Highlights from Austria

See some of the highlights to explore this year, from the classics in Vienna or Salzburg to lesser known local favourites and Xmas markets in some of the Alp’s most popular skiing regions.

 The best Austrian winter resorts for families

Austria has long been a favourite for groups of British adults to go skiing, but it’s not just a place for them.

Families arriving with kids in tow will be equally delighted: St. Johann in Salzburg scores with an activity-packed Kids week (30 March to 3 April 2026).

While St. Johann in Tirol welcomes little guests with kid-friendly ski schools, ski kindergartens, and its own mascot, Yappy Yapadu.

Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis has three dedicated children’s worlds, and SkiWelt is about to open Austria’s first ever ski-in cinema.

Ski Welt, Tirol, Austria. Image © PlanetSKI

Small ski resorts in Austria

Postcard-perfect chocolate-box villages meet top-notch slopes: Austria’s smaller ski resorts such as Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau are a great fit if you love skiing but are not keen on crowds.

Ski Juwel, Tirol. Image © PlanetSKI

Resorts for beginners & returners

Complete newbie on the slopes or returning skier after a long break?

Austria’s winter resorts make it easy to get (re)started no matter your background and age.

Have a look at top picks for a smooth start.

Austria’s famous Christmas markets are opening in November

Festive lights, spiced punch, choirs in historic squares, and rooftops dusted with snow: Christmas in Austria is pure magic.

From mid-November the whole country shifts into Advent mode, with locals and visitors wandering from market to market until Christmas Eve and, in many places, right through New Year.

Have a look at some of the highlights, from city markets in Salzburg, Graz, Innsbruck, Linz and Vienna to winter sports resorts where holidaymakers can join in the festivities after a day on the slopes.

Xmas in the Tirol. Image © PlanetSKI

Lets not forget London

Ring in the winter with a St. Martin’s Day feast at The Delaunay in London.

Saint Martin is the patron saint of travellers and the poor. Austrians traditionally honour him by eating a roasted stuffed goose served with red cabbage and potato dumplings.

See here for full details.

November Highlights in Austria

AUDI FIS Ski World Cup in Gurgl, Ötztal

Get ready for a weekend of thrilling races and exclusive evening events! The AUDI FIS Ski World Cup kicks off with the men’s slalom on Saturday, followed by the women’s slalom on Sunday.

The competitions start on the Kirchenkar slope in Hochgurgl and finish 320 metres above the Top Mountain Crosspoint. (22-23 November)

Gurgl World Cup. Image © PlanetSKI

Vienna Art Week

The Vienna Art Week shines a light on Vienna’s art scene, from the Baroque to the present.

Get ready for free talks, exhibitions, and open studio days.

This year’s theme: “Learning Systems”. (7-14 November)

Top of the Mountain Concert

Skiing in Ischgl kicks off on 27 November and just two days later Brit star Rita Ora takes to the stage at the Top of the Mountain Opening Concert.

Skiing passes double as gig tickets. (29 November)

Ischgl, Austria. Image © PlanetSKI

See here for more about Austria.

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