Winter in the Stoder Valley

Away from the hustle and bustle, winter in the Stodertal valley shows its relaxed side: manageable ski areas, extensive cross-country trails, quiet winter hiking trails, and enjoyable experiences in the snow. Whether on skis, snowshoes, on foot, or on a sled—there is a surprising amount of variety waiting for you around Hinterstoder. The Relax & Hiking Hotel Poppengut is the ideal starting point for anyone who wants to experience winter actively and find peace and quiet at the same time.

Skiing & cross-country skiing in the Stodertal valley

With the relatively small but well-developed Hinterstoder ski resort, the mountains around Hinterstoder are ideal for winter sports enthusiasts who prefer to avoid the hustle and bustle. Skiers and snowboarders can enjoy a varied range of slopes covering around 40 kilometers, with 14 lifts taking them up the mountains. The neighboring ski resort around the Wurzeralm offers a further 20 kilometers of slopes.

Cross-country skiers will also find perfect conditions: a twelve-kilometer, two-lane trail runs along the Steyr from Loigistal via Hinterstoder, Polsterlucke, and Dietlgut to the end of the valley in Baumschlagerreith. There is another trail on the Hutterer Böden alpine pasture, a four-kilometer circular route. Two more cross-country circuits lead around the neighboring village of Vorderstoder. In total, there are more than 120 kilometers of trails in the Pyhrn-Priel region.

Winter insider tip: Stodertal — © Pyhrn Priel Tourismus GmbH/Tomas Sattler

Hiking together creates a special bond. You get to know each other, strike up a conversation—and suddenly, something happens that you can't plan for: guests become friends.

Stefan

Your host at Hotel Sonnalp

Guided snowshoe hikes

But of course, the fun doesn't stop when the snow falls. There are many ways to explore the white winter wonderland without skis. Snowshoe hiking is particularly appealing here. No previous experience is necessary, but as a guest at the Relax- & Wanderhotel Poppengut, it is best to join a free guided tour. The hotel offers regular guided snowshoe hikes and also provides equipment such as snowshoes on request. Those who prefer to walk on cleared winter hiking trails can also enjoy the snow-covered mountains without special equipment by going winter hiking—an experience that combines tranquility, clear air, and the sparkle of snow.

Snowshoe hiking in Upper Austria: How wonderful winter is around the Wanderhotel Poppengut.

The Luchstrail is a very special hike in Upper Austria.

Tobogganing in Upper Austria can also be very romantic – the Wanderhotel Poppengut as your base camp.

A ski holiday in the Stodertal is wonderful when you enjoy the mountain panorama on a quiet slope at sunset.

Snowshoe hiking in Upper Austria: whether guided or on your own is up to you.

On the move on runners

Things really get going on the winter toboggan run, just 300 meters from the Poppengut hiking hotel. Here, you can whizz down a 1.2-kilometer course on a sled.

For romantics, there is also the option of a horse-drawn sleigh or carriage ride through the wintry Stodertal valley. With two horsepower and the jingle of bells, the ride takes you from Hinterstoder past the idyllic Schiederweiher pond and along the towering rock faces of Spitzmauer and Großer Priel. At every bend in the road, new, dreamy views open up—a perfect experience for couples or those who enjoy the winter silence. Your perfect base camp for a winter vacation in the Stodertal valley? The Relax- & Wanderhotel Poppengut!