Slow Winter in Austria

Austria is oozing with winter charm and offers numerous snow-filled activities away from the hustle and bustle of the slopes.

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Need to Know

  • If you are looking for alternatives to skiing or a winter break far away from the slopes, Austria offers a wealth of meticulously prepared winter walking paths, groomed cross-country skiing and snow-shoe trails.
  • Many skiing destinations offer plenty of options for those who don’t want to spend the (entire) day skiing, making them ideal for groups with a range of different interests.
  • Snow shoeing or winter hiking are great alternatives to skiing. Explore the countless prepared tracks at all altitudes and enjoy the beauty of a winter wonderland at a slower pace.
  • Tobogganing is another popular winter activity. You will find tobogganing runs all across Austria, many offering toboggan rentals and featuring cable cars for an easier ascent. The longest illuminated toboggan run in the world is at the Wildkogel in SalzburgerLand. Take the cable car to the top and enjoy the 14 km descent. Floodlights turn tobogganing into a fun night activity.

Don't Miss

  • A romatic horse drawn sleigh ride through a winter wonderland

Perfect for:

  • Non-skiers and skiers seeking winter charm and winter activities away from the slopes

Perfect for Couples

Seefeld in Tirol Discover 279 km of groomed cross-country skiing trails for all levels of difficulty in the charming Olympic village of Seefeld in Tirol.

After lunch in a traditional tavern, walk along idyllic winter walking paths, breathe in fresh, crisp air and enjoy the sensation of the crunching snow under your feet.

Perfect for Families

Easy toboggan runs and winter hiking paths in Brandnertal in Vorarlberg promise great family fun with fantastic views. An animal adventure trail allows you to get close to local wildlife. For even more animal-related fun, book a dog-sledding tour.

Experience the romantic winter landscape by moonlight on a guided snow-shoe tour, and cap it off with a warming fondue.

Best Times to Travel

Winter: December to March

Getting there & around

Airports: Fly to Austria in just two hours from most major British airports. Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck are the biggest Austrian airports, with neighbouring Munich a good option too.

Railway: ÖBB Austrian Railways offers well developed national and regional connections.

Winter walk through a traditional village
Winter walk through a traditional village Österreich Werbung S. Stiphout
Spa day in a winter wonderland
Spa day in a winter wonderland © Österreich Werbung / H. Eisenberger
Enjoying a nice mulled wine at the camp fire
Enjoying a nice mulled wine at the camp fire Österreich Werbung S. Stiphout
Horse-drawn carriage ride in a snow-covered forrest
Horse-drawn carriage ride in a snow-covered forrest Österreich Werbung H. Eisenberger
Dinner at a open fireplace
Dinner at a open fireplace Österreich Werbung H. Eisenberger
Wintry atmosphere at lake Wolfgangsee
Wintry atmosphere at lake Wolfgangsee Österreich Werbung L. Eiersebner
The village Hallstatt with the lake in winter
The village Hallstatt with the lake in winter Österreich Werbung, Popp-Hackner
Family has fun tobogganing
Family has fun tobogganing Österreich Werbung P. Burgstaller
Winter walk through a traditional village
Spa day in a winter wonderland
Enjoying a nice mulled wine at the camp fire
Horse-drawn carriage ride in a snow-covered forrest
Dinner at a open fireplace
Wintry atmosphere at lake Wolfgangsee
The village Hallstatt with the lake in winter
Family has fun tobogganing