Winter Wonder: Snow In Austria's November

Austria is a popular destination for skiing and winter sports. While November is the end of autumn and the beginning of winter, it is still possible to ski in Austria during this month.

The weather in Austria in November is typically cold and damp, with the possibility of snow in the mountains and cities. The average high is 48°F (9°C), with colder temperatures at higher altitudes.

There are several ski resorts in Austria that offer skiing in November, including:

- Hintertux

- Sölden

- Obergurgl

- Kitzsteinhorn

- Pitztal

- Stubai

- Kaunertal

- Ischgl

- Kaprun

- Lech

- St. Anton

- Zell am See

- Saalbach-Hinterglemm

Skiing in Austria in November

Austria is a popular destination for skiing holidays, with many resorts across the country. November is a great month to hit the slopes, as the ski season is already up and running, and the resorts are less busy than during the peak winter season.

Weather

The weather in Austria in November can vary, with some years experiencing a golden autumn of warm temperatures and sunshine, even at higher elevations. However, mountain areas will usually see snow as early as November, so you can expect some good skiing conditions.

Resorts

There are several ski resorts in Austria that are usually open in November, offering the chance to get some early skiing in before the peak season crowds arrive. These include:

• Rettenbach glacier above Sölden, which hosts the opening of the World Cup ski season
• Tyrol Kaunertal Glacier
• Pitztal Glacier
• Stubai Glacier
• Hintertux Glacier
• Salzburg Kitzsteinhorn Glacier
• Carinthia Mölltaler Glacier

Indoor Activities

If the weather is not ideal for skiing, there are plenty of indoor activities to enjoy in Austria. Indulge in some local food and drink, such as Schnapps, the unofficial national drink of the country. You can also attend a Mozart concert, followed by a 3-course dinner, or explore the world's largest ice caves in Salzburg.

So, if you're looking for a winter holiday destination that offers both outdoor and indoor activities, Austria in November is a great choice!

Christmas markets in Austria

Austria is a great place to visit in November if you're looking for a cold winter getaway. While snow is not guaranteed, it does occasionally begin early, delighting ski enthusiasts. The high season for snow skiing in the Western Alps, however, usually starts in late December.

If you're visiting Austria in November, you can indulge in plenty of outdoor activities, including hiking and exploring ice caves, as well as indoor activities like tasting the local Schnapps.

Austria is also famous for its Christmas markets, which are held throughout November and December. Here are some of the top Christmas markets to visit:

Vienna

The capital city has over seven Christmas markets, including the traditional "Vienna Magic of Advent", which transforms the City Hall Square into a shining fairytale land. The market at Belvedere Palace features boutique jewellery and ceramics stalls, while the Schönbrunn Palace market offers jazz concerts, spiced weihnachtspunsch (a local take on glühwein), and around 80 stalls.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck’s Old Town Square Christmas market is extremely popular. Here, the scent of fried kiachl (sweet and savoury doughnuts) wafts over stalls filled with old crafts and spiced biscuits. The Golden Roof, a gilded copper shingle construction from the 16th century, provides a beautiful backdrop to the market. A more contemplative option is the Hungerburg market, which offers a funicular ride and stunning views, as well as an annual 'Krampus run' where the festive devils of Alpine folklore are let loose on the mountain slopes.

Salzburg

Salzburg’s Christkindl market is a fairy-tale incarnate, with its snow-topped Alpine setting and hilltop fortress. The choirs perform in the glow of the cathedral, while stalls of crafts, traditional toys, and sweets scatter the cinnamon-scented square. The Hellbrunn Christmas market, located in the far-flung district of Hellbrunn, offers a more rustic take on the festivities, with reindeer-pulled sleds and an advent calendar projected onto its 17th-century palace.

Graz

Graz’s main Christmas market is located in the Franciscan Quarter, beneath the oldest monastery in Austria. Here, you'll find a long-running market with tin toys and local crafts, as well as a big wheel and carousel. The nearby Färberplatz market, run by a collective of local craftspeople, offers a great selection of arts and crafts.

Linz

The Linz Christmas Market, located in the heart of Austria’s vibrant Upper Austria region, beautifully combines traditional Austrian customs with the city’s artistic and cultural heritage. Local delicacies, such as the famous Linzertorte, are available alongside traditional Glühwein and Punsch. There's also a special children’s section with a mini-train ride and a petting zoo.

Vienna's ball season

The Viennese ball season offers a mix of traditional waltz and contemporary music, with something for every taste. The balls are held in magnificent halls with an Imperial vibe and are known for their culinary delights. The special ambience is created by ceremonial programmes and courtly customs that date back to the 18th century. This includes dress codes, an opening fanfare, the debutants' arrival, and the exclamation "Alles Walzer!" (the signal to get on the dance floor).

