Skiing in the Alps is always a very special experience for winter sports enthusiasts. And of course you want to share them with friends and family at home. And there’s no better way to convey that holiday feeling than with a souvenir straight from the ski region. But which souvenirs are particularly suitable? SnowTrex has put together ten classic souvenirs that ski holidaymakers will love – whether it be for themselves or for those at home.
1. Salzburg/Austria: “Mozartkugeln”
Over 100 years ago, Salzburg confectioner Paul Fürst dedicated this sweet treat to the city’s most famous child. Today, these delicacies made of marzipan and chocolate are a popular souvenir for those of us with a sweet tooth. The original Salzburg Mozartkugeln in blue-silver paper, handmade without any additives, can only be bought exclusively in Salzburg’s four Fürst confectioneries. If you can’t make it to Salzburg yourself, you’ll have to make do with one of the not-original-but-nevertheless-delicious imitations.
2. Bavaria/Germany: Beer mugs
The history of the original Bavarian beer mugs dates back to the 16th century. The lid on the beer mug is still characteristic today, dating back to the time of the plague, when the design was intended to prevent contamination in the mug and thus the spread of the disease. Nowadays, the mugs are also made of glass to better show off the contents, i.e. the beer, and its colour and clarity. For winter sports enthusiasts looking for gifts from Bavaria when skiing, the traditional beer mugs with their decorations such as Bavarian motifs and coats of arms have long been very popular.
3. Tyrol/Austria: Tyrolean bacon
Tyrolean bacon has a long tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. It was originally intended to preserve local pork, but soon developed into a true delicacy. Tyrolean bacon is first cured, then seasoned and finally cold-smoked. The special spice mixtures and slow maturing in the clear mountain air then give the meat its unique flavour. And skiers who want to take home exactly this flavour from the ski resort often pack the bacon as a souvenir on a ski trip. After all, it is perfect for the next snack platter. The best place to buy original Speck in Tyrol is in a village butcher’s shop or at a farmers’ market.
4. Austria: Schnapps
Whether apricot, plum, apple, pear or Swiss stone pine – Austrian fruit brandies are absolute classics and therefore extremely popular as a souvenir from a skiing holiday! They were first distilled in the 19th century because the farmers here did not want to throw away the surplus fruit from the harvest and simply made it more durable. Today, there are many small distilleries in Austria and especially in Tyrol, which are not only among the best in Europe, but even in the world. The expensive schnapps in particular are available in decorative bottles and make the perfect gift. After all, who can say no to an apricot schnapps as a welcome drink or aperitif at a party?
5. Tyrol/Austria: Swarovski jewellery
Of course, winter sports enthusiasts could also buy Swarovski jewellery in their home country, no question. But the accessories straight from Austria are something special. The history of Swarovski crystals began here in 1895, when Daniel Swarovski founded a cutting shop in Tyrol that specialised in the production of precision-cut crystal glass. In the 20th century, the company quickly developed into a globally recognised luxury brand for jewellery and accessories. For winter sports enthusiasts looking for the perfect souvenir from the Alps, Wattens near Innsbruck is home to one of the largest Swarovski shops in the world, right next to the production site. There is also a fascinating exhibition about the company in the Swarovski Crystal Worlds.
6. Styria/Austria: Pumpkin seed oil
Styrian pumpkin seed oil is known for its outstanding quality and unmistakable flavour and is therefore also known as “green gold”. It is obtained from the roasted seeds of the Styrian oil pumpkin, which only grows optimally in this region. The traditional pressing of the pumpkin seeds gives the oil its dark, greenish colour and nutty aroma. As it is also rich in unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants, skiers from the east of the Alpine republic can take home not only an excellent flavour but also a healthy souvenir.
7. South Tyrol/Italy: Woodcarvings
In South Tyrol, it was farmers and monks who began carving religious figures and other objects out of wood during the long winters in the 17th century. Since the Middle Ages, these works of art have been made from high-quality local woods such as Swiss stone pine or lime and are characterised by filigree work and ornate decorations. If you are looking for truly unique pieces such as hand-carved nativity scenes as souvenirs, for example in the run-up to Christmas, you will find them in Val Gardena in South Tyrol. There are two art schools here – one in Ortisei and one in Selva.
