Winter in Austria: Experiences Beyond the Ski Slopes

The winter activities in Salzburg surrounding DAS EDELWEISS range from an easy walk through the snow to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and horse-drawn sleigh rides. Any equipment required can be arranged through the Concierge or conveniently hired from the resort’s own EDELSPORTS Rental.

1. Winter Walks Through the Snow

Sometimes all it takes is crisp mountain air and a quiet path through the snow. Cleared trails around Grossarl are ideal for an easy morning walk or a longer afternoon stroll – one of the simplest ways to enjoy Austria in winter without any sporting ambition.

„One of my favourite moments in winter is a relaxed walk along the snow-covered Grossarler Ache. The crisp mountain air, the tranquillity and the snowy landscape – sometimes that is all you need to truly enjoy winter.“

 

RETURNING GUEST, DAS EDELWEISS

2. Winter Hiking with Mountain Views

Around 45 kilometres of cleared winter hiking trails in Grossarl and Hüttschlag invite guests to discover the valley on foot. Winter hiking in Austria ranges here from relaxed walks through the valley to panoramic routes at higher elevations. For a particularly effortless experience, the mountain lifts provide access to winter landscapes higher in the Austrian Alps. The EDELWEISS Concierge Team is happy to recommend a route according to the desired duration and level, including a favourite place to stop for lunch along the way.

3. Snowshoeing in the Austrian Alps

The landscape feels even more untouched when explored on snowshoes. Through the BERG-GESUND programme, guided snowshoe hikes lead to selected places across the winter mountains with experienced guides. Guests of DAS EDELWEISS can join numerous BERG-GESUND activities on a complimentary basis, making snowshoeing in Austria an easy experience to add to the holiday without having to plan a route independently.

Snowshoeing Tours in Grossarl, Austria

4. Tobogganing in Salzburg

Natural toboggan runs around Grossarl combine snowy landscapes, mountain huts and a little more speed. Tobogganing in Austria is particularly enjoyable when the experience begins with a relaxed stop at a mountain inn before heading back down into the valley.

„For a memorable tobogganing experience, we are always happy to recommend the natural toboggan run at the Lammwirt. The nicest way to enjoy it is to stop for a leisurely meal first and then take the approximately three-kilometre run back down into the valley – it is just as much fun for couples as it is for the whole family.“

 

EDELWEISS Concierge Team

Tobogganing – or sledding – is one of Austria’s classic winter experiences, combining snowy mountain scenery, a cosy stop at a traditional inn and plenty of fun on the way back down.

5. Cross-Country Skiing in Austria

The cross-country trail network begins just a few minutes’ walk from DAS EDELWEISS. Around 25 kilometres of groomed trails run through Grossarl and Hüttschlag for both classic cross-country skiing and skating. Cross-country skiing in Austria combines movement with the quiet of the snow-covered valley, and Grossarl also offers good conditions for beginners taking their first few kilometres on skis. Afterwards, it is only a short journey back to the warmth of the Mountain Spa.

6. Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides Through the Snow

Wrapped in warm blankets and accompanied by the steady sound of horses through the snow, a horse-drawn sleigh ride in Austria reveals a particularly atmospheric side of the Grossarl Valley. A ride towards the end of the valley in Hüttschlag, for example, makes a wonderful winter highlight for children and a romantic experience for couples. The EDELWEISS Concierge Team takes care of the arrangements – leaving guests simply to sit back and enjoy the journey.

7. Ski Touring in the Austrian Alps

For more active guests, Grossarl offers a wide range of ski touring possibilities. Climbing under your own power, experiencing the stillness of the mountains and skiing back down through the winter landscape make ski touring in Austria a very different experience from a conventional day in the ski area.

BERG-GESUND also offers professionally guided ski tours, allowing guests to discover the region with local expertise. The necessary touring equipment can be hired conveniently from EDELSPORTS Rental directly at DAS EDELWEISS.

