Top 7 ski touring itineraries for a start in 2026

Ski touring is a unique way to enjoy the mountains in winter, away from the hustle and bustle of the resorts. You climb with your own strength through snowy forests and gentle slopes, before descending into fresh, untouched snow. For many beginners, it's this mix of adventure, calm and the great outdoors that makes them want to take the plunge.

Why is ski touring increasingly popular?

Because you're looking for something other than a noisy chairlift and crowded pistes. Ski touring is a quest for nature, gentle sport and freedom, in small groups. Today, thanks to more accessible equipment, safe routes and qualified guides, it's much easier to get started. Platforms like Wildhartt make life easier for you, with easy booking, professional guidance and tours suitable for novices.

What you'll find here

We present the 7 best ski touring itineraries in Europe to get you started in 2026. For each spot, you'll find information on difficulty, safety, guiding and the beauty of the scenery. At the end of the article, a comparative table will help you choose according to what's important to you: accessibility, presence of guides, type of terrain, etc.

1. Rauris Valley, Austria

The Rauris Valley in Austria is an excellent choice for those new to ski touring. This valley is known for its peaceful atmosphere and clear routes, allowing beginners to learn in complete safety, without being overwhelmed by the crowds. The routes wind through snow-covered forests and along wide open slopes, almost always with stunning views of the impressive peaks of the Hohe Tauern National Park.

Benefits for beginners:

• Well-marked trails with clear signs, so little risk of getting lost
• Numerous day hikes on gentle slopes, ideal for improving fitness and technique
• Natural protection against avalanches thanks to the forests on the slopes

The valley provides access to a network of certified local guides. They organise regular introductory tours, focusing on the use of equipment, identification of avalanche risks and basic techniques. This makes it very easy to get started, and the first experience is generally stress-free. Guided outings are easy to book, particularly through organisations such as Raurisertal.

The landscape is very varied: snow-covered larch forests, spectacular Alpine panoramas, peaceful mountain villages... all of which adds a nice diversity to the route. With accessible ascent routes and easy descents, beginners can progress step by step in a safe environment.

At Wildhartt, you'll find several options for guided outings in the Rauris valley, with particular attention paid to safety and immersion in nature.

2. Zinal, Switzerland

Zinal lies at the bottom of Switzerland's Val d'Anniviers and is renowned for its spectacular panoramas and the diversity of its ski touring routes. There are not only quiet routes through the valley, but also hikes along the impressive 4,000-metre peaks of the Alps. For beginners, the region offers clear advantages thanks to easy-to-follow day trips and wide, non-technical slopes.

Why is Zinal ideal for beginners?

Less experienced skiers often choose Zinal for its easy access routes and clearly marked trails, such as those around the Val de Zinal or towards the Cabane de Petit Mountet. The routes vary from flat glaciers with little risk of avalanche to slightly uphill forest trails, allowing you to progress with confidence and serenity.

Recommended itinerary: day hike to the Cabane de Petit Mountet (around 2 to 3 hours of gentle ascent).

Safety:

• Few exposed slopes
• Detailed avalanche bulletins available via the Swiss SLF

Simple return :

• Quick connection with the village, even if the weather changes

The certified local guides in Zinal provide dynamic guidance in small groups, ideal for familiarising yourself with essential techniques and safety instructions on snow. Booking via a platform like Wildhartt means you can get off to a smooth start, with clear communication with the guide and tailored advice before you even set off.

So, even if you've never put on skins before, you can enjoy your first experience and make your first tracks in the Swiss snow, all safely and well guided.

3. The Pyrenees, France and Spain

Authentic ski touring in the Pyrenees: peace and accessibility

The Pyrenees are an excellent alternative to the more popular Alpine regions. The terrain is gentler, making both ascents and descents less demanding for beginners. It's the perfect region for learning the basics in a peaceful setting. What's more, the temperatures are often milder than in the high mountains, so you can spend long days outside in comfort.

One of the best-known routes to start with is the hike around the Cirque de Gavarnie on the French side. You're in a spectacular natural amphitheatre, surrounded by majestic cliffs and small waterfalls. The slopes are even, the paths wide, and you'll come across very few other hikers. This offers you a real immersion in quiet, straightforward ski touring. The route is perfect for discovering progression on gentle glaciers, without direct confrontation with technical descents or unstable snow.

What you'll find :

• Friendly local guides, in small groups, with clear explanations of equipment and safety.
• Short day trips: ideal for making slow progress and building confidence
• Cosy mountain huts along the way for a comfortable night's sleep.

Want to organise your first outing in the Pyrenees? Wildhartt will work with you in partnership with experienced guides. This allows you to gain in safety, while experiencing the unique spirit of the Pyrenean mountains in a sustainable approach.

4. Dolomites, Italy

The Dolomites, with their unique rock formations and wide valleys, offer the perfect backdrop for a first experience of ski touring in complete clarity. Beginners particularly appreciate the combination of easy routes, friendly slopes and spectacular scenery without major changes in altitude. One of the best places to start is the Val di Fassa, in Trentino.

Val di Fassa: accessibility and safety

This valley offers a number of itineraries specifically designed for beginners. Thanks to clear signposting and a relatively low avalanche risk, you can progress with complete peace of mind. One route that is often recommended is the ascent from Canazei to the Col de Valvacin. In just half a day, you can familiarise yourself with the technique of climbing, descending and orienteering in an alpine environment.

