4 alternatives to skiing on the slopes
Until we can all enjoy the fun of skiing and snowboarding on the slopes again to the extent we are used to, we are going to introduce you to 4 very popular alternative winter sports.
There are useful tips, links and apps for each type of winter sport. You can also rent the right equipment at the SNOWELL rental shops. We recommend booking online in advance. In the rental equipment category “Others” you will find the suitable equipment of the respective rental shop for alternative fun in the snow.
Select winter sports location and rent suitable equipment online
Cross-country skiing
Discover your love for cross-country skiing. Nordic sport is simply a perfect all-round package. Experience wonderful winter landscapes in the fresh air paired with a complete full body workout. Especially now, these components are a blessing. Cross-country skiing keeps the body and mind young. This winter sport is a gentle endurance training in which 600 muscles are used in parallel. In addition, lungs and heart are activated and strengthened during a healthy workout.
Link tips
Cross-country skiing trail report Switzerland
Cross-country skiing tips for Austria
Cross-country skiing in South Tyrol / Italy
Cross-country skiing areas in Germany
The largest cross-country skiing areas in France
App tips
Cross-Country Skiing – Technique | rating: 4,5 | iOS / Android
Cross-Country Skiing – Technique offers a comprehensive insight into today’s cross-country skiing techniques. Beginners to advanced skiers can thus improve their cross-country technique with videos from multiple perspectives in real time and slow motion and graphics. Cross-country skiing professionals such as the Swiss Dario Cologna provide valuable tips.
Back Country Workout | rating: 4,6 | iOS
A special tailor-made app for cross-country skiers for the Apple Watch. Easy and comfortable to use. Measures the route, altitude, speed, calories burned and heart rate.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoe hikes are a great change of pace for hiking fans in winter. The wide contact surfaces and the light construction of the snowshoes make it easier to move forward even in powder snow. On a snowshoe hike you can experience nature in peace and movement. With all the beauty, please stay on the advertised snowshoe routes to protect wildlife and nature. Most of the snowshoeing areas also offer guided tours.
Link tips
Snowshoeing in Austria
Snowshoe trails in Switzerland
The most beautiful snowshoe hikes in South Tyrol
Snowshoe tours in Germany
App tips
Outdooractive | rating: 4,5 | iOS / Android
Browse through countless tour suggestions, e.g. for snowshoeing, hiking but also for other outdoor activities such as ski touring, ski mountaineering, etc. All tours are available with many details, altitude profile, photos and route description. Create routes according to your preferences. You can add text and photos, publish them in the community or share them privately with friends.
Ski touring
A ski tour is a fascination and a combination of untouched nature, deceleration and a unique downhill experience. Put on your backpack, strap on your skis, poles in hands and head up the mountain. No other type of winter sport has gained such popularity and new followers in recent times. Despite all the beauty, the following points are always important: proper tour preparation (route, weather, avalanche warning level, …), correct and complete equipment (avalanche transceiver, probe, shovel, avalanche backpack, …) and observe nature protection zones. Before you go on your first independent ski tour, a ski tour course is also recommended. These are offered by alpine clubs and ski schools.
Link tips
The best ski tours in Austria
Plan your next ski tour in the Swiss mountains
Ski touring recommendations in South Tyrol / Italy
74 ski tours in Germany
App tips
FATMAP | rating: 4,6 | iOS / Android
The no. 1 app for mountain sports. Experience your mountain sports like never before. More safety on the go thanks to the best outdoor map. A map in 3D – made for the mountains. Made for your next route, for orientation and navigation on the way. Track your adventure and share it with friends and the community. Whether skiing, ski touring, freeriding, hiking, cycling or running, if you love the mountains, you will find your community on FATMAP.
Ortovox Mountain Tours App | rating: 4,7 | iOS / Android
Safety tutorials, topographic maps, tour suggestions and practical tools such as slope inclination, rating, background information, etc. For ski tourers, the Ortovox app is a helpful, useful and free companion on your smartphone.
Tobogganing / sledding
Awaken the child in you! Tobogganing is the classic for young and old. Whether small hills or slopes or prepared natural toboggan runs, some of which can also be illuminated in the evening. Speed combined with fun and fresh winter air. Proper equipment such as good and sturdy shoes, gloves, ski goggles, helmet, but also a back protector are highly recommended when sledding. The sledges, helmets and, in some cases, protectors can also be rented from our rental shops, depending on availability.
Link tips
Toboggan runs in Austria
Tobogganing in Switzerland
Toboggan runs in South Tyrol
Toboggan runs in Germany