Snow In Austria: What To Expect In July

While Austria is known for its snow-covered slopes, July is midsummer in the country, with warm and dry weather. However, there are still a few places where you can find snow in Austria during this month. The Kitzsteinhorn Glacier, located above Kaprun in the province of Salzburg, usually has snow until the end of July. The glaciers in this region typically offer skiing opportunities and stunning views even during the summer months. Another option is the Stubai Glacier, which is usually open until late July. It is one of the most convenient glacier areas, located close to Innsbruck. Additionally, the Hintertux Glacier is open all year round and offers a mix of ski runs for different experience levels. So, if you're looking to experience snow in Austria in July, these glacier regions are your best bet.

Skiing in Austria in July

Austria in July is hot in the lowlands and mild in the Alps, with long days and little humidity. While it's peak season, the country doesn't tend to get as busy as some of its neighbours, such as Italy.

Where to Ski

If you're looking to ski in Austria in July, you'll need to head to a glacier. The Kitzsteinhorn glacier above Kaprun usually stays open until the end of July, with slopes sitting at above 3000m. There are 15km of slopes, mainly reds and blues, and the area overlooks the Hohe Tauern National Park.

The Stubai glacier, near Innsbruck, is another option. It usually closes in late July and reopens in September. The ski area has some interesting terrain, although the challenging run down to the base station is only open in the winter.

The Hintertux glacier is open all year round. It's located high up in the mountains at the end of the Ziller valley. The skiing is good, with a mix of runs, including some challenging blacks.

The Dachstein glacier is usually open for 11 months of the year and has a good amount of powder. There are 18km of red and black runs, with a Superpark that has jibs, kickers, rails, tubes and boxes.

What Else to do in Austria in July

If you're not skiing, there are plenty of other things to do in Austria in July. Swimming, hiking, and boating are all popular activities, and there are many music and cultural festivals throughout the month.

The Grossglockner Road through the Alps is a legendary short road trip, with views of lush green valleys and snow-capped peaks.

For classical music, check out the Salzburg Summer Festival, which takes place from mid-July until the end of August. Or, for early music, there's the Innsbruck Festival, which runs throughout July and August.

If you're looking for contemporary music, the Tyrolean Festival in Erl usually takes place in July.

Where to Stay

Accommodation-wise, it's worth booking in advance, especially if you want to travel to Salzburg for the Salzburger Festspiele.

For the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, you can stay in Kaprun or Zell. For the Stubai glacier, try Tux or the larger, sportier resort of Mayrhofen.

If you're heading to the Hintertux glacier, Neustift is the closest resort to Austria's biggest glacier.

Weather Conditions

It's worth noting that summer skiing is generally hard and icy in the morning, and very slushy in the afternoon. Weather conditions can also cause glacier closures, so always check with the resort before you go.

Summer in Austria

Weather

In July, Austria is in the middle of summer, with hot temperatures in the lowlands and milder conditions in the Alps. The summer is usually warm and dry, with high temperatures of around 80°F (27°C) at lower altitudes, and a few degrees cooler in the mountains. The larger cities, such as Vienna, may be a little warmer.

Activities

Swimming, hiking, and boating are popular summer activities in Austria. The country is home to thousands of lakes, large and small, where you can take a refreshing dip. Head to the Salzkammergut lake and alpine region near Salzburg for a swim and pretty medieval architecture in the towns of Hallstatt and St. Wolfgang.

If you want to get into the mountains, Fieberbrunn in the Kitzbühel Alps is a great destination for families. In the summer, it transforms from a ski resort to a hiking and mountaineering spot. There's also Timok's Wild World, a summer-only theme park with a high ropes course, inflatables, an assault course on a lake, and a petting area with reindeer and other forest animals.

For a road trip, try the Grossglockner Road through the Alps. This 30-mile (48 km) route twists and turns through high passes, offering views of lush green valleys and snow-capped peaks. You'll need to be a confident driver and have a good car to navigate the mountain road.

Culture

July is a month of summer music and arts festivals in Austria. Check out the Salzburg Summer Festival, one of the most prominent classical music and drama events in the country, taking place in Mozart's hometown from mid-July until the end of August.

If you're looking for snow in July, you'll need to head to the glaciers. Try the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier above Kaprun, which usually stays open well into the summer with good snow conditions. The slopes tend to stay open until the end of July, with 15km of mainly red and blue runs. You can also visit the Ice Arena, which has a snow beach, igloos, and snow slides.

Other options include the Hintertux glacier, which is open all year round, and the Stubai glacier, which usually stays open until late July and then reopens in September.

Austrian glaciers

Austria is home to several glaciers, which offer breathtaking panoramic views and a range of outdoor activities. Here is an overview of some notable Austrian glaciers:

Tyrolean Glaciers

The Tyrol region boasts five impressive glaciers: Sölden, Hintertux, Kaunertal, Pitztal, and Stubaital. These glaciers provide stunning visual marvels, such as the Nature's Ice Palace, and are accessible for skiing and snowboarding for a large part of the year. The Kaunertal Glacier, in particular, is a haven for winter sports enthusiasts, offering the highest glacial skiing area in Austria at 3,440 meters above sea level. The Stubai Glacier, conveniently located near Innsbruck, is another popular destination, known for its extended season and diverse attractions.

Kitzsteinhorn Glacier

The Kitzsteinhorn Glacier, located in Kaprun, offers a unique summer skiing experience. Sitting at over 3,000 meters above sea level, it provides breathtaking views and ample skiing opportunities. The glacier typically stays open well into the summer months, given favourable snow conditions, and then reopens in September for the autumn season.

