Skiing In Austria: Slopes Open And Ready!

Austria is a popular destination for skiing, with 435 ski resorts across the country. The ski season in Austria usually begins in November or December, depending on the weather conditions.

There are several world-class ski resorts in Austria, including St. Anton, Saalbach, and Kitzsteinhorn/Maiskogel – Kaprun. These resorts offer a variety of pistes for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced skiers.

In addition to skiing, Austria also offers a vibrant après-ski scene, with many slopeside bars and restaurants serving traditional Austrian cuisine and schnapps.

So, if you're planning a ski holiday, Austria is definitely a great option to consider!

Ski resorts with the best value for money

St. Anton (Ski Arlberg)

St. Anton in the Arlberg region is one of the world's great ski resorts. It has some of the most challenging slopes in the Alps and has hosted numerous skiing competitions, including the World Alpine Ski Championships and Ski World Cups. The village has a car-free centre and bustles with activity day and night. The surrounding slopes offer incredible diversity, from the steeps of Valluga to the gentle village slopes around Nasserein. St. Anton is also relatively cheap for a world-class skiing destination.

Lech Zürs (Ski Arlberg)

Lech is tucked away in Austria's Arlberg region and was once overshadowed by the massive resort of St. Anton. With the opening of the Flexbahn Gondola in 2016-17, Lech now offers access to a vast network of pistes that rivals anything in Austrian skiing. The local ski area has plentiful red and blue runs, and there are multiple snow parks and over 200km of marked, unpisted, backcountry ski routes in the Ski Arlberg region.

Warth Schröcken (Ski Arlberg)

Warth Schröcken is part of the Ski Arlberg area, which offers 189.5 miles of overall slope length.

SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser Brixental

SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser Brixental offers 170.9 miles of overall slope length. The SkiWelt is also Austria's biggest linked ski area, covering 280km of pistes in nine resorts.

Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn

Saalbach is one of Austria's most rocking resorts, centred on an attractive old Tyrolean village and renowned for its full-on après ski. Saalbach-Hinterglemm-Leogang-Fieberbrunn offers access to one of Austria's largest lift-linked ski areas, with over 270km of pistes.

Zell am See

Zell am See, set on the shores of a large freshwater lake, must be a contender for the most beautiful resort in Austria. The village is beautiful, with a Gothic church and charming boutiques. The lift pass for Zell am See offers access to Kaprun, creating one of the largest ski areas in the country, with 400km of pistes accessible.

Hinter Ski – Kitzbühel/Kirchberg

KitzSki – Kitzbühel/Kirchberg is top-rated in the list of the best ski resorts in Austria, with 4.9 out of 5 stars.

Hoch-Imst – Imst

Hoch-Imst – Imst is recommended as the best value for money ski resort in Austria.

Axamer Lizum

Axamer Lizum has terrific access to more ski resorts all over the region. The Olympia Pass covers nine local resorts and 300km of slopes. The resort is a small and friendly huddle of cheap 3 and 4-star hotels, mostly available on a half-board basis.

Obergurgl-Hochgurgl

Obergurgl-Hochgurgl is one of Austria's most snow-sure resorts. The village sits at 1,930 metres, and the lifts go up to 3,000 metres. There is also a high-tech snow generation system, and the resort faces north-west, guaranteeing snow coverage all the way into May.

Hintertux

Hintertux glacier has Tyrolean charm and is great for beginners and lower intermediate skiers.

Niederau

Less on the radar than the bigger Austrian resorts, Niederau has kept prices low. It's a fabulous option for cheap family ski holidays, with free ski passes for under 16s at the end of the season.

Kirchberg

Kirchberg is the way to ski Kitzbühel without a big-ski-town budget. Both resorts are lift-linked and share a fabulous 170km of slopes. Kirchberg also acts as the gateway to Ski Welt, Austria's biggest linked area at 280km.

Mayrhofen

Mayrhofen has top-shelf luxury but also plenty of scope to ski on a shoestring. There are self-catered apartments, and some cracking Snow Homes – no-frills crash pads where breakfasts and suppers are provided in a local restaurant.

Alpbach

Alpbach is known as the 'prettiest village in Austria' but is surprisingly cheap to ski here. The Ski Juwel totals a decent 145km of slopes, with Alpbach having the highest altitudes on the Wiedersbergerhorn.

