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Here’s Why You Should Choose Austria For The Perfect Winter Getaway

2 months ago

Experience your daily dose of Austrian Lebensgefühl this winter

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Austria is well-known for its dramatic wintery landscapes, from perfectly groomed slopes for skiers of all proficiencies to charming villages that seem to have fallen right out of a Christmas romcom. But Austrians themselves are also known for their zest for life: a desire to be immersed in the moment – fully present, alive and engaged in authentic experiences. Known in Austria as ‘Lebensgefühl’, if you fancy experiencing this joie de vivre for yourself, add an Austrian winter holiday to the top of your bucket list.

Here are 13 destinations to visit in Austria this winter, brimming with ski instructors, lift operators, piste groomers, bartenders, kids’ club managers, ski rental experts and beyond, all eager to welcome visitors and help them uncover their own Lebensgefühl.

Start Planning Your Austrian Winter Escape Now

Austria: 13 Perfect Winter Holidays

Arlberg Thaja in St. Christoph am Arlberg, Austria

Skiing in Zauchensee © Lorenz Masser

Altenmarkt-Zauchensee

Nestled in the heart of the Salzburger Sportwelt and Ski amadé, Altenmarkt-Zauchensee is a true winter sports haven offering a wide range of activities, from exhilarating descents and freeriding to adrenaline-pumping fun parks, all on perfectly groomed slopes. A charismatic town with snow guaranteed until mid-April, it’s a paradise for skiers of all levels.

Zauchensee-Flachauwinkl boasts 45 km of slopes and 16 lifts, making it a top-class destination, while the family-friendly Radstadt-Altenmarkt ski area offers 18 km of pistes, fitting for kids and leisure skiers.

For those seeking gentler winter pleasures, Altenmarkt-Zauchensee offers 40 km of cross-country trails, scenic snowshoe hikes, and romantic horse-drawn sleigh rides. After a day in the snow, relax at the Amadé Spa or explore Altenmarkt’s lively town centre, filled with shops, cafés, and museums. As Christmas approaches, don’t miss the festive Advent in di Berg featuring a market and special performance from the Vienna Boys Choir. Flash forward to March, and the unique LaKra Berg.Grillen barbecue show is also not to be missed.

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Mornings at the Schmittenhöhe © Zell am See-Kaprun Tourismus

Zell am See-Kaprun

Piste, glacier, lake, repeat: Zell am See-Kaprun is a winter sports paradise with top-notch slopes catering to everyone from beginners to seasoned pros. Spanning three mountains – the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, the Maiskogel in Kaprun and the Schmittenhöhe above Zell am See – the resort offers an extra-long season from October to May, ensuring endless snow and fun. Whether you’re enjoying the family-friendly Maiskogel slopes, tackling the challenging Black Mamba run, or soaking in panoramic views from Schmittenhöhe, Zell am See-Kaprun delivers an unforgettable alpine experience.

Unlock the best of the area with the Ski ALPIN CARD, allowing access to 408 km of pistes across multiple resorts, including glacier skiing at Kitzsteinhorn and Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn. The resort’s modern lifts, like the 3K K-lift connecting Kaprun to Kitzsteinhorn, offer unparalleled access and comfort.

Beyond skiing, enjoy snowshoe hikes, tobogganing, or a serene lakeside stroll by Lake Zell – one of the nation’s most beautiful lakes with crystal clear waters, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Austrian Alps. For an extra-special Christmas adventure, book the exclusive Christmas eve lake cruise.

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St. Johann in Salzburg

Just 60 km from Salzburg city, with easy access by train, combine your alpine adventure with a beautiful baroque city escape. Then to St. Johann in Salzburg, where you can enjoy the optimal blend of a vibrant village atmosphere and mountain lifestyle.

The Snow Space Salzburg ski area offers 210 km of impeccably groomed slopes right at your doorstep. With ski in, ski out convenience, you can hit the slopes the moment you step outside. The Hahnbaum family area is ideal for kids and beginners, featuring a free platter lift to help them master their first turns. When it’s time for a break, cosy up in one of the many mountain huts with a hot chocolate or mulled wine, and indulge in local delicacies on a sun-drenched terrace with breathtaking views. Beyond the slopes, enjoy a plethora of wintery activities from snowshoe hikes, to festive horse-drawn carriage rides, to the thrilling toboggan run.

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Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis © Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis Marketing GmbH, Daniel Zangerl

Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis

Lebensgefühl is alive and well in the picturesque mountain villages of Serfaus, Fiss and Ladis. Perched on a sunny high plateau in the Tirolean Alps, this winter wonderland offers more than just stunning views: it’s a place where every guest, whether solo, with a partner, or with family, feels completely at home. With 214 km of impeccably groomed slopes, Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis is suited to skiers of all levels. But the magic extends beyond skiing. Think snowshoeing, cross-country trails and unforgettable moments like watching the sunrise at Hexensee or exploring the SnowArt Genussfestival.

