Winter

Rauris

WINTER VACATION

Powdery snow and lot’s of nature! When winter comes, not only our children are happy, but Rauris winter wonderland puts a smile on everyone's face.

  • downhill skiing (Rauriser Hochalmbahn lifts)
  • cross country skiing (best in direction Talschluss in the Huettwinkl valley)
  • winter sledge (Kreuzboden and Kolm Saigurn)
  • ski tours (for beginners and experienced)
  • winter hikes (throughout the whole valley there are many winter paths prepared)
  • walks (enjoy the blissful countryside surrounding you)
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Your Mountain Retreat in Salzburg

Winter Holiday in the Rauris Valley

As the first blanket of snow gently falls over the forests and meadows, the Rauris Valley turns into one of those quiet, pristine winter landscapes that make the Salzburg region so iconic. Here, in the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park, winter remains what it was always meant to be: authentic, peaceful, and warmhearted. We at the 4-Star Superior Hotel Rauriserhof look forward to welcoming you to a winter holiday in Rauris – far away from the crowds and delightfully close to nature.

Active or Relaxed – Your Winter, Your Pace

What makes the Rauris Valley so special is the freedom to shape each day just as you like it. Carve your first turns on freshly groomed slopes in the morning, set off on a snowshoe hike through snow-covered pine forests at midday, or zip down the sledding track with the kids in the afternoon – all without long lines or rushed crowds. A winter holiday in the Rauris Valley is a chance to simply pause and breathe.

The Highlights of the Valley – Our Personal Recommendations

We know our valley inside out in every season and love sharing our favorite spots with you:

  • Rauriser Hochalmbahnen Ski Area: 32 well-maintained and clearly laid-out slope kilometers reaching up to 2,175 meters, complete with a funslope, family slope, and unforgettable panorama views of the Hoher Sonnblick mountain.
  • Kreuzboden Adventure Toboggan Run: Pure family fun by day, plus atmospheric night sledding on select evenings with a comfortable chairlift ascent. Our tip: book your tickets online in advance.
  • Kolm Saigurn Valley Head in Hüttwinkltal: The place to be for nature lovers – featuring a natural toboggan run, guided snowshoe tours with National Park Rangers, ice climbing, and a breathtaking mountain backdrop.
  • Seidlwinkltal Valley: Romantic and tranquil, ideal for a horse-drawn sleigh ride bundled up under warm blankets.
  • Sunny Cross-Country Trails & Winter Hiking Paths: Miles of groomed trails and cleared paths leading you right into the peaceful silence of the valley.
Your Front-Row Seat

The 4-Star Superior Hotel Rauriserhof

As your hosts, the Rieß family, making you feel at home from the moment you arrive is what matters most to us. We live here, we know the weather patterns, the best viewpoints, and those hidden local gems you won't find in any brochure – and we are always happy to share them with you.

Why Your Winter Holiday in Salzburg is so Carefree with Us:

  • Convenient Ski Bus Connection: The local ski bus stops regularly right in front of the hotel, and the Kreuzboden lift is just a short walk away.
  • Online Skipass Discounts: With the Echt. Fair. Ticket from the Rauriser Hochalmbahnen, early birds can save up to 30% when purchasing their ski passes online.
  • Free Public Transport Across the Province: Thanks to the Salzburg Guest Mobility Ticket, you can travel for free on all public transport throughout the entire state of Salzburg during your stay.
  • 4*S Comfort After a Day on the Mountain: When your active day comes to an end, our gourmet board with regional specialties and our spacious spa and sauna area await you – pure relaxation and soothing warmth after a day in the fresh alpine air.

Winter in the Rauris Valley – Month by Month

  • December & New Year's: Festive anticipation, snow-covered romance, and a quiet, heart-warming start to the new year.
  • January: The month for connoisseurs – ski tourers, cross-country skiers, and anyone seeking the peaceful quiet of winter mountains.
  • February: Full of life with family winter holidays, ski lessons for kids, tobogganing fun, and plenty of sunshine on the hut terraces.
  • March & April: Tempting spring skiing, crisp firn snow, and the first mild spring days down in the valley.

We would be delighted to make your winter holiday in Rauris a memory you will cherish for years to come. A warm welcome to the Rauriserhof.

Good to know

Your winter holiday in Rauris: FAQs

Where is the Rauriserhof, and what makes a winter holiday in Rauris special?

The 4-star superior Hotel Rauriserhof sits in the heart of Rauris (Marktstraße 6, 5661 Rauris), in the Rauris Valley in Salzburgerland, surrounded by the Hohe Tauern National Park. Winter here has a relaxed, unhurried feel. There's room to breathe on the slopes, around 30 km of cross-country trails and 35 km of winter walking paths start close by, and at the head of the valley in Kolm Saigurn the Hoher Sonnblick (3,106 m) rises above it all.

When is the best time for a winter holiday in Rauris, Salzburgerland?

Every winter month has its own charm. January is wonderfully quiet on the pistes and trails, while February is full of families on their school holidays, with ski school and evenings out sledging. March and April tempt you with sunny skiing, spring snow and the first mild days in the valley. And if you love Advent and a peaceful New Year, December is the month for you.

