Winter Hiking in Montafon
Sparkling powder snow, deeply snow-covered landscapes and clear views across the Montafon mountains: winter hiking in Montafon is ideal for anyone wishing to experience winter at a peaceful pace, while staying active and close to nature. Around St. Gallenkirch and throughout the Silvretta, Rätikon and Verwall, 290 kilometres of well-maintained winter hiking trails await – from leisurely paths through the valley to scenic high-altitude routes.
Genusshotel Vermala is your ideal base for winter hiking in Montafon. Whether exploring the Silvretta-Bielerhöhe, Gantakopf, Maisäß Montiel, Kristberg or the paths along the River Ill, warmth, wellness, the Sky Pool and excellent cuisine await at Genusshotel Vermala after your winter hike.
Winter Hiking on the Silvretta-Bielerhöhe
Winter Hiking Tip #1: Silvretta-Bielerhöhe
Take the Vermuntbahn - tunnel bus up to the Bielerhöhe - passing the Vermunt reservoir - Silvretta reservoir
Three secured winter hiking trails invite you to explore the Silvretta-Bielerhöhe. All routes begin at the bus stop on the Bielerhöhe.
Circular Walk around the Silvretta Reservoir Dam:
Duration: 45 minutes | Ascent: 62 metres | Descent: 65 metres | Difficulty: easy
Silvretta High-Altitude Trail:
Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes | Ascent: 77 metres | Descent: 76 metres | Difficulty: easy
Winter Hiking Trail to Galtür:
Duration: 5 hours | Ascent: 406 metres | Descent: 406 metres | Difficulty: intermediate
While the Bielerhöhe attracts large numbers of visitors in summer, it becomes a peaceful natural idyll in winter, surrounded by complete silence – not even birdsong can be heard. That does not mean there is nothing happening up here. The Silvretta is particularly well known as a paradise for ski tourers. However, as the journey by cable car and tunnel taxi is slightly more involved and a little adventurous, visitor numbers remain pleasantly low at this time of year.
Active relaxation at 2,000 metres
Winter Hike to Gantakopf
Winter Hiking Tip #2: Gantakopf in Silvretta Montafon
Versettla mountain station – follow the marked trail above the Spatla chairlift mountain station – Gantakopf, 2,010 metres
This beautiful winter ridge walk in the Silvretta Montafon ski area offers sensational panoramic views in every direction. Before setting off or after your hike, stop at Nova Stoba and enjoy delicious food in the winter sunshine. It is the ideal place to meet friends who are skiing, recharge your energy or simply make the most of the day. After the winter hike, the Versettlabahn takes you comfortably back down into the valley.
Duration: 1 hour | Ascent: 70 metres | Descent: 70 metres | Difficulty: easy
Winter Hike to Maisäß Montiel
Winter Hiking Tip #3: Maisäß Montiel from St. Gallenkirch
Start at Genusshotel Vermala – head further into the valley – follow the forest road to Maisäß Montiel
A peaceful and romantic hike following in the footsteps of Montafon’s ancestors. The traditional three-stage farming system led to the creation of Maisäß settlements at elevations of around 1,500 metres. In May, before moving up to the high alpine pastures, families lived here together with all their livestock. One of the most beautiful examples is the Maisäß settlement of Montiel – the perfect place to escape the bustle of the valley.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes | Ascent: 450 metres | Descent: 450 metres | Difficulty: easy
Guided Winter Hikes with BergePLUS
Guided Winter Hiking
Look forward to a variety of guided winter hikes each week with highly motivated and qualified guides as part of the BergePLUS programme. As Genusshotel Vermala is a partner hotel, the entire BergePLUS programme is available to you free of charge during your stay. Discover Montafon through the stories and knowledge of local guides.
Winter Hike from Schruns to St. Gallenkirch
Winter Hiking Tip #4: Along the River Ill to St. Gallenkirch
Schruns church square – Zamangbahn – Landbrücke – Mauren – Unterschrofen – Galgenul Valiserabahn – follow the cycle path to the Garfrescha Bahn – Genusshotel Vermala in Montafon
A beautiful and idyllic hiking trail along the River Ill. In cold temperatures, the route is decorated with icicles and a world of sparkling snow crystals. During winter, we recommend setting off in the morning so that the sunshine can help replenish your vitamin D levels.