Families are especially welcome, with dedicated areas like the Kinderschneealm and Murmlipark in Serfaus, and Berta’s Kinderland with Berta’s Kindervilla in Fiss, where little ones can play and learn on the snow. Culinary delights await at every altitude, from a breakfast with sparkling wine at the Crystal Cube to a romantic Masner Sunset Dinner.

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Zillertal

A premier and quintessential alpine winter sports destination, Zillertal boasts 548 km of pristine slopes ripe for the carving. From family-friendly runs to challenging valley descents, Zillertal caters to all winter enthusiasts. Thrill-seekers will love the snow parks, fun lines and exceptional freeride routes, while the location on the Hintertux Glacier ensures Austria’s longest ski season. Beyond the slopes, immerse yourself in nature with winter hikes, cross-country skiing and tobogganing.

Zillertal’s abundant beauty lies in its warm hospitality – the epitome of Lebensgefühl. Most hotels are family-run, striving to make every visitor feel like a friend. The region also takes pride in its local cuisine, featuring delicacies like hay-milk cheese, freshly baked bread, and farm-to-table meats, all seasoned with mountain herbs. For a unique winter holiday experience, don’t miss a visit to the Zillertal Dairy in Mayrhofen or the BrauKunstHaus in Zell am Ziller, where you can savour local flavours and learn about traditional production methods.

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St. Johann in Tirol

While winter holidays in Austria are all about Lebensgefühl, St. Johann in Tirol in particular embodies ‘My Yapadu’: an award for hosts in the region for their spirit of joy, sustainability, and well-being, offering a journey that enriches both locals and visitors. Winter magic is the order of the day here, spanning St. Johann in Tirol, Oberndorf, Kirchdorf, and Erpfendorf. Every moment is designed to bring happiness, whether you’re skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoe hiking, or enjoying family-friendly activities. For the more adventurous, how do flying fox winter parkour, tandem paragliding, skydiving or a hot air balloon ride sound?

For little skiers, three free practice areas in Kirchdorf and St. Johann are an excellent spot to learn the ropes. Eighteen cosy huts are the perfect place to call home, with spas and indoor pools to recharge your batteries. And for time away from the slopes, a plethora of chocolate box villages await your exploration, with bus and train travel included in your Guest Card.

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A man skiing down a freshly groomed slope in Austria

SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental

Experience the thrill of over 275 km of pristine, expansive slopes, surrounded by panoramic views of more than 70 towering peaks at SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental. One of the largest, most modern and eco-friendly ski resorts in the world; ahead of the curve, SkiWelt has been powered by 100 percent green electricity for more than 20 years. And, with direct access to nine ski areas, SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental offers something for everyone, from skiing newbies to seasoned pros.

Families will appreciate the wide, easy slopes, the 22 professional ski schools and the dedicated children’s areas, while adventure-seekers can explore the SkiWelt Tour, the world’s longest ski circuit, or dive into Austria’s largest night skiing area in Söll. With three fun parks, race tracks, and special events like sunrise skiing, no day in SkiWelt ever has to be the same. Off the slopes, enjoy Tirolean hospitality in over 80 charming mountain huts, offering delicious local cuisine enjoyed amid a cosy atmosphere.

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Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau

This hidden ski gem is nestled in the heart of Tirol, with the Wiedersberger Horn and Schatzberg mountains providing a stunning backdrop for a variety of winter activities, from the thrilling Alpbachtaler Lauser-Sauser to exhilarating toboggan runs like Niederau’s thrilling 6 km run through the Gseng and Laner meadows. With a variety of pistes catering to all skill levels, snow parks, and fun slopes, Ski Juwel is an ideal destination for families and leisure skiers. Little ones can sharpen their ski skills at one of 10 ski schools, while parents can sit back and enjoy local delicacies like Knödel, Spätzle and pretzel soup – or utilise the excellent child supervision right in the resort.

Inspired by original holiday villages, quaint, traffic free chocolate box villages offer the ultimate care free, down-to-earth holiday with a healthy dose of charm – and don’t miss the beautiful villages of Alpbach and Niederau. Rest your head in top quality accommodation, and fuel up on traditional cuisine best enjoyed in rustic mountain top huts. All of this is less than an hour’s drive or train ride from Innsbruck.

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Sölden & Gurgl

For a Bond-worthy winter escape, the Otztal valley is the place to be. Peaks soar up to a mighty 3,340 metres here, with six ski areas to choose from and 90 mountain lifts ensuring queue-free skiing for all levels – and, with the Ötztal Super Skipass, you have unlimited access to it all.

