A great ski nation and quality resorts
Austrian athletes are particularly talented in winter sports due to their mountainous terrain. After the exploits of Hermann Maier, considered to be one of the best skiers in the world (4 World Cups, 3 World Championships and 2 Olympic titles) in the 2000s, it was Marcel Hirscher who took over and crushed the competition between 2004 and 2019. Winner of the World Cup for the first time in 2012, he never let go of the big crystal globe until 2019! A unique performance in history. Also seven times world champion (5 times individual and 2 times team) and winner of two Olympic gold medals, his record is as long as the arm. He has also won two Olympic gold medals, as well as the legends Benjamin Raich and Stephan Eberharter
And if the country has produced such great champions, it is because skiing is more than a sport here, it is a way of life. This is not surprising when you look at the geography of the country; the Alps cover more than two thirds of the territory. The Austrian ski area stretches over four Länder : Tyrol, Salzburg, Carinthia and Vorarlberg. If the summits are generously covered with snow in winter, many glaciers keep their white coat in summer. It is therefore not unusual to put on skis in August. With around 22,000 km of downhill runs, 16,000 km of cross-country runs and 530 ski schools, Austria offers an endless variety of mountain activities: joëring (harness skiing), snowboarding, glacier climbing, sailing on frozen lakes, cross-country skiing in typical villages - all of these activities attract Austria's neighbours and encourage the country's citizens to stay within its borders when it comes to holidays. For young and old alike, skiing is a second way of getting around Austria.
A cradle of mountaineering, climbing and via ferrata
Unsurprisingly, the country has given birth to many legendary mountaineers such as Reinhold Messner, perhaps the most famous in the world, Peter Habeler or Hans Kammerlander (extreme climber) and Sepp Mayerl. It must be said that its numerous glaciers, its complex and very vertical reliefs make it one of the paradises of mountaineering in Europe, containing some of the most complex and interesting routes of the continent, whether it is pure climbing routes on sandstone relief, or treks typical of the crystalline massifs whose taking of the summits requires long and perilous walks mixed with climbing. As for those who would like to try via ferrata, they will find them in almost all the resorts of the country and adapted to all levels of difficulty.
Great swimming spots
Klimt, Mahler, many artists came to seek inspiration on the shores of Austrian lakes, romantic landscapes par excellence. With around 6,000 natural lakes and 3,000 man-made lakes, Austria is one of the largest water reserves in Europe. You will surely enjoy swimming and water sports. The country invests a lot of money in keeping its lakes clean. According to a report by the European Commission, 96.6% of the bathing waters are above the compliance thresholds. The temperature of Carinthia's lakes can appeal even to those who are afraid of the cold. You can swim here from May to September without too much difficulty. But beware of invitations to swim in a mountain lake! You will certainly be tempted by its transparent water, but forget about the enthusiastic diving technique you practice in the Mediterranean. While the Austrian winter allows the locals to acclimatise to the surprising temperatures, visitors from the south are not so well adapted. So take it easy at the start... In terms of activities, you can take a cruise on Lake Constance or the Traunsee to enjoy the scenery. On the others, you can row, sail, windsurf, kitesurf or even scuba dive on Lake Wörthersee in Carinthia. There are also many hot springs in the country, some of which are warm and where you can bathe in all seasons without any problems.
Rafting and canyoning. In the mountains, especially in Tyrol and Styria, the swirling waters of the numerous rivers invite you to practice white water sports, especially rafting, kayaking or even canyoning. For those who love white water sports!
Hiking, an infinite number of possibilities
50,000 km of hiking trails in Austria, all carefully marked and impeccably maintained: that's all there is to it! The infinite number of possibilities for excursions, from a few kilometres to several days and of all levels of difficulty, the numerous refuges offering room and board or simply a good draught beer at the end of the route on a sunny terrace, the transport companies taking care of the transfer of your luggage from one stage to another on the main hiking trails, the precision of the maps and information provided in the tourist offices, everything is in place to facilitate the organisation of a tour in the Austrian countryside. From high altitude trails in the Alps to lowland trails through vineyards and national parks, there is something for everyone!
A cycling paradise
Austria is an ideal destination for those who like to ride at lower speeds, with its many passes, steep and winding roads. In the summer, the roads are full of bicycles. Mountain bikers will of course find a variety of routes in the mountains, all of which are signposted for them, as the slopes of the mountain ranges are always more challenging. The legendary Tirol Bike Trail, for example, is the longest mountain bike route in the Alps, with 32 stages spread over more than 1,000 km. Warm up your thighs! But cycling can also be done on flatter, more relaxing terrain: in the valley bottoms, the streams and rivers are lined with well-maintained cycle paths that invite you to take a relaxing, bucolic ride.
Carinthia, a sports paradise
Carinthia naturally lends itself to a variety of outdoor sports activities. There are many opportunities for hiking. The two national parks (Hohe Tauern and Nockberge), the protected areas and 35 nature reserves offer a total of almost 40,000 km of trails. Sailing, water-skiing, fishing, swimming, but also, in winter, skating, curling... For those who do not find the lakes exciting enough, there are a few rivers where kayaking, rafting and hydrospeed can be practised. Rivaling the neighbouring Tyrol, Carinthia is also famous for its winter sports resorts, which offer a total of 1,028 km of pistes. These include panoramic slopes and the famous Four Regions slope (Veneto, South Tyrol, East Tyrol, Carinthia) which runs from Cortina d'Ampezzo to Villach (200 km). The beauty of the high mountains is also a pleasure for paragliding and bungee jumping enthusiasts (information: www.kaernten.at). Carinthia also boasts seven 18-hole courses (par 70 to 72) and three 9-hole courses (par 29, 62 and 68). Most courses are open from April to November
