Hidden Gems – InTheSnow

Beyond Austria’s most famous resorts lies a quieter world of alpine charm and uncrowded slopes. From the snow-sure pistes of Altenmarkt-Zauchensee to the sunny slopes of Carinthia, these lesser-known regions offer a refreshing alternative to the mainstream. The Holiday Region TirolWest blends authentic Tyrolean culture with easy access to varied terrain, while Hochkönig delivers panoramic skiing beneath dramatic limestone peaks. For UK skiers seeking something different—be it shorter lift queues, local hospitality or a slower pace—these hidden gems promise a more intimate mountain experience, without compromising on quality. It’s Austria, just off the beaten track

But the intimate skiing experience at these areas is only half the story. The true magic lies in the Austrian Lebensgefühl—the feeling of life you’ll discover through its people. From the lift operators who greet you with a grin, to the chefs who serve up hearty alpine fare, every encounter is infused with warmth and pride. So don’t just visit Austria – connect with its people, and uncover your own Lebensgefühl in every slope, smile, and shared moment.

Altenmarkt-Zauchensee

Altenmarkt-Zauchensee is a dynamic resort nestled in Austria’s Salzburger Sportwelt, offering the perfect blend of high-altitude adventure and cosy alpine charm.

Zauchensee has a reputation as one of the most snow-sure ski areas in the Alps, while Altenmarkt, set in a broad valley, delivers a relaxed village atmosphere with cultural depth and family-friendly appeal. Together, they form a winter destination that’s as versatile as it is welcoming. Thanks to modern snowmaking and reliable natural snowfall, the season stretches from late November to mid-April, and this year’s headline upgrade—the new 10-seater Schwarzwand gondola—makes getting onto the slopes faster and more comfortable than ever.

Skiers and snowboarders are spoiled for choice across two distinct areas. Zauchensee-Flachauwinkl is the high-alpine playground, with 45 km of pistes and 16 lifts, ideal for ambitious skiers, freeriders, and families alike. The terrain spans three peaks—Gamskogel, Tauernkar, and Rosskopf—each offering varied runs and blue-route options that descend directly into the World Cup arena. Meanwhile, the Radstadt-Altenmarkt area is tailored for beginners and pleasure skiers, with 17 km of slopes, seven lifts, and highlights like the “Fichtelland” kids’ zone, a fun slope, and a timed run. Across both areas, the resort boasts 62 km of groomed pistes, 23 lifts, and three ski schools, all part of the expansive Ski amadé network.

Freeriders will find designated deep-snow routes with panoramic views, tree runs, mogul fields, and off-piste thrills Freeride highlights. For those chasing scenic moments, the Rosskopf summit offers a stunning 360° mountain panorama Rosskopf viewpoint, while the Radstadt-Altenmarkt area reveals views of the Dachstein range from the Hochbifangbahn and Königslehenbahn Radstadt-Altenmarkt.

Off the slopes, Altenmarkt-Zauchensee offers a rich menu of winter activities. There are 49 km of winter hiking trails and 30 km of cross-country tracks, with skating and classic options. The innovative Flying Coach provides free tips directly on the Flying Coach piste. Snowshoeing is a peaceful alternative, with themed trails like the “Moon Path” and “Farmer’s Rules Trail.” Tobogganing is a local favourite, with four runs including floodlit night descents and horse-drawn sleigh rides through Altenmarkt-Zauchensee add a romantic touch.

When the weather turns, the Erlebnis- round Therme Amadé is the go-to indoor escape. With 11 pools, five themed saunas, and three spectacular slides, it’s a hit with families year-round. Altenmarkt’s town centre also offers over 80 shops, cafés, and restaurants, plus two museums that explore the region’s rural heritage, so there’s always something to do.

This winter’s calendar is packed with festive and cultural highlights. The resort’s Advent Market brings seasonal charm with arts and crafts, while the Bergsee.Advent features sound clouds and light installations by the lake. The world-famous Vienna Boys’ Choir returns for a magical Advent concert, and the AUDI FIS Women’s Ski World Cup takes centre stage on the thrilling Kälberloch course.

