Winter Sports on Austria's Glaciers
High-alpine skiing fun.

What an incredible mountain panorama and natural wonder! Getting active on Austria's glaciers, whether by skiing or cross-country skiing, is a truly unique experience.

Skiing on Austria's glaciers is a memorable experience for everyone adoring a mix of snow reliability, perfectly groomed slopes, and majestic mountain ranges. Austria’s glacier ski regions offer options for all skill levels and cater to various winter sports activities, including climbing, hiking, cross-country skiing, and ski touring.

Snow and ice - away from the bustle

Mölltal Glacier in Carinthia

Carinthia’s one-of-a-kind glacier ski area, the Mölltal Glacier, is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. With guaranteed snow up to 3,122 m (10,242 ft) and impeccably groomed pistes, it promises an exceptional experience. Powder snow, breathtaking views, and the Glacier Express make the Mölltal Glacier a perfect spot to soak up Austria’s winter magic.

The glacier ski area has slopes of all levels of difficulty and is perfect for a winter holiday away from the hustle and bustle. The short waiting times and the free ski bus in Flattach make the Mölltal Glacier a family-friendly winter sports region.

Snow reliability with a cool factor

Kitzsteinhorn in SalzburgerLand

The Kitzsteinhorn offers an unrivalled range of winter sports, with wide glacial slopes covered in natural snow, diverse freeride routes, three snow parks, and Austria's largest super-pipe for freestylers.

Plus, there are unforgettable experiences waiting at Gipfelwelt 3000, highly enjoyable moments at the stylish ICE CAMP presented by Audi, and lots of different events. From early autumn to late spring, Austria’s first glacier resort awaits makes winter dreams come true at 3,000 m (9,843 ft).

Endless winter adventures

Dachstein Glacier in Styria

What an amazing cable car ride! It spans over 1,000 unsupported vertical metres (3,281 ft) with the impressive Dachstein South Faces as a backdrop, and in just a few minutes, you'll reach the Dachstein Glacier at 2,700 m (8,858 ft).

Active glacier enthusiasts can fill their days with adventures such as climbing, hiking, cross-country skiing, and ski touring. For those who prefer to take it easy and enjoy the view, there are attractions like the famous Stairway to Nothingness, the Dachstein Sky Walk, the Dachstein Ice Palace, and Austria’s highest suspension bridge. By the way, the Hunerkogel mountain station is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the Eastern Alps. Inside the Dachstein Glacier, the Ice Palace reveals a fascinating world.

Ski- & Glacier World Zillertal 3000

Hintertux Glacier in Tirol

„The snow must go on!" True to this motto, the Hintertux Glacier offers over 60 km (37 miles) of guaranteed natural snow runs for all levels of difficulty: The selection ranges from powder and spring snow slopes to challenging mogul runs – winter sports at altitudes of up to 3,250 m (10,663 feet).

Snowboarders will love the wide slopes, the spectacular altitude, the legendary après-ski, and the fun slope. The kids' slope in the beginner area at Sommerbergalm promises exciting fun for the little ones with snow tunnels, steep turns, and wave tracks. And the Nature Ice Palace fascinates with huge icicles and bizarre ice formations – a glittering natural spectacle.

Fascination Glacier

Why do some glaciers appear blue?

Some glaciers appear blue because ice, like water, absorbs red light waves more strongly and reflects blue ones. The purer the ice and the fewer air bubbles it contains, the more intense the blue colour. Air bubbles in the ice - as in many Alpine glaciers - scatter the light and make the ice appear white because they direct the light in all directions.

How is a glacier formed?

It’s snowing. Slowly, the light flakes turn into small balls of ice. New snow falls, burying the granular snow beneath. The hard layer below is compressed into dense ice. Over time, several layers form on top of each other. The sun melts the snow crystals, which then refreeze. Over the years, these layers of firn merge to create a massive block of solid ice. A glacier is born.

For a fun family holiday

Stubai Glacier in Tirol

Austria's largest glacier ski area features 35 runs for all skill levels, from wide, easy slopes to challenging mogul runs and tough ski routes. The snowboard fun park, race track, speed measurement track, skating trail, and ice climbing tower add to the variety of winter sports on offer. A standout attraction is the Top of Tirol platform at 3,200 m (10,499 ft), which extends 6 m (20 ft) over the abyss, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire Tirolean Alpine landscape.

For a break, you can head to a cosy snack bar or the "floating" restaurant – dining options are almost endless.

High up - deep down

Glacier ski area Sölden in Ötztal in Tirol

The ski area at Rettenbach and Tiefenbach Glaciers features three peaks over 3,000 m (9,843 ft), accessible with modern cable cars. The glacier ski area offers over 34 km (21 mi) of slopes, connected by a spectacular ski tunnel.

The Tiefenbach Glacier ski area has slopes for all levels and gentler terrain, making it ideal for beginners. The nearby Rettenbach Glacier impresses experienced skiers with its varied conditions. There are restaurants, an event pavilion, a snow bar, and a ski and snowboard school. By the way, the Sölden Glacier World is home to the European test centre for the winter sports industry.

Accessible holidays in the Alps

Kaunertal Glacier in Tirol

The Kaunertal Glacier has 55 km (34 mi) of slopes for all skill levels, accessible via the Kaunertal Glacier Road. The ski area is up to 3,100 m (10,171 ft) high. In addition to skiers and training teams, freeriders will find excellent glacier conditions, including the snow park with the longest half-mile jib line in the Alps.

The glacier area is also fully accessible! The region has received awards for its inclusivity. All access points are barrier-free, and special courses for wheelchair users with mono-ski sledges are available.

Panorama from the roof of Tirol

Pitztal Glacier

Feel on top of the world on Pitztal Glacier, Tirol's highest glacier. With guaranteed snow from early December to late April, nothing is stopping you from tackling all 41 km (25 mi) of groomed runs.

Round off your day by taking the Wildspitzbahn cable car to 3,440 m (11,286 ft), where you can relax on the panorama terrace of Austria's highest café, Café 3.440, which comes with a free-floating terrace and panoramic glass front. The view of the surrounding glacier world with around 50 three-thousand-metre peaks is gigantic.

Well prepared for a day on the glacier

Check the weather forecast!

The conditions change from day to day. Check snowfall, temperature and wind strength before you head out.

Get information directly from the glacier ski area!

On the websites of the glacier ski areas, you will find information on lift operating times, snow depth, piste conditions, public transport and events.

Don't forget the sun screen!

The sun rays are particularly intense in the mountains and the snow reflects the sunlight. Therefore, sun screen and sunglasses are essential!

FAQ

With a length of around 8 km (4.9 mi), the Pasterze is the largest glacier in Austria and also the longest in the Eastern Alps. It lies at the foot of the Großglockner in the highest part of the Carinthian Mölltal valley - known as the Pasterzenboden - and is the source of the Möll River.

There are around 800 glaciers in Austria, with 8 perfect for winter sports:

  • Mölltal Glacier

  • Kitzsteinhorn

  • Dachstein Glacier

  • Hintertux Glacier

  • Stubai Glacier

  • Sölden Glacier ski area

  • Kaunertal Glacier

  • Pitztal Glacier

Climate Protection Tips

How can we make winter holidays more climate-friendly?
  • Book environmentally certified hotels

  • Spend your winter holiday on an organic farm

  • Plan your journey by train

  • Use sustainable mobility in the ski resort

  • Hire eco-friendly ski equipment

  • Enjoy regional, seasonal and organic food

  • Try out slow winter activities

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