Mountains and weather are inseparable—every outdoor adventure is shaped by the elements. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just starting out, understanding mountain weather helps you make smarter decisions, and fully enjoy your time outdoors. Observing the clouds, feeling the changing winds, and recognizing weather patterns not only enhances safety but also makes every hike more mindful and exciting. During this specialist week, you’ll gain valuable mountain weather skills and start to see nature in a whole new way, while immersing yourself in stunning Austrian alpine scenery.
- Learn how to read the sky, understand weather patterns, and use modern forecasting tools.
- Experience guided hikes in the Hohe Tauern National Park, home to glaciers and breathtaking alpine scenery.
- Enjoy the full MoaAlm experience with daily yoga, plant-based meals, and a relaxing hot tub.
This week you will be guided by Sophie, Tobias, and a renowned weather expert: Meteorologist and certified hiking guide Gerhard Hohenwarter will lead two of the hikes and evening lectures. Key questions we’ll answer: How do I get an accurate mountain weather forecast? How reliable are weather apps, and how do they work? What tools can I use to predict mountain weather while hiking? Your journey won’t just be theoretical; learn about mountain weather in real time and experience how it impacts our adventures and overall well-being. We will also discuss glacier development and the future of our climate.
Requirements:
This week is perfect for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who want to deepen their knowledge of mountain weather while enjoying an active holiday. We offer five days of guided hikes, each lasting between 4 to 7 hours, with 500-1000 meters of altitude gain. We start with a shorter warm-up hike before progressing to longer routes. A good fitness level and hiking boots are required to join us on these hikes. We will send a detailed packing list after booking. Our yoga classes are always tailored to individual needs so that everyone can participate at their own level of experience.
Saturday: Arrive at MoaAlm Mountain Retreat, your home for the week, and settle into your cozy room. Take in the spectacular alpine views from your balcony. In the evening, enjoy a welcome drink and get to know your fellow guests over a delicious plant-based dinner.
Sunday: Start your day with a yoga session as the sun rises over the peaks. After breakfast, we head out for an introductory hike, a chance to get orientated and ease into the week. Back at MoaAlm, relax in the hot tub while gazing at the vast sky—our stage for this holiday’s weather journey. After dinner, meteorologist Gerhard Hohenwarter will introduce us to the fascinating world of mountain weather.
Monday: Today, we dive deeper into mountain weather with an early hike, putting theory into practice as we analyse cloud formations, wind patterns and temperature shifts. After returning to MoaAlm, we’ll enjoy a restorative yoga session and a three-course dinner followed by an evening lecture with Gerhard. He’ll share insights into the evolution of our glaciers and how climate change is shaping the alpine environment.
Tuesday: After breakfast, we set out on another guided hike with Gerhard, continuing to build on our knowledge of mountain weather. As we traverse the trails of Hohe Tauern National Park, we’ll observe firsthand how the elements interact with the dramatic alpine landscape. If conditions allow, we may even get a view of one of the nearby glaciers. Returning to MoaAlm in the afternoon, there’s time to relax with homemade cake and a soak in the hot tub.
Wednesday: Begin the morning with yoga and breakfast before enjoying a free day to explore at your own pace. Relax at MoaAlm with a book, visit the charming town of Lienz, or take a refreshing swim in an alpine lake. If you’re up for more adventure, try rock climbing, paragliding, mountain biking or rafting! In the evening, we’ll meet in the village for dinner at a local restaurant.
Thursday: If the weather allows, Sophie will take you on a sunrise hike. As we climb under the stars, the first light of day will reveal the awe-inspiring peaks around us. With a warm drink at the summit, we’ll take in the incredible views before heading down for lunch at a cozy mountain restaurant. In the afternoon, stretch out with a yoga class before gathering for another delicious dinner at MoaAlm.
Friday: The week has flown by! After an energising yoga session and breakfast, we’ll embark on our final scenic hike led by Tobias. Take in the mountain scenery one last time, appreciating the skies and weather through a new lens. Back at MoaAlm, we’ll share sunset drinks in the hot tub before sitting down for a farewell dinner with new friends.
Saturday: After breakfast, we’ll assist you with your travel connections as you head home, feeling inspired by everything you’ve learned and experienced. Latest check-out is by 10:00.
The choice of hikes may vary depending on the weather and conditions.
Spaces are limited for this unique hiking and weather holiday in Austria.
Book your place today! Contact us to reserve your spot: austria@wearactive.com
Price includes:
- 7 x nights accommodation at MoaAlm
- 5 x days of guided hiking- 2x mountain weather evening lectures
- 5 x one hour yoga sessions in our panoramic studio
- 7 x organic, locally sourced breakfast
- 6 x Afternoon tea/cake with freshly baked, plant based cake
- 6 x Three course plant based evening meal with local wine or beer
- Bed linen
- Towels
- Free WIFI
- Transfer from/to the train or bus station in Lienz or Huben in Osttirol (if you travel by public transport).
Price excludes:
- Flights and transfers to Huben/Lienz
-Additional activities often explored on Wednesdays (mountain biking, rafting, canyoning, rock climbing and paragliding)
- Lunch
- Dinner on evenings out
- Insurance.