Söll

Söll is no more than an hour away from Innsbruck, so transfers are affordable. The SkiWelt has 280km of pistes across nine interconnected resorts. Söll has tremendous facilities for families – half-day kindergarten was €30 when we last checked, while it can climb to over €50 in France.

Ischgl

Ischgl has one of the liveliest après ski scenes in Europe. The lift-linked Silvretta Arena ski area is large, and you can also access three neighbouring resorts on the same lift pass.

Kitzsteinhorn/Maiskogel – Kaprun

Kitzsteinhorn/Maiskogel – Kaprun has 61km of slopes, with 29km classed as ski pistes and 23km classed as ski routes.

Moelltal Glacier (Mölltaler Gletscher)

Moelltal Glacier has 36km of slopes, with 6.5km classed as ski pistes and 20km classed as ski routes.

Pitztal Glacier (Pitztaler Gletscher)

Pitztal Glacier has 40km of slopes, with 18km classed as ski pistes and 22km classed as ski routes.

Hintertux Glacier (Hintertuxer Gletscher)

Hintertux Glacier has 62km of slopes, with 38km classed as ski pistes and 24km classed as ski routes.

Kaunertal Glacier (Kaunertaler Gletscher)

Kaunertal Glacier has 55km of slopes, with 26km classed as ski pistes and 29km classed as ski routes.

Gurgl – Obergurgl-Hochgurgl

Gurgl – Obergurgl-Hochgurgl has 112.2km of slopes, with 60.2km classed as ski pistes and 33.2km classed as ski routes.

Kitzsteinhorn/​Maiskogel – Kaprun

Kitzsteinhorn/​Maiskogel – Kaprun has 61km of slopes, with 29km classed as ski pistes and 23km classed as ski routes.

Moelltal Glacier (Mölltaler Gletscher)

Moelltal Glacier has 36km of slopes, with 6.5km classed as ski pistes and 20km classed as ski routes.

Stubai Glacier (Stubaier Gletscher)

Stubai Glacier has 68.1km of slopes, with 34km classed as ski pistes and 34.1km classed as ski routes.

Hintertux Glacier (Hintertuxer Gletscher)

Hintertux Glacier has 62km of slopes, with 38km classed as ski pistes and 24km classed as ski routes.

Pitztal Glacier (Pitztaler Gletscher)

Pitztal Glacier has 40km of slopes, with 18km classed as ski pistes and 22km classed as ski routes.

Kaunertal Glacier (Kaunertaler Gletscher)

Kaunertal Glacier has 55km of slopes, with 26km classed as ski pistes and 29km classed as ski routes.

Kitzsection

##

The best ski resorts for beginners

Alpbach

Located in the SkiJuwel ski area, Alpbach is a charming ski resort with a good amount of easy terrain and dedicated learning areas. It has a great choice of ski schools, with excellent instructors, and 29km of blue runs to practise on. The village has a good choice of bars and restaurants, and the views are spectacular.

Ellmau

Part of the SkiWelt ski area, Ellmau is perfect for first-time skiers, with 122km of blue runs and fantastic beginner area facilities. There is a relaxed atmosphere in the village, and plenty of bars and restaurants to enjoy. With a full SkiWelt ski pass, you can access 284km of pistes as you progress.

Kaprun

Kaprun is a quiet mountain village considered one of the best ski resorts for beginners in Austria. The slopes are suited to beginners and are easy to access, with 57km of blue runs. There are over 30 places to eat and plenty of bars. Kaprun also has an ice arena with great non-ski activities, and you can try tubing or tobogganing.

Lech

Lech has something for all abilities, but it makes the list for its dedicated nursery slopes and excellent piste preparation. After the nursery area, you can explore 133km of easy rolling blue runs. There are incredible luxury accommodation options, and the mountain views are breathtaking.

Mayrhofen

Mayrhofen has a diverse selection of ski runs, with 60km of blue runs and dedicated learning areas. Beginners can head to Pepis Kinderland and Übungsland Penken, and kids can enjoy the Fun ride Ahorn park. Located in the Zillertal ski area, the village has beautiful mountain views and a traditional alpine charm. There are lively après bars and relaxing places to eat and drink.

Niederau-Oberau

Linked to neighbouring Alpbach, Niederau-Oberau is one of the most beautiful ski destinations, located in the Wildschonau Valley. It has ideal nursery slopes and 26km of blue slopes to progress to. The village has a great choice of bars, restaurants, and shops.

