Winter holidays in Austria

Cross-country skiing & ski touring areas

Whether through snow-covered valleys, over sunny high plateaus or along icy lakes - Austria offers the perfect conditions for your cross-country skiing & ski touring holiday. The terrain in the Alpine regions ensures guaranteed snow, panoramic views and pure enjoyment of nature - discover Tyrol, Carinthia, Salzburg, Vorarlberg & Styria!

Austria

Cross-country skiing and ski touring are more than just a sport in Austria - they are part of the country's winter culture. No wonder: the country inspires with perfectly groomed trails, diverse tours and the best conditions - for amateur athletes and professionals alike.

Between Dachstein, Arlberg & Großglockner, a special mix of sporting challenge, alpine panorama and solitary winter tranquillity awaits. Ski tourers enjoy quiet ascents and untracked deep snow slopes - cross-country skiers glide through magical winter landscapes.

Carinthia

A winter holiday in Carinthia means sun, snow and tranquil nature - ideal for cross-country skiing, ski tours and relaxing breaks away from the hustle and bustle.

Over 600 km of cross-country trails in the valley and at high altitude
Variety of ski tours from the Carnic Alps to the Tauern
Sunny climate & warm hospitality

SalzburgerLand

Off to high-altitude flights and tranquil moments of cross-country skiing & ski touring in Salzburger Land - between snow-covered valleys, panoramic high-altitude trails & secluded peaks.

High-altitude trails up to almost 3,000 metres above sea level
Night ski tours on pistes
Guided ski tours with local guides

Styria

White expanses in the green heart of Austria: winter holidays in Styria mean panorama, variety & enjoyment.

Panoramic cross-country ski trail on the Dachstein glacier
Fischer SKLIETICS® PARK
Styrian Salzkammergut trail

Tyrol

Experience Tyrol's winter diversity on and off the piste: High-altitude trails, powder snow tours & an impressive alpine backdrop.

High-altitude trails up to 2,500 m
Legendary ski touring areas
Variety of trails from easy to sporty

Vorarlberg

Discover the mountains of Vorarlberg in western Austria – on a wide variety of cross-country trails and cross-border ski tours through the high mountains.

Over 120 cross-country trails across all regions of Vorarlberg
Nordic Parks & high-altitude cross-country trails with sweeping views
Ski tours in the high mountains for beginners and advanced skiers

Austria

Italy

Slovenia

Three ski tourers hiking on snow in front of snowy mountains

Alex Moling

Cross-country skiing & ski touring holidays in Austria

Whether in the wide Mur Valley in Styria, across the sunny trails of the Kaiserwinkl in Tyrol or through the secluded valleys of Carinthia - every region in Austria has its very own character. And this is reflected in the wide variety of cross-country skiing and ski tours on offer.

Hotels for your winter holiday in Austria

The certified Cross Country Ski Holidays hotels in Austria are specially tailored to the needs of cross-country skiers and ski tourers: located directly at the cross-country ski trail or the ski tour entrance, with all-round service, expert knowledge & genuine Nordic passion in the hotel.

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Austria

Carinthia

SalzburgerLand

Styria

Tyrol

Vorarlberg

Winter holidays in Austria with a variety of Nordic activities

A winter holiday in Austria combines cross-country skiing, ski touring and alpine relaxation across a variety of distinct regions. In Tyrol, the choice ranges from high plateaus to tranquil valleys, whilst in the SalzburgerLand, cross-country skiing is complemented by ski touring opportunities and a culture of indulgence. Carinthia and Styria round off the offering with peaceful winter landscapes, high-altitude locations and sports centres.

The facilities available depend on the individual destination. Cross Country Ski Holidays’ quality standards require cross-country skiing regions to have at least 25 kilometres of trails for classic and skating styles, as well as signposting, a ski school, equipment hire and ski servicing. For ski touring regions, these include described tour suggestions, information material, equipment hire and bookable guided tours.

Two people eating outdoors with snowy mountains in the background

Alex Moling

How to find your ideal winter destination in Austria

You can find the right region for your winter holiday in Austria by selecting your sport, skiing style and preferred terrain. Seefeld and the PillerseeTal offer a wide variety of cross-country trails, whilst Filzmoos and Mallnitz combine cross-country skiing with ski touring; Schladming-Dachstein complements its valley trails with high-altitude and training options. Specific conditions vary depending on the time of year and snow conditions.

Once you’ve selected a region, open the relevant details page and compare trail types, altitude, access points, suggested routes, transport options and hotels. Information on open trails, grooming, weather, snow conditions and closures is subject to change. You should therefore check the Austria Cross-Country Ski Report, contact the regional operator and, for off-piste ski touring, consult the relevant official avalanche report shortly before your arrival.

Snowy landscape with fir trees and mountains in sunlight

Alex Moling

FAQs about winter holidays in Austria

Which region in Austria is best for cross-country skiing?

The best region depends on your skiing style and holiday plans. Tyrol offers the widest choice on this page; the SalzburgerLand often combines cross-country trails with ski touring and leisure activities; Carinthia is more about peaceful experiences in nature; whilst Styria complements these with high-altitude, glacier and training options. Then compare the specific regional pages.

Where in Austria can I combine cross-country skiing with ski touring?

Cross-country skiing and ski touring can be combined in several Austrian destinations. In the current selection, both sports are listed for Filzmoos, Mallnitz, Tennengau and Paznaun-Ischgl/Galtür, amongst others. Check the region’s page to see how far apart the cross-country ski trails and ski touring starting points are, and what options are available during your travel period.

Are there any cross-country skiing regions in Austria with high-altitude trails?

Yes, several Austrian destinations offer cross-country ski trails at higher altitudes. The website mentions, for example, Seefeld at around 1,200 metres, Filzmoos with trails up to around 1,750 metres, and Schladming-Dachstein with high-altitude and glacier trails. However, a high altitude does not guarantee snow or that the trails will be open, so the latest cross-country ski report remains crucial.

Where can I find biathlon and training facilities in Austria?

You’ll find biathlon and training opportunities in several Austrian cross-country skiing regions. The website highlights East Tyrol with its biathlon centre, the PillerseeTal with its biathlon expertise, and Saalfelden Leogang with the Nordic Park Ritzensee. You’ll need to check the relevant regional page for the latest information on which facilities, courses or dates are available.

Where can I check the avalanche conditions for ski touring in Austria?

You can find the latest avalanche conditions at lawine.at. The platform brings together links to the official avalanche warning services of the Austrian federal states, including Tyrol, Salzburg, Carinthia and Styria. Before every ski tour, check the report for your specific region and take note of the danger level, avalanche conditions, altitude and aspect.

An avalanche report assesses a wider area and does not give the all-clear for any individual tour or specific slope. For ski touring in open terrain, you’ll also need appropriate experience, a full set of emergency equipment and, where necessary, a qualified guide.