After a long and beautiful summer, the first hints of winter are upon us. The leaves are beginning to change, the trees are shedding their summer coats, and the air has a familiar chill. So, what will winter 2025/26 bring? 

This winter we invite you to embrace the unknown side of Austria and discover all it has to offer. Every country in the world is known for certain foods, clothes, and traditions; Austria is known for the Alps, the lederhosens, schnitzels and The Sound of Music. So, whilst these cherished cliches are a wonderful slice of Austria, our snow-drenched country has so much more to offer. Unknown Austria is out there just waiting to be discovered, from the peaceful to the wild and adventurous. 

Once you take your first steps into the unknown, you’ll find many paths to take, many different flavours of Austria for you to taste! Each place offers its own unique interpretation of Austrian winter. 

Olympic pedigree is embedded deep in the history of Austria. For skiers chasing history, racing prestige, and world-class terrain, look no further than Innsbruck, a stunning city perched amongst the Alps. It’s a two-time Winter Olympic host surrounded by a dozen resorts, some of the highest skiing in Tirol, Olympic downhill and slalom runs, and home of the famous Bergisel! Try Schladming-Dachstein, home of the world-famous night slalom or the Mecca of ski racing, Kitzbühel, host of skiing’s biggest challenge - the Hahnenkamm downhill. For a little history you can try Arlberg, birthplace of modern downhill skiing and former host of the Ski World Championships. 

But Austria is not just skiing and snowboarding. That’s just where the fun begins. Winter getaways are not all about winter sports, Austria is home to many picturesque Christmas markets replete with all the trimmings, fairy lights, gluhwein, and Christmas trees. Salzburg, soaked in Mozart and baroque charm, and Graz, with medieval streets and vibrant art, offer a fantastic chance to marry culture with a snowy getaway. 

Away from the cities you’ll find plenty of quiet places to try your hand at other winter activities. Tucked away in the Hohe Tauern Mountains you’ll find Rauris Valley, where, alongside the slopes, you can enjoy snowshoe trails, wildlife watching, and a slower pace of life. There is also the lesser visited Upper Austria (Oberösterreich), which mixes charming small towns, frozen lakes, and winter spas. But Upper Austria is not the only place you'll find beautiful lakes in Austria, Zell am See-Kaprun is perched on the side of the beautiful Lake Zell, offering lakeside dining, wellness hotels, snowshoeing, ice skating, and access to 408 km of ski slopes on the Schmittenhöhe or on the Kitzsteinhorn - Salzburg's only glacier ski resort. 

All that skiing, snowshoeing, and sightseeing will have you ready for a little pampering. Think Austrian food and luxury ends at Schnitzel and Kaiserschmarrn? You’d be wrong! Ischgl has built a reputation as the culinary capital of the Alps. Restaurant Stüva in Hotel Yscla holds two Michelin stars for Chef Benjamin Parth's exceptional cuisine and the Genussrestaurant Sunna has garnered a top reputation for its blend of Tyrolean tradition and innovative flavours. 

Austrian luxury isn’t confined to Ischgl and its world famous cuisine, Ötztal is overflowing with 5 star wellness hotels and spas, including the famous Aqua Dome, one of Europe’s most spectacular thermal spas. Luxury wellness retreats pair perfectly with glacier skiing and scenic alpine villages. It’s the ideal destination if you want to balance mountain thrills with deep relaxation. Zillertal combines year-round glacier skiing with thermal spas and luxury chalets. Toboggan runs, après-ski, and lively mountain huts keep the evenings fun and social. 

Think Austria is just these famous resorts? Think again! Austria is packed full of hidden gems and under-explored pistes that are more traditional, quieter, and offer an authentic atmosphere. 

The region of Carinthia in the south of Austria, known for sunshine and hospitality, is a true hidden gem, a breathtaking mix of mountains and lakes. Surrounded by the Hohe Tauern and Nockberge ranges, Carinthia offers both small family-friendly ski resorts and larger winter sports areas. The 24 skiing areas in Carinthia offer more than 800 kilometres of well-prepared pistes that guarantee a variety of options. You’ll find traditional villages, warm spas, and lakes that glitter even in winter. It’s Austria at its most laid-back and authentic. The region is shaped by the slow food philosophy, with a focus on local specialities like Carinthian Kasnudeln and fresh fish. 

Tirol West offers a unique way to experience the Austrian winter; a new ski resort every day. A shuttle bus will take you to a new location each day, including Ischgl, St. Anton am Arlberg, and Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis! Altenmarkt-Zauchensee is another hidden gem, a charming old-town feel with easy access to the Ski Amadé region. It’s less crowded than its famous neighbours, meaning more space on the slopes, and is popular with families and couples. Hochkönig is home of the famous “King’s Tour”, a ski circuit which links three traditional villages in stunning surroundings. It’s quieter than many big-name resorts but offers world-class skiing with a friendly atmosphere, breathtaking scenery, and charming, family-run hotels. 

Austria’s family-friendly resorts keep things simple and joyful: short distances, wide gentle pistes, and ski schools that build confidence fast—plus loads to do off the snow. Ski Juwel Alpachtal Wildschönau is brimming with wide, confidence-building pistes and friendly ski schools making first turns easy. You can also take the kids night skiing on Reither Kogel or spend a day tobogganing, taking horse-drawn sleigh rides, or head to the wooden 360° “Top of Alpbachtal” view tower for big “wow” moments. 

St. Johann in Tirol offers 40 km of gentle terrain and some truly unique experiences, Gondola Dinner nights, and chairlift dating alongside ice-skating, ziplines and natural toboggan runs. For an easy family holiday, try St. Johann in Salzburg, home to a range of ski-in/ski-out hotels and smooth links to neighbouring areas. Off-slope sleigh rides, easy winter walks, and snug mountain huts deliver peak storybook vibes for little legs and tired parents.  

Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, is purpose-built for families, with a huge sunny plateau, dedicated kids’ worlds (Murmli Park & Berta’s Kinderland), and mellow progression from magic carpets to cruisy blues. Two long toboggan runs, themed trails, and the dinky Serfaus Underground make it a paradise for kids of all ages. SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental is one of Austria’s largest linked areas with heaps of gentle mileage, great ski schools, and villages that are easy to navigate with kids. 

So, get ready to embrace the unknown side of Austria, experience the unique Lebensgefühl, and let winter take you on a new adventure. 
 

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