Kitzbühel, St. Anton, Mayrhofen… Austria is celebrated for its top-tier skiing destinations. However, while ski holidays in Austria are renowned for their world-class slopes, there are plenty of other activities to make your holiday unforgettable.
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This article explores how to make the most of your time off the slopes during your ski holiday in Austria.
Explore winter markets
If you’re flying into or back home from the capital, Vienna, spend a couple of days soaking up the winter market atmosphere. Vienna’s Wiener Christkindlmarkt is set against the stunning backdrop of the Rathaus (City Hall).
This Christmas market is a winter paradise of festive lights, including the romantically kitsch Tree of Hearts, handcrafted gifts, and treats such as mulled wine, chocolate-covered strawberries, and roasted chestnuts.
Salzburg is within 90 minutes of Austria’s ski slopes. Its Christmas market is set around the Hohensalzburg Fortress and features traditional music and artisanal crafts.
Be sure to try the fresh tarte flambée from the historic Fortress bakery.
Relax in thermal spas
After a day on the slopes, unwind by indulging in a luxurious thermal spa. The Aqua Dome – Tirol Therme Längenfeld, in Tyrol is only a few kilometres from the Solden ski resort.
This area has been a spa retreat for centuries, but there is nothing old-fashioned about its facilities. There are three giant, elevated bowls that contain outdoor thermal pools.
These have breathtaking views of the Ötztal Valley Mountains, plus even underwater music!
Another ski ‘n’ spa option is the family-run Green Spa Resort Stanglwirt in Going am Wilden Kaiser, near Kitzbühel. This 5-star hotel and organic farm is Austria’s first sustainable resort.
It has a 25-metre pool, a waterfall grotto, and a saltwater and rock pool that complement its saunas.
Take in some culture
Exploring Austria’s cultural sites adds a new dimension to your holiday. Salzburg is a city famed for being Mozart’s birthplace and has attractions such as its historic centre and Salzburg Cathedral.
In Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrol region, you can visit the Golden Roof, 16th-century Ambras Castle (‘the first museum in the world’), and the Tirol Panorama Museum, which contains the 1,000m² Giant Panoramic Painting that depicts the Tyrolean Rebellion of 1809.
Go hiking and snowshoeing
Winter hiking and snowshoeing offer serene alternatives to skiing. Ensure you rent appropriate gear, dress in layers, and carry navigation tools like a map or GPS device.
Zillertal Valley has well-marked trails that offer panoramic views and cater to different fitness levels, while the Schladming-Dachstein region is famous for its picturesque landscapes and numerous virgin snow hiking paths.
Visit castles and palaces
Austria’s castles and palaces offer a glimpse into its grandiose past and architectural heritage. Hohensalzburg Fortress is one of Europe’s largest medieval castles, offering spectacular views of the city of Salzburg.
Meanwhile, Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna is a vast UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its baroque architecture and beautifully maintained gardens.
