Wintersport in Austria

Winter sports season of 2025/2026

Winter sports in Austria are a national pastime. The landlocked country offers stunning Alpine scenery at all times of the year but it looks even more spectacular when the snows start to arrive from October onwards. If you are considering a winter sports getaway to Europe, then you must weigh up the many merits that Austria affords with this kind of exciting holiday.

The Austrian winter sports season of 2025/2026 is closer than you think. ChaletsPlus has a wide range of holiday apartments and chalets in Austria that make your winter sports holiday extra comfortable.

What does your ideal winter sports holiday in Austria look like?

Austria has the superb, snow-capped mountains that skiers are looking for. It also has some of the best accommodation of anywhere in the Alps, so it is an ideal choice for anyone looking for an ideal winter sports destination. Of course, every type of winter sports enthusiast will have their own preferences depending on the make up of their group.

In this regard, Austria wins out because it can cater to the needs of all holidaymakers – those looking for the thrill of a dramatic downhill piste as well as those seeking some relaxation during their stay. Simply select a suitably sized chalet for your party in location close to the ski lifts and enjoy a holiday that is as exhilarating as it is restful.

If you want to get the best out of winter sports in Austria during your stay, then it is advisable to get the right passes for your chosen area in advance. This is best whether you like snowboarding or have only come with a party of skiers. They are the most economical way of getting up the mountain slopes to enjoy the pistes.

Some people will want to bring all of their own equipment with them but in a winter sports-loving country like Austria, everything you need, from clothing to skis, can be hired on the spot. As such, Austria is a great place to enjoy winter sports whether you are all expert skiers in your party or just a group of friends who want to try out snowboarding for the first time. In other words, there is nowhere in the country that is really off-limits or for advanced skiers and snowboarders only.

Austria is renowned for its hospitality in every corner of the country. Locals will welcome holidaymakers with open arms whether they are experienced skiers or complete newcomers to winter sports. Indeed, this welcoming culture counts just as much for the internationally renowned winter sports resorts like Kitzbuhel as it does for the lesser-known ones. Just stick to the pistes that suit your skill level and you are bound to enjoy a superb winter sports holiday in Austria.

Holidays involving winter sports in Austria

There are many winter sports destinations in Austria worth looking into for your next holiday in the mountains. As mentioned, Kitzbuhel is popular with visitors from all over Europe for its world-class facilities and warm atmosphere even in the depths of winter. There again, the Obertauern ski area, located high on the Radstadt Tauern Pass, is known as one of the most reliable place for snow in the country. From late November to early May, the conditions for skiing are usually perfect here. Obertauern offers skiers the chance to enjoy its wonderful slopes roughly 160 days a year! It is suited just as much as a group of friends learning to ski together as it is to experienced downhill experts.

Another good destination for a winter sports holiday in Austria is the Zillertal Arena. A favourite for families and larger groups of friends, there are some 143 kilometres of sumptuous slopes to ski on. The black runs here are ideal for skiers who want a challenge but there is more than enough for novices, too, so Zillertal makes for a particularly good choice if you have a mixed-ability party.

Finally, it is worth mentioning the resort of Fanningberg. This charming village is devoted to winter sports. You can hop onto a run from virtually outside your chalet's door and ski all the way home, if you want. In fact, because it smaller than some of the other resorts Austria has to offer, Fanningberg will suit skiers who want to avoid crowds and enjoy some peace. That said, there are plenty of restaurants in the village and it is not far from the market town of Tamsweg either.

Types of holiday in Austria

In the winter months, you don't have to be all go in terms of winter sports activities. Many types of holidays are possible, including:

• Cultural holidays, including top-quality concert venues and art galleries.
• Relaxing holidays, including spa resorts and massage courses.
• Learning holidays, including finding out about Austrian cuisine and culture.
• Friends and family holidays, including accommodating more than one family or group in nearby chalets.