Winter highlights 2025/26: New formats and events in Salzburg!

Winter highlights 2025/26: New formats and events in Salzburg!

Something big is happening in the sporting goods industry in Salzburg! The VSSÖ and Brandboxx Salzburg recently presented the new season timetable for winter 2025/26. So everything is in full swing for the coming months. The events promise an exciting mix of innovations, tests and exchange between trade and industry.

There is a particular focus on three central formats: the **Winter Sneak Peek**, **Austria on Snow** and the **ÖSFA 2026**. The Winter Sneak Peek will take place from November 25th to 27th, 2025 at the Brandboxx Salzburg and offers specialist retailers the opportunity to find out about the latest trends and products for the 2026/27 season before the ordering processes begin. This opportunity seems to be worth its weight in gold for everyone involved in skiing and sports, as over 350 brands have announced their coming to present their innovations.

Innovative testing options

From January 8th to 29th, 2026, there will be the opportunity to test the new products up close at **Austria on Snow** at three locations, Stuhleck, Flachau and Zürs. This means specialist retailers can experience directly what the brands have in store for the coming winter season. These testing options are particularly welcome since the sporting goods industry in Austria recorded sales of around 2.4 billion euros in 2022 Statista reported. The industry has recovered well and is benefiting from increased demand for sportswear, which is increasingly being worn in everyday life.

A highlight of the season will be the **ÖSFA 2026**, which will take place from January 20th to 22nd, 2026 in the Brandboxx. The central point of this trade fair is the exchange and networking of the industry. With a modernized appearance, the ÖSFA brings a breath of fresh air and is enriched by formats such as **SPOT ON – ÖSFA Innovation Pitch**, where start-ups can present their innovative products. There will also be an **Après ÖSFA networking** event on January 21st with a keynote by Viktoria Schnaderbeck.

Strengthening the promotion of young talent

Another point that the organizers are highlighting is the **ÖSFA Community Award** and the **Apprentice Day** on January 22nd. This focus on promoting young talent is of great importance for the entire industry, especially in a sector that is considered the smallest within Austrian retail. The events offer both commercial companies and emerging talent the opportunity to connect and grow.

The organization of the new seasonal timetable was developed with the clear aim of cooperation and a structured approach for the industry. The industry also shows increasing numbers in a direct comparison to the previous year: 17 percent of Austrians over the age of 15 bought sporting goods through distance selling at least once in 2023, with online retail accounting for a significant proportion.

Given all of these exciting developments, specialist retailers can prepare for a successful winter season. An all-round program creates the ideal conditions to face the winter of 2025/26 with fresh enthusiasm. Don't miss the opportunity to find out about the latest industry trends and take an active part in what's happening - the coming period is sure to be exciting for everyone involved!