Snowshoeing, horse-drawn sleigh rides, snow-capped hot springs... Austrians enjoy snow 360 degrees

Source: Global Times

Austria is a world-famous ice and snow sports country, with nearly 80 ski areas, more than 800 ski resorts, a total length of more than 20,000 kilometers of pistes and more than 3,500 cable car lines. As the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics approached, the Chinese national ski team went to salzburg, Austria, to actively prepare for the competition. In addition to skiing, a variety of snow and ice leisure projects also attract tourists from all over the world.

Snowshoe hike and discover the beauty of nature

Unlike alpine skiing and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing does not require relevant experience, there is no physical requirement, the difficulty and intensity are not large, men, women and children can participate. Snowshoeing equipment is important, first choose a suitable pair of snowshoes to ensure that you will not fall into soft snow when walking on the snow. Hiking boots, running shoes or snow boots are also available, but the lining must be made of leather or other waterproof and breathable materials so that after a long walk, the inside of the shoe can still remain dry and warm. In addition, snow covers prevent snow from seeping into the shoes and socks and protect the ankles. Storm jackets and trousers that are also windproof, waterproof and breathable are also standard for Austrians in the outdoors. Hiking sticks can help hikers detect road conditions, maintain balance and prevent slippage.

Snowshoeing can reach areas that are out of reach by vehicles, such as deep forests and high summit peaks, and enjoy exceptionally magnificent natural scenery. For example, in Hohenthauern National Park in the East Tyrol region, lucky hikers encounter Alpine wildlife such as goats, antelopes, golden eagles, vultures, thunderbirds and more. A friend of mine who lives in Berlin has recently returned from a holiday in Austria's largest ski resort, Arlberg, between Tyrol and Vorarlberg, one of the snowiest regions in Europe. A friend told me that the most memorable experience of the trip was the trekking through the Bregenz Forest, and she was excited to tears for the first time when she saw the white and flawless snowflakes covering the mountains and forming an endless white ocean.

There is also a "torch trek" in the Valley of Lake Piller in Austria (pictured). As night falls, visitors, armed with lit torches, follow their experienced female guide, Lisa Vlascher, along the white forest path into the dark forest. According to Vlascher, the night hike is like an adventure back in time, surrounded by silence, only the snow crunching under your feet, occasionally hearing sounds from nature, or observing animal tracks in the snow. In the light and warmth brought by the flames, visitors can perceive how the ancestors of human beings spent winter nights.

Get up close and personal with the sled dog

The Austrian cantons of Steinmark, Keinten, Vorarlberg and other federal states that specialize in ice and snow tourism have dog sledding programs. The "husky" is the most common sled dog, originally from Siberia, because of its excellent sense of direction and endurance, it can also accurately identify roads in the snow and ice, and is very popular in alpine areas.

In the "Sled Dog Driving School", the dog owner will introduce the dog knowledge, sledding and technical details, and visitors will then try to drive the dog to pull the sled themselves. In "Hiking with a Husky", a sled dog accompanies visitors on a walk through the valley, and people and animals will build trust and close relationships during the journey, which is attractive to dog lovers. In addition, there are "Husky Winter Camps" for children and families.

Unlike the sense of speed and adventure of dog sledding, horse-drawn sleds are more suitable for those who like romance. In the Bischofsmittskay Mountains in salzburg, coachmen drive beautiful horse-drawn sleighs to the front of the Alpine Resort to pick up passengers. The forest is covered with thick snow, and the sun shines through the gaps in the trees, and the scenery along the way is like a fairy tale in winter. The chatty coachman will introduce his horses to passengers or tell local history and allusions, and cold passengers can wrap themselves in blankets or take a sip of homegrown gin handed by the coachman to warm up.

Snow mountain hot spring ice and fire double heaven

As early as 2,000 years ago, the ancient Roman habit of taking hot spring baths spread to Austria, and today hot spring bathing has become an indispensable part of the local people's lives. In Austria, baths with natural springs and a water temperature of more than 20 degrees Celsius are called "hot springs". Austria has more than 40 thermal areas, many of which are located at the foot of the snow-capped Alps. Most of these baths are equipped with open-air hot spring pools, and the fresh and cold air and the warmth of the spring water interact with the senses, forming a wonderful experience of ice and fire.

In addition, there are many rivers and lakes surrounded by snow-capped peaks in the mountains, which are crystal clear against the blue sky, making it a great event venue for kayaking and "ice bath" enthusiasts.

End the day with a night's stay in a village in the mountains, away from the busy traffic arteries and bustling crowds, and enjoy the tranquility and comfort of the mountain nights. Most alpine holiday homes in Austria are family-run, guaranteeing a warm and friendly atmosphere and the different characteristics of each one. Many chalets are also equipped with surf baths and saunas, after bathing or steaming in the sauna, lying on the comfortable bed to relax, watching the snowflakes fluttering outside the window, listening to the crackling of the burning firewood in the fireplace, the fatigue after daytime exercise is swept away.