13 Thrilling Winter Adventures in the Austrian Alps (2025)

The Austrian Alps transform into a breathtaking winter wonderland each year, perfect for both adrenaline seekers and those craving cozy alpine charm. From glacial hikes to icy caverns, horse-drawn sleigh rides to cultural festivals—this guide covers the best winter adventures in the Austrian Alps in 2025, featuring expert tips and seasonal highlights.

13 Thrilling Winter Adventures in the Austrian Alps (2025)

1. Snowshoe Hiking & Winter Hiking

A top winter in the Austrian Alps activity, snowshoeing and winter hiking immerse you in crisp mountain solitude.

• Rauris Valley (Hohe Tauern) offers marked trails through snow-covered spruce forests—complete with guided full-moon hikes. It’s quiet, easy to access, and family-friendly.\
• Kartitsch in East Tirol is Austria’s first “certified winter hiking village,” with well-groomed trails winding through winter woods and past local inns.
• Obergurgl in the Ötztal Alps features trails that suit both casual walkers and seasoned hikers, offering sweeping valley views and alpine serenity.

Pro tip: Choose snowshoes if you’re venturing off-trail; bring layers, water, and always check weather/avalanche forecasts.

2. Glacier & High-Altitude Trekking

Walk on glaciers without skis—or rope up and explore!

• Hintertux Glacier is open year-round. Ride up to 3,250 m, visit the Natural Ice Palace crevasse, or ski any month.
• Kitzsteinhorn near Zell am See provides cable-car access to winter hiking loops around glacier lakes—great for scenic, snow-packed strolls .

3. Ice Caves & Frozen Wonders

Take a surreal stroll into the heart of freezing beauty.

• Eisriesenwelt (Werfen) is the world’s largest ice cave, stretching 42 km. You can tour the first 1 km of otherworldly ice formations.
• Near Hintertux, ice caves in glacier interiors showcase permanent sculpted ice—an unforgettable natural experience.

Make sure you’re prepared: tours involve steep steps and chilly conditions—ask locals or lodge staff before committing .

4. Horse-Drawn Sleigh & Sledge Ride

Tuck into blankets and glide through snow-dusted Alpine scenery.

• Kitzbühel region offers enchanting horse-drawn sleigh rides—ideal for families or couples.
• In Alpbach, enjoy both adrenaline-charged sledge runs and romantic sleigh rides under evening skies.
• These rides combine fairytale visuals with cozy comfort—and are superb for those not skiing.

5. Paragliding & Balloon Flights

For breathtaking bird’s-eye views of Alpine peaks, try:

• Ballooning in St. Johann in Tirol: float silently above snowfields—perfect for non-skiers.
• Paragliding over Kitzbühel Alps: adrenaline meets poetry—swoop over white vistas, guided and safe .

6. Tobogganing & Night Sledging

Experience high-speed Alpine excitement on sleds and toboggans.

• Kitzbühel offers thrilling “turbo tobogganing” at night—hills with twists and fast descents.
• Many ski resorts provide sled runs with cable car rides back up, allowing fun without skis.

7. Skiing & Snowboarding

Austria’s Alpine reputation is built on incredible slopes.

• Axamer Lizum (near Innsbruck) hosted the 1964 & 1976 Olympics. It offers long season skiing at 1,540–2,340 m with varied terrain.
• Kitzbühel/Kirchberg: legendary Streif downhill, snow parks, and cross-country trails with world-class events and après ski culture.\
• Lech–Zürs (Arlberg): massive, well-linked ski area; also Austria’s only heliskiing zone.

Turracher Höhe and Nockberge: well-groomed slopes, night skiing, and family-friendly runs often paired with Alpine coasters.

8. Cross-Country Skiing & Ski Touring

For soft-mountain skiing and wild route exploration:

• Windischgarsten boasts 120 km of groomed cross-country trails across altitudes of 600–1,400 m.
• Wurzeralm area offers marked ski touring routes—perfect for reaching peaks on foot then skiing down.
• Axamer Lizum and Obergurgl also host cross-country circuits for varying skill levels.

9. Ice Skating & Traditional Sports

Enjoy classic Alpine winter traditions:

• Kaprun/Zell am See features indoor and outdoor rinks, plus ice stock sport (“Bavarian curling”).
• Many resorts also offer curling, rink-side cafés, and family-friendly winter leisure.

10. Frozen Falls & Photo Ops

Nature’s winter spectacle comes alive with ice-cascades.

• Krimml Waterfalls draped in ice create a 385 m cascaded masterpiece—beautiful, brisk, and easily accessible.
• Frozen lakes and mountain cascades abound—bring good boots and take short hiking paths for stunning stillness.

11. Cultural Highlights & Festivals

Winter alpine charm includes cozy traditions:

• Kitzbühel’s Advent market: crafts, glühwein stands, festive cheer in medieval lanes.
• Krampus parades: early December brings spooky folkloric tradition—Krampuslauf—through towns.\
• High-altitude concerts, ice sculpting events, and full-moon torchlight hikes occur regularly in regions like Hohe Tauern or St. Johann.

12. Alpine Coasters & Toboggan Trails

For fun beyond skiing and snowshoeing:

• Nocky Flitzer Alpine coaster near Turracher Höhe drops down 2,000 m—thrilling in both summer and winter.
• Many resorts have year-round toboggan runs: ride the coaster style back down built into ski routes.

13. Mountain Spas & Cozy Resorts

After adventure, unwind in alpine style:

• Thermal spas in Kaprun and Obergurgl offer pools with mountain views—perfect to soothe muscles post-adventure.
• Many lodges include saunas, fireplaces, and local cuisine, making them ideal bases to plan your next day’s excursion.

Choosing Your Adventure: Seasons & Interests

Quick Tips for Alpine Winter Travelers

• Gear smartly: layer clothing, bring waterproof outerwear, sturdy boots, sunglasses/gloves.
• Book ahead: sleighs, ice cave tours, and glacier access can sell out—reserve early.
• Safety first: mountain weather shifts rapidly—check forecasts, trail maintenance, and avalanche alerts.
• Guides add value: local guides enhance safety and share heritage—especially for glacier treks.
• Blend adventure with comfort: recover in spas, sip local schnapps, relish hearty Tyrolean dishes like Gröstl and Kaiserschmarrn.

Final Thoughts

With over a dozen unique winter adventures in the Austrian Alps, you can tailor your experience to whatever you seek—from adrenaline-charged sledge runs and glacier hikes to cultural festivity and tranquil snowshoe trails. Embrace the crisp mountain air, glittering snowfields, and local warmth—2025 is the perfect year to craft your alpine winter adventure.