Can’t you wait until winter comes again and you can go to the mountains for a day of skiing or snowboarding? Or why not grab your skis or board and dive into the snow during your summer holiday in the mountains? That’s possible in Austria! There are several places where you can do this. Below you will find an overview of glaciers in Austria where you can still ski or snowboard during the summer.
SKIING ON THE KITZSTEINHORN, ZELL AM SEE, AUSTRIA
The Kitzsteinhorn is 3209 meters high and with the lift you can reach an altitude of 3000 meters. The Gipfelwelt 3000 lift takes you to this height. This area is the only area in Salzburg that is 100% guaranteed snow and where you can ski all year round. At 3029 meters you have the panoramic platform “Top of Salzburg” where you can enjoy a special view.
SKIING ON THE HINTERTUXER GLACIER, ZILLERTAL, AUSTRIA
The Hintertuxer gletsjer, located in the Zillertal Tyrol, is open all year round. In summer, 20 kilometers of slopes are open. The Olpenerberg is the giant of the area at 3,476 meters and with the Gletscherbuses (cable cars) and the lifts you can reach a height of 3,250 meters, where the panorama terrace is located.
SKIING ON THE STUBAI GLACIER, NEUSTIFT IM STUBAITAL, AUSTRIA
Thanks to its high location, from 1,750 to 3,200 meters, you can take your skis to the Stubaier Gletsjer. The viewing platform located at an altitude of 3,210 meters gives an amazing view of more than 109 three thousand meter high mountains. Please note, due to the bad winter, this glacier will be closed for more than a month for maintenance.
SKIING ON THE DACHSTEIN GLACIER, STYMARK, AUSTRIA
The Dachsteingletsjer is located at an altitude of 2,700 meters and can be reached with the new panoramic gondola. In the Ramsau am Dachstein ski area you can expect perfectly groomed slopes with north-facing, flat slopes. You can also view this glacier from the inside in the Dachstein Eispalast, cross the suspension bridge or visit the Sky Walk.
SKIING ON THE PITZTAL GLACIER, RIFFLSEE, AUSTRIA
At the Pitztaler gletsjer you can have fun in the X park all year round with various ski and snowboard activities. This park is equipped with cross-country skiing routes, ski tour routes and a fun park. The Pitztal Glacier is a high-altitude ski area. Via the Wildspitzbahn you go to an altitude of 1,640 to 3,440 meters and it takes no less than six minutes until you reach the glacier.
TIPS FOR SUMMER SKIING
- Do research on the Austrian websites instead of the Dutch websites. The information on Dutch websites may be outdated. In recent years, the climate in Austria has changed a lot and due to temperature increases, there is simply no suitable snow left on some glaciers.
- Go skiing in the morning. The quality of the snow is still fine. This can get very mushy in the afternoon.
- Please note the opening times of lifts and cable cars. These may differ from the winter season.
Have fun winter sports in the summer!