Austria has a long and storied history of winter sports, and with roughly two thirds of the country occupied by the Alps, it’s easy to see why! However, not every winter vacation needs to focus entirely on skiing and snowboarding, many resorts in Austria offer the likes of snow shoeing, fat-biking, museums, spas and much more. Here's our highlights for places to enjoy a winter holiday that embraces all aspects of winter in Austria.
 

Salzburg

Few cities do December like Salzburg. Baroque squares glow with fairy lights, choirs spill out onto cobbles, and the scent of roasted chestnuts follows you from the cathedral to the river. It’s a great destination for mixed groups or those who don't want to ski every day: non-skiers can spend the morning with Mozart and museums, while skiers hop to nearby mountains for a few hours of turns before regrouping for glühwein. The old town is beautiful and very walkable, it feels tailor-made for a long weekend.

NEW FOR WINTER 2025/26

• New flight route from Dec 2025 - Cardiff to Salzburg with TUI

Graz

Graz, Austria’s second-largest city, combines a vibrant UNESCO-listed old town and cutting-edge culture with easy access to Styrian ski resorts. Within an hour’s drive, slopes like Schladming-Dachstein, Präbichl, and the family-friendly Stuhleck offer everything from World Cup racing runs to relaxed beginner areas. This makes Graz the perfect base for travellers who want to mix urban flair, history, and gastronomy with quick alpine getaways.
 

NEW FOR WINTER 2025/26

• From November to 1st February 2026, the Graz Winter World (Grazer Winterwelt) returns, a 3,000 square metre ice-skating rink at the foot of the City's signature Schlossberg hill.
• From November 21 to December 24, 2025 Graz’s Christmas markets will showcase an ice nativity scene carved in ice
• New flight link from London Gatwick to Graz with British Airways

Rauris Valley (SalzburgerLand)

Rauris Valley, known as the “golden valley of the Alps,” is a wide, unspoiled valley in SalzburgerLand famed for its history of gold mining and its untouched natural landscapes. Surrounded by the Hohe Tauern National Park, it offers 30 km of pristine winter hiking trails and skiing terrain, wildlife spotting, and traditional alpine villages that feel far from the crowds. Guided snowshoe tours are available several times per week, with night-time hikes available too. With its blend of authentic charm, family-friendly activities, and rich cultural heritage, Raurisertal is a hidden gem for mountain adventures this winter.
 

NEW FOR WINTER 2025/26

• Rauriser Literature Days returns (25th-29th of March 2026). Authors, literature enthusiasts, and critics gather in Raurisertal to discuss language, stories, and realms of thought amid the stunning mountain landscape of the Hohe Tauern National Park.

Upper Austria

Upper Austria is a region of rolling hills, lakes, and historic towns like Linz, blending culture with nature. In winter, it’s a gateway to ski resorts such as Hinterstoder, Wurzeralm, and Feuerkogel, which offer family-friendly slopes, panoramic alpine views, and modern lifts. With the beautiful lakes of Traunsee, Attersee and Mondsee in the South and plenty of off-slope wellness and culinary experiences, Upper Austria is ideal for relaxed, varied winter holidays. And let’s not forget the famous Christmas markets, e.g. in Linz.
 

NEW FOR WINTER 2025/26

• Dachstein West will open two new lifts from December 2025. The six-seater Angerbahn chairlift will replace an existing drag lift. Additionally, the four-seater chairlift will be replaced by a six-seater high-speed chairlift with protective covers at Aussichtsberg.
• Sein Boutique Suites opened in Gosau am Dachstein in January 2025 with twelve suites for guests aged 18 and over.
• From mid-September 2025, Gesundheitshotel Gugerbauer in Schärding will reopen following renovations.

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