10 tips for a fantastic winter sport without skiing

Most people immediately think of skiing, when it comes to winter sports. Of course, this is not surprising, as most people go in winter to Austria for skiing. But did you know, you can have a great winter sport without skiing as well? We give you 10 tips for fantastic activities in winter in the area of Zell am See. You can enjoy the snow in so many different ways than just skiing or snowboarding!

Tip 1. Visit the glaciers of Hohe Tauern 

Glaciers in Austria? Hell yes! You can observe this special natural phenomenon in National Park Hohe Tauern. A ranger can tell you all about these Austrian glaciers. Discover the origin of the rock-crystals in this area and enjoy the panoramic view from the viewing platform. Perhaps you hear and see a woodchuck or one of the gemsbok that live in this park. Does the sun shine? The Alpin Centre has a large terrace with deckchairs where you can relax and enjoy the impressive surroundings.

Tip 2. Enjoy a fairy-tale winter walk

Our region, Zell am See and Kaprun, is very suitable for a wonderful winter walk. Walking in fairy-tale landscapes with trees whose branches are covered by the fresh snow. Follow the narrow paths through the mountains and enjoy peace. Discover beautiful views of the valley and stop at one of the many mountain huts to charge up your batteries with a lovely, hot chocolate.

Tip 3. Go outside and join a snowshoe hike

If you are looking for a more adventurous version of winter walking, you must definitely join a snowshoe hike. Immerse yourself in the winter nature and go off the beaten track with a guide. The special snowshoes allow you to easily move, no matter how deep the snow is. This gives you the opportunity to go straight through nature. 

Shoe-hiking Maiskogel

In our region, snowshoe hikes are also organized in the evening. We can tell you, walking through the dark of the night with the moon as a street lamp is really special!

Tip 4. Slide through the landscape and go cross-country skiing!

Do you really want to enjoy the area and not fully ignore your skis? Then go to one of the many trails in the area of Zell am See and Kaprun. Instead of going down the slopes at high speed, you can enjoy nature a lot more on your cross-country skis. At a slower pace, you slide through the winter landscape, through the forests and the mountains.

Langlaufen in Zell am See

Tip 5. Winter fun for all ages: tobogganing!

The Austrians themselves consider tobogganing a serious sport. Those who go down the specially prepared toboggan runs, have the best times of their life. Did you know that most toboggan runs are also open in the evening? Zoom down the illuminated tracks and enjoy a lovely dinner in one of the snow huts afterwards.

Rodelbahn in Saalfelden

Tip 6. Paragliding, do you dare?

In good weather you often see them flying between the mountains: the coloured parachutes of the paragliders. Fly over the Austrian landscape and admire it all from above. Join a tandem flight and parachute through the mountains. Experience the peace and enjoy a different side of Austria.

Tip 7. Enjoy the spa/wellness Tauern Spa in Kaprun

Winter sports doesn’t mean you always have to be active. It is also important to relax. Unwind completely in the Tauern Spa. Let your muscles recover in the sauna or enjoy a lovely massage. Or do you prefer a facial treatment? Experience how much energy you get from a day in the spa/wellness.

Tauern Spa Kaprun

Tip 8. Discover Salzburg or Innsbruck during a winter city trip

Visit Salzburg or Innsbruck. Enjoy the wonderful atmosphere in the streets, light a candle in the Dome and taste the local delicacies. A day in the city is a welcome change during your winter sports holiday. Both Salzburg and Innsbruck are easily accessible from our region.

Dom in Salzburg

Tip 9. Take the Pinzgau Lokalbahn to the frozen Krimmler waterfalls

From Zell am See you take the train through the Pinzgauer mountains to the number one attraction of our region: The Krimml waterfalls. With a fall height of 380 meters, these waterfalls are the highest in Europe. In winter, the frozen water falls create an impressive work of art! For the ultimate experience you go there in the evening, when the frozen water falls are beautifully illuminated.

Frozen Waterfall in Krimml

Tip 10. Enjoy a romantic horse-sleigh ride

You know it from the movie: the horse-sleigh! In Piesendorf you can also make a horse-sleigh ride through the winter landscape. Cuddle up together under a warm blanket and enjoy the cosy, illuminated village. For people who love true romance! An extra tip for some warmth: smuggle a bottle of Jägermeister in your pocket…

Horse slide-ride in Piesendorf

So, winter sports are much more than just skiing. There are so many possibilities in this region. We are happy to help our guests to come up with and arrange a fantastic day in the snow.

About the author

Susan Hes

Susan and her partner are the driving force behind the accommodations at Haus Piesendorf. She has now lived in Austria for more than 12 years and therefore knows the Zell am See region on her thumb.