Ski Lifts In Austria: Open For Business?

Austria is known for its excellent ski resorts, which offer extensive ski areas, modern cable cars, and perfectly groomed pistes amid breathtaking mountains. The country's largest ski resorts provide varied slopes and fun parks, legendary ski days, and sporting challenges. Austria's ski lifts are typically open during the winter season, with new ski lifts and cable cars being built each year. However, there have been instances where ski lifts have been shut down temporarily due to security concerns or during lockdowns.

Ski lifts and COVID-19 restrictions

Austria's ski lifts were closed during the lockdown in December 2023. However, the Austrian government allowed ski lifts to reopen on December 24, despite restaurants, hotels, and bars remaining closed. This decision was made by the Vice Chancellor, Werner Kogler, who announced that FFP2 face masks would be required inside the ski lifts, with provinces setting other rules.

In preparation for the 2023/2024 winter season, several ski resorts in Austria invested in new ski lifts and cable cars, improving safety, comfort, and energy efficiency. These resorts include Zell am See, Kitzski, Zillertal Arena, Schlick 2000, Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn, and Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis.

The new ski lifts offer increased seating capacity, improved safety measures, and modern features such as seat heating, wind protection, and automatic closing bars. Some lifts are also equipped with solar panels and intelligent control systems, contributing to energy efficiency and sustainability.

These developments ensure that Austria's ski resorts can accommodate more skiers and snowboarders, providing a safer and more comfortable experience, while also reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.

Best ski resorts in Austria

Austria is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding, with its large ski resorts offering varied slopes and fun parks. Here are some of the best ski resorts in Austria:

Arlberg

Topping the list, Arlberg is famed as the birthplace of skiing. The ski area boasts 305km of downhill skiing with a wealth of varied runs to suit every skier. Arlberg is also one of Austria's most snow-sure resorts thanks to its altitude, which reaches 2,811m. The ski area includes legendary resorts such as St. Anton, Lech, St. Christoph, and Zürs. St. Anton, in particular, is known for its challenging slopes and its infamous après-ski scene.

SkiWelt

SkiWelt is the second-biggest ski resort in Austria, located in the Tyrol region. It offers 284km of pistes to explore, with dedicated areas for beginners, children, and freestylers. SkiWelt connects picturesque resorts such as Ellmau, Söll, and Westendorf, offering a variety of wide, gentle pistes ideal for families and intermediates. Söll is known for its lively après-ski scene and great night skiing opportunities.

Saalbach-Hinterglemm

Saalbach-Hinterglemm is one of the largest ski resorts in Austria, with a total of 270km of pistes. The ski area is fantastic for intermediates, with plenty of blues and reds, and also offers challenging terrain for advanced skiers. The addition of the Zell am See gondola now provides access to a total of 408km of slopes, making it one of the biggest ski areas in the country. Saalbach is also known for its quirky bars, such as the medieval-themed Zum Turm and the goat-themed Goaßstall.

Ischgl

Ischgl is a popular resort with a long ski season and high-altitude slopes reaching up to 2,900m. It offers 240km of pistes suitable for all standards of skiers, including blues, reds, and blacks. Ischgl is also a top destination for snowboarders, featuring the largest Fun Park in Europe. The resort has a lively atmosphere, with a variety of bars and nightclubs, and hosts several well-known ski festivals.

Kitzbühel

Scenic Kitzbühel is widely known for the notorious Hahnenkamm Downhill course. The resort offers 179km of groomed pistes and has invested heavily in a high-speed, modern lift system. Kitzbühel has a mix of extensive blue and red runs for intermediates and plenty of off-piste terrain for experts. The medieval town has been voted the most beautiful ski town in Europe, with charming old buildings and traditional Austrian restaurants alongside designer boutiques.

Mayrhofen

Mayrhofen attracts crowds from around the world and hosts one of Europe's biggest snowboarding music festivals, Snowbombing. The resort offers skiing on two local mountains, Ahorn and Penken, and the Zillertaler Superskipass provides access to the thrilling terrain around the Hintertux glacier. Mayrhofen also features Austria's steepest slope, the famous Harakiri run, with a gradient of up to 78%.

Obergurgl

Obergurgl is a long-standing favourite for families, offering peaceful, wide-open pistes and a quaint town with a cheerful atmosphere. The resort is just 90 minutes from Innsbruck airport and provides access to 110km of winding red and blue runs. Obergurgl is also known for its excellent après-ski attractions, including the popular Nederhutte, run by a local father and son rock band duo.