When it comes to destinations, Sölden and Gurgl are the best of the bunch. Ski in, ski out is the order of the day, with a plethora of luxury accommodation options perched right on the slopes. Sölden boasts 144 km of pistes, 31 lifts and gondolas and two stunning glacier areas, while Gurgl is home to 25 modern mountain lifts and 112 km of pistes, wide open runs and prime snow conditions thanks to the 1,800–3,030 metre altitude – both connected by a short shuttle bus. And how’s this for a stat: 90 percent of the beds in Gurgl are less than four minutes away from the piste.

Plan your Austrian escape for October to witness the Ski World Cup in Sölden – or push it back to April for a more hedonistic visit to the Electric Mountain Festival. Sölden and Gurgl are both home to a variety of renowned gourmet experiences, including the highest toque-awarded restaurant in Austria, ice Q, a fully glazed cube over 3,000 metres high in Sölden, as seen in Spectre (2015). With the snow-sure season commencing in November and stretching right up until April thanks to the altitude, this is a true winter heaven, with snowshoeing, winter hiking, tobogganing, ski touring and cross-country skiing all on offer, too.

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Kitzbühel

Home to the the world’s longest ski circuit in the world (measuring in at 54 miles), the birthplace of the Ski World Cup, and host of the iconic Streif and Hahnenkamm Races, Kitzbühel was voted Austria’s best ski resort in 2023 – and it’s easy to see why. Challenging terrain pleases ski enthusiasts and professional racers alike every year, with 145 miles of pistes, 58 state of the art ski lifts and cable cars, 44 miles of cross-country trails and seven ski schools for newbies looking to sharpen their skills.

More than 60 mountain restaurants are on hand for fueling up, or winding down après-ski. Your attention will be firmly fixed on the breathtaking views all the while. Nineteen luxurious hotels and a plethora of homely guest houses await to rest your weary head after a long day on the slopes. Families are very welcome, too, with a variety of thrilling activities for all ages, from budding young skiers carving powder to historical explorations of this historic former mining town, snowshoe hiking to classic ice skating. Thinking ahead to Christmas? Little ones will be totally enraptured by Kitzbühel’s transformation into a fairytale land.

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A couple in a pool backdropped by mountains

Ischgl

With guaranteed snow from the end of November right up until the beginning of May, Ischgl is paradisal for skiers and snowboarders. Swooping up to 2,872 metres above sea level and boasting a whopping 239 km of pistes, it is one of the largest, contiguous cross-border ski areas in the Alps, connected to Swiss Samnaun. With runs for all abilities and a snow park for variety.

But it’s not just the skiing that’s world-class: Ischgl has one of the highest densities of four and five star hotels of any ski destination, with an abundance of gourmet restaurants to boot. Brimming with Lebensgefühl, Ischgl is a globally renowned Tirolean village blending the picturesque quaint vibe with a trendy Alpine lifestyle, while the Silvretta Therme is the perfect wellness oasis. Think panoramic pools, exclusive saunas and a fantastic view of the village and the surrounding mountains.

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Innsbruck

For an alpine-urban blend, Innsbruck is the ideal winter destination. Nestled in the majestic alps, with 12 ski resorts, excellent winter sports sit alongside breathtaking natural experiences and engaging cultural highlights. Balance skiing and snowboarding with slower-paced tobogganing, cross-country skiing and winter hiking for the best intergenerational escape. Or why not opt for a bucket list experience – how does a night in an igloo sound?

Innsbruck city is also home to a lively centre brimming with shopping experiences, tempting restaurants, day spas for weary muscles, and historic sites, including the Golden Roof, Imperial Palace and delightful museums and galleries.

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Arlberg

Austria’s largest ski area, Arlberg is home to five Tirolean and Vorarlberg mountain villages, each boasting a unique ski culture for their visitors: St. Anton, St. Christoph, Stuben, Lech and Zürs. It’s the ultimate in quintessential alpine holiday, combining charming villages and world-class slopes and powder, all rooted in tradition.

With 85 lifts and cable cars, more than 300 km of pistes and 200 km of high alpine deep snow slopes, the skiing attraction is a given. But wider wintery experiences can also be uncovered here: Lech is known for its gourmet experiences, while Zürs and St. Anton attract the sporty crowds. Stuben is the perfect family-friendly option, while St. Christoph is the most historic destination of the bunch. But all are home to pretty townscapes, accommodation catered to every traveller (from homely B&Bs to five star hotels) brimming with first-class hospitality; in fact, Arlberg has Europe’s highest density of Michelin stars in Europe.

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Start Planning Your Austrian Winter Escape Now

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Austria: 13 Perfect Winter Holidays

Altenmarkt-Zauchensee

Zell am See-Kaprun

St. Johann in Salzburg

Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis

Zillertal

St. Johann in Tirol

SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental

Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau

Sölden & Gurgl

Kitzbühel

Ischgl

Innsbruck

Arlberg

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