Skiing near Vienna

The Alps are Europe's major range of mountains, spanning from the Mediterranean coast of France via Switzerland, Northern Italy and Austria to Slovenia. A considerable part of Austria is part of this mountain range. Accordingly hiking, skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing rate high among the Austrian's favorite hobbies! If you are coming to Vienna during the winter season, and you are contemplating to spend your time here skiing and doing winter sports, you should definitely check out some of our neighboring skiing slopes! Always keep in mind that the weather conditions can change quickly here - it is always preferable to choose nice sunny days to go skiing - the landscapes are much more impressive.....don't forget, it can get very cold during winter time here with temperatures high under the freezing point.

Some of the best skiing spots to choose near Vienna are only about 2 to 3 hours away. Taupilz, for example is a known resort for the variety of activities. You can come here both in winter and summer. It is a great place in winter for skiing, snowboarding and all snow-related sports. In summer, on the other hand, you can come here to hike and enjoy the stunning sceneries surrounding the area. Taupilz is located in Styria, a region known as the "Green heart of Austria", a great place to relax and detach yourself from the stressful life of the city!

Another location that you WANT to see if you are planning on spending some days in the mountains, is Hochkar. This skiing resort is only 1.5 hours away from the capital and offers more than you can ever imagine. In the mountains are above 1800 m. The heights of this massif extend beyond the tree line and have steep and wildly rugged precipices and cirques. A real fantastic scenery awaits you here! Its plateaus are filled with lush alpine pastures and you will be able to see a great variety of alpine plants. The region is really popular among locals, even more so as many of Austrian skiing stars come from this area and trained here during their childhood. But this is not all... in summer the Hochkar offers mountain biking and hiking routes along the mountain range where you also find the spectacular "Hochkar Cave", a must-see nature highlight if you decide to come visit! This area  also offers great entertainment and traditions. The annual traditional Hochkar Festival is organized to great detail and usually takes place around August. What will you be able to enjoy here: Traditional music, traditional dresses, regional delicacies in a wonderful nature setting with a stunning views to the Hochkar - it is a festival for the whole family!

For those of you who would not like to loose too much travelling time to get on the skiing slopes - your best option is the "Hohe Wand Wiese". You should know an interesting fact about this place: Vienna is the only capital in the world that has seen a FIS (International Ski Federation) World Cup Race within its city borders! For 38 years "Hohe Wand Wiese" has served as THE first address for Viennese winter sports aficionados! The slope is 400 m long and has an average inclination of 25%! It has snow cannons and flood lights and allows night-time skiing! During the week, the slopes are open till 9:30 p.m., on weekends till 10 p.m. For more information check out the following link