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Snowshoeing in the Allgäu Alps

Snowshoeing in the Allgäu Alps

Snowshoeing in the Allgäu Alps

Snowshoeing in the Allgäu Alps

Snowshoeing in the Allgäu Alps

Snowshoeing in the Allgäu Alps

Snowshoeing in the Allgäu Alps

Snowshoeing in the Allgäu Alps

Snowshoeing in the Allgäu Alps

Snowshoeing in the Allgäu Alps

Winter walking in the Allgäu Alps

Imagine the perfect winter escape - snow-dusted mountains, gorgeous alpine villages, and endless opportunities to explore. You’ll find it all in the breathtaking Allgäu Alps. Our base is the idyllic village of Bad Hindelang, where cobbled streets and characterful buildings sit against a backdrop of majestic peaks. Once famous for its sulphur spring cures in the 19th century, Bad Hindelang is now a renowned health resort and the perfect place to relax after a day in the snow.

Highlights

  • A vast range of snowshoe trails to explore
  • Experience a stunning mountain landscape 
  • Characterful village base with range of bars and cafes
  • Traditional buildings and architecture to enjoy
  • First class professional English speaking guide
  • Excellent plentiful meals throughout the week

With nearly 260 snowshoe routes accessible from the village, this is truly a paradise for winter walkers. Each day offers the chance to wander through serene forests, across sparkling meadows, and into wide-open alpine landscapes - an unforgettable blend of nature, wellness, and adventure.

Combine characterful Bavarian culture, architecture, folklore, food and stunning snowshoe summits and you have an idea of what this week offers. The Allgäu Alps is a range in the Northern Limestone Alps, sitting on the frontier between Bavaria, in Germany and the Tyrol and Vorarlberg in Austria. The range is directly east of Lake Constance, which is a huge expanse of water bordering Germany, Switzerland and Austria. The highest peak in the Allgäu Alps is the Hochfrottspitze, which reaches a height of 2,648 metres (8685ft). 

Holiday Reviews


The Allgäu is a peaceful and beautiful Alpine area for snowshoeing, & Ryan was an outstanding guide.
By Martin From UK | 12 March 2026
The Allgäu is a perfect snowshoeing destination, with its varied routes and deep-rooted Alpine culture. This trip delivered by Tracks & Trails exploits this to the full, with sound planning and a knowledgable and ... safety-conscious guide.
By Adam From UK | 27 February 2026
A wonderful trip, with a great guide, to a new area for me. Good food too!
By Catherine From UK | 22 February 2026

Snowshoeing in the Allgäu Alps was an excellent adventure with a wonderful group of people and our excellent guide Sarah. The logistics were faultless, from pre trip planning to completion. The ... accommodation was excellent and the meals superb. The snowshoeing was moderately challenging but very rewarding. I look forward to more adventures with Tracks and Trails.

By John, Aus, 2025. | 14 March 2025

An amazing escape to an off the beaten track area. Our guide was exceptional in accommodating everyone’s needs and the prevailing conditions to come up with fantastic days out. Our hotel was also packed with regional ... character to add to the experience.

By Becca, Scotland, 2024 | 06 February 2024

Fabulous relaxing playtime in the snow, with loads of instruction and respect for winter mountain conditions. Snowshoeing really opens up the accessible terrain! Great holiday!

By Mary, UK, 2024 | 06 February 2024

I had never snowshoed before. I am 76 and Ryan completely understood what was, and what was not, within my capabilities. Brilliant. The hotel was great for what we wanted, and the best moment, on the last day, was ... achieving the highest point of the tour in a blizzard, and then, leaving the blizzard behind, snowshoeing down through beautiful soft snow. A memorable experience. Hard work but well worth it!

By Janet, UK, 2024 | 06 February 2024

Sarah inspired complete confidence out on the mountains, judged the pace precisely, found us snow every day through careful planning, and was fun and engaging socially.

