Winter sports: Austria is one of Europe 's major destinations for winter sports, particularly skiing and, more recently, snowboarding. The Austrian Alps take up approximately 60 per cent of the country's surface area and there are more than 800 winter sports resorts, with ski runs stretching some 22,000km (13,750 miles), and a further 16,000km (10,000 miles) of cross-country skiing trails. Every year, Austria hosts a number of prestigious international ski competitions. Besides skiing, many other types of winter sports can be enjoyed, such as tobogganing, sleigh rides, curling or skating. Full details of skiing packages and tours, resort information, snow reports and winter sports events can be obtained from the Austrian National Tourist Office, which also publishes several brochures, some of which, such as the Winter Tour Finder, can be ordered directly and free of charge from the Internet.
Walking tours: During summer, when the snow has melted, the Austrian Alps offer a vast network of hiking trails through varied landscapes, ranging from forests and green slopes to glaciers and rocks. Many rivers and lakes are suitable for swimming or fishing (the latter requiring a permit available from the local authorities). Detailed walking maps can be obtained either from the Austrian National Tourist Office or from the local tourist offices. Guides can be hired locally. Footpaths are recognizable by red-white-red markings displayed on trees and rocks. Interesting routes include the Salt Road , once used by Austria 's salt merchants, from the salt mines in the Salzkammergut, through the Mühlviertel, via many historic towns and as far as the border with the Czech Republic ; and the Styrian Timber Road , giving travelers an insight into the uses of wood.
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