Nowhere is the magic of the snowy season better experienced than on a winter hike in the mountains of Tirol. Thanks to the excellent infrastructure with perfectly groomed and well- marked trails, the alpine areas of the Heart of the Alps are just as accessible for recreation seekers and families, as they are for the athletically ambitious. Hiking trails lead not only through enchanting landscapes, but also to welcoming retreats with warm and inviting lodges where friendly hosts serve regional delicacies. Here, an overview of some of the most delicious winter hikes:

Delightful · Scenic tours with surprising dining experiences: The name of this one-and-a-half-hour winter hike alone sounds rather tantalising: “Der Fleischbank und dem Totenkirchl zu Füßen” – (At the foot of the Fleischbank and Totenkirchl") tour in the Kitzbühel Alps – St. Johann leads into the imposing Kaiserbach Valley, with uninterrupted views of the snow-capped peaks of the Wilder Kaiser mountains. After reaching the small chapel, hikers can stop at the idyllic Fischbachalm on their return journey, known for its inviting rooms in Tirolean style. Host Michael Hechenberger's greatest passion is hunting, so serving guests dishes of wild game he has hunted himself brings him enormous pleasure. Sampling a portion of his homemade venison dishes is an essential part of any visit.

The easy three-hour Mieminger Almenroute trail leads over the sunny Mieming Plateau, at the foot of the Mieming Range with uninterrupted views of the Stubai Alps. The circular route leads through forests and moorlands, passing two huts along the way where refreshments are served. One of them is the picturesquely situated Stöttlalm, whose scenic beauty is a treat. That, however, is not all: the Pirktl family who run the hut serve an awesome hut brunch. Hungry hikers will find everything their hearts desire, ranging from eggs and bread to fruit and vegetables as well as cold meats and cheeses – all sourced exclusively from the region and Tirol.

A winter hike through the snow-covered alpine valley behind the parochial village of Auffach is a particularly beautiful tour in the Wildschönau. The valley-end circular hiking trail at Schönangeralm leads past a small pine chapel and abandoned alpine huts, where the impos- ing peaks of the Wildschönau tower above the cleared path on both sides. After around an hour's walk and arriving back at the starting point, it's worth stopping by at Schönangeralm. This mountain hut impresses not only with its fantastic alpine panorama and welcoming hosts, but also with its own cheese dairy, which produces award-winning cheeses that can be found in a variety of dishes. For example, in the homemade “Käsespätzle” (cheesy pasta), which is always a good choice when dining here.

Adventurous · Family-friendly tours with down-to-earth cuisine: Families are also well catered for when winter hiking in Tirol, thanks to easy and varied tours – such as the Hög Forest Trail in the family-friendly Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis Region. The easy, two-hour hike begins at the start of the Hög cross-country ski trail and leads through Böden- wald forest and along hiking trails 12a and 11 to Serfaus. Located at the starting point of the tour, Seealm Hög is a great place to take a break. Get ready to be wowed. This mountain hut serves up more than just your typical Tirolean classics. Alongside hearty favorites, you'll find fresh fish dishes and a mouthwatering selection of vegan and vegetarian options. Who says you can't dine in style at altitude? Another specialty is their pan-fried Tirolean char fillet on grilled vegetable purée with wild Serfauser mushrooms.

The Vilser Alm in the Reutte Nature Park region is another family-friendly destination wait- ing to reward diligent hikers for their efforts. The winter hike through the mountain forest of the Alptal Valley leads up to the Vilser Alm at 1,226 metres in around one hour on a well- prepared and easily negotiable forest trail. Mountain hut host, Julian Kurtz, offers guests traditional dishes with a modern twist flavoured with mountain herbs, while locally sourced produce is used as a matter of course. Those who stop by for a bite to eat should definitely try the free-range beef goulash with dumplings and salad.

The winter hike to Wurzbergalm in Ötztal offers not only a unique mountain experience with splendid views, but a stop at the hut is an extraordinary encounter in itself on this hour-long winter hike. The trail leads from the car park in Köfels through the village, past the sawmill and through the forest, always following signs to the Wurzbergalm, where simple yet re- fined dishes prepared with regional produce await guests of all ages. The blueberry omelette is a particularly sweet highlight on the menu, a firm favourite with locals and often ordered by guests out of curiosity.

Challenging · Memorable tours with authentic cuisine

This two-hour winter hike to Ritzau Alm in Kufsteinerland rewards hikers for their efforts with a fantastic panorama and pleasant stop for refreshments – after all, this tour leads through the idyllic Kaisertal Valley, one of the most beautiful places in Austria. The well- maintained trail leads over the Kaiser ascent with views over Kufstein, before heading on further into the valley and past the picturesque Antonius Chapel to the Ritzau Alm at 1,161 metres above sea level. In addition to the welcoming atm0shphere, guests can look forward to excellent cuisine at the Alm. Ingredients are sourced exclusively from the surrounding area, with beef and pork coming from the farm's own livestock and game from its own hunting grounds. Game dishes are particularly popular here during a winter stopover, alongside a selection of cold platters and dumpling dishes.

It is no coincidence that the winter hike to the Wetterstein Hut in Leutasch in the Seefeld Region is one of the most beautiful and panoramic in the Gaistal Valley. The ascent through the forest is quite challenging, but hikers' efforts are rewarded with panoramic passages and views of the surrounding mountain peaks and Hohe Munde. The two-hour winter hike ends at the Wetterstein Hut at 1,717 meters above sea level. The hut is popular with hikers not only because of the magnificent views, but even more so because of the 'Kaiserschmarrn' pancakes served by hut host, Hans – arguably the best in the region.

The two-and-a-half hour winter hike to Ehenbichler Alm in the Reutte Nature Park Region is a true highlight in many respects. Not only does the Ehenbichler Alm impress with its unique location at 1,964 metres – including fabulous views of the Zugspitze, Ehenbichler Alm is also a culinary experience in itself. Hosts Marion and Thomas Moebus place particular emphasis on the regionality and quality of the products they use, offering guests Tirolean specialities, down-to-earth home cooking and wholesome snacks. Those with a sweet tooth should definitely try the homemade 'Buchteln' (sweet rolls made of yeast dough), served with vanilla sauce and homemade cranberries.

When hiking in the mountains, it is important to be mindful of the increased dangers in winter and be aware and informed about the risk of avalanches, slipping and becoming disorientated. Appropriate equipment, combined with suitable clothing and sturdy footwear, are also essential components of every successful winter hike.

For further information on winter hiking in Tirol, please visit www.tyrol.com/winter-walking

With its 34 regional associations, Tirol is one of the leading holiday destinations in the Alps. Tirolean tourism is characterised by almost 200 years of history and various pioneering achievements. Summer and winter guests alike appreciate the alpine mountain landscape and nature, the high quality of service and infrastructure, as well as the welcoming hospitality. Based in Innsbruck, Tirol Werbung GmbH is part of the Lebensraum Tirol Holding GmbH group of companies and serves as the provincial tourism marketing organisation, working towards positioning Tirol as the most sought after and spiritually energising location in the alpine world.