What are the best destinations for a winter holiday in Tirol?

There is a wide variety of ski resorts in Tirol to choose from, ranging from large ski areas and family-friendly ski areas to glacier ski areas for those in search of some good early-season and late-season skiing. When it comes to cross-country skiing , we recommend the trails in Tirol’s best cross-country skiing areas .

Which activities are available in Tirol away from the ski slopes?

Here in Tirol, winter is about much more than just skiing. Popular alternative winter activities include winter walks to huts , cross-country skiing and of course spa hotels and day spas where visitors can enjoy total peace and quiet. When it comes to days out, we recommend a selection of the best things to see and do in Tirol such as the Swarovski Crystal Worlds and the Highline 179 .

Are there special events or traditions in winter I should visit in Tirol?

Tirol hosts numerous top sporting events in winter such as the famous Hahnenkamm ski races in Kitzbühel and the ski jumping event at Bergisel in Innsbruck. In November and December we recommend a visit to one of the Christmas markets . Last but not least, lots of ski resorts wrap up the season with large concerts featuring international stars.

Is there guaranteed snow in Tirol?

Even in winters with little snow, Tirol ensures excellent skiing conditions thanks to its five glacier ski resorts . The same applies to cross-country skiing – if snow is thin on the ground down in the valley, there are plenty of cross-country trails higher up where snow is assured.

Holiday Ideas

10 Must-Do’s in Winter in Tyrol

Think winter’s just for skiers? Think again! Here are ten of the best winter activities in Tirol – and only one of them is skiing, we promise!

01 ...tobogganing at night

The thought of pulling on your ski gear again and heading out into the cold night might fill you with dread, but we can assure you that night tobogganing is absolutely worth it. And if you choose one of the many toboggan runs with a hut at the top, you can look forward to a hearty meal and a hot drink before zooming back down into the valley.

02 ...carving first tracks into the pistes

Setting your alarm early on holiday? Sure, it doesn’t sound too tempting, but dragging your-self out of bed before sunrise gives you the unique opportunity to carve first tracks into the perfectly groomed corduroy while others are still having their breakfast.

03 ...walking to a hut

Winter walking offers visitors a chance to enjoy the spectacular natural scenery at a slower pace. Many trails lead up to huts serving hearty local food. In winter we particularly recommend a soup or broth – the perfect way to warm up again after a long walk up in the fresh mountain air.

04 ...trying out biathlon

Biathlon. Never heard of it? Never mind! In Tirol there are several places where visitors can try out this classic winter sport combining cross-country skiing and precision shooting. A really fun day out and a proper workout for mind and body.

05 ...cross-country skiing at 2,000 metres

Cross-country skiing high in the mountains has several advantages – stunning views, guaranteed snow and total peace and quiet. Oh, and did we mention the views?

06 ...going ice swimming

Ice swimming – the name tells you all you need to know. Some of our lakes, especially those high up in the mountains, are pretty freezing cold all year round. A real challenge for those who like a bit of Wim Hof action.

07 ...ice skating on a mountain lake

…and if the water really is too cold to swim in, then we dare you to take on the next chal-lenge: ice skating. In cold winters, many lakes in Tirol freeze over and become excellent nat-ural outdoor skating rinks.

Top of Mountain Aussichtsplattform mit Café im Winter in Hochgurgl

08 ...gazing out at the view from a viewing platform

There’s no doubt that in Tirol the higher you go, the better the views become. For a long time these views were the preserve of winter sports enthusiasts, but today there are cable cars and ski lifts whisking all passengers into the mountains in just a few minutes to enjoy the very best panoramas on offer in Tirol.

09 ...spend a whole day by the water

Don’t worry, this isn’t another invitation to go outdoor swimming in the middle of winter! In the Atoll leisure centre near Lake Achensee guests can enjoy saunas, pools and some of the best views of Tirol’s largest lake. There’s also a large children’s area for youngsters to splash around in.

10 ...having breakfast in a cable car

A cable car may seem an unusual place for breakfast, but we invite you to take up the invita-tion and try the experience. Don’t worry if you haven’t finished everything on the table by the time you get to the top – you can go round as many times as you want until your little breakfast for two is done.