Sölden

Sölden lives up to its reputation as one of the best places to ski in Austria, with access to two glaciers, three mountains, and an extensive network of slopes stretching over 144km. Adventurous skiers can enjoy the long run from the top of the glaciers, made famous by the James Bond film Spectre. Sölden also offers dramatic views from its suspended viewing platforms that reach up to 3,250m.

Austria's ski resorts for beginners

Austria's ski resorts are known for their well-maintained slopes, modern infrastructure, and breathtaking mountain views. The country offers a wide range of ski areas, from large resorts with extensive ski runs to smaller, charming ski villages.

Alpbach

Located in the SkiJuwel ski area, Alpbach is a charming resort with a good amount of easy terrain and dedicated learning areas. It offers a choice of ski schools with excellent instructors. The village and slopes provide spectacular views, and there are 29km of blue runs to enjoy. The resort is not too big, so beginners won't feel overwhelmed. Alpbach also has a welcoming atmosphere, with friendly locals and a good selection of bars and restaurants.

Ellmau

Part of the SkiWelt ski area, Ellmau is ideal for first-time skiers, with 122km of blue runs and fantastic beginner facilities. It has a relaxed village atmosphere and a variety of bars and restaurants. With a full SkiWelt ski pass, beginners can access a total of 284km of pistes as they improve their skills.

Kaprun

Kaprun is a quiet mountain village considered one of the best resorts for beginners in Austria. The slopes are easily accessible and well-suited to newcomers, with 57km of blue runs. The resort offers a wide range of dining options and plenty of bars. Kaprun also has an ice arena and other non-ski activities like tubing and tobogganing.

Lech

Lech caters to all skill levels but makes the list due to its dedicated nursery slopes and excellent piste preparation. After progressing from the beginner areas, skiers can explore 133km of easy blue runs. Lech also offers incredible luxury accommodation options and breathtaking mountain views from the village and slopes.

Mayrhofen

Mayrhofen has a diverse selection of ski runs, including 60km of blue pistes and dedicated learning areas. Beginners can head to Pepis Kinderland and Übungsland Penken for a more relaxed experience. The Fun Ride Ahorn park offers obstacles and an easy skicross course for kids. The village maintains its traditional Alpine charm, and while there are lively après bars, there are also quieter spots for food and drinks.

Niederau-Oberau

Linked to the neighbouring resort of Alpbach, Niederau-Oberau is ideal for beginners with its nursery slopes. It's located in the beautiful Wildschonau Valley and offers a choice of bars, restaurants, and shops. Once beginners have mastered the basics, they can progress to 26km of blue slopes.

Obergurgl

Obergurgl, towards the end of the Otz Valley, is one of the highest ski resorts in Europe, ensuring excellent snow conditions. It offers dedicated nursery slopes and easy terrain, making it perfect for beginners. The main town has a tranquil atmosphere with minimal traffic, and there is a good selection of restaurants, bars, and accommodation.

Saalbach-Hinterglemm

Saalbach-Hinterglemm, particularly Hinterglemm, offers some of the best skiing for beginners in Austria. The resort has nursery slopes right in the village, and once beginners progress, they can access a whopping 140km of blue runs. The blue runs from Zwolferkogel towards Hinterglemm are ideal for a relaxed cruise. Neighbouring Saalbach also offers excellent blue runs to explore.

Seefeld

Seefeld is a quiet and stylish ski resort with a good range of gentle terrain, making it perfect for beginners. It has 27km of slopes, including 19km of easy blue runs. The nursery slopes are conveniently located with easy access from the main village. Seefeld offers luxurious accommodation options and a mix of traditional architecture and modern facilities.

Sölden

Sölden, located near Obergurgl, is also considered one of the best resorts for beginners. The majority of its runs are blue, with 74km to explore. The Giggijoch area has a vast selection of cruisy blue runs, and for a scenic, longer run, the number 38 blue descends from the 3370m peak of Schwarze Schneid. There are plenty of off-slope activities, including a James Bond installation to visit.

Söll

Söll is another SkiWelt ski resort that attracts mixed-ability groups and families. It offers fantastic beginner areas and 122km of blue pistes. The north-facing location of most slopes makes it one of the most snow-sure destinations in the Alps. The village has a relaxed atmosphere, but there are also a few lively bars for those seeking some après-ski fun.