By Alison, UK, 2022 | 01 March 2022
From  £2,295

Grade: Intermediate

READ GRADE DESCRIPTION

At a Glance

Holiday Type Snowshoeing
Duration 8 Days
Group Size 4-8
Minimum Age 18
Maximum Altitude 2000m (6560ft)
Countries Visited Germany
Meet In Bad Hindelang, Germany

Dates and Prices

2027 Departures
Code Start Date Return Date Duration Price Status  
ALG1 07 Feb 2027
Sunday
14 Feb 2027
Sunday
8 days £2,295
Deposit: £700
Spaces Available Book Now
ALG2 14 Feb 2027
Sunday
21 Feb 2027
Sunday
8 days £2,295
Deposit: £700
Spaces Available Book Now
2028 Departures
Code Start Date Return Date Duration Price Status  
ALG1 06 Feb 2028
Sunday
13 Feb 2028
Sunday
8 days £2,430
Deposit: £700
Spaces Available Book Now
ALG2 13 Feb 2028
Sunday
20 Feb 2028
Sunday
8 days £2,430
Deposit: £700
Spaces Available Book Now
What's Included
  • Half board accommodation: Dinner, Bed and Breakfast in a 2** Hotel or similar; based on twin rooms
  • Professional guiding services of a qualified International Mountain Leader
  • Snowshoe equipment; snowshoes, snow shovel, probe, and avalanche transceiver
  • Free transfer from Sonthofen railway station to your hotel at Bad Hindelang
  • In resort transfers
What's Not Included
  • Poles
  • Lunches
  • Travel Insurance - required
  • Travel to & from meeting point
  • Miscellaneous personal spending

Itinerary

DAY 1
Arrival to Bad Hindelang

Today you arrive in the lovely Bavarian village of Bad Hindelang. Your guide will meet you at your hotel this evening, at approximately 1830 hrs, when you will be briefed about the week ahead. Information on getting there is available under Trip Information, 'Arrival and Departure'.

DAY 2
Bohleskopf

We begin our exploration of the beautiful Allgäu Alps with the summit of the Bohleskopf, which sits at 1569 metres (5146ft). This mountain is an excellent introduction to the area offering a circuit which includes great views, traditional farm buildings and a steady climb to ease you into the week. The starting point is on the mountainside above our base in the traditional village of Bad Hindelang which makes a great coffee stop on the way home. The name of todays mountain comes from the original Hindelanger dialect and means "cat-head”, though it is often translated to mean “hangover head”, the choice is yours! We begin on a wide trail,  which would be a cart track in summer, and which zig-zags up through the forest. We eventually pass the viewpoint at Imne, where there is a wooden cross and which offers one of the most beautiful views over Bad Hindelang. Then it is up past the tiny wooden Klank Chapel, and pass the Klank Hutte, and then the Karl-Hüller-Hütte, before heading straight up the ridge to the summit of Bohleskopf at 1569m (5146ft). Here there are excellent views of the Ostrachtal and the surrounding mountains. If conditions allow we can continue our circuit and descend by the west ridge, completing a wonderful day out.

Ascent: 705m (2312ft) Descent: 705m (2312ft) Distance: 9.1km (5.7 miles) Duration: 4h30-5h30

DAY 3
Rangiswanger Horn

We have another beautiful mountain in our sights today as we head for the Rangiswanger Horn. We begin with a short drive up the Gunzesrieder valley where we will start our snowshoe circuit of this lovely mountain. We take a route which easily traverses the south side of the Rangiswanger, ‘wang’ means peak, through farm lands and meadows. The trail is normally good, as it is a popular summit, and we can enjoy this steady 'warm up'. Eventually, we reach Oberalpe where the cattle graze in the summer months, and here we turn towards our summit. A steeper section through the forest means we gain ground quickly with views along the way of the Reidberger Horn, and the Tennesmooskopf which are also goals for our week in the Allgäu Alps. Finally, we reach the ridgeline and are greeted with a panorama of views right across the Allgäu. We then have a stunning last section on the ridge as we climb to the wooden summit cross. Normally, we take lunch by the ‘cross’ or just a little lower if windy. Then it’s a descent all the way back to the Gunzensreid valley taking us through pine forests, across gentle gullies and along ridge lines. 