Ski Touring & Touring Skis in Austria

A winter holiday in the Austrian Alps offers families plenty to experience both on and away from the slopes. Directly at the resort, the water slide park across three floors is one of the highlights for children and teenagers, while the Family Mountain Spa with sports pool, Family Whirlpool and family-friendly wellness areas creates space to relax together.

The more than 1,000 m² EDELWEISS Children’s World includes dedicated areas for the youngest guests as well as spaces designed for older children and teenagers. The supervised children’s programme adds even more variety while giving parents valuable time to themselves.

Outside, winter becomes a shared experience: tobogganing, snowy walks and horse-drawn sleigh rides offer memorable family moments beyond the slopes. For younger children in particular, a sleigh ride through the snow can become one of the highlights of the entire holiday.

Book your winter holiday in the Austrian Alps

What is the best time to visit Austria for a winter holiday beyond skiing?

The best time for a winter holiday in Austria is generally from December to March, when snow conditions are typically at their most reliable and winter activities such as winter hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and tobogganing are widely available. January and February usually offer the most consistent winter conditions, while December and March can be particularly appealing for guests looking for a quieter atmosphere, spa time and a more relaxed pace.

What can you do in Austria in winter if you do not ski?

There are many winter activities in Austria beyond downhill skiing, including winter walking, winter hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, tobogganing and horse-drawn sleigh rides. At DAS EDELWEISS, wellness, yoga, Reformer Pilates and culinary experiences can also become a central part of a winter holiday.

What are the best things to do in Salzburg in winter beyond skiing?

Popular things to do in Salzburg in winter include winter hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, tobogganing and horse-drawn sleigh rides. In the Grossarl Valley alone, guests have access to around 45 kilometres of winter hiking trails and around 25 kilometres of cross-country trails.

Is Grossarl suitable for a winter holiday for non-skiers?

Yes. Grossarl offers winter hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing and horse-drawn sleigh rides as alternatives to a traditional ski holiday. Guests of DAS EDELWEISS can also join numerous guided BERG-GESUND activities on a complimentary basis.

Which winter activities in Austria are suitable for beginners?

Many winter activities in Austria can be enjoyed without previous experience. Cleared winter walking trails, introductory cross-country skiing and professionally guided snowshoe hikes are particularly accessible options. The EDELWEISS Concierge Team can recommend experiences according to individual fitness levels and arrange suitable equipment through EDELSPORTS Rental.

Can you enjoy an Austrian winter holiday without being active?

Absolutely. A winter holiday in Austria for non-skiers does not have to be an active holiday at all. At DAS EDELWEISS, the 7,000 m² Mountain Spa, massages and treatments, culinary experiences and plenty of time to simply relax can become the focus of the stay.

Is the BERG-GESUND programme complimentary for guests of DAS EDELWEISS?

Guests of DAS EDELWEISS can join numerous guided BERG-GESUND activities on a complimentary basis. During winter, these include guided experiences away from the pistes. Additional services such as rental equipment may incur a separate charge.

Is Austria a good destination for a non-ski winter holiday?

Yes. Austria in winter offers much more than downhill skiing. Winter hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, tobogganing, sleigh rides, mountain spas and Alpine cuisine make the Austrian Alps particularly suitable for travellers looking for a non-ski winter holiday.

Winter in Grossarl – at Your Own Pace

A winter holiday beyond the slopes still offers everything that makes the Austrian Alps special: snow-covered mountains, crisp air and days shaped entirely around personal preference.

Winter hiking one day, snowshoeing the next. A morning of cross-country skiing followed by the spa. Or perhaps the most memorable winter day is the one spent looking out at the snow from the warmth of the Infinity Pool.

At DAS EDELWEISS Salzburg Mountain Resort, every guest can decide how much movement, relaxation and indulgence their winter needs – with family experiences, Mountain Spa, EDELWEISS Mountain Cuisine and personal Concierge service all within easy reach.

Winter in the Austrian Alps – at your own pace.