Winter kickoff in Vienna: Snow Space Salzburg, Flachau and Zauchensee present themselves together with the Snowsports Academy

Winter has begun in Vienna – and with a special highlight: Snow Space Salzburg , the World Cup resorts of Flachau and Zauchensee , together with the Snowsports Academy, officially opened the new winter season at the Vienna Ice Skating Club. Ski legend Hermann Maier gave the official starting signal and, together with Snow Space Salzburg, brought a real ski slope feeling to the city.

Winter kickoff in Vienna with Snow Space Salzburg, featuring Hermann Maier, presenter Michaela Kirchgasser, influencer Anna Strigl, and wheelchair tennis player Nico Langmann.

The centerpiece was the mobile roller ski track – also known as a ski carpet – which, as an innovative promotional tool, made skiing a tangible experience right on the ice rink of the Vienna Ice Skating Club – completely without snow, but with a genuine skiing sensation. Visitors can still make their first turns there and get in the mood for the winter season until November 16, 2025 .

Experience skiing – winter kickoff right in the heart of Vienna

What is normally reserved for the mountains becomes an experience for everyone in Vienna: On the roller ski track, children, adults, and even complete beginners can experience the feeling of skiing up close. Under the guidance of ski instructors from the Snowsports Academy and the Hermann Maier Ski School, many manage to master their first "city turn"—accompanied by tips, motivation, and enthusiasm.

This unique experience demonstrates that skiing is far more than just a sport – it's movement, emotion, and joy. And that's precisely what the Snowsports Academy and Snow Space Salzburg are bringing to people in such an impressive way this week.

Ski instructor Danique showed her skills on the ski carpet.

Responsibility, emotion and innovation

The start of winter in Vienna was all about sustainability, innovation, and community . Snow Space Salzburg demonstrated how modern winter tourism works – with responsibility, vision, and enthusiasm.

Hermann Maier , accompanied by presenter Michaela Kirchgasser , officially opened the event. Influencer Anna Strigl and wheelchair tennis player Nico Langmann were also present, demonstrating that skiing can be accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Michaela Kirchgasser clearly enjoyed the interview with Hermann Maier.

Conclusion: Winter begins – emotional, innovative and right in the heart of Vienna

The presentation in Vienna made one thing clear: when tradition, innovation, and passion come together, something special is created. Snow Space Salzburg, Flachau, Zauchensee, and the Snowsports Academy jointly demonstrated what the winter tourism of tomorrow looks like – responsible, inspiring, and people-centered.

Anyone who steps onto the roller ski track on the ice surface of the Vienna Ice Skating Club these days will feel it immediately: Winter is here – and it feels really good.

Photo credits: Raffeiner Reputation/APA-Fotoservice/Reither, Photographer: Mirjam Reither