Obergurgl

Towards the end of the Otz Valley, Obergurgl has dedicated nursery slopes and easy terrain, with neighbouring Hochgurgl. It is one of the highest ski resorts in Europe, with an altitude of 1,930m-3,080m, making it snow-sure. The main town has a tranquil atmosphere with next to no traffic, and there is a good choice of restaurants, bars, and accommodation.

Saalbach-Hinterglemm

Hinterglemm, in particular, has some of the best beginner skiing in Austria, with nursery slopes right in the village. There is a whopping 140km of blue runs once you’ve progressed, and the blue runs from Zwolferkogel towards Hinterglemm are ideal for cruising. Neighbouring Saalbach also has some great blue runs.

Seefeld

Seefeld is an ideal ski resort for beginners because it is quiet and has a good range of gentle terrain. There are 19km of easy blue runs, and the nursery slopes are in an ideal location with easy access from the main village. It is a stylish resort with great luxury accommodation options and a good mixture of traditional architecture and modern facilities.

Sölden

Sölden has a majority of blue runs, with 74km to explore, and a vast selection of cruisy blues in the Giggijoch area. For a longer run, the number 38 blue descends from the 3370m peak of the Schwarze Schneid. There are plenty of off-slope activities, too, with a James Bond installation to visit.

Söll

Another SkiWelt ski resort, Söll attracts mixed ability groups and families, with fantastic beginner areas and 122km of blue pistes to explore. The village has a relaxed atmosphere, with a few lively bars.

Westendorf

Westendorf is built perfectly for beginners and families, with nursery slopes located directly near the main village. There are fantastic ski schools available, and 122km of blue runs to progress on. The village is small and friendly, so it's hard to get lost!

The best ski resorts for intermediates

If you're an intermediate skier looking to test your skills at a resort in Austria, there are plenty of options. Here are some of the best ski resorts in Austria for intermediates:

Ischgl

Located in the Tyrol region, Ischgl offers intermediates an impressive 240km of slopes, with 47km of blue runs and 150km of red pistes. The area is served by 42 lifts, including 12 high-speed chairlifts and three gondolas, making it easy to get around the mountain. Ischgl also has a lively nightlife scene, with plenty of bars and clubs to enjoy after a day on the slopes.

Kitzbühel

Arguably one of the most famous ski resorts in Austria, Kitzbühel offers intermediate skiers 234km of slopes to explore, with 106km of blues and 66km of reds. The resort's skiing reaches up to 2,000m, ensuring great snow reliability throughout the season. Kitzbühel also offers a good combination of lively bars and traditional alpine charm.

Kühtai

Although Kühtai is a relatively small ski resort, it is one of the best options for intermediates in Austria. It offers 46km of slopes, with 9km of blues and 26km of reds. Kühtai's remote location and high altitude provide reliable conditions throughout the ski season. This resort is a great choice for those seeking a peaceful ski experience.

Lech

Lech is part of the Arlberg ski area, which offers intermediates a vast amount of terrain to explore. Here, intermediates can access 305km of slopes, with 133km of blues and 135km of reds. Lech's location and high-altitude skiing also mean that the area receives high snowfall throughout the season. The resort is known for its luxury accommodation and stylish vibe, and it served as the filming location for the second Bridget Jones' Diary film.

Obergurgl

Obergurgl, located at the end of the Otz valley, offers skiing that is ideal for intermediate skiers. Intermediates can explore a total of 110km of slopes, with 35km of blues and 55km of reds. The resort also has great links to its neighbouring resort, Hochgurgl. Most of the ski hotels in Obergurgl are ski-in ski-out, providing easy access to the lifts and slopes. The resort's skiing reaches up to 3,080m, ensuring very reliable snow conditions.

Saalbach-Hinterglemm

The combined ski resorts of Saalbach-Hinterglemm offer intermediates 270km of slopes, with 140km of blues and 112km of reds. Saalbach-Hinterglemm also boasts the highest proportion of fast lifts of any major ski resort in the world, making it easy to get around the mountain. The town has a vibrant and lively atmosphere, with plenty of bars and restaurants to enjoy after a day on the slopes.

Sölden

Despite being the annual first stop on the FIS Alpine World Cup, Sölden is a brilliant resort for intermediate skiers. Intermediates can explore 155km of slopes in the area, with 74km of blues and 54km of reds. The resort also offers glacier skiing, which means its season is longer than most in Austria. Sölden was also a filming location for the James Bond film Spectre, and there is a 007 Elements installation that can be visited.

