Skiing & Winter in Austria

The 5 Best Places for Snowboarding in Austria
Endless slopes, untracked powder snow – these are Austria’s top 5 places to go snowboarding.

Endless slopes, untracked powder snow – experience the Austrian mountains off the beaten track with a guided snowboard tour or take to one of the many fun parks.

1. St. Anton, Tirol
St. Anton in Tirol is a winter classic: Sometimes dubbed the „cradle of Alpine skiing“, snowboarders are just as welcome on its slopes. You’ll find great powder runs here, and STANTON Freestyle Park with its kickers, rails, and boxes of varying difficulty levels has established itself as true freestyle highlight in the past years. It’s easily accessible via two lifts, and if you need a break, the Rendl terrace with its bars and restaurants provides great views over the entire park.

2. Ski Amadé, SalzburgerLand & Styria
Just a stone’s throw (60 km / 37 mi) from the city of Salzburg, you’ll find Austria’s largest skiing region, consisting of 25 skiing resorts, 760 km (472 mi) of pistes, and 270 lifts. Snowboarders will find fun parks and snow parks, half-pipes, obstacle courses, and amazing powder here.

3. Sölden, Tirol
Sölden in Tirol holds a special place in the hearts of party people worldwide. But before the party, it’s time for the pistes: One of the area’s strong suits is its state-of-the-art infrastructure with steel and concrete lift buildings and newly developed queueing systems to make sure people don’t have to wait. For snowboarders, the Sölden Snow Park atop Giggijoch mountain offers both challenges for experts and surface level features for beginners who have never been in a terrain park before.

4. Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn, SalzburgerLand
At the Skicircus, you’ll find a huge variety of slopes for all levels of ability. Even more so thanks to the newly launched ALPIN CARD ski pass, which gives you access to two additional ski regions (Zell am See & Kitzsteinhorn glacier) and a whopping 408 km (254 mi) of pistes for a great price. Snowboarders in search of excitement cab head to the fun slopes at one of the area’s fun parks such as the Nitro Snow Park in Leogang with its many obstacles, rails, and jumps.

5. Vorarlberg, Austria’s Westernmost Province
For a bit of a quieter snowboarding holiday, head to the smaller ski areas in Austria’s west. The Montafon Snow Park close to the Swiss border is one of the biggest and best terrain parks in the Alps, catering for all skill levels. Crystal Ground Snow Park in Kleinwalsertal is known for its creative and ever-changing setups, and Lech Zürs is home to Lech Snow Park with its dedicated pro line alongside 305 km (190 mi) of perfectly groomed pistes.

10 Great Places to Ski in Austria
Find pristine pistes, world-class ski schools, and optimal snow conditions in these 10 Austrian ski regions.

Whether you’re a skier perfecting your glides or a snowboarder looking to twist some turns in freshly fallen snow, you’ll find everything you need in abundance on and off the slopes of Austria. Come here for pristine pistes, top-notch resorts, world-class ski schools, and optimal snow conditions, all amongst some of the most beautiful mountains and scenery in the world.

As the beauty of Austria’s mountainous landscape knows no bounds and with its abundance of high-quality ski resorts, it can be difficult to know which destination to pick for your next holiday. So, to help you along, we have compiled some of the greatest places to ski in Austria.

1. Kitzbühel, Tirol
The small medieval town of Kitzbühel is steeped in tradition. Both the town and its ski resort (where every year professional skiers reach speeds of 140 kmph / 87 mph in front of some 60,000 spectators every January) are bywords for Gemütlichkeit – that particular brand of Austrian hospitality that guarantees the warmest of welcomes.

In addition to great off-piste action, you can follow the 35-kilometre (22 mi) circuit to take in some of the equally delightful surrounding villages and areas. Polish up your skiing skills at any one of the area’s legendary ski schools such as the ‘Rote Teufel’ (Red Devils), and take your pick from Kitzbühel’s 50-plus cosy mountain huts to join in with the legendary love of après-ski beats long into the night.

2. Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn, SalzburgerLand and Tirol
Composed of four ski areas, the Skicircus stretches from Tirol to the SalzburgerLand province and has rightly earned its place amongst the world’s biggest ski areas. Its slopes are as diverse and varied as they are prestigious. Fieberbrunn transforms into a freerider’s paradise for the Freeride World Tour every winter, Saalbach is home to Rave on Snow, the world’s biggest winter festival of electronic music, and Saalfelden Leogang’s annual cross-country ski marathon attracts professionals and amateur skiers alike.

