A journey through history, art and countryside in Umbria, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Italy.
Call us on 01707 817260
Or, email us at customersupport@rambleworldwide.co.uk
Call us on 01707 817260
Or, email us at customersupport@rambleworldwide.co.uk
Experience the magic of guided winter walking holidays that transform snowy landscapes into your personal winter playground. When the world quiets under a blanket of snow, some of the most extraordinary walking experiences await – and with over 75 years of expertise, we know exactly where to find them.
Winter walking holidays and snowshoeing adventures are ideal if you want an active escape in magnificent winter scenery that doesn't require any technical skill. Unlike skiing, our winter activities welcome everyone – from complete beginners to seasoned mountain enthusiasts. No previous experience, special technique, or specific clothing is required beyond warm, waterproof layers.
Strap on a pair of snowshoes and walk off-piste into peaceful white wilderness, out of bounds to most people. Snowshoes liberate you from prepared tracks and crowds – if you can walk, you can snowshoe. It's brilliantly simple and remarkably effective.
Just you, your fellow walkers, and an experienced local guide to show you the hidden corners of the mountains – those secret viewpoints locals have treasured for generations, warming mountain huts, and forest tracks where snow-laden branches create natural cathedrals.
Some skiers spend years trying to get off piste but never quite manage it. Sometimes, the answer is so simple: just ditch the skis, strap on a pair of snowshoes, and walk.
Austria really knows how to do winter - trees heavy with snow, picturesque alpine villages, log fires and glühwein create a magical atmosphere.
Enjoy sparkling winter walking in the German Alps and around the magical Oberammergau and King Ludwig’s castles...
Situated high on a mountain plateau in the Bernese Oberland, Kandersteg is very much a traditional Swiss village offering classic winter walking paths.
Our winter walking holidays open up a world that many never experience, combining the thrill of exploration with the reassurance of expert guidance:
75+ years of expertise - We've been pioneering walking holidays since 1946, perfecting winter itineraries across Europe's most spectacular landscapes.
Handpicked destinations - From Switzerland's Alpine meadows to Austria's snowshoeing routes, Spain's Pyrenean wilderness, Italy's dramatic Dolomites, Germany's Bavarian valleys, and Bulgaria's untouched mountains.
Local expert guides - Passionate locals who know exactly where to find the best powder snow, which valleys catch morning light most beautifully, and where to spot winter wildlife tracks.
Authentic experiences - Stay in characterful mountain hotels and warm up in traditional huts where locals have gathered for generations.
Perfect timing - Every detail considered, from daily walk timing to catch the best light, to seasonal planning for optimal snow conditions.
All levels welcome - Clear 1-3 grading system ensures you find the right challenge, from gentle winter walks to adventurous snowshoeing.
Winter Walks in Kandersteg, Switzerland: Explore this traditional Swiss village offering classic winter walking paths, surrounded by snow-covered meadows and wooded lower slopes with high peaks rising to over 3600m. Experience the Lötschberg rail tunnel to Valais and enjoy the pristine winter scenery without requiring special equipment.
Bach in the Lechtal, Austria: Discover snowshoeing routes through snow-covered meadows, spruce woods, and hills covered in 'icing sugar' in Austria's Northern Tyrol. Enjoy evening flaming torchlight walks and savour fondue lunches at 1812m with spectacular Alpine views.
St. Zyprian in the Dolomites, Italy: Walk surrounded by the finest Alpine scenery with the jagged outlines of the Catinaccio, Rosengarten, and Sciliar group peaks. Experience pure wilderness snowshoeing across virgin terrain unmarked except for occasional wildlife tracks.
German Alps Winter Adventures: Experience sparkling winter walking with local experts who know every trail and hidden valley, where traditional Bavarian hospitality meets spectacular Alpine scenery.
Search all tours to discover more winter walking destinations and find the perfect match for your next winter walking holiday.
All of our winter walking holidays and snowshoeing are graded for difficulty and the level of fitness required using our clear 1-3 activity grading system. None require special skill or clothing beyond appropriate winter layers – on all our snowshoeing trips we provide the snowshoes, walking poles, and on more challenging routes, safety equipment where required.
Our winter walking holidays prove that you don't need to ski to experience the best of winter in the mountains. While ski resorts buzz with crowds and lift queues, our winter walking routes take you to peaceful valleys and forest tracks, many cleared or rolled after fresh snowfall, where the only sounds are your footsteps and the whisper of wind through snow-heavy pines.
All routes are led by our experienced leaders and local experts who've spent years perfecting these itineraries. They know which morning trails catch the light most beautifully, where to pause for that perfect photograph, and exactly when to suggest a warming stop at a traditional mountain hut.
This makes our holidays ideal if you're looking for non-skiing winter holidays but still want to immerse yourself in magical surroundings with the chance to stay in handpicked hotels full of character. From cosy Alpine lodges with roaring fires to boutique mountain hotels where local chefs create memorable meals using regional ingredients, we've chosen accommodation that enhances your winter adventure.
Whether you're completely new to winter walking or looking for your next snowy adventure, we have something perfect for you. Our carefully graded system ensures you'll find the right level of challenge:
Perfect if you want to experience winter landscapes without technical challenges. These holidays follow well-maintained paths and forest tracks with stunning views and comfortable accommodation. Typical daily walks of 3-5 hours with plenty of stops to admire the scenery and warm up with hot drinks at traditional mountain huts.
Step off the beaten track with snowshoes – it's surprisingly easy to learn and opens up terrain that's impossible to reach on foot. Most people master the technique within minutes, and suddenly virgin powder snow becomes your pathway to hidden valleys and secret viewpoints. Daily adventures of 4-6 hours with more challenging terrain but always within the capabilities of anyone with reasonable fitness.
For those seeking more challenging winter terrain, combine winter walking with cable car access to reach higher altitudes and more dramatic scenery. These adventures may include some walking in unprepared snow and steeper mountain paths, perfect for experienced walkers wanting to push their winter boundaries while remaining safe with expert guidance.
All equipment is provided, including modern lightweight snowshoes made of durable materials, adjustable walking poles for rhythm and balance, and safety equipment where required. Our expert leaders ensure you're comfortable and confident every step of the way, with comprehensive briefings and ongoing support throughout your adventure.
Despite being one of our favourite activities, lots of ramblers have never heard of snowshoeing. With that in mind, we’ve compiled this handy introductory guide, detailing what you’ll need to get started and the best spots to try it out.
Read moreNow this is a good escape from the normal winter blues. I’d never tried being out and about on snowshoes before and was pleasantly surprised to find there was little to master, and they enable you to get out and into wonderfully unspoilt scenery – leaving all the skiers behind.
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