What if there is too little snow and I have already booked my winter sports holiday?
You've been looking forward to your winter sports holiday in Austria for months. Everything is booked, your skis are sharpened and you're all set to go. But then doubt strikes: what if there isn't enough snow? The weather forecasts are uncertain and the webcams mainly show green slopes. Should you be worried?
The prospect of a winter sports holiday without snow raises many questions. Can you still cancel or rebook? Are there alternatives if you can't ski? And are there alternative areas you can go to? You don't want the holiday you've been looking forward to so much to end up being a disappointment. Especially if you're going with children, friends or a large group.
In this blog, we give you tips on how to deal with a winter with little snow, show you which areas are still snow-sure and what alternative activities you can do to make your holiday a success (even if you had something else in mind). This blog was written by René Schwarte, co-owner and initiator of Ferienhaus Tirol.
In short: what if there is little snow, but you have already booked your winter sports holiday?
Don't panic. In many Austrian ski resorts, modern snow cannons ensure that the slopes remain white. You can also switch to higher slopes in the area. There are also fun alternatives such as winter hiking or wellness, so you can still enjoy your holiday. Check your booking conditions (and weather forecasts) carefully: sometimes you can cancel or rebook free of charge up to 6 weeks before departure.
There is not enough snow in the ski resort: what should I do during my winter sports holiday?
Many Austrian ski areas use modern snow cannons to produce artificial snow, so that the slopes remain white enough for skiing. Not ideal, but a handy solution that allows you to still go on your winter sports holiday.
What should I do if there is little snow during my winter sports holiday?
Are you in a lower valley and is there too little snow? Then look for an area higher up. Many ski regions offer access to several ski areas in the area with a single ski pass. You can often take a car or ski bus to a nearby area that is higher up or has a glacier. That way, you can still enjoy snowboarding or skiing. For example, Obergurgl has around 320 snow cannons, which can cover 90% of the slopes with artificial snow.
Before you leave, be sure to check the snow report. Websites such as Bergfex provide current snow depths and weather reports for each ski area. This way, you know in advance where the most snow is. Also, compare historical snow data. Choose an area with a high valley station (e.g. above 1,200 metres) and high slopes. The higher you are, the greater the chance of sufficient snow. Ski resorts with glaciers or high peaks, such as Kaprun (Kitzsteinhorn) or the Stubai Valley, often retain their snow cover for longer.
Also check your booking conditions. Some holiday home rental companies offer flexible options, such as free cancellation up to about six weeks before departure. This allows you to rebook or reschedule your trip free of charge if the snow conditions are disappointing. If in doubt, you can also check whether your travel insurance covers anything: in practice, “no snow” is often not a covered reason, but it is good to know what is possible.
Which ski resorts in Austria are most likely to have snow?
Not all ski resorts are the same, and some are more likely to have snow than others. A well-known example is Obergurgl in Tyrol. Almost the entire ski resort can be covered with artificial snow, and the season often runs from November to April. Other high-altitude areas are also reliable. Think of Sölden and the glaciers near Kaprun (Kitzsteinhorn) or the slopes of Obertauern. These areas are high up and often have snow cannons or glaciers, which means that even in mild winters there is still enough snow.
In addition, ski areas in Tyrol and Vorarlberg receive a lot of snowfall due to their location against the main Alpine ridge. This means you can often ski there from December to April with sufficient snow. Further south, in Carinthia and Styria, many ski villages are located at lower altitudes. Here, there is naturally less snowfall and people are more dependent on artificial snow. For maximum snow reliability, it is better to choose a high-altitude ski resort in, for example, Tyrol or Salzburgerland.
Can I still cancel or rebook my winter sports holiday?
This depends on your booking and the terms and conditions. Therefore, please read your booking conditions carefully (even before you make a reservation). Often, you can cancel free of charge up to approximately six weeks before arrival. If the departure date is closer, you can sometimes rebook to a later period or to another area with (hopefully) more snow for a small fee. If the chance of snow in your booked week is very small, rebooking may be smarter than cancelling completely. This way, you can still take advantage of the available days and avoid losing your holiday altogether.
There is no snow: what are some fun alternatives to a winter sports holiday in Austria?
Can I still cancel my winter sports holiday? Unfortunately, there may be times when there is simply not enough snow for skiing or snowboarding. Ultimately, ski resorts are also dependent on the weather and in very exceptional cases you may be unlucky (bear in mind that you may be able to ski the next day because it has snowed heavily during the night).
If this is the case, there are still plenty of fun alternatives and you can still enjoy a great holiday. Consider, for example:
A beautiful winter walk through the mountains or a snow-covered forest
Many ski resorts have special walking trails and snowshoe routes.
Tobogganing
Most ski resorts have long toboggan runs (sometimes several kilometres long) that are also groomed. Tobogganing is fun for young and old, and the runs are often open even when the ski slopes are only partially open.
Wellness
If you want to relax, the wellness facilities in the Alps are fantastic. Think saunas, thermal baths and spas, such as the Aqua Dome in Langenfeld or the Therme in Bad Hofgastein. After a day of hiking or sledging, nothing beats a day of wellness.
Visit an Alpine town
Visit an Alpine town such as Innsbruck, Salzburg or Hallstatt. Even without fresh snow, it is enjoyable to stroll through the old town or wander around a Christmas market.
Should I book last minute from now on?
Booking your winter sports holiday last minute has advantages and disadvantages. The advantage is that you can wait and see what the snow conditions are like. This prevents disappointment if there is not enough snow and allows you to take advantage of substantial discounts (sometimes as much as 30 to 70%). This can be financially attractive and safer in terms of snow reliability.
The disadvantage is that the current offer is smaller: during popular periods, it can be difficult to find exactly the house or area you want.
Booking your winter sports holiday early, on the other hand, gives you more certainty and more choice in accommodation and departure dates. If you want to combine both, use booking options such as rebooking guarantees and cancellation insurance. For example, choose holiday homes with free changes to your arrival date. This way, you combine the best of both worlds: you already have your spot and can still make adjustments if the snow situation changes.
My name is René Schwarte, founder and co-owner of Ferienhaus-Tirol.eu. With many years of experience in holiday home rentals and deep familiarity with international guest expectations, I understand what makes a vacation truly enjoyable.
Ferienhaus-Tirol.eu offers a wide selection of carefully curated holiday homes, chalets and group accommodations throughout Austria. Whether you're travelling as a couple or with a group of up to 50 people – we help you find the right place with ease.
Our website is available in English, German and Dutch. We speak your language and are happy to assist you with any questions or special requests.
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Feel free to get in touch – we're here to make your Austrian holiday unforgettable.
Phone: +31854016545 Mail: info@Ferienhaus-Tirol.eu
René Schwarte
Co-OWNER