Westendorf

Westendorf is designed with beginners and families in mind, with nursery slopes located directly near the main village. The resort offers excellent ski schools with top instructors. Once beginners master the basics, they can progress to 122km of blue runs. The village is small and friendly, making it easy to navigate.

Night skiing in Austria

Austria's ski resorts are known for their varied slopes, fun parks, and legendary ski days. But the fun doesn't stop when the sun sets. Several Austrian ski resorts offer night skiing, where the slopes are illuminated by floodlights, creating a unique and memorable experience. Here is some information about night skiing in Austria:

Locations

Night skiing is offered at various ski resorts across Austria, including:

• Söll: With 11 kilometres of floodlit slopes, Söll is Austria's largest night skiing resort. The village of Söll at the foot of the Hohe Salve offers perfectly groomed slopes during the day, and an enchanting experience under the stars at night. The lifts in operation include the Hochsöll, Hexen6er, and Hans im Glück.
• SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental: This resort offers 270 kilometres of pistes and is known for its lively après-ski scene and great night skiing opportunities.
• Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis: This ski resort boasts 161 kilometres of pistes and a variety of slopes suitable for all skill levels. It is a popular choice for families and intermediates.
• Kühtai: With 44 kilometres of pistes, Kühtai is a ski resort located at a high altitude, reaching up to 2,520 metres.
• Obergurgl-Hochgurgl: This resort offers 112 kilometres of pistes and is known for its peaceful slopes and limited lift tickets during busy periods.
• See ski resort in the Paznauntal Valley: Located in the picturesque Paznauntal Valley, this resort offers 45 kilometres of pistes and a magical night skiing experience.
• Silvapark Galtür: With 49 kilometres of pistes, this ski resort is located in the Paznaun-Ischgl region and offers a cosy and personal atmosphere.

Experience

Seasonality

Night skiing is typically offered during the winter season, with resorts opening their slopes for night skiing from dusk till late evening. However, it is important to check the opening hours and days of specific resorts, as they may vary. Some resorts also offer night skiing during other seasons, such as spring.

Austria's ski schools

When choosing a ski resort, it is important to consider the difficulty level of the slopes, the availability of lessons, practice areas, and childcare facilities. Ski schools in Austria offer a range of options, from group lessons to private tuition, for both children and adults.

St Anton

St Anton am Arlberg is the largest ski resort in Austria and one of the biggest worldwide. With over 300 kilometres of slopes, it offers a vast expanse for beginners to explore. The resort is easily accessible, located about 1.5 hours from Innsbruck and 3 hours from Munich and Salzburg. Ski schools in St Anton provide group lessons for children aged 5 and above, as well as adults, catering to all difficulty levels. Private lessons are also available and are a great option for quick progress.

Zell am See

Zell am See is known for its stunning views of over 3000 mountain peaks and Lake Zell. The slopes are easily accessible from the town centre, making it convenient for families. Ski schools here cater to children as young as 3 years old, with a fun training area filled with colourful figures and a magic carpet to help them get up the slope. Teenagers can also join the "Power Teens" programme, which includes cool downhill runs and jumps.

Mayrhofen

Mayrhofen is a great choice for families, located just an hour from Innsbruck and 2 hours from Munich and Salzburg. It offers a variety of pistes for all levels, with Ahorn mountain perfect for beginners and Penken providing a slightly more challenging experience. The ski schools in Mayrhofen cater to children as young as 2, with a new "Fantasyland" area featuring magic carpets, obstacles, and friendly mascots. Off-piste activities like sledging and snowshoeing add to the fun.

Lech

Lech, known as the cradle of skiing, is part of the Arlberg region, the biggest ski alliance in Austria. With over 300 kilometres of slopes, including 131 kilometres of blue pistes, it is ideal for beginners. Ski schools in Lech offer both group and private lessons, allowing for quick improvement in technique. Sharing a private instructor with a group of friends is a fun and motivational option.

Saalbach-Hinterglemm

Saalbach-Hinterglemm is part of the biggest interconnected ski area in Austria, the Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn, covering around 270 kilometres of sunny slopes. Half of the slopes are marked as blue, perfect for beginners. Ski schools offer a variety of lessons for children and adults, with a special training area for beginners to practice the basics before moving on to the beginner-friendly slopes.

So, whether you're a beginner or an experienced skier, Austria's ski schools have something for everyone, with qualified instructors to guide you on your winter adventure.

Frequently asked questions