Ascent: 657m (2154ft) Descent: 658m (2158ft) Distance: 8.8km (5.5 miles) Duration: 4h30-5h30

DAY 4
Immenstädter Horn

We love that we have so many ‘tops’ to consider in the Allgäu and the Immenstädter Horn is an excellent goal. We set off for the lakeside town of Immenstadt which lends its name to the mountain, and after a short drive we arrive at the tiny hamlet of Rieder where we begin our snowshoe walk. We begin our climb by wandering through the ancient forests until we reach the open alpage, and summer meadows. On the way to the Rabennestalpe we pass through a primeval beech forest to reach the old farm building at Kesselalpe. This is idyllically situated in the midst of a small high valley and is surrounded on three sides by mountains. This - also known as Karst - relief form was created by glaciers during the last ice age and there are a few ‘erratics’ on our route, these are immense boulders deposited by the glacier. The view from the summit cross at 1490m (4887ft) extends down to the Alpsee lake and - assuming clear weather conditions - far into the foothills of the Alps. The Immenstädter Horn does indeed feel like a very respectable summit and there are great photo opportunities from the top. Only a few steps south of the summit cross is a small wooden shelter where we can take our picnic lunch. We descend by way of Alp Alpe, another gorgeous open meadow area before re-joining our ascent route at Kesselalpe. 

Ascent: 682m (2236ft) Descent: 675m (2214ft) Distance: 9.6km (6 miles) Duration: 5h30-6h30

DAY 5
Bärenköpfle

The  Gunzesrieder valley has more snowshoe routes than we know what to do with! So this morning we head to the village of Gunzesrieder Säge where we will begin our climb to the Bärenköpfle which sits at 1476m (4841ft). Säge is the local word for a sawmill, and there is evidence of the plentiful supply of raw materials in the careful construction of the many wonderful old buildings that are to be found in this valley. We take a small path from the village that climbs through alpine meadows and past ancient farm buildings. After traversing along the valley for a little while we enter the forests and begin to gain height as we head for the alpage at Krumbachalpe. In the summer this would be where the cattle graze, but in winter the ancient chalets are under a blanket of snow and lie silent, no cow bells here while the snow covers the pastures. We can have a break here and enjoy the open views down to the valley before we start the steeper section that takes us to the summit of this fine mountain. We leave the farm, cross a meadow, and then take the ridge line to the top where we take time to identify some of the far flung peaks and summits. 

Ascent: 578m (1895ft) Descent: 578m (1895ft) Distance: 6.1km (3.8 miles) Duration: 4h00-5h00

DAY 6
Riedberger Horn

The route to the summit of the Riedberger Horn offers a great circuit that can be done in various forms depending on the snow conditions. It is a popular snowshoe walk and sometimes there is even a prepared track to make this day very relaxed. First we drive to the Riedbergpass, and it is here we will begin our hike. We make our way up the slopes of this small ski area, passing the Grasgehren Hut where we may well have a drink on our way back down, and begin to climb the ridge line to the summit which sits at 1786m (5858ft) offering fine views of the region. Earlier in the week it is likely your guide will have pointed out the Riedberger Horn as it can be clearly seen from the Gunzesried summits. There may be the option on the descent to do a short detour to visit the Berghaus Schwaben which has a reputation for good apple strudel! Please note the statistics given are for the shortest day on this mountain and will vary depending on the route.

