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Winter Activities in Donnersbachwald
Discover the diverse winter experiences in our region
Immerse yourself in a true winter paradise! Donnersbachwald offers you a perfect mix of sporting challenges and relaxed winter romance. From the family-friendly Riesneralm to snowy hiking trails - everyone will find their personal winter joy here.
Ski Area Riesneralm
Explore the Riesneralm ski area with over 30 kilometers of slopes suitable for every skill level.
Current Conditions at Riesneralm
Snow depths, slope conditions, and live impressions from the ski resort
View Live WebcamsOpens the official Riesneralm webcam overview in a new tab
Distance & Access
- Rassi's Holiday Village to the Valley Station 800m
- Free ski bus Stop 100m
- Parking at the valley station free
Slope Overview
Difficulty Levels
- Easy (blue) 18.2 km
- Moderate (red) 10.9 km
- Difficult (black) 2.9 km
Altitude Information
- Valley station 980 m
- Mountain station 1,990 m
- Elevation Difference 1,010 m
Lift Facilities
- 6-Seater Panorama Chairlift
- 4-Seater Krispenbahn Chairlift
- 4-Seater Riesnerbahn Chairlift
- Tellerblitz T-bar lift
- Magic Carpet 1 Conveyor Belt
- Magic Carpet 2 Conveyor Belt
- Krispini Express Conveyor Belt
Special Facilities
For Families & Beginners
- Children's ski carousel 5 runs
- Conveyor Belt 176m
- Ski school on site
Additional Offers
- Cross-Ride Track with steep curves
- Funpark for Freestylers
- Night skiing Thu & Sat
Skiing and Snowboarding
Ski Enjoyment for the Whole Family at Riesneralm
Experience top-class skiing enjoyment at Riesneralm! Just a few minutes away from your holiday home, a modern ski resort awaits you with perfectly groomed slopes to suit every level. From gentle family runs to challenging descents, both beginners and experienced winter sports enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy here.
Blue Slopes
18.2 km total length
- Ideal for beginners
- Wide, easy-to-navigate descents
- Perfect for families
Red Slopes
10.9 km total length
- Intermediate descents
- Varied track options
- Athletic challenges
Black Slopes
2.9 km total length
- Challenging steep slopes
- For experienced skiers
- Athletic challenge
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Special Highlights
Family Zone
- ✓ Children's ski carousel with 5 runs
- ✓ The longest conveyor belt in Austria
- ✓ Ski school with qualified instructors
Sports & Action
- ✓ Cross-ride track with steep curves
- ✓ Night touring ski runs available
- ✓ Race track with timing
Services & Infrastructure
- Modern ski rental
- Ski depot directly at the valley station
- Free ski bus
- Ski schools for all levels
- Several dining establishments
- Large sun terraces
Cross-Country Skiing
Gliding Through Snow-Covered Landscapes
Discover the beauty of winter hiking on cross-country skis! Our region offers an extensive network of perfectly groomed trails through picturesque winter landscapes. Whether in classic style or skating, you will find ideal conditions for your cross-country skiing outing. The well-prepared routes will lead you through snow-covered forests and over sunny high plateaus.
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Hinterwald Trail
- Length: 4.8 km
- Elevation difference: 85 m
- Difficulty: Easy to intermediate
- Technique: Classic & Skating
Good to know
- Free parking at the starting point
- Regular trail grooming
- Partially illuminated
- Equipment rental nearby
The cross-country trails in the region captivate with their diverse routes. From flat sections for beginners to more challenging passages for advanced skiers, the network offers something suitable for every cross-country skiing enthusiast. The stunning winter landscape and excellent grooming make every cross-country tour an unforgettable experience.
Current trail conditions: Check the current snow conditions and grooming status of the trails before your trip.
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Sledding
Winter Sledding Fun for the Whole Family
Experience pure winter joy on our sledding trails! Whether with your own sled or a rental sled, fun awaits both young and old. The well-groomed sledding trails offer safe descents and guarantee sparkling eyes of children and unforgettable family experiences in the snow.
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Mörsbachalm Sled Run
- Total length: 3.8 km
- Elevation difference: 450 m
- Walking time: approx. 1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Good to Know
- Parking: Directly at the starting point
- Evening sledding possible
- Refreshments available at the Alm
- Regularly groomed track
Use of the toboggan run is at your own risk. Please follow the safety rules and check current conditions before your descent.
Winter & Snowshoe Hiking
Snow-Covered Paths Through Dreamy Winter Landscapes
Enjoy the tranquility of the snow-covered nature on our well-maintained winter hiking trails. Well-marked routes will lead you through enchanting winter forests and offer breathtaking views of the snowy mountain ranges. It’s a perfect way to explore the winter beauty of the region at your own pace.
Classic Winter Hiking
Discover the numerous hiking trails around Donnersbachwald, leading over sunny heights and through the picturesque winter landscapes of the Ennstal and the Niedere Tauern. The various routes offer something for everyone – from leisurely walks to more challenging tours.
