Wintering in Vienna

Vienna has beautiful skiing resorts in its vicinity. It is hard to imagine in Vienna that snowy peaks are one hours drive away but that's all it takes to get to Semmering, traditional fresh air spot for the city. Semmering can be crowded of course but its homey atmosphere and wide selection of winter sports make up for it. Beginners start on an almost flat bunny hill and for really little ones a ski playground is offered. If the kids don't fancy skiing then rent a sledge. Across the road the larger slope has a dozen ski runs, a sledging run all the way down from the top and a lovely cross country trail around the back. February is time for the traditional Austrian ski holiday. The snow is piling up thick and deep in the glorious Austrian Alps, calling us to escape the miasma of Vienna.

St. Corona am Wechsel also about an hour south west of the city has been recommended by ski instructors as a good place to start small children. The couple that heads the ski school has small children of their own. Several locals have also recommended Annaberg to the southwest of St. Poelten.

The piste is 400 m long and is served by a t-bar lift. It features snow cannons and flood lights and allows therefore for night-time skiing.

Ötscher is a 19 km of beautifully prepared slopes; cross-country skiing tracks and a Snow park for boarders await you in the skiing region Ötscher, situated just about 2 hours ride from Vienna In Gastein one can experience a piste world of superlatives- Extensive ski areas with modern lift facilities up to an altitude of 2700 meters. More than 200km of best prepared runs as well as quite a number of deep snow runs, mogul pistes mean the ultimate in piste variety. This region affords everything even the most ambitious winter sports enthusiast could wish for.

In 1966, the excellent results of the Austrian ski-team during the Olympic Games in Italy triggered ecstatic public interest in skiing. The Viennese major decided it was time to open a skiing piste in Vienna. Hohe Wand Wiese was designed and accordingly the piste became a location for skiing races of international caliber. "Hohe Wand Wiese" is situated within city limits and can be reached by public transport.

Hirschenkogel is proud of its well cared for slopes. It is also the largest late night skiing resort in Austria: 6 of its slopes and the fun park are well lit and allow for night time skiing until 10 p.m. There are ski runs for all – total beginners, families and children, snowboard freaks and freestyle skiers. Its slopes feature modern lifts, scenic views and a snow guarantee. Hirschenkogel also has extensive facilities for toboggan fans. Also, huts and restaurants offer après-skiing, for those, who haven't burnet up enough energy on the slopes. Skiing is a national passion and it a favorite pastime for the winter. Enjoy Skiing in Vienna.