How high is Rauris, and is it snow-sure?

Rauris lies at around 950 m, and the Rauriser Hochalmbahnen ski area climbs to 2,175 m. Most of the pistes are above the tree line, so the season runs from December well into spring. The cross-country trails between 950 and 1,280 m also have reliable snow and plenty of sunshine. For today's conditions, take a look at the Rauris webcams and the lifts & slopes page.

How close is the Rauriserhof to the slopes?

Very close. The Kreuzboden lift is just a few minutes' walk away. The free ski bus to the Rauriser Hochalmbahnen gondola stops right outside the hotel about every 30 minutes, and by car it's around three minutes.

How big is the Rauriser Hochalmbahnen ski area?

Around 32 km of pistes and 10 lifts between 950 and 2,175 m, including the Gipfelbahn and the Waldalmbahn. Families love the Funslope and Family Slope, freestylers head for the Nuggetpark, and there's a timed race course at the Hochalm top station. Because the area is easy to get around, the lifts keep moving nicely. You'll find more on our skiing in Rauris page.

Is Rauris a good ski area for beginners and children?

Yes, very. The pistes are wide and easy to keep an eye on, and children quickly find their way back to the meeting point. First turns come easily on the Family Slope, the Kreuzboden practice area or the baby lift. Lessons for children and beginners are offered by Skischule Adventure Rauris, Skischule Maier and Skischule Hohe Tauern, and you can hire skis at Sport Egger and Intersport Pirchner.

Is the Rauriserhof a good choice for a winter holiday with children?

Yes. The Rauriserhof is run by a family and is a firm favourite with families. Cots, changing mats and high chairs are provided free of charge, and a dedicated family table awaits you in the restaurant. The Deluxe Family Room (approx. 35 m²) sleeps two adults and two children, and the Family Studio (approx. 45 m²), with two separate bedrooms, has space for up to two adults and four children. Read more on our family holidays in winter page.

How can I save on a ski pass in Rauris?

The best saving comes with the Rauriser Hochalmbahnen's Echt.Fair.Ticket: buy early online and you pay up to 30% less than at the ticket office. Families get their own family rate from a 3-day pass, and the youngest children ski for free. As the two offers can't be combined, it's worth a quick comparison. You'll find current prices on our Rauris ski pass prices page.

Which other ski areas can I reach from Rauris?

With the SuperSkiCard, 23 ski regions with more than 2,800 km of pistes are yours to explore, Rauris included. Six ski areas are just 25 to 35 minutes away by car, among them the Kitzsteinhorn in Kaprun, the Hochkönig and the Gastein Valley. You can ski somewhere new every day and still come back to the same room each evening. For a suggested ski week, see our SuperSkiCard from Rauris page.

Where can I go winter walking in Rauris?

Around 35 km of cleared winter walking paths wind through the Rauris Valley, for example through the Seidlwinkl and Krumltal valleys or from Hochbühl up to the Hochalm. If you'd like something more active, the snowshoe trail from Alpengasthof Bodenhaus to Kolm Saigurn (approx. 4 km) is a lovely choice. The Rauriserhof's own hiking guides head out with guests five times a week, and snowshoes, poles and gaiters are free for hotel guests. More on our snowshoeing page.

Where can I go sledging in Rauris, and is there night sledging?

Yes, on the Kreuzboden natural sledge run, just a short way from the hotel. The run is around 2 km long and floodlit on two evenings a week. You can ride up on the chairlift or walk, and it's best to buy tickets online in advance. For a longer run, try the 4.5 km track in Kolm Saigurn. Sledges are available to hire at the valley station and in the sports shops in the village. More on our sledging in Rauris page.

How many cross-country ski trails are there in Rauris, and do they cost anything?

There are around 30 km of trails for classic and skating, running through the valley at 950 to 1,280 m, and they're free to use. Favourites include the Rauris trail (approx. 4 km, easy), the Bucheben trail (approx. 14 km) and the sunny Bodenhaus trail (approx. 4 km). A free valley bus runs up to Bodenhaus. Find out more on our cross-country skiing in Rauris page.

What else is there to do in Rauris in winter besides skiing?

Plenty. National park rangers lead walks through the Rauris primeval forest at the head of the valley in Kolm Saigurn, which is also a spot for ice climbing. Horse-drawn sleighs glide through the Seidlwinkl valley, and there's ski touring for every level. For a day in town, the city of Salzburg is a wonderful trip.

Do I need a car for a winter holiday in Rauris?

Within the valley you'll get around nicely without one. The ski bus and valley bus take you to the lifts, cross-country trails and walking paths. When you check in, you'll also receive the Guest Mobility Ticket, which lets you use all buses and trains across the province of Salzburg during your stay. If you'd like to ski a different area every day, your own car gives you the most freedom.

Does the Rauriserhof have a swimming pool and spa?

Yes, and it feels especially good after a day on the slopes. The BergSpa has an indoor pool with large panoramic windows, an outdoor pool heated all year round, saunas, a steam room and massages. With the ¾ board you enjoy an afternoon snack and a five-course choice menu in the evening. If you still have energy to spare, the hotel has its own indoor tennis hall. More on our pools page.