270 km / 168 mi of immaculate pistes, 71 modern lifts, and an enjoyable circuit create a winter oasis for skiers, snowboarders, and tobogganers. From easy family slopes to deliciously demanding professional runs, there is something here for everyone. Foodies will find their own culinary heaven with gourmet delights in mountain eateries. A lively après-ski scene awaits in the area’s 60 chalets, snow bars, and pubs.

3. Vorarlberg
Austria’s westernmost province, Vorarlberg, has one of the best snow records in the Alps. Take your pick from a variety of smaller, cosy areas for your winter adventure:

A favourite amongst celebrities, royalty and gourmets alike, Arlberg is one of the largest contiguous ski areas in Austria. Brandnertal is prized for its family-friendly vibe and offers 65 km (40 mi) of neatly groomed pistes, easy runs, and many activities for children.

The Damüls-Mellau resort in the Bregenzerwald with its Gipfelbahn gondola links Mellau with Damüls and ensures that moving between the shadier north-facing slopes and sunny south-facing ones is quick and easy. This area is also world-renowned for its innovative architecture, design, and craftsmanship.

The Montafon valley is about 40 km (25 mi) long and includes 11 villages located at altitudes of up to 1,450 m (4,757 ft). It is surrounded by majestic peaks of 3,312 m, or over 10,000 ft. You’ll find villages with a casual, sporty atmosphere and a varied programme of leisure activities, cosy bed and breakfasts suitable for families, as well as quiet Alpine villages perfect for relaxing here.

4. Zell am See-Kaprun, SalzburgerLand
An hour away from Salzburg Airport is the gorgeous lakeside town of Zell am See, which shares a lift pass with the equally picturesque village of Kaprun, located about 8 km (5 mi) down the road. Beginners and advanced skiers are well catered for. You can take a combination of gondolas and chairlifts from Zell am See town centre and from the satellite of Schuttdorf for intermediate skiing to the 2,000-metre (6,562 ft) Schmittenhöhe mountain. Snow-sure skiing is guaranteed on the 3,030-metre (9,941 ft) high slopes of Kaprun’s Kitzsteinhorn Glacier.

Beginners or those returning to the sport can hit the wide range of nursery slopes or polish up their skills at any one of the area’s 11 different ski schools. Away from the slopes, the chic shops lining Zell am See’s cobblestoned high street are fantastic for some retail therapy, or you could treat yourself to some rest and relaxation at the impressive TAUERN SPA just outside Kaprun.

5. Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau, Tirol
The Ski Juwel skiing area is formed of two Tirolean ski resorts – Alpbach and Wildschönau. Just 45 km (28 mi) from Innsbruck, Alpbach has been voted the prettiest town in the region, and Wildschönau boasts picturesque little villages. With some 109 km (68 mi) of pistes, all variety of blue, red and black runs and ski roads, and the abundance of ski lifts ensure you enjoy your time to the max.

Families are well catered for with a generous beginner’s area on Schatzberg mountain; there’s also a park for freestylers and boarders. Romantic horse-drawn sleigh rides, farmers’ museums, and the local Wildschönau train which takes you to the most gorgeous spots in the Alpine valley, ensure a great time off the slopes. And why not end the day with a celebratory Krautinger, a unique schnapps made of local turnips?

6. Kitzbüheler Alpen, Tirol
This area is steeped in tradition and famed for its outstanding hospitality. Cultural activities, museums, and traditional events await, and the mountainous arena offers up the perfect stage for skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing. Available as a 1- to 14-day ski pass, 10-day flexible ski pass and season pass, the Kitzbüheler Alpen Super Ski Card covers more than 900 cable cars and lifts, 2,750 km (1,708 mi) of runs and gives access to 800 ski lodges, making Kitzbühel Alps one of Austria’s largest and most varied ski areas.

The slopes have plenty of natural snow and snowmaking facilities, guaranteeing a long skiing season. The gentle runs of the St. Johann in Tirol resort lend themselves perfectly to family fun, and there are a number of romantic rustic huts to take a rest and refuel along the way.

7. Innsbruck, Tirol
For a ski holiday with a different feel, the stunning Habsburg university town of the “capital of the Alps”, Innsbruck, will not disappoint. A mainstay on “Best European Winter Destination” lists, it has hosted the Winter Olympics three times. Innsbruck’s SKI plus CITY pass gives you all-inclusive access to 22 city sights, 13 ski areas, 3 swimming pools, and public transport, with the free ski bus whisking you to your chosen spot in no time.