Duration: 3 hours | Ascent: 230 metres | Descent: 40 metres | Difficulty: intermediate
Matschwitz Maisäß Circular Winter Hike at Golm
Winter Hiking Tip #5: Matschwitz at Golm
Start: Golmerbahn – Matschwitz middle station
The Maisäß settlement of Matschwitz at 1,500 metres can only be reached via the Golmerbahn during winter. The circular trail offers magnificent views of Schruns and Hochjoch, the Tschaggunser Mittagsspitze and the 2,460-metre Schwarzhorn in the Rätikon mountains. Along the sunny route, you will pass beautiful old Maisäß buildings and the listed chapel.
Stop for refreshments with our sister Angelika and brother-in-law Thomas Amann at Haus Matschwitz mountain restaurant – excellent cuisine on the sun terrace with views across the valley.
Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes | Ascent: 60 metres | Descent: 60 metres | Difficulty: easy
Winter Hike from the Rifa Reservoir in Gaschurn to Partenen
Winter Hiking Tip #6: Rifa Reservoir, Maria Schnee & Partenen
The most beautiful winter route to Partenen leads past the picturesque Maria Schnee chapel, through the district of Trantrauas and onwards to the Rifa reservoir. From there, it continues past the Vermunt power station directly into the centre of Partenen.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes | Ascent: 126 metres | Descent: 52 metres | Difficulty: easy
Illweg near Gaschurn
Maria Schnee Chapel
Bella Maisäss in Partenen
Hiking Poles & Equipment Hire at Vermala
Hiking Poles to Borrow
Would you like to go winter hiking but have forgotten your hiking poles? No problem. Hiking poles are available to borrow at Vermala, subject to availability.
Winter Hike from Innerberg to Kristberg
Winter Hiking Tip #7: Kristberg
Car park after the church in Innerberg, before Gasthof Mühle – please observe the road markings – Glän – Totabühel – Panoramagasthof Kristberg – return along the same route
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Rätikon mountains, including the Sulzfluh and Drei Türme. This leisurely hike leads across Montafon’s sunny balcony and is ideal for acclimatising on your arrival day or saying goodbye to Montafon before your journey home.
Duration: 2 hours | Ascent: 250 metres | Descent: 250 metres | Difficulty: easy
Winter Hiking with Wellness at Genusshotel Vermala
There is nothing better than returning to Genusshotel Vermala after a wonderful winter hike through deeply snow-covered Montafon. Warm up beside the crackling fire or restore your energy in the soothing Montafon Nature SPA. Vermala’s cosy atmosphere offers exactly the warmth and relaxation that make your winter holiday complete.
Rooms & Suites
Montafon Nature SPA
Restaurants in Montafon
Frequently Asked Questions about Winter Hiking in Montafon
Do I need snowshoes for winter hiking?
Snowshoes are not usually required on cleared or well-maintained winter hiking trails. They are particularly useful for tours away from cleared or prepared paths. Montafon offers dedicated snowshoeing routes and tours for this purpose.
Where can you go winter hiking in Montafon?
Montafon offers numerous well-maintained winter hiking trails in the valley, at sunny higher elevations and within the ski areas. Popular destinations include the Silvretta-Bielerhöhe, Kristberg, Bartholomäberg, Gantakopf, Matschwitz, Partenen and trails along the River Ill.
Is winter hiking in Montafon suitable for beginners?
Yes, many winter hiking trails in Montafon are easy to intermediate and are also suitable for beginners. Warm clothing, sturdy winter boots with good grip and a realistic assessment of your fitness level are important.
Are guided winter hikes available in Montafon?
Yes, guided winter hikes are offered as part of the BergePLUS programme. Guests staying at Genusshotel Vermala or Appartementhaus Vermala can take part in guided tours of the BergePLUS programme free of charge.
What equipment do you need for winter hiking?
For winter hiking, we recommend warm clothing, sturdy winter boots with good grip, gloves, a hat, sunglasses, hiking poles if required and additional layers depending on the weather. Hiking poles are available to borrow at Genusshotel Vermala, subject to availability.
Is Genusshotel Vermala a good base for winter hiking?
Yes, Genusshotel Vermala is located in St. Gallenkirch and is an ideal starting point for winter hiking in Montafon. Numerous trails, mountain lifts, bus stops and winter excursion destinations are within easy reach.
Can winter hiking be combined with wellness?
Yes, after a winter hike, hotel guests can relax in the Montafon Nature SPA with its Sky Pool, saunas, relaxation rooms and soothing warmth.
