Five to seven nights
Almost every host lets the whole week over New Year, usually with a fixed arrival day. Booking the 31st alone is generally not possible.
Guide to New Year in the Alps
New Year in the mountains – turning the year without a countdown in a crowd
Minimum stay, fireworks rules on the mountain, driving between the holidays and what you need to bring for the evening yourself. So that 31 December turns out as quiet as you pictured it.
01 · Choosing the hut
On the 31st the living room decides, not the location
New Year in a hut almost always means the evening happens indoors. Shortly before midnight you step outside, look down into the valley where the rockets go up – and go back in. The rest of the night happens around the table.
So kitchen, table and stove matter more than the distance to the piste. And because the turn of the year is usually booked for several nights, it is worth looking at the room layout: sharing one room between four for seven days changes how you come home.
02 · Dates
The turn of the year is let by the week
New Year goes before Christmas does
It is the most sought-after date of the winter. Enquire in November and the choice is often already small.
Browse free hutsSometimes something still comes up
Cancellations happen in December too. Tell us your dates and we will get in touch when something frees up.
Send an enquiry03 · Fireworks
Private fireworks are often banned in the mountains
They differ from village to village
In many municipalities and in protected areas private fireworks are prohibited. Do not assume it is allowed – ask beforehand.
The reason behind it
In winter deer and chamois live off their reserves. Noise and light drive them up, and that costs energy they need in January. We think the ban is right.
Safe in the mountainsIt is loud enough anyway
From the hut you will see whatever is set off down in almost every valley – without lighting anything yourself. Sparklers outside the door are enough for most people.
04 · The evening
In a hut you cook for yourselves
No set menu, no seating plan
Our huts are self-catering. That is the point: you eat when you want and nobody clears the table at midnight.
The 30th is the better day
Many shops close at midday on the 31st. Shop on the 30th and the last day stays free for everything else.
Bring them with you
Wax pouring, card games, a meal that takes time. An evening in a hut needs no more programme than that.
Packing list05 · Getting there
Between the holidays the roads are full
The 27th and 28th are jam days
Weekly lettings change over across Austria on those days. Set off early or allow plenty of time for the afternoon.
1 November to 15 April
In wintry conditions winter tyres or chains are compulsory. Over the turn of the year that applies in practice every time.
Read the winter guideNot every road ends at the door
At some huts you leave the car in the valley and the host collects you by tractor or snow groomer. It says so on every hut page.
Sustainable arrivalFrequently asked
New Year in a hut – short and honest
How long do we have to stay over New Year?
Usually five to seven nights with a fixed arrival day around 27 or 28 December. The exact minimum stay is on each hut page.
Are fireworks allowed at the hut?
In many municipalities and in protected areas they are not. For wildlife the noise is a real burden in winter. We will tell you beforehand what applies at your hut.
Is there a New Year menu at the hut?
As a rule no – our huts are self-catering. Some hosts offer something or leave a starter box. Ask us and we will settle it.
When should we book a hut for New Year?
As early as possible. New Year is the most sought-after date of the winter and is usually gone before Christmas is.
Where do we shop for the 31st?
On the 30th. Many shops close at midday on the 31st, and on 1 January nothing is open.
Is it easy to travel between the holidays?
Yes, but allow a buffer. On 27 and 28 December weekly lettings change over across Austria, and you notice it on the motorway.
You might also like
More in winter
The week before
Christmas holidays in the mountains
Tree, minimum stay and the shopping run on 23 December.
Christmas guide The weeks beforeAdvent holidays in the mountains
Slow travel, small markets, short days.
Advent guide The whole seasonWinter holidays in the mountains
Access, equipment, ski days and the limits of the terrain.
Winter guideNot sure which hut suits your turn of the year?
Tell us who is coming and how quiet it should be. We will tell you honestly what is free.