A great ski nation and quality resorts
As a mountainous country, Austrian athletes are particularly talented in winter sports. After the exploits of Hermann Maier, regarded as one of the world's best skiers (4 World Cups, 3 World Championships and 2 Olympic titles) in the 2000s, it was Marcel Hirscher who took over and disgusted the competition between 2004 and 2019. Winner of the World Cup for the first time in 2012, he never relinquished the crystal globe until 2019! An unprecedented performance. Also a seven-time world champion (5 individual and 2 team) and winner of two Olympic gold medals, his list of achievements is as long as your arm. There are also the legends Benjamin Raich and Stephan Eberharter.
And if the country has produced such great champions, it's because skiing here is more than a sport, it's a way of life. This is hardly surprising when you consider the country's geography: the Alps cover more than two-thirds of the country. Austria's ski area stretches across four Länder : Tyrol, Salzburg, Carinthia and Vorarlberg. While the peaks are generously covered with snow in winter, many glaciers retain their white mantle in summer. So it's not unusual to put on your skis in August. With some 22,000 km of downhill slopes, 16,000 km of cross-country ski trails and 530 ski schools, Austria offers an infinite variety of mountain activities: joëring (harness skiing), snowboarding, glacier climbing, sailing on frozen lakes, cross-country skiing in typical villages - all activities that attract Austria's neighbors and encourage nationals to stay within their own borders when it's time for a vacation. 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
From Klimt to Mahler, many artists sought inspiration on the shores of Austrian lakes, romantic landscapes par excellence. With some 6,000 crystal-clear natural lakes and 3,000 man-made reservoirs, Austria is one of Europe's largest water reserves. You're sure to enjoy the pleasures of swimming and water sports. The country invests considerable sums in keeping its lakes clean. According to a report by the European Commission, 96.6% of bathing waters are above compliance thresholds. The temperature of Carinthia's lakes appeals to even the most faint-hearted. Bathing is easy from May to September. As for activities, you can take a cruise on Lake Constance or the Traunsee to enjoy the scenery. On other lakes, you can enjoy rowing, sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing or even scuba diving on Lake Wörthersee in Carinthia. In addition, the country is home to numerous thermal springs, some of which are warm and where you can bathe all year round without any problems.
Rafting and canyoning. In the mountains, particularly in Tyrol and Styria, the swirling waters of the many rivers are ideal for whitewater sports, especially rafting, kayaking and canyoning.
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 multitude of outdoor sporting activities. Hiking opportunities abound. Its two national parks (Hohe Tauern and Nockberge), protected areas and 35 nature reserves offer a total of almost 40,000 km of trails. Lakes also offer sailing, water-skiing, fishing and swimming, as well as skating and curling in winter... If lakes don't offer enough excitement, there are a few rivers where you can kayak, raft or hydrospeed. Rivaling neighboring Tyrol, Carinthia is also renowned for its winter sports resorts, which offer a total of 1,028 km of slopes. These include panoramic slopes and the famous Four Regions slope (Veneto, South Tyrol, East Tyrol, Carinthia), which links Cortina d'Ampezzo to Villach (200 km). The beauty of the high mountains is also a delight for paragliding and bungee jumping enthusiasts (information: www.kaernten.at). Carinthia also boasts 7 18-hole courses (par 70 to 72) and 3 9-hole courses (par 29, 62 and 68). Most courses are open from April to November.