Dining is a delight, with rustic huts and refined alpine cuisine. The Rauchkopfhütte is known for high-quality fare, while the Arlhofhütte combines après-ski with food truck flair. For a taste of tradition, try the award-winning goat’s cheese from Rosi Unteregger at the weekly market, or whip up your own Kaiserschmarrn with this classic recipe incorporating organic eggs, flour, milk, lemon zest, cinnamon, and raisins, pan-fried and torn into golden chunks.

Special offers for winter 2025/26 include the Ski amadé Ladies Week (21–28 March), where one of two six-day passes is free with a booking for two, and the Best Ager Week for guests over 60, which includes a complimentary six-day pass with a seven-night stay. Families can benefit from the Easter special, where kids ski free with a parent’s six-day pass. Click here for full details of Winter packages.

Sustainability is a priority here. Free public transport is available with the Guest Mobility Ticket, and snowmaking uses only water and air, powered by renewable energy. The Seekarsee reservoir stores meltwater for efficient snow production, and biomass heating plants reduce CO₂ emissions by 1,500 tonnes annually.

Getting there is easy. The nearest train stations are Altenmarkt and Radstadt (just 4 km away), both served by direct EC and IC trains via Germany or Switzerland. From Salzburg Airport, it’s just over an hour by car or transfer.

Carinthia

In the southern Austrian Alps, Carinthia offers a winter experience that’s anything but ordinary. While all ski destinations promise snow, Carinthia also delivers something rarer: snow paired with sunshine. Austria’s southernmost province enjoys over 100 hours more winter sun than resorts north of the main Alpine ridge, earning its reputation as the Alps’ largest natural sun terrace.

This unique climate sets the tone for a winter holiday that’s both invigorating and restorative. From sun-drenched slopes to lakeside saunas, Carinthia blends alpine adventure with southern charm—and it’s quietly becoming one of Europe’s most compelling cold-season escapes.

With a huge choice of 24 ski areas, Carinthia caters to every kind of skier. Whether you’re chasing powder in Katschberg or cruising family-friendly runs in Turrach, the region’s terrain is as varied as its visitors. But what truly sets Carinthia apart is the light. The sun here isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a defining feature, casting golden hues across pistes and warming mountain cafés even in midwinter. The atmosphere is relaxed, the hospitality warm, and the scenery spectacular.

Carinthia’s lakes don’t hibernate in winter—they transform. At Lake Millstatt, Lake Wörthersee, and Lake Klopeiner See, bathhouses and saunas offer glass-fronted sanctuaries where guests can soak in warmth while gazing at snowy landscapes.

For a deeper thermal experience, head to Warmbad Villach’s Kärnten Therme or the twin spas of Bad Kleinkirchheim: the Römerbad and Therme St. Kathrein. Here, wellness is simply part of the rhythm of winter life.

Even hotels get in on the act, with heated lakeside pools that let guests float beneath the winter sky.

On the slopes, for those who prefer earning their turns, the Nockberge-Trail offers a ski touring experience unlike any other. Connecting five ski areas—Katschberg, Innerkrems, Turrach, Falkert, and Bad Kleinkirchheim/St. Oswald—the trail is designed for tourers with solid fitness and experience, but without the need for high alpine technical skills.

Each stage takes up to six hours, with lifts available to ease the climb. The route is flexible, and the logistics are streamlined: luggage shuttles, partner hotels, and a dedicated hotline make it easy to focus on the journey. And unlike traditional hut-to-hut tours, the Nockberge-Trail offers overnight stays in wellness hotels serving refined Alpine-Adriatic cuisine.

In summer, the trail becomes a hiking route, offering year-round access to Carinthia’s untouched nature.

Carinthia’s winter isn’t confined to the slopes. At Lake Weissensee, Europe’s largest frozen natural ice surface hosts everything from casual skating to competitive speed events. The highlight is the alternative Dutch 11-city tour, returning in 2025 from January 18 to February 1, where thousands of skaters take on distances up to 200 km.

Elsewhere, cross-country trails, snowshoe hikes, and family-friendly resorts offer a gentler pace. The Winter Kärnten Card adds value, with bundled access to spas, lifts, and leisure activities across the region.

