The countdown is on to the start of the ski season and 2024/2025 in the Austrian Tirol promises to be action packed, with new hotels, improvements to ski lift infrastructure, new initiatives, more winter walking routes and more green getaways. Comprising approximately 80 ski resorts and 3,400 kilometres of pistes, the Austrian Tirol has made further updates to its ski-lift infrastructure, added to its activity portfolio, and will open a selection of accommodation in the mountains ready for winter 2024/2025.

INFRASTRUCTURE

New lifts in the Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn · Kitzbühel Alps

The Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn is set for a significant upgrade ahead of the 2024/25 winter season, with the addition of two new lifts aimed at enhancing the skiing experience across its expansive terrain. In Fieberbrunn, a new, faster lift now connects the base to the summit of Lärchfilzkogel without the need to change cable cars fora smoother, quicker ascent. Meanwhile, the new NORD ten-person cable car will make navigating the vast resort even easier. To top it off, a bridge has been constructed over the main road, ensuring seamless access to both lifts. http://www.fieberbrunn.com/en/winter/ski-area/innovations 

New Lifts in the Zillertal Arena · Zell Gerlos

The Zillertal Arena is enhancing its lift system with two major upgrades for winter 2024/25. The new Teufeltal eight-person chairlift will connect Zell am Ziller to Gerlos more efficiently, boasting comfortable heated seats and pull-down bubbles to keep skiers warm and dry. This lift also significantly increases transport capacity. Meanwhile, the six-person Duxer X-Press will replace the old four-person Duxeralmbahn, offering similar comfort features and greater capacity to ensure a smooth ride through the heart of the Zillertal Arena. http://www.zillertalarena.com/en/winter/ski-area/news

New Cable Cars in the SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser – Brixental
SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser – Brixental is set for a trio of eco-friendly upgrades in winter 2024/25. Scheffau will introduce the 8-CLD/B Eibergbahn cable car, reducing upload time and powered by solar power energy, providing 50% of its electricity. At Brixen im Thale, a new viewing platform will offer 360° panoramic vistas at the top of the Zinsbergbahn cable car, accessible by stairs or lift. In addition, Söll will debut a small-scale hydroelectric plant, generating 25% of the energy needed to run its lifts, a move aligning with the resort's ongoing commitment to renewable energy. http://www.skiwelt.at/neuerungen      

Renovation of the Panorama Restaurant Kreuzjoch in Schlick 2000 · Stubai
Following extensive renovation work, the Panorama Restaurant Kreuzjoch next to the top of the Kreuzjochbahn will seat up to 200 guests from winter 2024/25. The restaurant now features a self-service area, table service area with a stylish panorama bar and large terrace. The decor is a mixture of modern and traditional styles, while the food is typically Tirolean. http://www.stubai.at/en/skiing-resorts/schlick2000/info-service/current-projects/new-panorama-restaurant-kreuzjoch

AWAY FROM THE SLOPES

New Star-shaped winter walking trail on a high plateau · Region Seefeld – Tirols Hochplateau
Seefeld offers winter walking without the need for snowshoes and in addition to the existing long-distance winter walking trail (four stages, three overnight stays, luggage transport) the Seefeld region will offer a new winter walking trail for winter 2024/25. Formed in the shape of a star, hikers can explore each of the five villages, across five days on the sunny Seefeld plateau. Every stage begins in Seefeld. A wonderful way to visit some of the lesser-known spots in the region and to add a new element to the spa, shopping and food on offer in Seefeld itself. https://www.seefeld.com/en/seefeld-high-plateau-winter-multi-day-hike.html

First Solar-Powered Floodlit Cross-Country Skiing Trail in Kitzbühel Alps

Winter 2024/25 marks a milestone for eco-friendly winter sports in the Kitzbühel Alps, as Hochfilzen in the PillerseeTal Valley unveils the region's first solar-powered, floodlit cross-country skiing trail. Powered by 50 solar panels and battery storage, the floodlights will illuminate the trail for up to four hours after sunset. This initiative is part of the local tourism board's broader efforts to boost sustainability while offering new experiences for cross-country skiing enthusiasts. http://www.kitzbueheler-alpen.com/en/pital/pillerseetal.html

