Winter Sports In Austria: Discover The Top Activities

Austria is synonymous with winter sports, particularly alpine skiing. With around 400 ski resorts, it is a winter sports paradise. The Tyrolean Alps, for instance, are a popular skiing destination, with breathtaking views, challenging descents, and nice Austrian towns.

Austria's ski resorts are generally medium-sized and more cosy than the mega-resorts found in Switzerland and France. They are also less prone to mass tourism and are cheaper, especially for beer.

The ski season in Austria lasts from early December to late March, with the best conditions in mid-January. The least crowded times are early December, mid-January, and late March.

In addition to skiing, other winter sports activities in Austria include climbing, hiking, cross-country skiing, ski touring, and snowboarding.

Skiing

Austrian ski resorts are suitable for skiers of all skill levels, from beginners to experts. The ski season typically lasts from early December to late March, with the best conditions in mid-January. The busiest times are from December 25 to January 2, and all of February due to school and university vacations. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting in early December, mid-January, or late March.

When it comes to choosing a ski resort, the price, size, and location are important factors. Generally, the larger the resort and the higher the elevation, the higher the price. Resorts in Carinthia and Styria tend to offer better value and are less crowded than those in Tyrol, Vorarlberg, and Salzburg.

If you're an experienced skier, you may want to opt for resorts with faster lifts, such as chairlifts and gondolas, as they allow for more skiing time. Some resorts, like those in Vorarlberg and Tyrol, offer backcountry experiences with high-altitude powder bowls.

Austria's ski resorts cater to a range of interests. Some resorts focus primarily on skiing and snowboarding, while others offer a wider range of activities for families or those seeking relaxation.

• Lech and Zürs am Arlberg: Famous for its royal clientele, this underrated ski area in Vorarlberg offers a unique skiing experience.
• St. Anton: Tyrol's best-known resort boasts extreme skiing conditions and is a favourite among advanced skiers.
• Ischgl: This progressive resort has a link to Switzerland and offers a diverse range of slopes and experiences.
• Sölden (Ötztal): A popular destination for snowboarders and those who enjoy après-ski activities.
• Kitzbuehel: Known for its vibrant nightlife and charm, this resort attracts a stylish crowd and hosts the annual Hahnenkammrennen ski race.
• Flachau/Wagrain: These resorts provide a cosy atmosphere and are ideal for beginners and intermediate skiers.
• Innsbruck: This Tyrolean city, which has hosted two Winter Olympics, offers three ski areas adjacent to the city and several more nearby.
• Obertauern: With its high altitude and reliable snow cover, this compact resort offers excellent skiing conditions, although bad weather can be challenging.
• Achensee: Three family-friendly ski resorts surround Achen Lake: Maurach, Pertisau, and Achenkirch.
• Nassfeld: A popular choice among Italian tourists, offering a unique skiing experience.
• Mayrhofen/Finkenberg: A busy resort that attracts many foreign tourists, with a nearby glacier in Hintertux.
• Zell am See: Located on a scenic lake, this resort offers skiing, walking trails, and a small snowfield/glacier.
• Bad Hofgastein: Beyond skiing, this resort is renowned for its thermal baths, providing a relaxing experience.
• SkiWelt: Covering multiple villages, including Scheffau, Söll, and Ellmau, this ski area provides a large and diverse skiing experience.

When planning your ski trip to Austria, consider booking your accommodation in advance, as the number of beds in resorts can be limited. Many resorts offer a range of dining options, from hotel food to guest houses and restaurants serving traditional Austrian cuisine or international fare.

Austria's ski and snowboard instructor industry is regulated by the government, ensuring that licensed instructors undergo comprehensive state exams. Beginners usually book ski school lessons for their first week.

Remember to check the weather forecast and come prepared with sunscreen and sunglasses, as the sun's rays are more intense in the mountains due to snow reflection.

Whether you're a beginner or an expert, Austria's ski resorts have something for everyone, making it a top destination for winter sports enthusiasts.

Cross-country skiing

Austria is known for its excellent conditions for cross-country skiing. The diverse Austrian landscape, with its majestic mountains and idyllic valleys, offers cross-country skiers varied terrain. Well-groomed trails running through many regions of the country cater to both beginners and advanced skiers. The combination of impressive nature, well-prepared trails, and welcoming locals makes Austria an ideal destination for cross-country skiing enthusiasts.

When it comes to cross-country skiing in Austria, visitors are spoilt for choice. Cross-country and Nordic ski trails are spread across the country, offering a range of options for skiers of all levels. Here are some of the top regions and resorts for cross-country skiing in Austria:

• Seefeld: Seefeld has positioned itself as Austria's 'home of langlaufen' and is considered the XC capital of Europe. It boasts a 279km trail network, including the glorious Leutasch plateau, which has hosted Nordic events in the Winter Olympics and the World Cup. Seefeld offers a variety of trails for beginners and experienced skiers, making it a popular choice for cross-country enthusiasts.
• Galtur: Located in the Silvretta Massif, Galtur offers 100km of trails at altitudes up to 2000m, ensuring a long season. The area features trails for novices, such as the Silvapark practice area, as well as more challenging routes like the 6km red trail through the Mathon Wildlife Park.
• Arlberg: The Arlberg region boasts 27km of trails winding through dazzling landscapes. The Sonnen Höhenloipe Gaisbühel in Oberlech is a challenging 4km route that boosts adrenaline. For a smoother glide, try the 6.6km Spullerwaldweg Langlaufloipe, which takes you past postcard-worthy peaks and snow-covered forests.
• Wilder Kaiser: The Wilder Kaiser mountain range provides 500km of flawless snow groomed throughout the Brixen Valley and up into Pass Thurn. The trails are split almost evenly for different levels, and the snow cover is usually tip-top from December to April.
• Zell: Zell's cross-country trails offer some of the world's most beautiful scenery. 55km of groomed trails creep into small-town resorts like Kaprun. The 3.1km Höhenloipe Schmitten, accessible via the CityXPress, provides a serene skate/classic combo circuit around a reservoir, offering a peaceful escape from city life.
• St. Johann: St. Johann is known for its international Tiroler Koasalauf Euroloppet, attracting both Alpine skiers and cross-country enthusiasts. It offers a range of trails for beginners and experienced skiers, including the 2km Trainingsloipe and the challenging 28km and 50km Euroloppet routes.
• Alpbach: Alpbach's cross-country trails showcase the area's natural beauty, with 100km of classic and skating tracks reaching historic towns like Münster and charming hamlets like Inneralpbach. The Schönauer trail, an easy 15km loop in Breitenbach, is a favourite among skiers, offering occasional steeps and wildlife sightings.
• Wildschönau Valley: The Wildschönau Valley features 50km of free-to-use groomers, providing peaceful and scenic routes. The 14km Niederau to Penningdörfl course offers a quiet and snowy journey through woodland. The 7km loop to Oberau is also a popular choice, with the option to continue on to Roggenboden.

These are just a few examples of the many fantastic cross-country skiing destinations in Austria. Each region offers its unique landscapes, trails, and experiences, ensuring that skiers of all levels can find their perfect cross-country adventure in Austria.

Après-ski

In Austria, the après-ski scene is particularly vibrant in St. Anton, where you can expect singalongs and 3 am dance parties fuelled by oversized beers and Jägermeister shots, accompanied by oompah music. Other honourable mentions for a wild ski scene include Ischgl, Flachau, Wagrain, and Mayrhofen.

If you're looking for a more relaxed après-ski experience, consider visiting one of Austria's many cosy ski resorts, which offer a range of entertainment options to satisfy different tastes and ages. International DJs and entertainers regularly perform at these resorts, so you can dance the night away or simply unwind by the fireplace with a warm drink.

While the primary ski season in Austria usually starts in December, there are some high-altitude ski resorts with glaciers where you can ski as early as October or November. The best conditions for skiing are typically in mid-January, the coldest time of the year, while late February is ideal for those seeking more sunshine.

Whether you're looking for a wild party or a cosy evening by the fireplace, Austria's diverse range of ski resorts offer something for everyone. So, after a long day on the slopes, be sure to join in the fun of après-ski!

Tobogganing

In Tyrol, there is a large selection of toboggan runs in various regions, from family-friendly routes to action-packed runs. Many runs are snow-sure and offer refreshment stops in rustic huts. Tobogganing in the region can be done during the day or at night, with many toboggan runs floodlit in the evenings. Popular floodlit runs include the toboggan run on the Elfer in Neustift, the toboggan run in Mieders in the Stubai Valley, and the Hoch-Imst toboggan run.

The Stubai Valley has 12 toboggan runs that have been awarded the "Natural Toboggan Run Seal of Approval", some of which are open day and night. Nauders is home to Tirol's longest toboggan run at 8 kilometres, with a cable car that will bring you to the top at 2,200 metres. Ischgl's night toboggan run at the Silvrettabahn is closed during the day but opens at night, offering a 7km run from 2,320 metres above sea level.

In addition to a high-quality sledge, weatherproof clothing, sturdy shoes with tread, and a helmet are essential for tobogganing in Tyrol. Headlamps are also helpful on night toboggan runs if not all sections are illuminated.

Snowboarding

St. Anton in Tirol is a winter classic, known as the "cradle of Alpine skiing". Snowboarders can enjoy numerous slopes and powder runs, with 87 lifts providing easy access to the resort's offerings. The STANTON Freestyle Park has established itself as a true freestyle highlight, with features suited for different skill levels.

Sölden in Tirol is a favourite among the party crowd. Snowboarders who enjoy off-piste runs will find ideal conditions to perfect their powder turns. The Giggijoch mountain is suitable for freeride novices, while the Gaislachkogl mountain is recommended for experienced snowboarders only.

SalzburgerLand, combining five regions, 25 ski resorts, 760 km of pistes, and 270 lifts, offers snowboarders a wide range of slopes and off-piste options. Ski Amadé is home to 10 snow parks and 13 fun slopes, featuring half-pipes, obstacle courses, and powder.

Zell am See-Kaprun is a popular destination for snowboarders, offering diverse terrain and modern facilities, including several snow parks and a halfpipe. The area provides stunning mountain scenery and excellent snow conditions, creating the perfect setting for winter sports.

Upper Austria is another excellent snowboarding destination, with options for all skill levels. Kasberg, in the Almtal region, offers 21 km of runs, from beginner slopes to challenging descents. Freestyle fans will enjoy the fun park with various obstacles and jumps. Hochficht in the Bohemian Forest suits all abilities, with over 20 kilometres of slopes and modern lifts.

Carinthia, known for its sunny slopes and modern resorts, guarantees excellent snowboarding conditions. The province offers wide slopes ideal for carving, as well as fun parks for freestyle enthusiasts.

For those seeking smaller ski regions, the Montafon Snow Park near the Swiss border is one of the best terrain parks in the Alps, featuring roughly 40 obstacles catering to all skill levels. Lech Zürs is home to Lech Snow Park, with a dedicated pro line alongside 305 km of perfectly groomed pistes and freerides.

Frequently asked questions