News Beyond the Slopes
Introduction
Winter isn't all about skiing. Here's how Austria's winter resorts top up their game with new attractions away from the slopes.
In Carinthia, e-power adds a new boost to winter hiking, while Saalfelden offers free weekly introductory cross-country skiing courses. Turracher Höhe promises snowy fun for families, while at Lake Wolfgang, the Traunerl will be transformed into a floating sauna from February. Guided star hikes attract walkers along the Wachau World Heritage Trail. And in Innsbruck, Ice Magic invites visitors to enjoy a magical ice-skating experience.
Winter hiking with e-power
Since 2026, the hiking and ski area at the Dreiländereck in the Villach region has been home to the first Hypershell test centre. It offers electric exoskeletons designed to make hiking easier. The wearable device supports movement and reduces physical strain.
For the first time in the 2026/27 winter season, visitors can also rent the devices for winter hiking, snowshoeing and ski touring.
Read more (Link in German)
Free cross-country skiing taster sessions in Saalfelden
New to the 365 Days Active & Creative programme in Saalfelden is a weekly introductory cross-country skiing session at Nordic Park Saalfelden. It takes place every Wednesday at 1 p.m. from 20 December 2026 to 20 April 2027.
The coach is Andrea Grossegger, Austria’s first-ever biathlon medallist, who won her medal at the 1984 Winter Olympics in Chamonix. The free session is open to anyone who wants to try cross-country skiing or improve their technique.
New WinterWonderLand at the Turracher Höhe
WinterWonderLand at Turracher Höhe is a newly designed outdoor playground featuring igloos, light shows, ice slides, and snow-filled fun for the whole family. It’s a place for connection, activity, and magical experiences in the snow, opening at the start of the 2026/27 winter season.
Ice Magic in Innsbruck
From 21 November 2026 to 21 February 2027, Ice Magic will transform the heart of Innsbruck into a unique ice-skating world for the first time. The area stretches from Landhausplatz to Bozner Platz, with winding ice paths connecting the large skating areas.
After dark, façade mapping and spectacular lighting installations create a magical and atmospheric setting. Wooden chalets around the ice rinks offer drinks, snacks, and regional products. There is also an event area with a stage, as well as a dedicated curling area.
Star-shaped hiking tours at the Wachau World Heritage Trail
The Wachau wine-growing region can also be explored on hiking trails during the colder months. Those who enjoy getting out on foot regardless of the season can now take part in "star-shaped" hiking tours. The concept involves staying overnight in one location and setting off from there on as many day hikes as desired.
Krems, Weißenkirchen, and Melk are ideal starting points. Online, you can find suggested routes tailored to each location. Hikers can choose from tours lasting between one and six hours, with easy and moderate difficulty levels.
Read more (Link in German)
Sauna-Traunerl at Lake Wolfgangsee
A Traunerl is a traditional boat on Lake Wolfgang. The new “Wolfgangseer Erlebnis Traunerl,” built by boatbuilder Witti, is equipped with tables and benches for culinary experiences, as well as a removable sauna cabin in the middle of the boat. The cabin serves both as a source of shade and as a heated relaxation room. Sauna boat trips are available in February, March, and April 2027.
Read more (Link in German)
Opening: Family day spa in Werfenweng
In May 2026, Werfenweng welcomed its new Badehaus as a Family Day Spa. After an active day in the winter, warm water areas and relaxation zones provide the perfect setting to unwind.
Covering around 1,800 m², the spa features a 120 m² outdoor pool, an outdoor children’s pool, two indoor water areas with a slide, a relaxation pool and a whirlpool. There is also a sauna area with a Finnish sauna, steam room, bio sauna, and textile sauna.
Additional facilities include a spacious 700 m² sunbathing lawn and a dedicated children’s area with a climbing net and an air trampoline.
Read more (Link in German)
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Winter on Lake Neusiedl in Burgenland
© Sommertageblog
Winter hiking with an exoskeleton - at Dreiländereck in Carinthia
© Region Villach Tourismus GmbH / Martin Hoffmann
Winterhiking in the Wachau valley
© Niederösterreich Werbung / Robin Uthe
Day & Family Spa at Werfenweng
© Badehaus Werfenweng / Felix Gänsicke
Cross-country skiing in the Nordic Park Saalfelden
© Saalfelden Leogang Touristik GmbH / Michael Geißler
Turracher Höhe - fun in the snow
© TMG Turracher Höhe / We Know Media WKM