Winter Camping: An Austrian Road Trip in a Campervan!

Winter camping? Embrace the adventure in a campervan! Simeon Baker, outdoor enthusiast, guitarist, and photographer, decided to take his camping skills to the next level by camping in winter! He spent a week camping in Austria and shares his experience with the VW Grand California here. If you're thinking about winter camping yourself, you'll find expert tips here!

Tips for Winter Camping

Before Your Trip

• Check the tread depth of your winter tires.
• Check battery levels and charge if necessary.
• For mountain driving: pack snow chains.
• Check gas bottle levels.

During Your Stay

• Lay power cables so they don't freeze.
• Regularly remove snow and ice from the roof.
• Ventilate daily to release moisture.

Winter Camping Equipment

• Flashlight or de-icing spray
• Warm work gloves
• Ice scraper and hand brush, stored within easy reach in the vehicle
• Snow shovel and broom
• Leveling ramps or wooden boards

Road Trip Through Austria in a Campervan

Two friends and a campervan. Simeon, originally from Australia, has been living in Austria for several years. Together with his travel companion, Ruben from Belgium, he embarked on a winter road trip through Austria. Their camping trip in the VW Grand California started in Reutte, Tyrol and took the two adventurers to Wildkogel, Fügen, and the Hintertux Glacier. Curious? Then read on!

Winter Camping: The Itinerary

• Wildkogel
• Fügen
• Hintertux Glacier

Wildkogel

The first stop on their journey was Wildkogel. Here, they wanted to not only test out the ski resort but also check out the world's longest illuminated toboggan run. The 12 km long toboggan run promised fun and adventure. And that's exactly what they got! They fully enjoyed the beautiful winter landscape and were truly impressed by the toboggan run.

They stayed overnight directly at the pitch next to Gasthof Friedburg. You'll find fresh water, electricity access, and a delicious breakfast here. Not only well-supplied but also pleasantly quiet for relaxing nights!

Fügen

After a few days in Wildkogel, they continued to Fügen. Here, they wanted to explore the Zillertal valley. They checked into Camping and Aparthotel Zillertal | Natürlich Hell and enjoyed the evening with Belgian beer and a dip in the hotel's swimming pool. The next morning, they set off quite early for the Hochfügen ski region. Simeon reports: "The Zillertal is truly a dream. The ski area around Spieljoch is just perfect for us. We didn't have the best weather, but we had a lot of fun on the slopes." After an eventful day on the slopes, they drove to the next ski area: Hintertux Glacier!

Hintertux Glacier

They were able to stay overnight directly at the valley station of Hintertux Glacier. Simeon says: "Thanks to the pitch right in front of the ski lift, we were the first on the slopes the next morning, but you shouldn't expect too much from this overnight spot. We were traveling in the VW Grand California, which offers us great advantages thanks to its versatile features like the built-in shower and toilet. However, we wouldn't recommend this pitch if you're traveling in a smaller campervan and plan to park for a longer period." After arriving at the valley station, Simeon treated himself to a quiet evening and worked on the post-production of the travel videos from their camping trip. Before heading back to Reutte, Tyrol, Simeon and Ruben spent a full day at the Hintertux Glacier and rocked the slopes.

Conclusion: Winter Camping

Skiing and winter camping is a fantastic way to experience the Austrian Alps. It's cost-effective, flexible, and you can wake up right at the ski lifts! The VW Grand California is a great campervan for winter camping thanks to its built-in heating. This won't be our last winter camping road trip!