8. Tyrol/Austria: Grey cheese
Tiroler Graukäse is a traditional sour milk cheese characterised by its intense flavour and special production process. It is made from skimmed milk and matures for several weeks, giving it its characteristic grey rind and crumbly texture. With a maximum fat content of 2 per cent, it is a dream for figure-conscious gourmets. The cheese owes its tangy, sour flavour to natural fermentation, which also gives it its unique texture. If you want to bring your loved ones back from a ski trip to the Alps, you should definitely not be sensitive to odours. Because, as befits a real mountain cheese, grey cheese also has an intense “odour profile”. Nevertheless, this Tyrolean speciality can also be bought in odourless packaging from local cheese dairies.
9. Carinthia/Austria: Lesach Valley Bread
When a bakery from the Lesach Valley is replicated in Tokyo, that’s saying something. After all, Carinthian bread is a real speciality not only in Austria and Europe, but worldwide. It is baked according to an original recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation to this day. The ingredients are just as original as the Lesachtal bread. The traditional natural sourdough requires water, salt and spices as well as rye and spelt flour, which is ground slowly and gently in one of the five water mills still in operation in Maria Luggau. The artisanal production without industrial additives and the long dough resting time of up to 24 hours not only ensure a unique flavour, but also a long shelf life.
10. Austria: Loden
The production of loden, a robust, felt-like fabric made from 100 per cent natural wool, has a long tradition in Austria. Schladminger Loden is one of the best known. The corresponding fashion can be bought, for example, in the two traditional businesses Lodenwalker in Ramsau and Loden-Steiner in Mandling. If you’re on holiday in Tyrol and suffer from chronically cold feet, you should buy the so-called “Doggeln”. These are handmade, warm slippers made from loden and felt. However, the sources of supply are not necessarily widespread. Shoes and other items of clothing made from loden are also very popular with winter sports enthusiasts looking for traditional gift ideas from a skiing holiday in the Alps.
FAQ on souvenirs from your skiing holiday
Why are Mozartkugeln a popular souvenir from Salzburg?
Mozartkugeln are a popular souvenir from Salzburg, as they pay homage to traditional craftsmanship and the famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The original Mozartkugeln made from marzipan, pistachio marzipan, nougat and dark chocolate are a delicious souvenir that brings the unique flavour of Austria home.
What makes Bavarian beer mugs a special souvenir for winter sports enthusiasts?
Bavarian beer mugs are a special souvenir due to their long tradition and characteristic design. Originally fitted with lids to protect the beer from contamination during the plague, today they represent Bavarian culture and brewing tradition. The mugs, often richly decorated with Bavarian motifs, are practical and decorative souvenirs from winter holidays for beer lovers.
Why are Austrian fruit schnapps a popular souvenir for winter sports enthusiasts?
Austrian fruit schnapps such as apricot schnapps or plum schnapps are popular due to their intense fruit flavour and artisanal production. They have been distilled from local fruit in small distilleries since the 19th century. The fine brandies in decorative bottles are a stylish gift that reflects Alpine tradition and quality.
What makes Tyrolean bacon an ideal souvenir from a skiing holiday?
Tyrolean bacon is an ideal souvenir because it is characterised by its traditional production and the use of regional ingredients. Cured, seasoned and cold-smoked, it offers a unique, spicy flavour. Its long shelf life and versatility as a delicacy or ingredient in the home kitchen make it a popular souvenir.
Why is Lesachtal bread such a special souvenir from the Alps?
Lesachtal bread is a special souvenir because of its traditional production and unique ingredients. Baked according to original recipes with natural sourdough, rye and spelt flour from local water mills, it offers an unmistakable flavour and a long shelf life. This bread represents the artisan art of baking and the culinary tradition of Carinthia.
