Ranger in Kleinwalsertal | © Kleinwalsertal Tourismus eGen | Photographer: Basti Heckl

10 Nov. 2022 · Experience nature consciously | Winter Activities
Vanessa Freytag

The Rangers are on their way in Kleinwalsertal

If you are heading to your next snowshoe- or skitour, you will discover some new things in Kleinwalsertal. For example, the new information boards in the 11 sub-areas into which Kleinwalsertal has been divided, or the charming rangers who you will likely meet on weekends.

But first the question: Why do we do all this? the answer is simple.

With the project "Natur bewusst erleben" (experience nature consciously), Kleinwalsertal is committed to nature-friendly tourism. We all know it, that feeling of freedom and adventure when we are enjoying a snowy winter landscape, whether on the slopes, on a winter hike, snowshoe tour or ski tour. There is plenty of space in Kleinwalsertal for our individual winter timeout. But nature is not only a backdrop for unforgettable mountain experiences and breathtaking photo motives - it is much more a habitat and refuge for animals, provides us with food and drinking water and a lot more. It is precisely this value of nature that we would like to place at the center of our actions with"Natur bewusst erleben" and all the measures associated with it.

Information boards in Kleinwalsertal | © Kleinwalsertal Tourismus eGen | Photographer: Basti Heckl

11 Subspaces and their special features

For the purpose of guiding outdoorfans and guests, Kleinwalsertal has been divided into 11 subspaces. Each of these subspaces is characterized by vegetative and ecological special features. Did you know that the only pair of golden eagles in Kleinwalsertal have their home in Bärgunttal? Or that chamois seek the hiding places they need to survive, especially in the Gemsteltal? For more understanding of the different nature areas and habitats, you will find information boards at some places around the valley, which inform you about the conditions of the respective sub-area. The boards show protected and sanctuary areas, which corridors are open for ascents or descents, and which animals and plants require special consideration.

Especially in winter, it is important for tour planning to know not only the current avalanche and weather situation, but also the protected areas. In addition to the information boards, you can find  the protected and sanctuary areas on tour portals such as Outdooractive* and Alpenvereinaktiv* and printed maps.

A ranger answers questions from a ski tour group | © Kleinwalsertal Tourismus eGen | Photographer: Basti Heckl

The rangers are on the road

Another novelty that you will encounter on your next snowshoe, ski tour or winter hike are the charming rangers who on tour in the subareas on weekends.  Easily recognizable with "Natur bewusst erleben" jackets, they are available as contact persons for guests as well as for landowners or farmers. They provide information on nature-conscious tour planning, protected areas and general topics relating to the respective regions. Is your planned tour accessible? The five rangers will certainly know. ?

* Activate protected areas with just a few clicks:

  1. go to "map" in the Outdooractive (IOS/Android) / Alpenvereinaktiv app (IOS/Android).
  2. click on the button with the three layers in the bottom right corner.
  3. scroll down to the "Additional layers" tab and activate the "Notes & closures" option.
  4. now you see on your map designated protected areas. By zooming in and clicking on the area you will get more information about the respective protected area.

You may also be interested in this article:

PEARLS OF KLEINWALSERTAL - THE BÄRGUNTTAL

Easily accessible, at the foot of the Großer Widderstein lies the Bärgunttal south of Baad. From hikers and bikers in summer to ski tourers and winter hikers in winter, sports enthusiasts and people seeking relaxation experience an interplay of cultural and natural landscape.