15.10.2021

Winter World Records and Curiosities in Austria

Does the Christkindl have a post office and which resort is home to the Slope Butler? Is it true that there are tunnels for skiers and opportunities to try stand-up paddling in winter? What is a "Flying Advent Market" and where can the Office for Christmas Carols be found?

There are many curiosities to discover in Austria’s winter sports resorts and cities. These include special features associated with winter sports as well as markets and museums that pay tribute to local customs or the history of skiing. And if you are looking for a traditional yet unusual winter souvenir, head to the snow globe manufactory in Vienna.

Fun Facts & Figures about Austria

The Longest Ski Runs

The "Schwarze Schneid", Austria’s longest slope, is located in the Sölden ski area in Tirol. The 15 km long slope stretches down from the Rettenbach glacier to the Gaislachkogelbahn and overcomes 1,970 m in altitude.
In the Silvretta Montafon in Vorarlberg, the 12 km long "Hochjochtotale" is the longest descent. It overcomes 1,700 m in altitude and runs from the Alpilagrat to Schruns.
In Silian in East Tirol, skiers swing 11 km down the ridge descent from the 2,407 m Thurntaler summit to the valley station of the gondola.
The 10 km long valley run in Zell am Ziller in Zillertal in Tirol is is anoter of Austria’s longest valley runs. It extends from the highest point of the ski arena, the Übergangsjoch at 2,500 m above sea level, down to the valley, overcoming 1,930 m in altitude. No wonder it’s called the "Höhenfresser Tour" (Height Devouring Tour).
The valley run from the 2,060 m high Diedamskopf in the Bregenzerwald in Vorarlberg is a delightful 10 km long and overcomes 1,240 m in altitude.
On the Stubai Glacier in Tirol, skiers master 10 km and almost 1,500 m in altitude from the Wildspitz mountain station to the Mutterberg valley station.
The descent from the Vallugabahn mountain station in St. Anton am Arlberg in Tirol is around 10 km long and overcomes around 1,500 m in altitude

The Longest Ski Circuits

On the "Run of Fame" in the Ski Arlberg ski area, experienced skiers take on 85 km of slopes and 18,000 m in altitude. Skiers can start the circuit whereever they like: in Lech, Zürs, Warth or St. Anton. Along the way, information boards pay tribute to Arlberg’s skiing legends and famous guests.
Anyone who wants to get to know the Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Leogang, and Fieberbrunn slopes should attempt the Skicircus Circuit. It is 65 km long and overcomes 12,400 m in altitude. You should factor one day for the entire circuit.
The Glacier Circuit in Zillertal ranges from blue to black slopes. It is 60 km long and overcomes 15,000 m in altitude.
The almost 50 km long "BIG3 Rallye" puts winter enthusiasts to the ultimate test in Sölden. Experienced skiers or snowboarders complete the circuit that leads through the entire ski area in around 4 hours. In doing so, they clock up a total difference in altitude of around 10,000 m. Highlights of the tour include the views from the BIG3 platforms, the Gaislachkogl, the Tiefenbachkogl, and the Schwarze Schneid.
There are three Smuggler’s Circuits to choose from in the Ischgl ski area: bronze, silver, and gold, depending on difficulty. On each of the three rounds, skiers are out and about on up to 62 km of slopes with a total of almost 14,000 m in altitude.
On the Hochkönig, skiers can start the Königstour from Maria Alm, Dienten or Mühlbach. It is 35 km long and leads over 6 of the ski area’s peaks.
The 22 km long "White Ring" leads skiers from Lech to Zürs am Arlberg and back. 5,500 m in altitude have to be overcome on the route, which is also the venue for an annual ski race.