The Pyhrn-Priel holiday region is the perfect winter destination for a day trip, a weekend getaway or a holiday in the snow. The area is located just 80 km from Linz, 120 km from Graz and 250 km from Vienna. Once there, holidaymakers can then decide whether to enjoy the 60+ kilometres of pistes at the two Hinterstoder-Wurzelalm ski areas, or take the gentler route. We have 5 winter sports alternatives for you, which you can do just as passionately in the alpine heart of Upper Austria.

Cross country to snowshoeing

The Pyhrn-Priel holiday region is perfect for a snowshoe hike through the beautiful, snow-covered landscape. One thing is true: the way is the goal! You can choose between hiking on your own or accompanied by a trained hiking guide. The winter wonderland can be enjoyed on 18 different, well signposted routes in all degrees of difficulty. New are now also 2 snowshoe trails in the Hinterstoder skiing area, which can be reached by cable car and promise fantastic views and excellent snow conditions at an altitude of up to 1,869 m.

Cross-country skiing at four altitudes

To explore the entire cross-country ski trail in Pyhrn-Priel, you should plan plenty of time. It's just as well that the offer of over 120 km extends well into spring. At four different altitudes, holidaymakers can choose between leisurely valley rounds and sweat-inducing day tours at breathtaking heights. The variety of offers leaves nothing to be desired.

Biathlon for all

The increasingly popular sport of biathlon has long since ceased to be the preserve of professional athletes. Because that can be seen in the Biathlon and cross-country skiing arena Pyhrn-Priel -Rosenau try it out in a very uncomplicated way. The special thing about the place: the facility with 26 shooting ranges and 25 kilometres of cross-country skiing trails has already served as the venue for the European Championships in 1997 and numerous Austrian championships. Amateur athletes and international top athletes train here side by side. If you want, book a taster course and let a professional introduce you to the fine art of skating and shooting.

Sledding fun in the snow paradise

Whether you see tobogganing as a sporting discipline or pure leisure pleasure in the snow, in Pyhrn-Priel there are two natural toboggan runs just waiting to be used. Both runs in Edlbach/Rosenau and Hinterstoder are about 1.5 kilometres long and can be climbed either on foot or by toboggan taxi. And thanks to a glowing floodlight system, the tobogganing fun can be enjoyed well after sunset.

Explore the wilder sides of the Kalkalpen National Park

If you are more in the mood for leisurely walks and a spectacular animal and natural landscape, then the Kalkalpen National Park is the right place for you. Because in the largest contiguous forest area in Austria there is also a lot going on in winter. There is no sign of hibernation, as holidaymakers can accompany national park rangers to feed the red deer or take a tour on the tracks of the six lynxes living in the region. And those who also want to be active can choose between one-day and two-day snowshoe hikes.

Picture Credits: TVB Pyhrn-Priel / Florian Lierzer, TVB Pyhrn-Priel / Daniel Hinterramskogler, Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH / Robert Maybach