All the Winter Sports You Have to Do in Austria
Alongside France and Switzerland, Austria is world-renowned for being a top destination for winter sports. In 1964, Innsbruck hosted the Winter Olympics, leaving behind a magnificent stadium that is still used today. Here are a few of the most popular sports to try in the Austrian snow.
Skiing
Epic Alpine slopes make Austria a favorite European skiing destination, whether you are an amateur or a seasoned skier. There are countless resorts dotted around the mountainous regions of Austria and you can find some of the best with our handy guide.
Sledging
Evoke childhood nostalgia by digging out your bobsleigh. Knee-deep, fluffy snow and rolling hills around Austria in the wintertime make for excellent sledging conditions. The Gloriette Hill in Schoenbrunn Park in Vienna is the perfect slope for amateur sledgers.
Snowboarding
St. Anton, Ischgl, and Soelden are often cited as the best resorts for snowboarding fanatics. All of them are great for free riding and are kitted out with lifts that take you up to the snowy peaks.
Ski jumping
The adrenaline-inducing experience of ski jumping isn’t for the faint at heart. It is, however, undoubtedly one of the most exhilarating winter sports out there.
Snowshoeing
Contrary to ski jumping, this is a far more relaxed experience. Tyrol is one of the most popular locations for snowshoeing, with tons of fantastic resorts and national parks to explore.
1. Ice skating
Aside for the artificial rinks that pop up during the winter months in Vienna, there are also many natural ice rinks that are created when lakes freeze over, such as Lake Weissensee in Carinthia. When temperatures drop in the city, occasionally the River Danube will freeze over and become the perfect setting for ice skaters.
Ice skating on a natural rink | © Austrian Tourist Board
2. Cross-country skiing
Ausseerland Salzkammergut is considered to be a paradise for cross-country skiers, with long stretches of perfect blankets of snow and beautiful mountainous surroundings.
Family cross country skiing | © Austrian Tourist Board
Swimming
Austria’s outdoor spas are most alluring in the wintertime, when the warm, steaming waters contrast wonderfully with the fresh outdoor air and snow-tipped mountains in the distance. Check out our guide to some of the best spa resorts around the country.
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