Austria is a country famous for resorts like Ischgl and Kitzbühel; world renowned pistes and a culture that is deeply intertwined with the history of skiing and winter sports. However, Austria has so much more to give than these legendary places. This winter we invite you to explore the unknown side of Austria, the quieter pistes, the traditional villages, and the hidden gems! So for those in search of the unknown this winter, these are our highlights.
 

Kärnten / Carinthia (South of Austria)

Carinthia is Austria at its most relaxed. It's known affectionately as the sunny side of the Alps, with around 100 extra hours of winter sunshine compared to the north side of the Austrian Alps. In Carinthia you can slow down, recharge your batteries and feel the snow under your feet again.

The vibe is warm and unhurried, think Alpine-Adriatic cuisine, Carinthia bathhouses, thermal spas, and long, glowing spring afternoons. There are 30 ski areas across Carinthia and neighbouring East Tyrol (that are included in the Kärntner Skipass) and more than 800 km of beautifully prepared pistes. From winter 2025/26, several ski schools in Carinthia will offer a new course for beginners aged 14 and over, learn to skiing in 3 days or your money back! Don't be fooled by the laid-back nature of the culture here, there are plenty of moguls, half pipes and untouched powder to be found.

For something unique off the slopes, you can try Europe’s largest natural ice rink, Lake Weissensee, surrounded by the snowy mountains. For ski tourers the Nockberge Trail strings together five areas for bookable, luggage-shuttled ski-tour trekking with hotel overnights. If you want a pinch of history with your turns, Early Morning Skiing with Franz Klammer at Bad Kleinkirchheim remains an only-in-Carinthia highlight.

NEW FOR WINTER 2025/26

• Nassfeld launching free WiFi throughout the ski area
• Winter Kärnten Card inclusions for lifts/museums/viewpoints continue this season.
• New course for beginners over 14: “Learn To Ski In 3 Days”
• Get a free ski pass for Weissbriach ski resort when you stay at a participating "Ski for Free" partner accommodation
• More than 160 official ski tours can now be found in the Tourenportal Kärnten

Hochkönig (SalzburgerLand)

The Hochkönig region, crowned by its majestic namesake mountain, offers some of the most scenic skiing in SalzburgerLand. Its “Königstour” circuit links Maria Alm, Dienten, and Mühlbach, giving skiers 35 kilometres of continuous runs through picture-perfect alpine landscapes. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, cosy huts, and strong culinary traditions, Hochkönig combines spectacular mountain panoramas with authentic Austrian hospitality. The whole area covers 120km of pistes, so you'll not get easily bored with these slopes.

Hochkönig is made up of three traditional villages that exude warmth and the Austrian Lebensgefühl. Here you'll find time for a quieter rhythm on the mountain, long lunches in family-run huts, and wide-open pistes that make skiing feel effortless. It’s a favourite for travellers searching for Instagram ready panoramas and authentic hospitality without the big-resort bustle. Families, cruisers and food-loving ski groups all slot in naturally here.

Tirol West

One resort, six villages and 1,000 km of pistes at your doorstep: The holiday region TirolWest makes a skiing break feel like a breeze. Right in the Tyrolean Alps, it is a true paradise for nature lovers, sports enthusiasts and gourmands. Snow-covered peaks and valleys and glittering forests create a dreamlike backdrop for unforgettable winter experiences.

Tirol West offers a unique way to experience the Austrian winter by exploring a new ski resort every day. Sitting at the crossroads of some of the Alps’ biggest names, with a dedicated ski-safari shuttle that picks you up at your accommodation and drops you at marquee areas like St. Anton, Lech-Zürs, Ischgl, Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, Hochzeiger and Kaunertaler Gletscher, for just €10 per day (lift pass extra). That adds up to well over 1,000 km of pistes across seven days, from the local Venet “pleasure ski area” to bucket-list giants; it's a great value, zero-faff way to mix things up.

Back in the valley, the mood slows down: forested winter hiking paths, guided snowshoeing in Kaunergrat Nature Park, and about 13 km of groomed cross-country trails keep the non-ski programme strong. Food and culture aren’t an afterthought either: rustic huts on Venet handle the hearty side, while Landeck Castle and local museums add a dose of Tyrolean history to snow days. The TirolWest Card delivers free/discounted entries and year-round public-transport use – a neat, sustainable perk that frees families from the car.

NEW FOR WINTER 2025/26

• The TirolWest Card once again offers 365-day free public transport in and around the region.
• Ice-bathing workshops at Tramser Weiher.
• New witches’ tour at Landeck Castle.
• New alpaca trekking in Tobadill.

Altenmarkt-Zauchensee (SalzburgerLand)

Altenmarkt, in the heart of SalzburgerLand, is a charming market town known for its cosy atmosphere and authentic alpine character. Together with neighbouring Zauchensee, it forms a ski area offering gentle beginner slopes in Altenmarkt and more challenging pistes and freeride terrain in Zauchensee. Altenmarkt is also part of the vast Ski Amadé network, giving visitors access to hundreds of kilometres of pistes with just one ski pass.

The town itself has a walkable centre and is lined with wood-shingled farmhouses, Altenmarkt gives you an authentic taste of Austrian winter: strolls to a café for afternoon cake, horse-drawn sleigh rides, tobogganing and winter walking trails create a proper “non-ski” day that doesn’t feel like a compromise. It’s a sweet spot for couples and families who want atmosphere and authenticity first, with plenty of skiing in easy reach.

NEW FOR WINTER 2025/26

• A new lift, the Schwarzwandbahn, a modern 10person gondola lift, will launch in time for the 2025/26 winter season.
• Fluid Audi FIS Women’s Ski World Cup races are set to return to Zauchensee on 10–11 January 2026.
   

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