As a ski or snowboard instructor in Austria, your days are filled with teaching, carving turns, and sharing your passion for winter sports. But what do you do on your well-deserved days off? Whether you’re based in Salzburgerland or Tyrol, there are endless incredible places to explore beyond the slopes. From charming city strolls to breathtaking nature escapes, here’s your ultimate guide to making the most of your day off as a ski instructor in Austria.
Discover Salzburg’s Old Town Charm
If you’re doing a ski or snowboard season in areas such as Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Zell am See, Kaprun, Bad (Hof)Gastein, Maria Alm, Flachau or Altenmarkt, and are looking for a mix of history and nature, a visit to Salzburg on your day off is a must. You can walk through the Altstadt (Old Town), which is filled with charming streets, historical buildings, and cozy cafés.
- One of the city’s most aesthetic features is its beautiful historical buildings, painted in soft pastel shades of light pink, blue, green, and yellow, creating a fairytale-like atmosphere.
- Sound of Music fans will recognize many iconic spots from the movie, including Mirabellplatz and the famous Do-Re-Mi steps in Mirabell Gardens.
- Take a walk up to Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of Europe’s largest medieval castles, for panoramic views over the city.
- Do a relaxing stroll along the Salzach River, where you’ll see the best of Salzburg’s architecture reflected in the water.
- For the Sportive Types – Catch a football match of RB Salzburg ⚽, the city’s football club known for its fast-paced play and passionate fans. Or, if you prefer ice hockey, experience the thrill of an EC Red Bull Salzburg game and witness Austria’s best ice hockey team in action.
Explore the Stunning Lakes, Waterfalls, and Castles of Salzburgerland
If you’re craving peace, quiet, and postcard-perfect views on your day off, Salzburgerland is home to some of the most beautiful lakes, waterfalls, and historic castles in Austria.
- Fuschlsee – Known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, this lake is perfect for a refreshing dip or a scenic winter walk.
- Wolfgangsee & Mondsee – A paradise for water lovers, these lakes are surrounded by charming Austrian villages, offering boat rides, hiking trails, and cozy lakeside restaurants.
- Lake Kuchl – A hidden gem where you can relax away from the crowds and take in the peaceful mountain scenery.
Chasing Waterfalls – Salzburgerland is also home to some waterfalls that are perfect for hiking destinations, like the Gollinger Wasserfall and the Rotbach Wasserfall.
Visit Salzburgerland’s Castles
For those who love medieval history and epic views, Salzburgerland has some incredible castles to explore:
- Hohenwerfen Castle – A fortress high above the Salzach Valley. You can watch falconry shows, explore the medieval dungeons, and enjoy incredible mountain views.
- Mauterndorf Castle – A beautiful castle with interactive exhibitions, giving you a real feel of medieval life.
- Schloss Hellbrunn – Famous for its trick fountains and beautiful gardens, this palace is a must-visit if you love Baroque architecture.
Experience Innsbruck: The Jewel of the Alps
If you’re doing your ski or snowboard season in Tyrol, you can’t miss the stunning city of Innsbruck, which perfectly blends alpine adventure with cultural heritage.
- Explore the Old Town (Altstadt) – Walk through Innsbruck’s charming medieval streets and visit the famous Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl), a 500-year-old landmark covered in 2,657 golden tiles.
- Visit Ambras Castle – A Renaissance castle with beautiful views and an impressive art collection.
- Take the Nordkette Cable Car – Within minutes, you can go from Innsbruck’s city center to 2,256 meters high, enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
- Try a New Ski Resort – If you feel like switching it up, Innsbruck is surrounded by multiple ski areas where Snowminds is also active, including Zillertal, Mayrhofen, Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, Sölden, Kitzbühel , Neukirchen and Obergurgl, all easily reachable by public transport.
- Enjoy Traditional Austrian Food – Stop by a cozy Gasthaus and enjoy some Käsespätzle, Wiener Schnitzel, or a warm Apfelstrudel.
Take a Spa Day & Recharge
After countless days on the slopes, your legs deserve a break! Luckily, Tyrol and Salzburgerland are home to some of Austria’s best thermal spas and wellness centers.
- Aqua Dome in Längenfeld – A true alpine wellness paradise with outdoor thermal pools surrounded by mountains.
- Tauern Spa in Kaprun – Perfect for a mix of relaxation and adventure, with saunas, steam baths, and infinity pools with mountain views.
Make Every Day Off an Adventure!
Whether you’re in the mood for culture, relaxation, or adventure, Salzburgerland and Tyrol have something to offer for every instructor. So, next time you have a well-earned break, swap your snowboard boots for sneakers, grab your camera, and explore all that these regions have to offer.
One of the best things about Salzburgerland and Tyrol is that everything is easily accessible by public transport and car. Whether you want to visit a city, a scenic lake, or a hidden waterfall, you won’t necessarily need a car to get there.
- The ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) offers some of the fastest and most efficient train connections, making travel between cities and regions really easy.
- Buses run throughout the cities and connect even the smallest villages and mountain resorts, so you can get anywhere with ease.
Whether you’re hopping on a fast train from Salzburg to Innsbruck or catching a local bus to a mountain retreat, Austria’s public transport makes exploring effortless—so no excuses to stay in your ski lodge all day!
Does this sound like your dream lifestyle? Why just dream about it when you can live it? Join Snowminds and become a ski or snowboard instructor in Austria this season!