Peppered with small boutiques, beautiful museums, fabulous culinary establishments, and a wealth of glistening Christmas markets, Innsbruck is a perfect destination for adventurous thrill seekers and culture-loving metropolitan travellers alike.

Longing for the ultimate winter sports destination? The Stubai Glacier, located just 45 minutes from Innsbruck, is your answer. Enjoy more than 50 km (31 mi) of ski runs for intensive downhill skiing, carving, and boarding.

8. Tiroler Zugspitz Arena, Tirol
At 2,962 m (9,718 ft), the Zugspitze mountain is the tallest in the area. Tucked beneath this fantastic backdrop are the seven ski resorts making up the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena. 142 km (88 mi) of slopes and 56 lifts can be reached quickly via free buses and are all covered by the same ski pass. Gentle slopes offer a relaxing experience for beginners and returners to skiing, whilst challenging slopes provide exhilarating runs for the experienced.

Many packages offer free childcare, there are numerous ski courses and camps for children aged two and upwards, and children under six ski free in all areas. Off the slopes, you can soak in the après-ski experience, relax in your hotel’s spa, or while away the hours in a pretty local village or town.

9. Obertauern, SalzburgerLand
The resort of Obertauern, at an altitude of 1,740 m / 5,708 ft, boasts some of the most reliable snow conditions in Austria. There’s excellent skiing here from late November right through to early May. An Olympic centre and high-altitude training site offer everything that winter sports guests could possibly be looking for.

10. Sölden / Ötztal, Tirol
Skiing in the Ötztal Arena starts at 1,400 m (4,593 ft) above sea level and goes right up to 3,249 m (10,660 ft). The “Golden Gate to the Glacier”, the ski link to the region’s glacier skiing area, opens up nearly 150 km (93 mi) of ski pistes, with a panorama of 9,840 ft / 3,000 m peaks as a backdrop wherever you look. The FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup and the FIS Snowboard World Cup – the first of a great number of glacier events and highlights – celebrate the season’s opening in mid-October.

5 Activities Beyond the Ski Slopes
Not everyone feels inclined to track up a mountain in snow shoes. However the reward that awaits you is quite grand: an unforgettable experience in the majestic Austrian Alps, beyond the flurry on the ski slopes. Here are 5 activities to enjoy winter in Austria away from the slopes.

1. Snowshoeing
Far away from the prepared slopes and runs you can reach well beyond what others will experience. Enjoy spectacular views off the beaten path and marvel at fresh snow clinging to a mountain cliff, glistening. You might even see timid wildlife or just simply enjoy the undisturbed splendour of a glacier.

An especially impressive snow shoe trail can be found in the Rauris Valley in Salzburg’s countryside. Before the trail leads into the forest, you will be amazed by the majesty of the soaring 3,000-metre (10,000 ft) peaks above you. After three hours of snowshoe hiking, you’ll have earned a hearty meal at the Alpengasthof Ammererhof. We suggest borrowing a toboggan for the ride back down – or spend the night in one of their cosy guest rooms.

2. Winter Hiking
Do you prefer to take it a bit easier? May we suggest to simply don warm footwear and set off for a winter hike. There are countless, specially prepared trails at all altitudes across Austria that lead through enchanting forests, over sun drenched mountain pastures, or even into some of the highest mountain regions. Ascend the mountain by cable car and start off from there, as in the Mauterndorf ski area. Or just start walking, there are plenty of hotels located directly on hiking trails.

3. Igloo Building
This is certainly one of the more unique ways to spend a winter vacation. In the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena you can enroll in an igloo building workshop – a fascinating experience for people of all ages. What impresses most is that even on the coldest days the temperature in the interior of the igloo remains above freezing and, thankfully, clothing and sleeping bags stay dry after you have settled down for the night.

4. Dog Sledding
A ride on a dog sled is an unforgettable experience – and not just for the kids. When you stand at the back of the sled pulled by huskies, you are able to experience the winter landscape in a unique way. This Alaskan adventure is yours to have in the heart of the Waldviertel region. In a dedicated workshop, you’ll learn about caring for huskies, the most important aspects of manoeuvring a sled, and the commands that the dogs understand. All this can be put into practice straight away of course, under the watchful eye of a musher. Workshops are available in a variety of locations, such as Kühtai in Tirol, Sportgastein, and Brandnertal valley in Vorarlberg.

