Combine skiing with Christmas traditions in the beautiful ski resorts of Austria!
Early winter is the perfect opportunity to discover Austria. The ski resorts offer excellent snow and peaceful pistes at this time of year, while the villages transform into magical Christmas destinations in December. The smell of mulled wine, festive Christmas lights, and the charm of traditional stalls at the Christmas markets make your winter holiday unforgettable. That’s why we’ve put together a list of lovely Christmas markets in some of the villages and areas where we rent out holiday homes.
Zillertal Arena: Atmospheric
We begin the blog in one of Austria’s largest ski areas: the Zillertal Arena. This area is known for its expansive slopes and fantastic views. Skiing in December here means quiet pistes! The region and its surroundings turn into a true winter wonderland during this month.
So does the village of Zell am Ziller. From 15 December, you’ll find a highly atmospheric Christmas market with a variety of stalls featuring handmade decorations and local treats like Tyrolean Krapfen and mulled wine. The nearby villages of Königsleiten and Hochkrimml are also worth a visit. These villages are decorated with lights and Christmas trees in winter, creating a warm atmosphere after a long day on the slopes!
Wildkogel Arena: Enchanting
The other large 'Arena', just like the Zillertal Arena, is a picturesque ski area, and it also boasts enchanting Christmas markets. In or near the Wildkogel Arena, as this area is called, lie villages like Bramberg am Wildkogel and Neukirchen am Großvenediger. Two cosy villages where Christmas markets are held from 7 and 8 December and from 13 to 15 December, offering Austrian traditions, crafts, and culinary surprises. You can also take a torch-lit evening walk from these villages. A fairytale end to a day on the slopes and absolutely worth visiting!
KitzSki: A Must-Visit
The Kitzbühel & Kirchberg ski area, also known as KitzSki, one of the oldest and most traditional in the world, is not only a destination for celebrities and the wealthy but has also long been popular with all holidaymakers. The region is known for its versatile pistes and cosy villages.
A visit to the Mittersill Christmas market is a must. From 22 November onwards, you can enjoy musical performances and traditional dances every weekend. Be enchanted by the atmosphere at the market while sipping a warm cup of hot chocolate or a glass of mulled wine!
Lungau: Authentic
For those seeking complete relaxation, the ski resorts of Katschberg and Grosseck-Speiereck are ideal. These areas are located in the Lungau region and offer guaranteed snow from early December, making them excellent destinations to kick off the ski season.
An absolute highlight in the region is exploring the enchanting Katschberger Adventweg on foot. This 2.5 km-long path is open every Wednesday from 29 November. Other recommendations include visiting the authentic Christmas markets in Sankt Margarethen on 30 November and 7 December, as well as in Sankt Michael and at Burg Mauterndorf in Mauterndorf on the first three weekends of December. There’s also a lovely Christmas market to discover in Tamsweg on the first three Saturdays and Sundays. If you plan well, you can visit a Christmas market in a different village every weekend.
Hochkönig: Festive
The charming villages of Maria Alm, Mühlbach am Hochkönig, and Dienten am Hochkönig, located in the Hochkönig ski area, which offers 120 km of slopes, are all about Christmas in December. You’ll find everything here for a cosy ski and Christmas experience. The villages are adorned with lights, Christmas decorations, and other festive touches. Additionally, every Saturday and Sunday evening from 29 November, there’s a lovely Christmas market in Maria Alm where you can enjoy typical Austrian music and delicious food like Punsch, Lebkuchen, or Zimtsterne!
Saalbach-Hinterglemm: Idyllic
The vast Ski Circus of Saalbach-Hinterglemm is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. The area offers no less than 270 kilometres of slopes! Skiing in the pre-season here means you can descend the mountain in complete peace and quiet.
However, for some, skiing isn’t the ultimate highlight – it’s the Christmas market in Saalbach. At this market, you can browse handmade Christmas decorations and enjoy local specialties like Apfelstrudel, Maroni, and Würstel. The village centre is beautifully decorated with lights, creating an idyllic atmosphere.
25% Discount
An early ski holiday in December means not only that you can enjoy quiet slopes and optimal snow conditions, but it’s also a great deal. If you book now before 1 December 2024 for the period from 6 to 21 December 2024, you can enjoy up to 25% off!
Be enchanted by the combination of winter sports and Christmas traditions in the beautiful ski resorts of Austria!