Ski tours in the Allgäu: The best routes in winter

With snow-covered peaks, avalanche-safe routes, and breathtaking views, the Allgäu region is a true paradise for ski tourers. The winter months offer ideal snow conditions and diverse terrain – perfect for beginners, intermediate skiers, and experts alike. In this guide, we present specific ski tours with all the essential information: from beginner routes and tours with dogs to challenging summits. All routes are rated according to elevation gain, duration, avalanche risk, and difficulty. Finding your ideal winter tour in the Allgäu is easy!

• Beginner-friendly ski tours in the Allgäu
• Ski tours for advanced skiers
• Challenging ski tours for experts
• Ski tours under 3 hours: Fast adventures
• Ski touring with the dog in the Allgäu region
• Safety & Avalanches: What you need to know
• Equipment for ski touring: Our packing list
• Comparison table of all presented tours
• Typical mistakes and how to avoid them
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Conclusion: Your next ski touring adventure in the Allgäu

Beginner-friendly ski tours in the Allgäu

Top 3 tours for beginners

1. Riedberger Horn
Starting point: Parking lot on the Grasgehrenpass road near Obermaiselstein. You'll ascend 650–700 meters in altitude in approximately 2.5–3 hours. This tour is particularly popular with beginners, as it is considered avalanche-safe when snow conditions are stable. The route is often tracked and easy to follow. At the top, a magnificent panoramic view of the Allgäu Alps awaits you.

2. Wertacher Hörnle
A perfect starting point for ski touring beginners. From the parking lot on Oberjochstraße near Wertach, the route ascends 500–600 meters in altitude, reaching the summit in approximately 2–2.5 hours. The broad ridge and well-marked ascent route make this tour a safe choice. Highly recommended, especially in moderate snow conditions.

3. Schönkahler
The hike starts in Zöblen in the Tannheim Valley. The tour to this summit near the border (700 meters of elevation gain) is easily manageable in 2.5–3 hours. The route leads through open terrain, is easy to hike, and offers beautiful views of the German-Austrian Alpine region.

Why these tours are particularly suitable

• Short climbs below 700 meters in altitude
• Good lane guidance – ideal for orientation
• Easily accessible, clearly laid-out terrain
• Avalanche-safe under normal snow conditions

Avalanche safety tips for beginners

Even simple tours like this one should never be undertaken without an avalanche safety kit (beacon, probe, and shovel). Check the avalanche bulletin before starting your tour (e.g., at LLB Bayern ). Especially after fresh snowfall or during föhn winds, the situation can change rapidly. Even on "easy" tours, safety comes first!

Ski tours for advanced skiers

Varied tours with an alpine character

1. Rappenseekopf
The starting point is Birgsau near Oberstdorf. The route, with an elevation gain of around 1000 meters, takes approximately 4–5 hours. The tour follows the winter route to the Rappensee Hut and impresses with its tranquil atmosphere and unique mountain scenery. Ideal for experienced hikers who want to escape the crowds.

2. Kreuzmandl
From Tiefenbach near Oberstdorf, a varied trail leads through light forests and open slopes to an altitude of around 850–900 m, reaching the summit in 3.5–4 hours. The ascent is moderately challenging but offers a great mix of terrain and relatively uncrowded sections.

3. Gaißberg
The starting point is Gunzesried near Blaichach. This tour takes you through wooded sections and along scenic slopes, covering 800–900 meters of elevation gain in 3–4 hours. Nature lovers and those seeking a more independent experience will find few other hikers here.

4. Gaishorn
From the Gaicht Pass in the Tannheim Valley, you ascend 1100–1200 meters to the panoramic summit. Duration: 4–5 hours. However, there is an increased risk of avalanches in the upper sections – so only attempt this hike when the snowpack is stable. The view of the Lech Valley and the Allgäu Alps is magnificent.

