enjoy winter
Ski Resort Dachstein West
Ski Area Krippenstein
Snowy Gosau Valley
Vitalhotel Gosau in Winter

Discover Winter Activities in Dachstein West

Skiing - Snowshoeing - Ski Tours - Horse-drawn Sleigh Rides

Enjoy the magic of the slopes and winter tranquillity in Upper Austria's largest ski area right on the doorstep. The free ski bus takes you directly from the hotel to the ski lift in 3 minutes. Cross-country ski trails also start right at the hotel and winter hiking trails and ski tours provide plenty of variety. Or how about a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through the snow-covered Gosau valley or an adventurous torch-lit hike? Your winter sports equipment is in good hands in the hotel's free ski cellar

Fun on the Slopes

In the Dachstein West ski region, winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy perfectly groomed, family-friendly pistes, idyllic snowshoe trails and varied ski touring routes. Skiers get their money's worth on more than 160 kilometers of pistes between Salzburg and Upper Austria. In addition, over 40 kilometers of cross-country ski trails offer ideal conditions for cross-country skiers. Whether skiing, snowshoeing or ski touring - every winter lover will find their personal highlight in the Dachstein West ski region.

Skiing & Snowboarding

Slopes for all abilities and fun parks offer fun and variety in the Dachstein West ski region. The 44 km long “panoronda” promises skiing fun with a view of the Dachstein. In the Freesports Arena Dachstein Krippenstein, over 30 km of freeride routes and 1,500 meters of altitude difference await you - a hotspot for the freerider scene.

Cross-country Skiing

Cross-country skiers glide through a magical winter landscape against the backdrop of the imposing mountain Gosaukamm and experience pure relaxation. Over 40 kilometers of trails await discovery, whether you are a beginner, leisurely skier or professional. Five classic trails lead through the wintry Gosau Valley, while 15 kilometers are reserved for skaters.

Ski Touring & Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing and ski touring offer unforgettable experiences in untouched winter landscapes. The region impresses with varied routes for all levels of difficulty and breathtaking views of the mountains. Enjoy the tranquillity of nature and the beauty of the snow-covered mountains in Dachstein West and Krippenstein.

Winter Magic

Away from the hustle and bustle and the pistes, the region offers winter tranquillity at its finest. A romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through the snow-covered Gosau Valley or an adventurous torch-lit hike and sleigh ride in the snow are particularly tranquil experiences that will live long in the memory.

Horse-drawn Sleigh Ride

A horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snow-covered Gosau Valley is a very special experience. Whether as a family outing or for romantic hours for two - enjoy Gosau Valley in a magical way, nestled in the peaceful winter wonderland with views of the surrounding mountains.

Tobogganing & Sledging

Tobogganing in the Salzkammergut offers fun on the slopes for the whole family. Enjoy the fast-paced tobogganing fun and then stop off at a cozy hut to enjoy warm drinks and regional snacks. An unforgettable winter experience for young and old.

Advent in the Salzkammergut

Advent in the Salzkammergut enchants with its festive atmosphere and traditional charm. Experience atmospheric Christmas markets, romantic lights and regional delicacies. Enjoy the special Advent season together with your family or as a couple in the picturesque winter landscape of the Salzkammergut.

Event Tips in Winter

Discover the winter wonderland of the Salzkammergut with our event tips! Visit the numerous Advent markets, including the magical Gosau Mountain Christmas. Experience the exciting Skijöring and be thrilled by the spectacular Night of the Balloons in Gosau.

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Gosau Mountain Christmas

The Gosau Mountain Christmas, on a small lake in the shadow of the Gosaukamm, offers a wildly romantic Advent market in the Inner Salzkammergut. There are crafts, culinary delights and adventures to discover around the open-air museum. Horse-drawn sleigh rides to the farm, a Christmas workshop for children and a traditional lantern walk through the winter forest make for an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

Night of the Balloons

Experience the fascinating spectacle of the Dachstein Alpentrophy in Gosau, where numerous hot air balloons adorn the sky with their bright colors. The highlight of the balloon week is the Night of the Balloons at the Hornspitz valley station, where the balloons are illuminated in a magical sea of lights. You can also enjoy breathtaking views during a balloon flight and experience the mountain panorama from a bird's eye view.

Skijoring

Experience a unique spectacle at skijoring in Gosau, where motor and ski sports merge in a special way. While in classic skijoring a horse pulls a skier over a snow slope, in Gosau the horse is replaced by powerful motocross machines. Skiers are pulled over an icy circuit at racing speed - a breathtaking event for all adventure-seekers.

Advantages at the Vitalhotel Gosau

Perfect Conditions for a Winter Vacation in the Salzkammergut

2 Ski Areas

Dachstein West & Krippenstein

Free Ski Bus

in 3 min. to the next lift station

Cross-Country Skiing

directly from the hotel

Free Ski Cellar

for your winter sports equipment

If the weather doesn't play along...

...relax and be pampered at the Vitalhotel Gosau

Enjoy the wellness area with indoor pool and saunas, play tennis in the Dachsteinhalle, work out in the Technogym fitness studio or relax in our cozy bar.

Guided Snowshoe Hike

every Friday

We invite you to discover the fascinating winter mountain landscape on our snowshoe hike! Start your Friday with a warm welcome in the hotel bar before we set off together to the Hornspitz valley station. After a spectacular ascent, an unforgettable experience on snowshoes awaits you, where you can experience the idyllic nature up close. The event lasts around 2.5 hours and can accommodate between 1 and 15 people, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the winter landscape in a convivial atmosphere. The costs are manageable - you only pay for the lift ticket and can also hire the appropriate equipment if required. Join us and experience a wonderful morning in the snow! We look forward to seeing you!