5. Tobogganing
A true winter classic during the day as well as at night. The most powerful floodlight system in all of Europe illuminates the toboggan run on the Hirschenkogel at Semmering during long winter evenings. The World’s Longest Floodlit Run can be found on the Wildkogel in Salzburg; an unbelievable 14 km (8.7 mi) and the entire length is lit at night.

True friends of nature, however, stick with the tried and true methods of yesteryear. Grab a torch, get a sled, and stroll up the mountain over snow-covered paths through forests and pastures.

Ice Skating in Vienna
Come to Vienna for the ultimate magical winter experience: ice skating whilst surrounded by magnificent historic buildings. The sound of rhythmic music coming from the distance whilst you’re in Vienna’s snow-covered Stadtpark is a sure sound that things are in full swing at the nearby Eislaufverein. This sweeping ice rink is just a few steps away from the impressive facade of the Wiener Konzerthaus Concert Hall.

Fun on the Ice
The artificial ice at the rink in the heart of Vienna is as smooth as glass and perfectly groomed. To get in on the fun all you have to do is hire a pair of ice skates from the well-stocked hire shop.

All those who aren’t quite ready to get in on the action can simply stand and watch. Figure skaters and hockey players each train here in their own separate areas, but most of the rink is given over to recreational skaters of all ages.

Waltz music drifts in from the loudspeakers, creating a warm atmosphere and the buzz is palpable and infectious. The Eislaufverein celebrates looks back on an impressive 150 years of history in Vienna, and is an integral part of the winter cityscape. During the 1920s, the then almost 6,0378 sq. m. (65,000 sq. ft.) rink was the largest in the world. Today, it is an impressive 9940.6 sq. m. (107,000 sq. ft.) and just as enjoyable an experience to skate on as ever.

150 Years of Skating
There’s a refreshment stall in the middle of the ice rink, perfect for taking a break from the skating. Whilst enjoying a steaming-hot drink it’s easy to fall into conversation with fellow skaters who can tell you a little bit about the history of the venue and how things have changed over the years.

Cross-Country and Nordic Skiing
Looking for cross-country skiing tracks near to a hotel or resort in Austria? Here is a selection of classic tracks for cross-country skiers and skaters full of twists and turns.

Carinthia
Carinthia’s well-structured loipe network
Carinthia offers excellent cross-country skiing areas with over 300 km (186 mi) of loipes and 42 double track loipes. A selection of cross-country schools provide courses and the trails are cleverly distributed between valley and mountain locations throughout the province, offering beginners and advanced practitioners ideal conditions for every level.

Salzburgerland
Salzburger Sportwelt
With the trails in St. Johann-Alpendorf, Kleinarl and Filzmoos, 260 km (161 mi) of cross-country skiing fun are waiting for you in the Salzburger Sportwelt. The cross-country trails fall into different ability levels, with 13 easy routes, 12 intermediate and 3 difficult. The 50 km-long (31 mi) Tauernloipe is the focal point of the network which interconnects the towns of Flachau, Wagrain, Radstadt, Altenmarkt-Zauchensee, Eben and Untertauern. Skating fans aren’t neglected in the Salzburger Sportwelt either, with around 160 km (99 mi) of trails tracked especially for “skaters”.

Tirol
Olympiaregion Seefeld
The 5 villages that make up the Olympiaregion Seefeld have been providing cross-country skiing facilities and conditions for many years now that are unparalleled anywhere else in Europe. With 279 km (173 mi) of immaculately groomed trails covering all levels of difficulty, both beginners and experts alike can enjoy the sport to the full.

Upper Austria
Upper Austria’s cross-country hotspots
Winter sports yes, but piste no? The silent winter forest suits your nature, rather than noisy crowds? Then you probably have cross-country skis waiting to be used. Well it’s time to dig them out, because here are the hot nordic ski tips for Upper Austria.

Styria & Burgenland
Cross-country skiing in Styria
28 specialised cross-country skiing hotels offer everything for your active holiday in Styria, even sports therapists. Enjoy snow-covered countryside, pure mountain air and fantastic views. Get a sense of your body and find your own rhythm. Leave stress behind and enjoy the winter and its beauty. With the cross-country skiing seal of quality, Styria and its hotels will not fail to deliver.