Heavy snowfall in winter and clear blue skies in summer, the Austrian Alps boast perfect year-round conditions that have made the region a haven for sports and adventure enthusiasts. While recent investments in infrastructure have brought quality ski lifts and better roads, a picturesque backdrop dotted with lakes, glaciers and remote little huts help retain the region’s traditional Alpine charm.
Whether you’re just finding your feet on the long, wide curves of the blue runs, chasing through the untouched off-piste powder or flying down the steep blacks, Austria is a paradise for skiers/snowboarders of all levels and styles. With thousands of kilometres of perfectly maintained routes and facilities that are constantly being revamped and updated – high-tech ski pass scanners and heated chairlifts to name just a few – its resorts are renowned for their ideal skiing conditions. Even if the winter is particularly uncharitable one year, modern snowmakers ensure a constant supply of the white stuff – which means you’ll rarely miss a day on the slopes.
And then of course there’s the abundance of charming wooden huts that welcome you in from a brisk morning ski with their cosy atmosphere and hearty Austrian grub that’ll warm your bones and give you a much-needed energy boost. In fact, there truly are few other places that have mastered Après-Ski better than the Austrians. Kick off your boots, sit yourself down beside a roaring log fire and wrap your hands around a steaming glass of Glühwein – before long the gemütlich atmosphere will help you forget all about your aching quads.
Even once the green tufts of grass have resurfaced from their winter slumber, the Alps’ still have a whole host of activities to keep you moving. Its waymarked trails and breathtaking scenery make it one of Europe’s most hiker-friendly destinations, for amblers and seasoned walkers alike. Winding their way over bridges and brooks, around crystal clear lakes and forest canopies, the paths take you on a journey through the varied Alpine landscape – there’s also really nothing more satisfying than hiking up a mountain in glorious sunshine and reaching its snow-covered summit by the afternoon! And thanks to a network of inexpensive mountain Hütten, you’ll find a bed for the night with ease.
For adrenaline junkies craving something a little more fast paced, a great way to get out and explore the mountains is by hopping on your bike and pedalling off to see where Austria’s downhill trails lead you. Uphill slogs are rewarded with panoramic views and downhill descents come with a rush that’ll leave you eager for round II. With ever more downhill bikers flocking to the Alps each year to ride its trails, resorts are now investing in top of the range bikes and opening new lines boasting a variety of Northshore elements and tricky turns. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a real stamina challenge, The Grossglockner High Alpine Road, at an altitude of 2504m, is perhaps Austria’s most demanding of all cycle routes.
Adorned with white-water rivers and expansive natural lakes set against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks and colourful Alpine meadows, Austria is just as delightful in the summer as it is in winter. Whether you fancy taking a refreshing dip, hiring out a sailing boat or going fishing, its waters are some of Europe’s warmest and cleanest.
Not to mention all the canyoning, high altitude trekking, paragliding and high ropes opportunities – Austria has a wide variety of activities that’ll fuel your lust for life for sure!
Author Bio: Susannah Taplin is part of the writing team at GoEuro, a new Internet platform that helps travellers compare and combine air, rail, bus and car travel options. She’s spent the last few years exploring Tyrol and all its mountains have to offer.