Winter off the slopes | Hotel Oberforsthof

Snow fun off the slopes

Not everyone likes the hustle and bustle on the slopes. That doesn’t matter, because apart from that there’s so much to experience. By this we mean quiet winter sports classics such as cross-country skiing, ski touring and snowshoeing as well as sledging, ice skating and curling, romantic winter hikes and horse sleigh rides, but also more exotic adventures such as fatbiking in the snow or dog sledding. Much of this is possible right on the doorstep. Just let us inspire you. On site you will get all the information and all the support you need.

Discover winter sports

Frau und Mann machen eine Schneeschuhwanderung

Exercise in winter white nature is exhilarating and at the same time sooo peaceful. Come to us and learn to love winter. With the family, as a couple or all by yourself.

Cross-country skiing

In the Sankt Johann im Pongau region there are around 60 varied cross-country trails. including highlights such as the high-altitude trail on the Obergaßalm, where you are on the way at 1,600 m above sea level with a view of the peaks of the Pongau mountains. The 50 km long Tauern trail is also worth a visit. It leads in easily manageable sections through the eight ski amadé resorts of St. Johann-Alpendorf, Flachau, Wagrain, Radstadt, Altenmarkt-Zauchensee, Kleinarl, Eben, Filzmoos and Untertauern. A great opportunity to combine sightseeing with sport. In addition, you can enter three perfectly groomed trails directly from St. Johann. A total of 220 km of continuous cross-country trails awaits you.

Trails & Info

Skitouring

In the St. Johann im Pongau region you have the choice between 167 varied ski tours. Many of them start in the neighbouring Grossarltal – the “Valley of Alms”. But also from the Alpendorf there are rewarding challenges. To warm up we recommend the Hahnbaum route right outside the front door. Equipment is available in the hotel’s own village rental. If you want something special like moonlight tours with hut fun, you just have to ask at the reception or interview our Hansi. There is a lot to experience!

Skitours & Info

Winter-& snowshoe hiking

With or without snowshoes, the Alpendorf St. Johann and its surroundings are a paradise for hiking enthusiasts of all ages and abilities – and the Oberforsthof is a good starting point. Snowshoes, hiking poles and sledges are usually available free of charge in the in-house village rental. Guided tours can be arranged at any time. Just ask at the reception!

Tours

Sledging

In the region there are a total of 17 easy and medium-difficult sledge runs to offer. Among them are also tracks, where you can climb with the lift and enjoy several downhill of a special kind. The sledges can be rented in the village for a fee. For warm-up we recommend our “house routes”: the natural sledge run at Hahnbaum and in the Alpendorf.

sledge run Hahnbaum

Ice skating

Yes, ice skating is also possible with us. In the middle of Sankt Johann, not far from the Oberforsthof. There is an open-air figure skating rink, which is open from mid-December to mid-January from 1. 30 pm to 4 pm – even in mild temperatures. Shoes can be rented on site.

more Info

Horse-drawn carriage ride

The Pongau winter landscape is best enjoyed on the 2-hour carriage ride high above St. Johann. Cuddled in blankets, you will be pampered with fairy tales, mulled wine and punch during the ride.

Info & prices

Wintersport by design – our 7 wonderful tours off the slopes

With our 7 “Wonder Tours” you can experience the fascination of “Winter Wonderland” intensively and away from the hustle and bustle. All tours are designed as a self-experience trip, suitable for all skill levels and completely pre-organized – optionally also with the matching snack.

Snowshoe hike to the Lackenalm in Flachau

This snowshoe hike leads through the forest and over meadows into the Lackenalm area. There you can enjoy the pleasant tranquility and beautiful views.

Difficulty: medium
Duration: 2:30 h

Starting point: „Weg der guten Wünsche“ Summer path no. 32 Berggasthof Sattelbauer – ascent to the Sattelbauer possible with your own car (possibly snow track), if you take a taxi to the Sattelbauer , you can rent a toboggan there and run on the 3km long toboggan run into the valley.

Ice skating at Lake Zell

As soon as the temperatures allow, a metre-thick layer of ice forms on Lake Zell. This is swept to high gloss and polished to provide a perfect ice surface and carefully tested to ensure safety.

Travel time to Zell am See: 40 minutes

Tobogganing from the Loosbühelalm in Großarl

You have the opportunity to walk or with snowshoes along the marked snowshoe hiking trail (suitable for beginners) to the Loosbühelalm.
You go downhill with the toboggan (sledge rental at the hut).

Difficulty: easy
Altitude: 560 m
Duration: 1:30 h (ascent)
Starting point: Grundlehen parking lot, Grossarl 68, 5611 Grossarl (approx. 6 km from the centre of Grossarl in the Ellmautal)

Educational trail to Hochkeil in Mühlbach

From the Arthurhaus near the Mahdlift (1,511 m), the well-signposted nature trail with its nine stations and display boards begins. The trail to the top of the Hochkeil is well prepared and clearly visible.

Difficulty: medium
Altitude: 280 m
Duration: 1 h
Distance: 4.5 km
Starting point: parking lot Arthurhaus, Mühlbach 110, 5505 Mühlbach

Forest bathing around Lake Jägersee in Kleinarl

Stop in the forest unintentionally and let the healing effect of this place of power act on you with all your senses. Around Lake Jägersee you can take a walk in the woods. The impressive nature, the combination of lake, mountains and forest invites you to indulge in. Try it!

Pure hiking tour in Goldeggweng

The hike to the Meislsteinkapelle is not only a hit in summer. Short but intense: In about two hours you hike from the farm Vorderploin in Goldegg along the road and then over forest and forest paths to the hiking trail in the direction of Meislsteinkapelle. Depending on the snow conditions, this route may present smaller challenges. The reward at the finish is the view of the Hochkönig.

Difficulty: medium
Duration: 2 h
Starting point: ARCHE Hof Vorderploin, Weng 15, 5622 Goldeggweng

Salzburg city-trip on foot

Park at the Hypogarage (University of Salzburg) and walk along the footpath to the old town. Take the path to Nonnberg Abbey, then the alley “Hoher Weg” to the Stieglkeller and look at the beautiful city of Salzburg from above. Then continue into Festungsgasse, past the St. Peter’s Abbey Bakery to Kapitelplatz. Continue to Domplatz, Residenzplatz. through the Goldgasse
and Getreidegasse. You walk back in the direction of the Brothers of Mercy, then back to the Unipark Nonntal.