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Snowshoe Hiking
With snowshoes, you can explore the most beautiful corners of our region away from the groomed paths. Venture into the tranquil winter landscape on your own or let experienced guides lead you to the most stunning spots.
The crisp winter air, the crunch of snow underfoot, and the peaceful silence of nature turn each snowshoe hike into an unforgettable experience. After your tour, cozy huts and inns in the region invite you to enjoy a well-deserved rest.
Ice Skating
Glide Through Winter
Glide in elegant circles on the shimmering ice! The nearby ice rinks and frozen natural lakes provide perfect conditions for winter skating fun. Whether you are taking your first steps on the ice or are already skilled at gliding around, ice skating in the winter landscape is a special experience.
Discover the enchanting winter experience on the lake in the heart of Donnersbach. Once the lake is frozen, it transforms into a natural ice rink with a unique mountain panorama. Here you can glide leisurely across the ice and soak in the magical winter atmosphere.
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Cozy Evenings
Alpine Hospitality and Regional Delicacies
After an active winter day, the rustic alpine huts and cozy inns invite you to enjoy relaxed evenings. Savor authentic Styrian cuisine, regional specialties, and the warm hospitality of our region. The inviting atmosphere and traditional charm make every hut visit a special experience.
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The Hochsitz at 1,820m
The culinary highlight of the Riesneralm: Enjoy regional delicacies and international dishes with a breathtaking panoramic view. The sun terrace invites you to linger, while the cozy dining room offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Base Camp
The modern restaurant at the valley station delights with a mix of traditional and contemporary cuisine. From the popular alpine snack platter to the signature burger – there's something for everyone here.
Oxenalm Ski Hut
The perfect place for a relaxing break with a sunny terrace and panoramic views. Homemade hut specialties and a special highlight await you here: every season a special alpine dish is created in collaboration with award-winning chef Richard Rauch.
Après-Ski & Entertainment
Experience the legendary après-ski vibes of the region. From cozy bars to lively evenings in alpine huts – this is where sociability is celebrated, making every day a memorable experience.
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Relaxation at the Spa
The Perfect Conclusion After a Day of Skiing
After an exciting day of skiing in Donnersbachwald, there is nothing better than winding down the evening at the Grimming Thermal Spa in Bad Mitterndorf. It is located about 34 km from Rassi’s Holiday Village. Immerse yourself in the cozy warmth of the thermal water, relax in the indoor and outdoor pools, and enjoy the breathtaking mountain views.
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The Grimming Thermal Spa, renowned for its healing thermal waters, offers the following highlights:
- Thermal Pools: Indoor and outdoor pools with health-promoting water.
- Sauna Area: A variety of saunas and steam baths for relaxation.
- Wellness Services: Massages and beauty treatments tailored to individual needs.
- Family-Friendly: A kids' area with slides and play facilities.
- Gastronomy: Restaurant and café offering regional and international specialties.
The Grimming Thermal Spa is the ideal place to relax and enjoy the beauty of Styria's nature.
Events
Winter Highlights and Traditional Festivals
Immerse yourself in the vibrant winter culture of our region! From atmospheric Christmas markets to traditional winter festivals, here you will experience authentic customs and genuine hospitality. Discover local crafts, regional delicacies, and enjoy the diverse event program throughout the winter season.
Hut Fun & Live Music
Weekly Events
Various Locations
Traditional music, regional specialties, and top-notch entertainment in the ski huts of the region.
Current Events: Check the updated events calendar and for any changes on the event page.
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Guinness World Record in Donnersbachwald
WORLD RECORD 2020
38.04
Meters high
800
Tons weight
The Largest Snowman in the World
In 2020, an impressive world record was set at Riesneralm in Donnersbachwald!
The largest snowman in the world was built here and officially recognized by the judges from the Guinness World Records. With a height of 38.04 meters and a weight of 800 tons, he exceeded the previous record from Maine (USA) by nearly a meter.
A Fairytale Story about "Riesi" the Snowman
The Largest Snowman in the World
In Donnersbachwald, where the snowflakes fall so thick that you might mistake them for little clouds, the largest snowman of all time was built – and that’s no exaggeration! This frosty giant, lovingly called "Riesi," has captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike.
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Imagine a giant snowman so tall that he is competing with the mountain peaks! With a body made up of at least three massive snowballs, you might think he has signed up at the gym for snowmen. His carrot nose is so big that it could serve as a lighthouse for lost skiers, and his coal eyes sparkle like stars in the clear winter sky.
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The story goes that Riesi is not just an ordinary snowman – he also has a very special ability: he can tell the best winter jokes! "Why can't snowmen lie? Because you can see right through them!" – and that melts even the iciest of hearts.
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The locals gathered to celebrate Riesi, and there was even a small "Snowman Election" to choose the best accessories for him. A stylish scarf here, a pair of old ski goggles there – and voilà, Riesi was ready for his grand debut as the largest and funniest snowman in history!
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