Ascent: 350m (1148ft) Descent: 350m (1148ft) Distance: 4km (2.5 miles) Duration: 4h00

DAY 7
Tennenmooskopf

The Tennenmooskopf is our final goal of this week in the fabulous Allgäu Alps, in Bavaria. Kopf is the word for ‘top’ in German, and often means that it is a pleasing summit along with the words ‘spitze, gipfel, oberteil and dach’. So the Tennenmooskopf is a great way to end our week by getting to a lovely high point. We begin in the Gunzesried Valley where we have an easy warm up as we will follow the toboggan run to the Rappengschwendalpe hut. A relaxed start to the day gives time to enjoy the landscape before we start the more serious climb which will take us to the summit of the Tennenmooskopf which sits at 1615m (5297ft). Once we reach the open meadows after the hut it becomes clear where our route is taking us which will involve a short detour along a spur to reach the top where we get an excellent panorama to the south taking in the Bleicherhorn, Höllritzereck, RiedbergerHorn and all the main Allgäu peaks. From the summit we head south east and drop down to a high pass before returning full circle back down to the Rappengschwendalpe hut where we resume our easy descent to the valley along the toboggan run. 

Ascent: 757m (2482ft) Descent: 722m (2368ft) Distance: 13km (8 miles) Duration: 5h00-6h00

DAY 8
Departure

Tracks and Trails services end after breakfast.

We aim to follow the itinerary outlined above whenever possible. However, your guide may need to make changes due to weather conditions or in the interests of the group's safety and enjoyment. Snowshoes are used to assist with winter hiking, but if there is insufficient snow to require them, the trip will still go ahead as planned. Our kit list includes microspikes, as these may be needed in low-snow or icy conditions. Please let us know in advance if you would like to borrow a pair.

Accommodation

On all of our trips we aim to accommodate our guests in well-situated, comfortable, characterful, family run accommodation. Detailed below are examples of our favoured venues in the area. Our first choice, and the hotel we intend to use, is the Hotel Wiesengrund in Bad Hindelang. If unavailable at the time of booking we will use alternative accommodation of a similar standard. All of our trips are based on two people sharing a bedroom, what we call a 'twin' means two single beds in one bedroom. However, on many of our trips single rooms are available on request for a supplementary fee. Please contact us to discuss this. 

Hotel Wiesengrund, Bad Hindelang

Hotel

The Hotel Wiesengrund is a family run hotel in the stunning Allgäu mountains. It is managed by the third generation of the Kullmann family.

The hotel has a spa with sauna and a hamman for relaxation. The traditional style rooms come with free WiFi and a seating area. Rooms are en suite with either a bath or shower - hairdyrers are supplied. It is 300 m from the Hornbahn cable car if you would like a trip up the mountain! Free parking is available, and Friedrichshafen Airport is 66 km away. A hearty breakfast is served daily, and guests will find numerous cafes and restaurants within 15 minutes’ walk. It is the perfect base from which to explore the area.

Trip Information

Arrival & Departure

There are various options for arriving and departing from Bad Hindelang, in the Allgäu Alps. 

You can travel by train from London to Sonthofen.  There are a few routes to choose from depending on how long you would like your journey to be.  The quickest route is via Paris and Stuttgart.  Start by taking the Eurostar to Paris, here you hop onto the TGV to Stuttgart and then the Deutsche Bahn to Ulm and finally to Sonthofen.  You can book these tickets through Trainline or with the service provider directly.

Major airports that you can fly to include Munich, Germany. You can travel all the way by train from Munich airport to Sonthofen using the one-day Bayern train ticket. The ticket allows up to 5 adults traveling together to use unlimited 2nd class seats in regional trains in Bavaria for one day. The airport shuttle bus operated by Lufthansa Express Bus leaves Munich airport every 30 mins to connect with Munich main station where trains also leave to Sonthofen with a journey time of around 2h22. Most trains will have 1 or 2 changes, when transferring in Ulm, make sure to give yourself enough time. Also be aware that some of the trains split in 2, and one half continues on to Sonthofen and the other half to somewhere else. When getting onto the carriage, make sure your carriage has the label Sonthofen!

You can also fly to Zurich, in Switzerland. The train station is located within the airport building, and you can take a train to Sonthofen, Germany with trains leaving every 4 hours and a journey time of approximately 3hrs 30mins. 

