Skiing and Winter in Austria
Whether you are a skier or a snowboarder, Austria has the perfect resort for you.
Introduction
In Austria, skiing is a way of life: freshly fallen snow on the slopes, first tracks on the piste and the peaks of the Alps behind. A skiing holiday in Austria often starts early in the morning. In the ski resorts, groomed runs lead down into the valley, while cross-country trails wind through valleys and across high plateaus.
But winter sports have other sides too: snowshoeing, winter hiking, tobogganing and ice skating add variety to your winter holiday.
In between, there’s time to stop at a ski hut for a fragrant Kaiserschmarrn, or simply to take in the view of snow-covered peaks and forests. That way, every day of your ski and winter holiday in Austria can look different – on the pistes and cross-country trails, on foot in the snow or during a long break in the mountains.
Skiing in Austria: pistes, ski areas & tips
Safety on the slopes
Important piste rules
Be considerate of others and do not put anyone in danger.
Ski on sight and adapt your speed to your skiing style and ability.
The skier or snowboarder ahead of you, travelling slowly, has priority. Be sure to avoid putting them in danger.
You may overtake from any side, but ensure there is enough space for the person being overtaken.
When entering the slope or starting off after a stop, do not obstruct anyone or cause them to fall. Always look up to see if a skier or snowboarder is approaching.
If possible, do not stop in narrow places on a descent. If you fall, clear the area as quickly as possible.
Only ascend and descend on foot at the edge of the piste.
In case of an accident, everyone is obliged to provide assistance.
In SalzburgerLand, Upper Austria, Styria, Lower Austria, Carinthia, Burgenland, and Vienna, it is a legal requirement for children up to the age of 15 to wear a helmet. Regardless of the legal requirements, wearing a ski helmet is recommended.
Winter holidays beyond the slopes
Winter in Austria's provinces, regions & cities
Ski resorts with a long-standing tradition
Winter events in Austria
Winter holidays in Austria: travel comfortably by train
Skiing, winter hiking or a spa break in the mountains – many holiday regions in Austria are easy to reach by train. In Kitzbühel, Schladming, Zell am See and the Gastein Valley, the stations are right in the resort. Other winter destinations are just one change away: the Zillertal Railway runs from Jenbach into the Zillertal, and the Montafon Railway from Bludenz into the Montafon. The Arlberg region is also connected to the international rail network.
In some resorts, regional buses, ski buses or hotel shuttles take you to your accommodation, to the ski area or to the starting point of a winter hike. In some regions, ski buses are free with a ski pass or guest card. If you’re planning a car-free winter holiday, you’ll find suitable connections and timetables from the rail operators and tourist regions.
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