Highlights for beginners:

• Clearly signposted trails, no technical sections required
• Regularly prepared routes, avalanche information available via AVALANCHE.report
• Guiding by local ski schools and certified guides, such as Guide Alpine Val di Fassa.

If you're looking for a little more safety, you can join introductory groups accompanied by professionals. At Wildhartt, our guided tours are designed to offer you an educational and personalised experience. You move at your own pace, in a safe environment, surrounded by one of the most beautiful landscapes in northern Italy.

5. Black Forest (Schwarzwald), Germany

Gentle, reassuring routes to get you off to a good start

The Black Forest (Schwarzwald) in Germany is an ideal playground for those looking for a gentle introduction to ski touring. Its gentle hills, light forests and well-marked trails create a welcoming environment, perfect for feeling at ease from the very first outing.

The moderate altitudes mean you can enjoy a great day out on skis without needing a lot of technical or physical baggage.

Popular itinerary : climb to the Feldberg, the highest point in the massif. The route generally starts from the car park at the Feldberger Hof. The climb is a gentle one through the forest and then onto open ground. Most of the route is suitable for beginners, with a good balance between effort and comfort.

Other interesting areas for beginners are around Belchen and Herzogenhorn, which offer the same advantages.

Why it's perfect for beginners:

• Day outings of 3 to 5 hours, with manageable gradients
• Well-marked trails with information panels
• Very low avalanche risk

Certified guides are available locally (notably via Schwarzwald Tourismus) to accompany beginners, with a particular emphasis on the use of equipment, safety, and reading the weather conditions.

With Wildhartt, you can join a guided programme in a small group, making your first ski touring outings more reassuring and rewarding.

6. High Tatras, Slovakia / Poland

A compact, safe mountain range, perfect for beginners

The High Tatras, on the border between Slovakia and Poland, are renowned for offering ski touring routes that are both accessible and safe. This relatively small massif, with peaks culminating at just over 2,600 metres, offers a number of routes that are ideal for making your first tracks, without taking any technical risks or serious exposure.

Introductory routes and unspoilt Alpine landscapes

Routes for beginners often start in villages such as Štrbské Pleso (Slovakia) or Zakopane (Poland). These are all day outings, with regular climbs and wide slopes. The route to Chata pod Rysmi, on the Slovak side, is a much-loved classic: you walk across frozen lakes, with views of the peaks, in an unspoilt national park.

Another option is the route to Hala Gąsienicowa, in Poland, which is also very popular thanks to its gentle gradient and good signposting. The route takes you through wide valleys, surrounded by coniferous forests and granite peaks.

Guiding and safety for novices:

• Introductory days with local guides, including safety briefings and avalanche equipment demonstrations.
• Small groups for personalised support and easier interaction
• Option to sleep in Mountain huts, so you can plan outings over several days without pressure
• During the winter, Tatranský National Park works hand in hand with local guides to guarantee guided outings that respect safety standards and the environment.

With Wildhartt, you can book a guided outing easily, in a spirit of learning and discovery. This gives you more time to enjoy nature and make progress, without worrying about the route or changing conditions.

Wildhartt: ready to be guided?

When you start ski touring, you're looking for simplicity, safety and personalised guidance. That's exactly what Wildhartt offers.

What Wildhartt has to offer:

• Certified guides who guide every outing. They know the terrain perfectly, adapt the itinerary to the weather and teach you how to use the equipment and avalanche safety rules.
• A flexible booking system, with the option of cancelling free of charge until just before departure.
• Small groups of 6 to 8 people, to ensure you get the best possible support and instruction, and time to ask your questions.
• A strong commitment to sustainability: choosing itineraries that respect natural environments, raising awareness of flora and fauna, and complying with local regulations.
• By combining simple booking, experienced guides and the priority given to safety and the environment, Wildhartt makes your first experiences smoother, calmer and more rewarding.

Practical advice: equipment, safety and respect for the mountains

A successful outing is a well-prepared outing. Here are the essentials:

Essential equipment :

• Touring skis with skins
• Lightweight shoes, adjustable poles
• Layered technical clothing + waterproof jacket
• Helmet for the descent
• Avalanche safety pack: avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe
• Small rucksack with water, snacks and first aid kit

👉 Remember to have your equipment checked or hire it if you're just starting out. Local guides and shops can help you make the right choice.

Basic safety rules:

• Always check the weather forecast and avalanche bulletin before setting off.
• Choose an itinerary suited to your ability and fitness level on the day.
• Go accompanied or tell someone about your route
• Listen to your guide and never deviate from the route for no reason

Respect the mountain:

• Stay on the marked routes
• Leave no trace of your passage (zero waste)
• Avoid areas that are sensitive for wildlife (especially in winter)
• If possible, use public transport or car-pooling to get to the start.
• Share your equipment when you can and use local service providers whenever possible.
• Find out more eco tips on protect our winters (POW)

Conclusion: embark on your ski touring adventure in 2026

Your first ski touring outing will be an unforgettable experience. Whether you choose the Rauris Valley, Zinal, the Dolomites or the High Tatras, each destination listed here will give you a gentle start, in a suitable environment, with friendly guiding.

Today, thanks to modern facilities, easy access to guides and offers designed with beginners in mind, it's never been easier to get started. Breathe in the fresh air, discover the pleasure of making progress in the great outdoors, and enjoy the freedom that only the mountains can offer.

With Wildhartt, it's easy to find the itinerary that's right for you, book in complete security, and start out at your own pace, with no pressure.