New Winter Sports Centre at Matreier Tauernhaus in Osttirol

Osttirol is home to a new winter sports centre at Matreier Tauernhaus this season, offering exciting alternatives to traditional skiing and snowboarding. The centre features two marked winter walking routes, four cross country skiing trails, and Austria's largest artificial ice climbing park, complete with 70 routes and a towering 17 metre ice climbing wall. http://www.osttirol.com/en

First snowshoe walking trail in Kappl · Paznaun Ischgl
Kappl is introducing its first snowshoe walking trail in winter 2024/25, offering an easy and scenic option for beginners. The 1.8 kilometre route climbs 77 vertical metres and starts at the top of the Diasbahn cable car. It takes walkers up to a charming wooden barn before looping back to the start. After completing the trail, visitors can relax and refuel at the nearby Sunny Mountain Restaurant. http://www.kappl.com/en/

“Sechszeiger Skywalk” new winter walking trail · Pitztal Valley
A new winter walking trail called the Sechszeiger Skywalk will open at the top of the Sechszeiger chairlift in the Pitztal Valley. Walkers can access the chairlift for both the ascent and descent. The looped two-kilometre path begins at the top station and leads to the top of the Sechszeiger mountain at almost 2,400 metres for breathtaking panoramic views to the Inn and Gurgl valleys. http://www.pitztal.com/en/winter

New combined offer cable car and winter walking · Wildschönau
Two new guided winter walks await guests visiting the Wildschönau region for winter 2024/25. Every Wednesday there is a walk at the Markbachjoch (1,500 metres) through deep snow, while on Fridays the walk is from the top of the Schatzbergbahn cable car (1,800 metres) to the Gernalm hut. These hikes are included in the Wildschönau Card, which also provides free snowshoe hire. Walkers without a ski pass can use the lifts at a discounted rate. http://www.wildschoenau.com/en/activities/winter/guided-winter-walks

FAMILY & SPA

Witch-Themed Children's Area at SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser – Brixental

Winter 2024/25 will see the opening of a magical new witch themed winter wonderland for children in Hochsöll. Accessible free of charge, it's located at the mid station of the Hexenwasser cable car and includes an ice rink, a winter playground, a magic carpet, a relaxation space with recliners and an area where youngsters can take their first tentative turns on skis and snowboards. In the heated Gingerbread House, there are toboggans and other items available to hire free of charge. The winter wonderland is also the starting point for the new winter adventure trail leading up to the Stöcklalm hut. http://www.skiwelt.at/neuerungen

New snowtubing course at the Familienpark Drachental · Wildschönau
The Familienpark Drachental in Oberau in the Wildschönau region already has plenty of family-friendly activities such as an alpine coaster, a 5D cinema, a marble run and an ice rink. From winter 2024/25 it will have a new highlight: a snowtubing course next to the children's draglift and beginner ski area. Great fun for all ages. https://en.drachental.at/

Triassic Park at the Steinplatte Waidring · Kitzbühel Alps
The Triassic Park in the PillerseeTal Valley will be opening a new Triassic Funline in winter 2024/25 with up-and-down rollers, banked corners, a huge snow snail with tunnel, a children's slalom and much more. There is also childcare available to give Mum and Dad a break while the kids are having fun. http://www.triassicpark.at/en

Evening walks at the Zammer Lochputz · Ferienregion TirolWest
For a truly enchanting winter experience, the Zammer Lochputz gorge in Tirol West will offer guided evening walks twice a week this winter. Equipped with a bright head torch, experience the glistening ice crystals of the waterfall and the enchanting atmosphere of what is one of Tirol's most mystical canyons. https://zammer-lochputz.at/en/