Ski Touring in Austria: Discover 5 Beautiful Locations
Would you like to experience the Austrian mountains in a different way? Then try ski touring! Instead of taking a ski lift up the mountain, you climb it yourself on special touring skis. Along the way, you can enjoy snow-covered forests, breathtaking views and the peace and quiet of nature. From the beautiful Rauris Valley to the impressive mountains of Hochkönig, discover five wonderful places for ski touring in Austria!
What is ski touring?
Ski touring, also known as skitouring, involves climbing mountains on special skis fitted with climbing skins. These skins prevent you from sliding backwards as you make your way uphill. Once you reach the top, you remove the skins and ski back down. You can choose between marked ascent routes and more challenging tours through natural mountain terrain. It's a sporty and exciting way to discover Austria.
Rauris Valley: Ski touring at Kreuzboden and Kolm Saigurn
The Rauris Valley in Salzburgerland is a beautiful destination for ski touring enthusiasts. At the Ski Touring Centre near the Kreuzbodenbahn lift, you'll find a marked ascent route to the Waldalm. This approximately 4.2-kilometre route takes you through snow-covered forests and involves an elevation gain of 743 metres. Along the way, you can enjoy the winter scenery and take a break at a mountain hut.
For experienced ski tourers, Kolm Saigurn is a particularly special destination. This high-alpine area is the starting point for challenging tours towards Hocharn (3,254 metres), Hoher Sonnblick (3,106 metres) and Kolmkarspitz. Here, you can explore the impressive mountain scenery of Hohe Tauern National Park.
Wildkogel Arena: Ski touring around the Großvenediger
The area surrounding Neukirchen am Großvenediger and Bramberg am Wildkogel also offers plenty of opportunities for ski touring. One particularly impressive destination is the Großvenediger (3,657 metres), one of Austria's most famous mountain peaks. Guided ski tours to this spectacular mountain are organised from the region. The Obersulzbachtal Valley is also popular among experienced ski tourers. Here you'll find the Kürsingerhütte, a well-known base for high-alpine tours through the beautiful mountain landscape.
Zillertal Arena: Ski touring at Gerlosstein
The Zillertal Arena has much more to offer than just ski slopes. There are some beautiful ski touring opportunities, particularly around Gerlos and Gerlosstein. One well-known destination is the Arbiskogel near Gerlosstein. You can climb towards this mountain from the area around the Gerlossteinbahn valley station. According to regional information, the Arbiskogelhütte is a popular meeting place for ski tourers on Monday and Thursday evenings. A wonderful way to experience the winter mountain scenery!
Hochkönig: Ski touring from Dientner Sattel
In the Hochkönig region, you'll find several marked ascent routes. One beautiful tour starts at Dientner Sattel and leads towards the Kings Cab mountain station. The route is approximately 2.7 kilometres long, with an elevation gain of around 400 metres.
During the climb, you can enjoy stunning views of the snow-covered mountains. A great destination for ski tourers who prefer following a marked route.
Hochkeil: Discover ski touring near Mühlbach
Would you like to try ski touring for the first time? Then Hochkeil near Mühlbach am Hochkönig is an interesting place to start. A special ski touring learning trail, approximately 4.5 kilometres long, begins at the Arthurhaus. Along the route, you can learn more about ski touring techniques and how to move safely through the mountains. With an elevation gain of around 280 metres, it's a great place to discover this unique winter sport under professional guidance.
Discover Austria on touring skis
Whether you choose a marked ascent route in Rauris or a challenging mountain tour around the Großvenediger, ski touring allows you to experience Austria in a completely different way. Always prepare carefully, check the latest avalanche forecast and choose a route that matches your experience. For high-alpine tours, it is advisable to go with a qualified mountain guide. After an active day in the snow, there's nothing better than relaxing in a comfortable holiday home. Discover the holiday homes and apartments offered by ChaletsPlus in Rauris, the Wildkogel Arena, the Zillertal Arena and Hochkönig, and enjoy an unforgettable winter holiday!