Many of Vienna's balls are organised by professional guilds, with each guild putting its unique spin on the festivities. For example, the coffee makers transform the Imperial Palace into a festive dance café, while the confectioners celebrate everything sweet. The Vienna Opera Ball, held in the State Opera, is considered the most famous and biggest ball in Austria. It attracts celebrities from all over the world, who come to waltz and enjoy the history-charged atmosphere.

The ball season in Vienna offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the city's rich cultural heritage and experience the elegance and glamour of a bygone era. Whether you're a dance enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable night out, Vienna's ball season has something for everyone.

Indoor activities in Austria

Austria is a beautiful country to visit, but if you're there in November, you might find yourself looking for some indoor activities. Here are some ideas to keep you entertained:

Museums and Art

• Visit the Museum of Tyrolean Folk Art in Innsbruck, which contains cultural artefacts from Tirol.
• Check out the Court Church next to the Museum of Folk Art, home to the biggest Imperial Cenotaph in Europe.
• Explore the medieval town of Hall in Tirol and discover its winding lanes, pastel-coloured Gothic-style townhouses, and Baroque-style parish church.
• Discover the treasures of Tratzberg Castle, a 16th-century Tirolean castle that reflects the medieval glory in which the nobility once lived.
• Immerse yourself in the world of 3D art at the 3D PicArt Museum in Vienna, where you can climb, swing, and pose for fun photos.
• Visit the Haus der Natur in Salzburg, a popular museum featuring a huge aquarium, a reptile zoo, and interactive science exhibits.
• Step back in time at The Toy Museum in Salzburg, housed in a beautiful Baroque building with antique toys and interactive exhibits.
• Explore the Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens, a subterranean labyrinth of crystalline chambers that will astonish and delight you.

Food and Drink

• Indulge in some Schnapps tasting. Schnapps is the unofficial national drink of Austria, blended using 40% alcohol.
• Treat yourself to some unique pastries at Konditorei Hacker in Rattenberg, and if you're lucky, join one of their apple strudel cooking classes.
• Sample the fine local chocolate handmade at the Konditorei Haag in Landeck.

Indoor Fun

• Enjoy a Mozart concert in Salzburg, with artists dressed in medieval costumes and a live orchestra.
• Take a dip in one of Tirol's many indoor pools, such as the Leutasch Alpine Bath or the Arlberg well.com Center in St. Anton.
• Keep the kids entertained at Murmi's Kinderwelt in Kirchdorf, Happyhopp in Vomp, or Joy in Völs, featuring slides, ball pits, climbing walls, and more.
• Ride the iconic 65-meter-high Giant Ferris Wheel at the Wurstelprater, one of the world's oldest amusement parks located in Vienna.

Outdoor activities in Austria

Austria is a beautiful country with a lot of outdoor activities to offer. Here are some of the best outdoor activities to enjoy during your visit:

Skiing

Austria is known for its excellent ski resorts, and the season usually starts in November. Some of the top resorts to consider are:

• Hintertux: This resort offers 60km of slopes and is easily accessible from Munich and Innsbruck. It is one of the best options for early-season skiing.
• Sölden: Sölden has two glaciers with a variety of pistes and is also a good choice for early-season skiing. It is about a 2-hour drive from Munich.
• Kitzsteinhorn: This ski area offers nine lifts and is located above Sölden.
• Kaunertal Glacier: This resort has four lifts open and a snow depth of 40cm.
• Pitztal Glacier: With five lifts open and a snow depth of 70cm, Pitztal is another great option for skiing in November.

Hiking and Exploring Ice Caves

Salzburg, Austria, is known for its breathtaking ice caves, including the world's largest ice caves, the Werfen Ice Caves. You can book a private guided tour and embark on a memorable hiking adventure through these stunning ice formations.

Horse Carriage Ride

Cuddle up under blankets and admire the snowy landscapes of Salzburg and Vienna on a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride. It's the perfect way to experience the beauty of winter in Austria with your loved one.

Christmas Markets

From mid-November, Austria's towns and cities come alive with Christmas markets. You can find traditional crafts, delicious food and drinks, entertainment, and festive lights. It's a great way to get into the holiday spirit and do some early Christmas shopping.

Schnapps Tasting

Schnapps is the unofficial national drink of Austria, and it would be a shame to miss out on tasting this alcoholic beverage while visiting. The Old Vienna Schnasumeum in Vienna is a popular spot to indulge in this local drink.

Mozart Concert

Attending a Mozart concert in Salzburg is a must for music lovers. The performances are lively, with artists dressed in medieval costumes, and the event is followed by a delicious three-course dinner. It's an unforgettable cultural experience.

Frequently asked questions