It’s not all about alpine skiing

Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing and snowboarding remain by far the most popular activities during a winter holiday in the Alps. However, the countries around the Alps now also offer a host of other activities that are at least as entertaining, but have yet to progress beyond the status of a trend sport. Austria in particular is considered a pioneer in alternative winter sports in the Alps, occasionally taking inspiration from around the world.

One of the activities that is no longer quite so new is paragliding, which is offered year-round, including in winter, especially in Tyrol. At many ski resorts in Tyrol, you can rent a paraglider or book a tandem flight if you lack the necessary skills. Horse skijoring, which originated in Scandinavia, is becoming increasingly popular in Austria and is now offered throughout the country. Winter sports enthusiasts on skis, snowboards or sleds are pulled by a team of horses through picturesque winter landscapes in Mariazell or Gröbming, which are the leading destinations in the Alps for this activity.

Ski jumping, which has long been popular in Austria, is increasingly becoming a winter sport for everyone in the Alpine republic. Daredevil winter sports enthusiasts can take off at speeds of up to 70 km/h in places such as Nassereith (Tyrol), landing safely back in the snow after about 20 metres. Curling, long derided as a “housewives’ sport,” is increasingly becoming a popular group pastime. It is a modern form of ice-stock sport and a winter version of boules. Curling is played on frozen lakes or other ice surfaces and is now offered in almost every winter sports region in the Alps.