Rauris is a charming ex-goldmining village, which has become a bustling ski area in the Pinzgau area of Salzburg, Austria. It is perfect if you are looking for a traditional ski holiday village set in some breath-taking scenery. A beautiful church forms the centre of the village and is surrounded by shops, restaurants and a few bars for some apres ski.

Hotels in this resort

• Alpina
• Ferienwelt Kristall Hotel (CRYH-ATSZ0143)
• Garni Kaiserhof
• Grimming
• Groder Aparts
• Guest Houses
• Hotel Alpenrose
• Kaiserer Aparts
• Kristall
• Pen.alpenrose
• Rauris Apartments
• Rauris Apts
• Rauriserhof
• Rauriserhof Hotel (CRYH-ATSZ0130)
• Salburgerhof
• Sonnhof Hotel
• St. Hubertus
• Villa Eva
• Wieshof
• Wieshof Hotel (CRYH-ATSZ0128)
• Winkler

Rauris Guide

The picturesque Rauris skiing area of Rauriser Hochalmbahnen extends between the altitudes of 950 and 2,200 metres, making it one of the highest resorts in Austria.

Set in the beautiful Hohe Tauern National Park between the Gastein Valley and Zell am See, it is a great base for exploring some of the other great resorts within the local area. The unspoilt atmosphere and crisp clean air are unique amongst resorts of its type.

Its slopes are gentler than some of the other Austrian resorts, which make it less appropriate for more experienced skiers and snowboarders. However, the long wide blue runs are perfect for confident beginners and the more challenging red runs are popular with early intermediates. There are also some gentle nursery slopes for absolute beginners to help them develop their techniques on their first ski or snowboarding holiday.

The convenience of easily accessible nursery slopes, size of the ski area and gentle terrain means that Rauris is very popular with families. It is also perfect for mixed ability groups of skiers and snowboarders. Additionally, being just a quick 1hr 30 minutes from Salzburg, it is a short transfer, which makes it a great choice for children.

Beginners of any age will be able to use the good quality ski and snowboard school in Rauris, with children catered for particularly well with fun activities and games to keep them entertained.

Likewise, Rauris is not as busy as many of the other European resorts and as such is a well kept secret without the crowds in the town and queues for the ski lifts which have become a feature elsewhere. Instead, at Rauris, you can normally step straight onto the lift, which is a real pleasure.

Apres Ski

There are several bars to choose from for apr�s ski, including some great umbrella bars. Rauris is not known for being a lively place but if you are looking for some vivacious bars then you should try Dies and Das (D&D), Pub Mix or the Grimming Cellar Bar.

Activities

Although not a bustling town, there is plenty for non-skiers who wish to enjoy the walking and mountain atmosphere off the slopes. Just walking around the chocolate box village will be a real treat.

You can enjoy the 5km toboggan run during the day, or the 2.5km toboggan run floodlit by night. If you are feeling active, there is indoor tennis and squash, 35km of cleared hiking trails and horse riding.

For the brave at heart, there is paragliding over the mountains and ice climbing for an extra thrill.

Additionally, families will love the sleigh rides and the guided snowshoe walks. The resort has excellent childcare facilities as well as spa facilities for the adults to relax and rejuvenate. There is also an addition thermal spa in Gastein, which is a short trip away.

With Salzburg so close, a day trip to this beautiful city is a tempting treat with some great shopping and sightseeing on offer.

Eating Out

Being a traditional style village, there are plenty of restaurants in Rauris offering Austrian specialties. There are also restaurants offering a more modern, international fare. Most of these restaurants are based in the local hotels in Rauris.

The restaurant Gusto is particularly recommended as this restaurant has been awarded Gault Millau gourmet guide book points and is a great location for foodies to get a true taste of Austrian cuisine.

There are 40 bars and restaurants scattered around the Rauris Valley. Others not to be missed include Salzburgerhof s’pfand, Grimming, Bra�, Sch�ttgut, Sportalm and Andrelwirt.

Nightlife

Rauris is not as lively as some of the other European ski resorts and has more of a calm, family atmosphere.

Austria is known for creating some of the world’s best beers and you can sample them whilst relaxing in cosy mountain huts with live music or in one of the bars on offer. The Shakesbeer is an English pub that is a popular choice. Other drinking spots include the S Pub, Bellino and the Sportalm or another option is a local schnapps distillery and micro-brewery.