Canyoning Season Comes to an End: Outdoor Activities for Fall and Winter

Every fall, dropping temperatures and the first frosts signal the start of the winter hiatus for the Allgäu gorges, since canyoning depends on water and remains a sport practiced only from spring through fall. Still, that doesn’t mean we come to a standstill, because the mountains have four seasons: Golden autumn belongs to the via ferrata routes—for which our rental shop in Sonthofen has complete sets ready—winter belongs to the purelements ski school with flexible ski resort options in the Allgäu, and throughout the year, adventure trips take you to regions where the climate extends the season. This page shows how you can stay active outdoors with us all year round and bridge the gap until your next canyoning adventure.

Clear air, good visibility, and stable conditions make fall the perfect time for via ferrata in the Allgäu Alps—and you don’t have to buy any special gear: A helmet, via ferrata set, and climbing harness are available as a certified complete set at our rental shop in Sonthofen, maintained to the same standards as our canyoning gear. As soon as snow covers the Allgäu mountains, we switch to a new element, because in winter, purelements operates as a private ski school with the same high standards as in the canyon: modern instruction, personalized learning, and honest feedback—all tailored to you—because your success is the reward by which we measure our work. One thing that sets us apart from local schools is that we don’t limit ourselves to a single ski resort; every Allgäu region has its own specialty—whether it’s unique runs, freeride slopes, or snow conditions—and depending on the conditions and your preferences, we select the optimal area, combining variety with environmentally friendly, short travel distances. Our via ferrata equipment rental shop in Sonthofen provides a detailed list of all the fall gear you’ll need.

When wanderlust strikes in winter, our adventure trips extend your time outdoors to places where other climates allow it. In the evergreen Azores, you’ll try your hand at rappelling down waterfalls instead of lounging on the beach, and swap TV nights for up-close whale watching, while a road trip through South Africa blends outdoor adventure and scenery into a journey that leaves a lasting impression. All destinations are handpicked, usually accompanied by a local guide and a German-speaking guide, supported by our global network of professional guides and our conscious collaboration with local businesses that give back to the countries we visit. Closer to home is Ticino, where our Swiss office—with its own base in Cresciano—also offers weekend trips. You can also pass the time until the season starts in the spring with a gift, as experience and gift certificates turn the anticipation of your next canyoning adventure into a tangible present under the Christmas tree. Our overview of purelements’ outdoor and adventure trips brings together all destinations, dates, and formats.