snowshoe hiking Kasberg | © Almtal-Bergbahnen
Powder snow paradise
off the slopes

Off the slopes

Snow fun and winter adventures

As soon as the first snow covers the descents, active holiday guests are itching to head off into the ski resorts. You don’t just want to ski on the perfectly groomed slopes? Far off from the hustle and bustle, the winter sports resorts offer numerous winter activities and wonderful experiences. While freeriding through thick snow blankets, while gliding along on your cross-country skis or while hiking through the wintry landscape: The sporty variety off the slopes is almost limitless! 

Discover all winter activities at the eleven skisport resorts and immerse yourself in the pristine nature of the Alps! 

panoramic view while snowshoeing at Wurzeralm
Langlaufen ist eine tolle Alternative zum herkömmlichen Skifahren.  | © Wein Franz
Schneeschuhwandern in einer traumhaften Winterlandschaft.  | © Wein Franz
Abseits der Pisten feinsten Pulverschnee genießen.
Die traumhafte Winterlandschaft im Skigebiet Hochkössen.
Ein wunderschöner Panoramablick in der Skiregion Hochkar.  | © Ludwig Fahrnberger
Mit der Gondelbahn bequem auf den Berg.
Freerider genießen in Heiligenblut beim Freeriden feinsten Powder. | © M. Glantschnig

Freeriding

The powder paradises of Hochkar, Grossglockner and Wurzeralm

Ripping through fresh powder and whooping with joy – that’s freeriding at the three skisport resorts of Hochkar, Heiligenblut/Grossglockner and Wurzeralm for you! More and more skiers and snowboards venture out into the open terrain off the groomed slopes to discover and enjoy a stunning natural setting covered in deep powder snow. 

You’d like to know more about the powder paradises that await you? You’re about to get all the info! 

Freeride Arena on the Hochkar in Lower Austria: 
At the Freeride Arena is where your unforgettable, fluffy snow adventure starts. The resort not only offers many locations for beginners to test their skills in the powder snow. Advanced powder heads enter a true winter wonderland there. The Freeride Arena was created under the direction of pro freerider and Elan team athlete Matthias Mayr and has adrenaline junkies flocking to the Hochkar every winter season. 

If you have yet to get the right equipment, you’ll find top-notch customer service and special freeride gear at the rental shop. Additionally, all ski schools on site offer freeride lessons. 

Freeride Arena Heiligenblut/Grossglockner in Carinthia: 
At the paradisiacal Grossglockner resort, freeriders jump for joy. Why? There are seemingly endless powder snow descents down into the valley that await them – surrounded by an incredible mountain panorama. A total of six different freeride sectors and 1,500 hectares of free ski area are available for their powder dream to come true off the slopes. 

The infrastructure is perfect as well: A freeride checkpoint at the cable car middle station constantly keeps you updated on avalanche warnings up on the mountain. There are also several well signposted and secured routes for rookies! 

Freeriding at the base of the Warscheneck in Upper Austria: 
Just one hour by car from Linz and Graz, on the Wurzeralm and the foot of the Warscheneck, you’ll find numerous opportunities for freeride fun off the groomed slopes. You can pursue your passion for powder snow and solitary turns in pristine nature from the Frauenkar. You’ve got to give it a try! 

Cross-country skiing

Gliding through the snowy winter landscape

The feeling that overcomes you when gliding over the trail on cross-country skis through snow-covered forests and past breathtaking mountains – it can hardly be put into words! In solitude and silence, you’re so close to nature that you almost become a part of it. Adjust your pace to match your heartbeat and find your rhythm. 

Snowy summits, endless trails and excellent snow conditions – that’s what the skisport resorts stand for. In Austria, Switzerland or South Tyrol – you’re guaranteed to find a cross-country paradise to your taste! 

  • 44 km of high-altitude cross-country trails in Hinterstoder 
  • 46 km of high-altitude cross-country trails on the Wurzeralm 
  • 29 km of high-altitude cross-country trails on the Hochkar
  • 30 km of high-altitude cross-country trails on the Kasberg 
  • numerous high-altitude cross-country trails in Kössen 
  • 150 km of high-altitude cross-country trails at the Böhmerwald on the Hochficht
  • 29 km of high-altitude cross-country trails on the Grossglockner 
  • 49 km of high-altitude cross-country trails in Savognin 
  • 26 km of high-altitude cross-country trails in Saas-Fee 
  • 2 km of high-altitude cross-country trails on the Val Senales Glacier

Snowshoe and winter hiking

Exploring the winter landscape on bear paws

Crystal-clear mountain air, a beautiful snowy landscape, pristine nature as far as the eye can see and cosy huts for a relaxing break. Sounds too good to be true? Not at all! While snowshoe or winter hiking at the skisport resorts, you’ll experience the peace and quiet of nature. With “bear paws” under your feet, you can walk over well-trodden and groomed snow trails or wade through pristine snow covers. 

All regions offer shorter as well as more extensive tours for every level of endurance. The motto is: Just try it and immerse yourself in the winter wonderland!