Großvenediger Glacier

Ascending the Großvenediger mountain rewards adventurers with spectacular insights into one of Austria's largest and most captivating glacier regions. The panoramic view of the Mullwitzkees, a sea of snow and ice stretching beyond the rocky landscape, is truly awe-inspiring. The Großvenediger summit, towering at 3,657 meters, presents a challenging yet rewarding endeavour for mountaineers.

Dachstein Glacier

The Dachstein Glacier, accessible via a scenic gondola ride, offers a mix of summer and winter attractions. Visitors can enjoy skiing, snow/ice activities, and a glass-bottomed viewing platform. The glacier is typically accessible until the summer months, and visitors can take advantage of the summer card offered by local accommodations for complimentary access.

Hintertux Glacier

The Hintertux Glacier stands out for its year-round accessibility and challenging skiing terrain. Located high in the mountains at the end of the Ziller valley, it offers an out-of-the-way experience with stunning skiing conditions. Accommodations can be found in Tux or the larger resort town of Mayrhofen.

Pasterze Glacier

Austria's largest glacier, the Pasterze, stretches for around eight kilometres. This mighty glacier plays a crucial role in providing fresh drinking water, as glaciers are essential sources of hydration for the planet.

Austrian weather in July

July is midsummer in Austria, with warm temperatures and longer days. At lower altitudes, you can expect average highs of around 27°C, while the mountains will be a few degrees cooler. The larger cities, such as Vienna, may be a little warmer.

Rainfall in July is unlikely to be heavy, and the humidity is usually low, making the higher temperatures comfortable. The sun sets after 9 pm, leaving plenty of time for evening walks, parties, and picnics.

Snow in July

While Austria is known for its ski resorts, snow is not common in July. However, there are a few places where you may still find snow:

• Kitzsteinhorn Glacier: Located above Kaprun, the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier usually has snow until the end of July. It offers stunning views and is accessible by cable car.
• Dachstein Glacier: This glacier is typically open for 11 months of the year and can be accessed from Filz. It offers 18km of red and black runs and a Superpark with various features for skiers and snowboarders.
• Zell: Zell provides excellent access to the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, which sometimes remains open all year round. Even if the slopes are closed, you can still enjoy the snow at the Ice Arena, which features a snow beach, snow slides, and igloos.
• Neustift: Neustift is close to the Stubai Glacier, which is usually open until early July and then reopens in September. It offers a Snowpark for sunny shredding and blue runs from Schaufelspitze.
• Solden: The Tiefenbach and Rettenbach glaciers in Solden are connected by ski lifts and the Rosi Mittermaier tunnel. They offer a mix of blue, red, and black runs and typically open in September.

Activities in July

While you may not find widespread snow in Austria in July, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy:

• Swimming, hiking, and boating: Austria's thousands of lakes offer opportunities for swimming and boating, while the mountains provide excellent hiking trails.
• Music and cultural festivals: July is a month filled with summer music and arts festivals, including the Salzburg Summer Festival, the Innsbruck Festival of Early Music, and the Bregenzer Festspiele in Bregenz.
• Road trips: Take a road trip on the Grossglockner Road, a legendary 48 km stretch through the Alps, offering views of lush valleys and snow-capped peaks.
• City exploration: Visit cities like Vienna, which is quieter in July as locals go on vacation, or Salzburg, which hosts the Salzburger Festspiele, a significant classical music festival.

July travel tips for Austria

Weather

July is midsummer in Austria, with hot temperatures in the lowlands and milder conditions in the Alps. Expect high temperatures of around 80°F (27°C) at lower altitudes, and a few degrees cooler in the mountains. The larger cities, such as Vienna, may be a little warmer. July is not especially humid, which can make higher temperatures feel more comfortable, and while you may encounter rain showers, they won't be heavy.

Activities

Swimming, hiking, and boating are all popular in July. Austria is home to thousands of lakes, large and small, where you can take a refreshing dip. Head to the Salzkammergut lake and alpine region near Salzburg for a swim, or to the pretty towns of Hallstatt (on Lake Hallstatt) or St. Wolfgang (on Lake Wolfgangsee) for pretty medieval architecture, lakeside walks, swimming, boating, and nearby hikes.

If you want to get into the mountains, Fieberbrunn is an enjoyable destination for families. In the winter, this town in the Kitzbühel Alps is a ski resort, but in the summer, it's a hiking and mountaineering destination. A major drawcard is Timok's Wild World, a summer-only theme park. Have fun on the high ropes course, inflatables, an assault course on a lake, and a petting area with reindeer and other forest animals, or thrill down the mountainside by luge.

You could also take a road trip through the Grossglockner Road in the Alps, which twists and turns 30 miles (48 km) through high passes with views of lush green valleys and snow-capped peaks. You'll need to be a confident driver and have a good car to navigate the mountain road. It stretches from Heiligenblut in Carinthia to Bruck, near Salzburg.

Festivals

July is a month of summer music and arts festivals in Austria. Check out the Carinthian Summer Festival in Ossiach and Villach, the Salzburg Summer Festival, the Tyrolean Festival in Erl, the Innsbruck Festival of Early Music, and the Bregenzer Festspiele in Bregenz, among others.

Snow

While July is not peak season for snow in Austria, there are still some places to find it. You will need to head to a glacier to see snow. Try the Kitzsteinhorn glacier above Kaprun, which usually stays open until the end of July, with slopes open for skiing and snowboarding. The Stubai glacier is another option, which usually stays open until late July. The Hintertux glacier is open all year round and is located high up in the mountains at the end of the Ziller valley.

Planning and Accommodation

July is the peak season for travel to Austria, so expect higher prices and more tourists in many parts of the country. Book transport and accommodation as far in advance as possible, especially if you want to travel to Salzburg for the Salzburger Festspiele, a significant fixture of the international classical music circuit.

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