Carinthia’s Advent celebrations are not to be missed, blending Alpine charm with lakeside magic—think candlelit trails, floating Christmas markets, artisan stalls, and panoramic views from Pyramidenkogel. From Katschberg’s storybook forest to Velden’s angelic glow, it’s a festive escape full of warmth, tradition, and wonder for families, romantics, and winter wanderers alike.

Carinthia is well-connected by plane with direct Ryanair flights from London, rail and road, with Klagenfurt serving as a central hub. Accommodation options range from rustic chalets to luxury wellness hotels, many of which embrace the region’s Alpine-Adriatic ethos. Booking is easy via the official portal, and sustainability-minded travellers will appreciate Austria’s strong rail infrastructure.

All in all, whether you’re carving turns, soaking in thermal waters, or skating across a frozen lake, this southern Carinthia invites you to see winter in a new light.

Holiday Region TirolWest

Situated between the towering peaks of the Tirolean Oberland, the Holiday Region TirolWest is a winter destination that quietly defies expectations. While it may not boast the mega-resorts of its neighbours, it offers something more intimate, more varied — and arguably more enriching. With six characterful villages, a pleasure-focused ski area, and daily access to some of the Alps’ biggest names via a ski safari shuttle, the Holiday Region TirolWest invites you to slow down and really enjoy the ski season.

The region’s own Venet ski area is compact but scenic, with 12km of pistes and a panoramic summit at 2,212m offering 360-degree views across the upper Inn Valley. It’s ideal for relaxed carving, family outings, or warming up before tackling the heavyweights nearby. And that’s where the Holiday Region TirolWest’s ace card comes in: the €10 ski safari shuttle. Each day, guests can hop aboard and head to a different nearby top-tier resort — from Ischgl and St. Anton to Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis — returning in time for dinner in one of TirolWest’s cosy inns.

But skiing is just one thread in the Holiday Region TirolWest’s winter tapestry. The region excels in off-piste variety, with snowshoe hikes, toboggan runs, ice skating, and curling rinks all within easy reach. The Kaunergrat Nature Park offers guided husky hikes, moonlit gorge walks in the Zammer Lochputz, and even ice bathing at the Tramser Weiher — a bracing ritual that’s equal parts wellness and adrenaline. For something gentler, alpaca trekking in Tobadill adds an unusual option to hiking snowy trails, while cross-country skiers can explore 14.8km of groomed tracks.

Culture runs deep here, too. The Rauhnächte — the mystical nights between Christmas and Epiphany — are marked with incense rituals and storytelling at the Zammer Kräuterstadl. In February, the UNESCO-listed Scheibenschlagen sees glowing wooden discs flung from mountain slopes in a fiery celebration of spring’s return. And throughout the season, the TirolWest Card unlocks free access to museums, exhibitions, and guided tours — including the Witch Stasis at Landeck Castle, a spine-tingling dip into local folklore.

That same card also delivers year-round free mobility across the Landeck district, making the Holiday Region TirolWest one of the most accessible regions in Tirol. Whether you’re hopping between villages, heading to a ski area, or exploring cultural sites, the bus network is your ticket to stress-free travel — and a standout sustainability initiative that reduces car dependency.

Food is another highlight. The Holiday Region TirolWest’s culinary scene blends rustic tradition with refined touches, from hearty mountain fare to artisanal chocolate. The Zammer Alm, perched on the Venet slopes, serves up regional specialties with piste-side convenience, while the Gogles Alm — reached via toboggan run — offers warming drinks and moonlit descents. For a true taste of Tirol, seek out Tiroler Edle chocolate in Landeck, crafted from Alpine grey cattle milk and infused with plum brandy or mountain mint.

Accommodation options range from family-run guesthouses to boutique hotels, all offering the TirolWest Card from the first night. Many properties lean into the region’s ethos of warmth and authenticity, with wood-panelled dining rooms, homemade schnapps, and hosts who know every trail and tradition by heart. It’s not uncommon to be invited to a local event or given insider tips on the best viewpoints — like the Kaunergrat Nature Park platform, the pilgrimage site of Kronburg, or the summit of Venet itself.

For families, the Holiday Region TirolWest is a gentle introduction to alpine life. The manageable ski terrain, wealth of non-ski activities, and cultural programming make it ideal for mixed-ability groups or those seeking a slower pace. And for seasoned skiers, the ski safari opens up a world of possibilities — all from a quiet base that feels more like home than hotel.