The nearest small airport is Memmingen which is sometimes referred to as Memmingen/Munich-West Airport. There are some flights from the UK to/from Memmingen. The train runs more regularly from Memmingen to Sonthofen. You can buy an "open" train ticket online for a slightly higher price which means that you have more flexibility to what time you take the train.

There is also Bodensee (Friedrichshafen) airport which is 66 km (41 miles) from Bad Hindelang. The airport has flights from a range of destinations including London.  

Sonthofen is also easily reached by train from many cities throughout Europe. It takes 10 hours from London to Sonthofen with a change in Paris. 

At Sonthofen we can arrange for you to be picked up by your hotel free of charge, and taken to Bad Hindelang. Make sure you have informed us of your travel plans so that we can arrange this for you. From the railway station at Sonthofen to Bad Hindelang it is 7.8 km (4.8 miles) and is a 10 minute drive. 

We find that rome2rio.com offers good information about the options available. 

Insurance

It is your responsibility to ensure any insurance taken out is appropriate for your trip and the activity you will be undertaking. Tracks & Trails cannot advise on insurance policies or be held responsible if, in the event of a claim, your insurance is inadequate. 

Activity, Injury and Mountain Rescue It is a condition of booking you are insured for mountain rescue, medical expenses, injury, illness, death, cost of repatriation and personal accident risks. The exception to the mountain rescue insurance requirement is if the trip is taking place in the United Kingdom or Norway where mountain rescue is free of charge. Ensure your insurance covers you to the maximum altitude given on your trip itinerary. The maximum altitude can be checked in the 'At A Glance' box on the trip page. 

Trip Cancellation/Curtailment Insurance Insurance should be booked as soon as we confirm your trip is going ahead. Deposit and balance payments are non-refundable unless it is Tracks and Trails who cancel the trip due to a failure to reach the minimum numbers required. In this case we offer a full refund or the option to transfer to another trip.

Baggage Loss/Equipment Damage We advise insurance which covers baggage loss/equipment damage.

All the above is detailed in our Terms and Conditions. For further information on insurance options click here.

Kit List

When packing for a trip in the mountains it is important to have the appropriate equipment and clothing. This kit list features items we believe are necessary for the weather you might encounter and the accommodation you will be staying in. 

Generally clothing for snowshoeing should be equivalent to that used for walking in the mountains in winter. For this trip the essential snowshoe equipment is provided free of charge. This includes snowshoes, snow probe, snow shovel, and avalanche transceiver. The carrying of this safety equipment is compulsory and demonstrates ‘best practice’. Note you should bring your own hiking poles, as we do not supply poles for this trip.  

If your shoesize is bigger than EU47 / UK 12 - get in touch so we can make sure to supply you with the correct snowshoes.

Equipment
  • Poles - not supplied, must have snow baskets

  • Snowshoes - supplied free of charge 

  • Avalanche Transceiver - supplied free of charge

  • Shovel - supplied free of charge 

  • Snow Probe - supplied free of charge 

  • Rucksack – 30-35 litres, with waist and chest strap. Ideally it should have a system that allows you to attach snowshoes if it is necessary to carry them.

  • Rucksack – waterproof liner/cover

  • Winter Hiking Boots - warm and waterproof. They must cover your ankles. A 'stiff' B2 boot which takes a crampon is not advised.

  • Bags to waterproof items, such as documentation

  • Gaiters - useful on days with deep fresh snow

  • Emergency foil blanket

  • Micro-spikes - recommended for conditions when snowshoes are not practical. Let us know if you'd like us to supply you with a set.

Clothing 

  • Waterproof jacket - essential, this must keep you dry during a day of continuous snowfall or at least as dry as any waterproof jacket ever keeps you!