Tour overview for advanced participants

tour	Elevation gain	Length of time	Avalanche risk	track	Highlight
Rappenseekopf	1000 m	4–5 hours	medium	rarely	Spectacular scenery
Kreuzmandl	850–900 m	3.5–4 hours	medium	often untouched	Open slopes
Gaißberg	800–900 m	3–4 hours	medium	not very frequented	Forest passages + slopes
Gaishorn	1100–1200 m	4–5 hours	high	variable	High viewpoint

Challenging ski tours for experts

Alpine Challenges & Fitness

1. Weissenseejoch via Gaisalphorn
The tour starts in Reichenbach near Oberstdorf. You'll reach the Weißenseejoch in 5-6 hours via steep slopes, ascending 1200-1300 meters in high alpine terrain. The descent lines are challenging and require confident skiing in deep snow and good navigation skills.

2. Big thumb
The hike starts at the Nebelhorn cable car valley station in Oberstdorf. Here too, you can expect an ascent of around 1100–1300 meters and a hiking time of 5–6 hours. The tour is long and leads through exposed sections. The summit rewards you with a fantastic panoramic view.

What experts need to consider on these tours

1. Technically demanding sections on the ascent and descent
2. Steep gradient – ​​avalanche risk assessment before and during the tour is mandatory.
3. Early start necessary – tours usually last over 5 hours.

Ski tours under 3 hours: Fast adventures

Ideal for an evening out or a half-day trip

tour	Length of time	Elevation gain	Special feature
Wertacher Hörnle	2–2.5 hours	500–600 m	Very well marked
Riedberger Horn	2.5–3 hours	650–700 m	Frequently tracked
Neunerköpfle	2–2.5 hours	650 m	Lift-assisted operation possible
Schönkahler	2.5–3 hours	700 m	Route near the border

Ski touring with the dog in the Allgäu region

Suitable ski tours with a four-legged friend

Tours like the Wertacher Hörnle , the Schönkahler , or the Neunerköpfle are ideal for active dogs. They offer no dangerous steep sections, have good trail conditions, and don't take too long – perfect for both dog and owner.

Equipment for the dog

• Paw protection (e.g., paw boots or wax) for icy areas
• Bring a collapsible bowl and extra water.
• Emergency leash and chest harness

Rules and consideration

• Please observe leash laws in wildlife protection zones.
• Avoid contact with other dogs – be considerate of other hikers
• Do not undertake any tours with a dog in areas with a high risk of avalanches.

Safety & Avalanches: What you need to know

Important safety tips

• Never go out without an avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe.
• Tour should only be started in safe snow conditions.
• Never go alone – always in a team
• Check avalanche bulletins daily: LLB Bavaria

How to correctly interpret the avalanche bulletin

Understand the scales (1 = low to 5 = very high) and consider weak layers, slope angle (>30°) and exposure (south-facing slopes are more susceptible to heat in spring).

Equipment for ski touring: Our packing list

These things are essential.

• Touring skis with skins and bindings
• Touring poles + ski touring boots
• Avalanche transceiver set (device, probe, shovel)
• Helmet + sunglasses or ski goggles
• Weatherproof clothing in layers
• Backpack with thermos flask, snacks, first aid kit

Comparison table of all presented tours

tour	difficulty	Elevation gain	Length of time	Avalanche situation	Target audience
Riedberger Horn	light	650–700	2.5–3 hours	low	beginner
Weissenseejoch	difficult	1200–1300	5–6 hours	high	expert
Schönkahler	light	700	2.5–3 hours	low	beginner
Big thumb	difficult	1100–1300	5–6 hours	high	expert
Wertacher Hörnle	light	500–600	2–2.5 hours	low	beginner
Rappenseekopf	medium	1000	4–5 hours	medium	Advanced
Kreuzmandl	medium	850–900	3.5–4 hours	medium	Advanced
Gaishorn	medium	1100–1200	4–5 hours	high	Advanced
Gaißberg	medium	800–900	3–4 hours	medium	Advanced
Neunerköpfle	light	650	2–2.5 hours	low	beginner