10 things to look forward to in winter

This is how the anticipation for SalzburgerLand increases!

You may still dream - of starry winter nights in the mountains, of untouched powder snow slopes and of fluffy-sweet Kaiserschmarrn. Our reunion in the mountains however still has to wait a little. When the time comes, everything is ready - the slopes in SalzburgerLand are perfectly prepared, the cross-country skiing trails are groomed and the huts warmly heated. In order to make time pass faster, we are writing a To Do list of things we are looking forward to in winter.

#1 See the world from above at the Kitzsteinhorn

There are some places that are predestined for selfies. Such as the panorama platform on the Kitzsteinhorn. At 3,029 metres above sea level, your view falls not only down onto Zell am See-Kaprun, but also on the surrounding mountains. With this panorama at the Top of Salzburg all your everyday problems fall away. And when you’re ready to head down, either strap on your skis or ride down comfortably with the gondola.

#2 Get an adrenaline rush in Gastein

At the Stubnerkogel in the Gastein Valley you can not only hike and ski, but also get an adrenaline rush. Between the summit restaurant and the Senderbahn, a 28 metre high and 140 metre long suspension bridge awaits you. And this at 2,300 metres above sea level, right in the middle of the mountain. When crossing, not being afraid of heights or getting dizzy is clearly an advantage, because you can see through the bridge on all sides, even downwards. There is also a photo point on the bridge which guarantees some cool pictures for Instagram.

#3 To gather your thoughts at the hermitage in Saalfelden

As the name suggests, the hermitage in Saalfelden is the home of a hermit. But only in summer, as in winter it is empty and you can enjoy the peace and seclusion at 1,000 metres above sea level. This hike takes about 20 minutes and is ideal for in-between or for rounding off after an active day. Arriving at the top, your view of the surrounding landscape together with a few seats invite you to linger a while. Here, it’s all about taking a deep breath and enjoying the moment.

The Best Mountain Artists at the hermitage

#4 Culinary highlights at breezy heights

In the Alps you don’t just stay down in the valley for dinner. In SalzburgerLand, a summit victory can often be combined with culinary highlights. For example, with the gourmet breakfast at 2,700 metres altitude in Sportgastein. Early in the morning, we take the gondola to the mountain station and from there to the Kreuzkogel summit cross. Here, you can see more than 400 surrounding mountain peaks. Most of them can also still be seen at the gourmet breakfast, which is served next door in a glass-aluminium dome. In the Grossarl Valley, food is also served at lofty heights as part of the gondola dinner in the Hochbrandbahn. Every year in March, every wish is fulfilled here with an aperitif, wine accompaniment and multi-course menu.

a group of people eating on a metal building with snowy mountain in the background

#5 Watch a sunrise in the mountains

It pays to set the alarm clock early not only in summer, but also in winter. In the mountains you should at least once experience the magic of a sunrise with clear skies. There are few things more beautiful than the slow awakening of a winter landscape, as the pink sky touches the surrounding mountain peaks. You can travel up the mountain in the early morning either by car, by ski tour or on foot. Take out your camera, enjoy the atmosphere and sniff the fresh mountain air – what a way to start the day!

#6 Go on beautiful winter hikes

When your shoes crunch in the winter snow for the first time and you slowly stomp through a snow-covered landscape – this is perfect winter happiness. In SalzburgerLand, nature shows its unspoilt beauty even in the cold season. Here, you are surrounded by absolute silence and get closer to your own self step by step. Whether you are on a leisurely walk or a sporty winter circuit, SalzburgerLand offers plenty of opportunities to breathe fresh winter air.

#7 Refresh yourself with regional delicacies

Skiing and exercise in the fresh air make you hungry. Luckily, in SalzburgerLand you definitely won’t go hungry because there are plenty of huts and restaurants that entertain their guests excellently. In winter, warm and hearty food is particularly popular. A successful day of skiing is perfect, for example, with Kasnockn or a Kaiserschmarrn. Each region has its own typical dishes, such as the Bachlkoch or the Salzburger Mettensuppe. And SalzburgerLand is also good for non-meat eaters, especially in the Hochkönig region where more and more vegan dishes are being served in the ski huts.

#8 Perfectly capture the winter landscape

Autumn brings a lot of variety to the landscape with its stunning colours. One could possibly think that winter, in contrast, has less varied perfect photo opportunities on offer. But not here! In the cold and white season, many new backdrops come to light, which conjure up very special atmospheres. High fog, white peaks, beautiful ice crystals, frozen lakes, and deep snowy winter landscapes. In SalzburgerLand, the list of potential photo models is long.

#9 Power down away from the slopes

Away from the hustle and bustle of the ski slopes, there are plenty of opportunities for the nature and mountain enthusiasts among us to get excited. On a skiing tour or a snowshoe hike, places are waiting to be discovered that might otherwise have been hidden from you. The tours often lead up to the tree line, where your view over the treetops falls onto the deep snow-covered valley. But SalzburgerLand also provides the best conditions for tobogganing, cross-country skiing, ice climbing or ice skating, as just a few of the available activities.

#10 Taking the King’s Tour

Conquer six peaks in one day on skis or a snowboard, covering 35 kilometres of slopes and 7,500 metres in altitude. This is possible as part of the King’s Tour in the Hochkönig region. It leads seamlessly through the three ski areas of Maria Alm, Dienten and Mühlbach, and thanks to the clever route, no ascent or descent has to be taken twice. You should be somewhat sporty to tackle it and preferably not eat too much Kaiserschmarrn beforehand. At the end, you will be rewarded with stunning alpine panoramas on the Hochkönig and the Steinerne Meer Mountains.