  • Waterproof trousers - in case of heavy snowfall

  • Trousers - windproof and warm 

  • Thermal top - long sleeves

  • Thin fleece - long sleeves

  • Waistcoat - fleece/wind stopper 

  • Gloves x 2 (one thick and one thin)

  • Over-mittens for colder days can be useful

  • Warm hat

  • Sun hat

  • Head/ear band 

  • Duvet jacket (or second warm layer)

  • Scarf or 'Buff' for neck

  • Socks - 2 or 3 pairs

Comfort

  • Lip salve

  • Sunscreen - essential

  • Sunglasses - essential

  • Goggles - very useful in snowfall

  • Snack bars/chocolate

  • Tissues - we recommend biodegradable bags to dispose of rubbish

  • Anti-bacterial hand wash

Personal First Aid

  • Personal medication 

  • Blister plasters (e.g. Compeed)

  • Painkillers/anti-inflammatory

  • Glucose tablets/Energy gel

  • 2 x Rehydration sachets - eg Dioralyte

  • Throat lozenges

  • Antiseptic cream/spray

Documentation 

  • Mountain Rescue/Ski Insurance documents - compulsory

  • Passport

  • Credit card

  • Cash - Euros

  • GHIC - if travelling from UK for medical cover

Additional Items

  • Slippers for use at accommodation

  • Clothing for use at accommodation

  • Hair dryer if required 

  • Travel Kettle if required 

  • Swimwear for sauna. This depends on which accommodation has been booked for your trip

  • Camera/ Book/Music

  • Toiletries – soap/shower gel; not all accommodation supplies these

  • Ear plugs - if room sharing

  • Small thermos for hot drinks

  • Head torch - plus spare batteries 

  • Sit mat (optional)

**Supplementary snacks if you follow a gluten free or coeliac diet**

Leaders are all first aid trained and carry their own first aid kit

Low Impact

Adventure Lightly, Leave Only Footprints

  • Local guides - led by those who live in the area

  • Sustainable gear – TSL snowshoes are 100% repairable.

  • Hop on a train – easy, stress-free travel to destination available

  • Feel at home – stay in family run accommodation wherever possible

  • Keep it green – our stays are big on recycling!

  • Say no to single-use – help us cut down on plastic waste

  • Leave no trace – everything, even tissues, comes off the mountain with you

Group Kit

On many trips there will be an element of 'group kit'. This kit will will be minimal and usually a case of sharing a few lightweight 'survival shelters'. For example, on a week-long trip you may carry a shelter for one day before passing it to the next person. If you are booking a trip in winter there will be a few additional safety items, such as a snow shovel, probe, spare ski pole etc.

Size of Group

For each trip a minimum number of guests is required before we can confirm your trip will go-ahead. Minimum and maximum numbers are displayed in 'At a Glance' on the righthand of the trip page. If you book travel before we have emailed to confirm the trip is guaranteed we cannot be held responsible for any financial loss.

Single Supplements

When booking a holiday as a solo traveller a twin bedded room comprising of two single beds, is booked as standard. This will be with someone of the same gender unless you request to pay extra for your own room. Single rooms are often limited in supply so if you would like to pay a supplement for a single room we urge you to get in touch as soon as possible. This trip has a single supplement of £210 in 2027 and £220 in 2028.

Snowshoe Equipment and Clothing

For these trips we supply, free of charge, the following snowshoe equipment; snowshoes, avalanche transceiver, snow shovel and snow probe. The carrying of this equipment, worth £550 per person, is compulsory. We kindly ask that you take good care of the equipment supplied.

Avalanche Transceivers Wearing an avalanche transceiver is good practice in a winter environment. An avalanche transceiver is a device about the size of your hand which is worn under the top layers of your clothing. It emits a silent signal that can be picked up by anyone searching for you. You may have done previous snowshoe trips where the wearing of a transceiver was not compulsory, however, at Tracks and Trails your safety is paramount and wearing one is compulsory.

Snowshoes Our snowshoes are by TSL, the largest snowshoe manufacturer in the Alps. The model we use is high-end, versatile, comfortable and well-designed. You can view the snowshoes we use here.