In short, the Holiday Region TirolWest is a region that rewards curiosity. It’s not about chasing vertical metres or après-ski excess, but about discovering the rhythms of mountain life with soul, variety, and a touch of the unexpected.

Hochkönig

Located in the heart of SalzburgerLand, the Hochkönig region delivers a winter experience that’s as regal as its name suggests. Anchored by the charming villages of Maria Alm, Dienten, and Mühlbach, this snow-sure destination offers 120 km of pistes, 34 lifts, and a wealth of off-slope adventures. Beyond that, it’s all part of the vast Ski amadé network.

Families are warmly welcomed. Seven ski schools offer playful, professional instruction, and winter playgrounds and indoor experiences keep young guests entertained. The region’s relaxed pace and genuine hospitality make it ideal for multi-generational holidays, with something for every age and ability.

For experienced skiers the crown jewel of Hochkönig is the Königstour, a 35 km ski circuit that links six peaks and 7,500 vertical metres in one continuous, lift-connected route. From Maria Alm to Mühlbach, skiers glide across wide, perfectly groomed pistes with panoramic views of the Hochkönig massif. It’s a sensory journey that blends scenic beauty, sporting challenge, and culinary indulgence. Along the way, the Culinary King’s Tours transform skiing into a gourmet experience, with themed hut-to-hut menus ranging from hearty Austrian classics to vegan creations.

Freestylers and thrill-seekers will find their playground in the snow parks and freeride zones, while cross-country skiers can explore 40 km of trails, including the high-altitude loop at the Arthurhaus, perched at 1,500 m. Ski tourers can ascend dedicated routes through Arthurhaus untouched terrain, with twilight tours offering magical ascents under starry skies. The HOCHKÖNIG:IN Ski Challenge adds a digital twist, rewarding skiers with badges, prizes, and the chance to be crowned Hochkönigin or Hochkönig.

Off the slopes, Hochkönig reveals its quieter charms. Over 85 km of winter hiking trails wind through snow-covered forests and sunny plateaus, ideal for families, couples, and pleasure walkers. Snowshoe hikes lead to hidden “places of power,” while horse-drawn sleigh rides offer romantic glides through the glittering landscape. Tobogganing is a hit with all ages, with groomed runs and mountain hut stops in each village. Ice skating, panoramic terraces, and spontaneous snowball fights round out the region’s playful side.

Dining is a highlight throughout the region. Rustic huts and stylish lifestyle lodges serve up regional specialties with flair. The Gondola Dinner offers a unique experience: an exclusive meal served in a moving gondola, with mountain views and candlelight. Folk music fans can join the Ski Hut Roas, a convivial tour of huts featuring live performances and local fare.

New this season is the Pink Ribbon Tour, which blends culinary enjoyment with social impact. Selected huts serve pink-themed dishes, with proceeds supporting breast cancer initiatives. It’s a thoughtful addition to the region’s already rich tapestry of experiences.

Viewpoints are scattered across the ski area from Aberg Langeck to Gabühel, each offers a unique perspective on the surrounding peaks and valleys. The Kings Cab gondola is a highlight, with heated seats and panoramic windows for a truly royal ride.

Sustainability is a core value here. The region’s upcycling initiative transforms old banners into stylish products, while local cable car operators invest in renewable energy and eco-friendly slope management. Guests are encouraged to arrive by train, with the ÖBB transfer service ensuring smooth, car-free connections.

Hochkönig is easily reached by rail via Salzburg or Saalfelden, with ÖBB combo tickets bundling train travel and ski passes. For air access, Salzburg Airport is just 40 km away, while Munich offers a further choice of international connections and is about 140 km from the resort.

Planning is easy thanks to digital services and flexible ticketing. The ski pass portal offers tailored options for day visitors, week-long stays, or spontaneous getaways. The interactive ski map helps guests navigate the terrain, while the event calendar highlights seasonal happenings from Advent markets to guided tours.

Whether carving wide arcs on the Königstour, sipping mulled wine in a mountaintop hut, or gliding through moonlit forests on a sleigh, Hochkönig offers a winter experience that’s rich in emotion, variety, and alpine authenticity.

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