their winter resorts, our leaders are not alpine instructors and may only be able to give limited advice about the facilities / conditions.

NB. All active winter holidays involve some element of risk; from something as normal as slipping on icy pavements, to the possibility of injuries sustained as a result of the activities themselves. While Exodus do all they can to minimize any dangers, participants must be prepared to accept some risk as part of the holiday. We recommend purchasing a form of shoe grips (not crampons), which fit to walking boots to enable safe walking on icy snow. These can be obtained locally in Trins.

This trip is based at: Hotel Wienerhof
Hotel Wienerhof is a comfortable base situated in the heart of the village of Trins. The traditional main building has a cosy dining room and separate bar, while just across the narrow village street the second, more modern building houses a sauna and enhanced relaxation area (no charge) along with the opportunity for a massage (not included). The hotel is renowned for its food; most evenings we have three choices of main course, plus a vegetarian option, and there is always a plentiful salad buffet. Complimentary tea, coffee and cake are served each afternoon. Austrian-twin and single rooms have shower and WC and may be in either buildings.