Boots Warm and waterproof hiking boots are essential, these can be 'summer' or 'winter' boots. They must cover your ankles and provide support, it is not possible to low cut hiking shoes or trainers.

Poles We ask that you bring your own hiking poles which should have large snow baskets. Small pole baskets for summer hiking will sink into the snow and not give support.

Luggage

For this trip where you are centre-based, in other words where you are staying in the same accommodation all week, you are welcome to bring whatever luggage you require. However, please note that not all the hotels we use have elevators. This means you may need to carry your luggage to your bedroom and this might involve climbing several flights of stairs. We would suggest that luggage with wheels is generally a good idea.

Itinerary Statistics

The statistics given on your itinerary relating to ascent, descent and distance should be used as a 'general' indication of the effort required. This is a guideline to help you decide if, based on previous experience, your fitness and stamina are correct for the trip. We ask you to note that the even the most modern of technology can show considerable variations in terms of ascent, descent, and in particular distance.

Weather

Winter mountain weather in the European Alps can vary considerably, and in this respect it is no different to any mountain environment where the terrain influences the weather and it can change from valley to valley. In winter the weather can be everything from clear blue skies, and glorious sunshine, to heavy snowfall and strong winds. Essentially, as with all mountain journeys, you should be prepared for all conditions. In December and January they can range from -10°Celsius (14°F) to 3°Celsius (37.4F), in February from -5°Celsius (23°F) to 7°Celsius (44.6°F), and in March from 0°Celsius (32°F) to 13°Celsius (55.4°F). 

Food and Water

Food On our trips we encourage you to experience local tastes and dishes. If you are vegetarian catering for your diet is not generally a problem.  If you have a 'special' diet because of an allergy/intolerance we ask that you make your needs clear on your booking form so we can discuss your requirements with the accommodation. A diet that is not related to an allergy/intolerance or beliefs cannot be catered for. It is simply not possible for mountain accommodation to deal with many variations in diet while providing meals for groups. 

In addition, if you have an allergy/intolerance we would suggest you bring/purchase suitable snacks as a supplement to the picnic lunches. At times finding gluten free bread, for example, can be an issue.  If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet, gluten or lactose intolerance please contact us. We request that you do not CHANGE your dietary requirements during the trip as we will have pre-ordered your meals.

Water If the accommodation has a problem with the water supply they will post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water, otherwise it is normal to drink from the tap. Hotels - It is not uncommon for restaurants to charge for tap water at the evening meal. If this is the case then Tracks and Trails will cover the cost. Mountain Huts - If your trip features a stay in a mountain hut/refuge and the tap water is not potable then Tracks and Trails will cover the cost of bottled water at the evening meal. Sparkling water is not included in this option and any cost should be covered by you.

Currency

Plastic credit or debit cards or smartphone pay systems are increasingly accepted throughout the areas where we run trips. Some countries, such as Norway, are moving towards a cashless society. However, in Europe, in the mountain areas where we run trips, a small amount of cash in the local currency is useful. For example, if you stop at a family-run mountain cafe or farm they may not accept cards or smartphone systems, and cash will be necessary. We recommend having enough cash in the local currency to pay for a few snacks and drinks. Whether to bring cash or not is at your own discretion.

Passport and Visas

A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required. We suggest keeping your passport in your rucksack, and a paper copy of your passport in your luggage. If your trip does not include luggage support carry a paper copy with you, but separate from your passport. You should check passport requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate for the country you are visiting, paying attention to your citizenship. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.  

NEW European Travel Regulations 2026 If you are travelling to Europe you may be impacted by a change to travel regulations. In the last quarter of 2026, the European Commission will roll out a U.S. style electronic travel authorisation system for visitors from countries that are currently not part of the EU. It is your responsibility to check for updates with regard to the introduction date.

Electricity and Plugs

We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at: Plug, Socket & Voltage by Country

If your trip involves staying in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut a slimline and lightweight 'battery pack' can be useful for recharging phones etc. This type of accommodation will generally have electricity, but it may be limited in supply, and it is not always possible to charge items.

