Forest road variant Schmalzberg (Gargellen)

Not every winter walk has to be half a day. This variant on the Schmalzberg takes half an hour: 1.8 km, 43 m of ascent, from the Gargellen cable car valley station (1,427 m) along the forest road down the valley to roughly the level of the Haus Sursilva and back the same way. According to the state of Vorarlberg's winter trail data the path is groomed throughout and classified as an easy winter trail – a broad, grippy snow track through the forest on the slope above the road, with views back to the village and the Madrisa (2,770 m) above it.

Gargellen lies at 1,423 m, making it the highest village in the Montafon and correspondingly snow-sure; the Walser village has a little over 130 inhabitants and lives from tourism. This variant is intended as an add-on to the longer descent from the Schafberg Hüsli along the forest road into the valley, or as a stroll while the rest of the family is skiing. Refreshments at the valley station and in the village. From our house, bus 670 takes around 20 minutes to the Schafbergbahn stop; parking at the valley station is free.

Emergency: Alpine rescue 140 · Euro emergency 112 · Ambulance 144
All information without guarantee. Please check weather, opening hours and cable car operating times before setting off. Alpine tours require personal responsibility, suitable equipment and experience.

Last updated: 13 Sep 2026 · Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL)