Soft Winter Activities in Austria

Snow Shoe Hiking 
Far away from the prepared slopes and runs you can reach well beyond what others will experience. Enjoy spectacular views off the beaten path and marvel at  fresh snow clinging to a mountain cliff, glistening. You might even see timid wild life or just simply enjoy the undisturbed splendor of a glacier.

An especially impressive snow shoe trail can be found in the Rauris Valley in Salzburg's countryside. Before the trail leads into the forest you will be amazed by the majesty of the soaring 15,000 ft peaks above you. After three hours of snow shoe hiking you'll have earned a hearty meal at the Alpengasthof Ammererhof. We suggest to borrow a toboggan for the ride back down - or spend the night in one of their cozy guest rooms to start the next day waking up to fresh mountain air.

Winter Hiking
Do you prefer to take your winter vacation easier? May we suggest to simply don warm footwear and set off for a winter hike. There are countless, specially prepared trails at all altitudes across Austria that lead through enchanting forests, over sun drenched mountain pastures or even into some of the highest mountain regions. Ascend the mountain by cable car and start off from there, as in the Mauterndorf ski area. Or just start walking, there are plenty of accommodation located directly on hiking trails.

Igloo Building
This is certainly one of the more unique ways to spend a winter vacation. So discover your inner inuit and enroll in an igloo seminar in Ebensee or on the Styrian Bürgeralm. What impresses most is that even on the coldest days the temperature inside the igloo remains above freezing and your clothing and sleeping bags stay dry after you have enjoyed your meals and spent some nights in the igloo you have helped build.
 
Tobogganing
A true winter classic during the day as well as at night. The most powerful floodlight system in all of Europe illuminates the toboggan run on the Hirschenkogel at Semmering during long winter evenings. The World's Longest Floodlit Run can be found on the Wildkogel in Salzburg. It stretches an unbelievable 8.7 miles and the entire length of the run is lit at night.

True friends of nature, however, stick with the tried and true methods of yesteryear. Grab a torch, get a sled, and stroll up the mountain over snow-covered paths through forests and pastures. 

Enjoy Winter Fun in Austria.