Tipping your Guide/Instructor

Tracks and Trails pays guides/instructors a fair and appropriate fee for their professional service. If you feel your guide/instructor has provided an excellent service that went 'above and beyond' then it is at the discretion of each guest whether to tip or not.  Guests will often give a tip of between 2 - 5 per cent of the total value of their trip. It is entirely up to you and any gesture will no doubt be appreciated no matter the size. 

Health

Before booking consider whether you expect to be in the appropriate physical condition on the date of your departure to allow you to fully participate in and enjoy your holiday. If you have any doubts because of an illness or injury it would be advisable to check with your doctor. We advise you always carry your insurance documents with details of the Emergency Medical telephone number for your insurance provider, and your policy number. 

GHIC For UK residents travelling to an EU country you should obtain and bring your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). The GHIC gives access to state healthcare in Europe either free or at a reduced cost. The GHIC is not a substitute for medical travel insurance.

EHIC If you have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you should apply for a GHIC.

Care for the Environment

We feel strongly about protecting the environment and do not encourage the use of single-use plastic items. We would ask that you arrive with a ‘water bottle’ or ‘hydration system’ that can be used repeatedly. We operate a zero tolerance for rubbish, and would ask you to remove all items from the mountain, this includes toilet tissue, and those items you consider to be bio-degradable.

The waste water in mountain huts, also known as refuges/rifugios, often runs into nearby streams and rivers with a potential impact on the eco-system, though in many places steps are now being taken to avoid this. Whether or not your trip involves staying in a mountain hut we would nevertheless recommend you consider nature friendly sunscreens which only contain mineral UV-blocking ingredients such as oxide, and titanium dioxide.

You can read our Sustainable Travel Policy here.

No Surcharge Guaranteed

Working across international boundaries, and with various currencies means the price of our trips can change overnight. We have undertaken to guarantee that once you have paid your deposit the price of your trip is fixed. The website price may increase due to currency fluctuations, but we guarantee that the price advertised on the date of your booking will be maintained. 

Fitness Preparation for Winter

If you would like help preparing for your snowshoe adventure you could consider booking a Quick Fix session with personal trainer Kate Brown. This is aimed at those who want to get ready for any of our winter activities. Your booking with Kate will involve a 45 minute 1:1 video consultation and action plan. You can read more about her ethos and experience here. We also offer free training videos on our YouTube channel - the following are aimed at those who snowshoe in winter, and hike in summer:

Get Fit for Hiking and Snowshoeing 1

Get fit for Hiking and Snowshoeing 2

Your Snowshoe Guide

We go to great lengths to work with first class guides who are passionate about their work. They are fully qualified, insured, and hold the correct documentation. Note your snowshoe guide has our authority to make any route changes they believe are necessary in the interests of safety and enjoyment. This is particularly relevant in a winter environment where the snowpack can change on a daily basis. Your snowshoe guide will be a qualified International Mountain Leader. IML's are not only qualified to ensure the safe management of the group, but are also a source of knowledge about the local flora and fauna, culuture and traditions. You can learn more about our guides and instructors on the About Us page. 

Lunches - Europe

We do not include lunches in your trip fee for various reasons, the most important of which is food waste. Most people have particular tastes and requirements for 'trail' or 'hill' food and it is better you purchase your own snacks rather than throw away items from the picnic lunch which we would supply. Lunches on our trips are 'picnic' style lunches, in other words you take a packed lunch with sufficient snacks, food and fluid to sustain you throughout the day. Buying snacks and trying local specialities is a great way to inter-act with local people and to practise your language skills.

If there is the possibility of lunch being taken at a restaurant/farm/cafe beside the trail, your guide/instructor will advise you of this. Each evening you can order a picnic/sandwich from your accommodation, or your guide/instructor will advise you of options such as a local shop or market. In all cases we would ask you to settle any 'bill' for lunch or drinks the evening before you depart, and not in the morning when there may be a queue.