St. Anton

St. Anton is one of the most popular Austrian ski resorts and is part of the huge Arlberg ski area, which offers intermediates a vast amount of options. The area is easily accessible, with excellent links to Lech, Zürs, Warth, and Schröcken. St. Anton offers a great mixture of family-friendly activities and lively bars, making it one of the most visited areas in the Alps.

Zell am See

Zell am See is one of the most picturesque ski destinations in the world, and its ski terrain is ideal for intermediate skiers. Intermediates can ski up to 138km of slopes, with 57km of blues and 55km of reds in the area. The resort also has great links to nearby Kaprun. Zell am See offers stunning views of Lake Zell and is a great destination for families, with lively nightlife to enjoy as well.

The best ski resorts for advanced skiers

St. Anton

St. Anton is one of the world's most high-profile ski resorts. It has hosted various World Alpine Ski Championships and Ski World Cups. It is also part of the Ski Arlberg area, which offers over 125 miles of interconnected routes. St. Anton has challenging slopes, including the steeps of the Valluga and gentle village slopes around Nasserein. It also has an extensive artificial snow-blowing system, ensuring snow reliability.

Saalbach-Hinterglemm

Saalbach-Hinterglemm is one of the largest ski resorts in Austria, with 270km of pistes. It offers challenging terrain for advanced skiers on the north-facing side of the ski area. The Nordabfahr piste is a black run with panoramic views of Saalbach.

Ischgl

Ischgl is a high-altitude resort with snow-sure slopes. 90% of the ski terrain is above 6,500 feet. It has 148 miles of corduroy trails and freeride playgrounds. It also has one of the livelier après-ski scenes in Europe.

Sölden

Sölden is a world-class ski resort with a high altitude of 11,000 feet, ensuring an awesome snow record. It offers 90 miles of groomed pistes for all abilities, as well as two huge glaciers, the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach.

Mayrhofen

Mayrhofen is a popular resort that hosts one of Europe's biggest snowboarding music festivals, Snowbombing. It also has one of Austria's steepest slopes, the Harakiri Run, with a gradient of up to 78%. The Penkenbahn gondola connects to the Zillertal Arena ski area, offering over 310 miles of pistes.

Obergurgl

Obergurgl is a long-standing favourite for families, with peaceful, wide-open pistes. It has a high altitude, with the village sitting at 1,930 meters. It also has an impressive snow generation system, ensuring snow coverage well into May.

KitzSki – Kitzbühel/Kirchberg

KitzSki – Kitzbühel/Kirchberg is a top-rated ski resort in Austria, with 4.9 out of 5 stars. It offers 188km of slopes and is known for its historic Hahnenkamm downhill skiing race, one of the gnarliest courses in the World Cup.

Hintertux

Hintertux is a ski resort that is currently open in Austria, with 38 of 62km of slopes open.

Axamer Lizum

Axamer Lizum is another ski resort that is currently open in Austria.

The best ski resorts for families

Austria is a great destination for family ski holidays, with picturesque Alpine landscapes and world-class ski resorts. The resorts offer varied, lift-linked terrain, excellent ski schools, and family-friendly accommodation. Here are some of the best ski resorts in Austria for families:

Saalbach-Hinterglemm

Saalbach-Hinterglemm offers a vast network of slopes and modern lift systems. The resort has dedicated beginner areas and gentle slopes, ideal for families with young children or those new to skiing. It also boasts excellent ski schools and plenty of family-friendly hotels and chalets, many of which are conveniently located near the slopes. In addition to skiing, Saalbach-Hinterglemm offers plenty of off-slope activities, including tobogganing, ice skating, snowshoeing, and hiking trails.

Zell am See

Zell am See is situated next to picturesque Lake Zell and offers a diverse range of slopes suitable for skiers of all levels. The Schmittenhöhe mountain provides gentle slopes for beginners and children, while more challenging runs cater to experienced skiers. The ski schools are well-equipped to teach children, and the resort offers childcare services, kids' clubs, and ski kindergartens. Many accommodations in Zell am See also provide family-friendly amenities such as family rooms, play areas, and children’s menus. Off the slopes, families can enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides, an outdoor ice rink, and indoor swimming pools.

Kitzbühel

While Kitzbühel is famous for its challenging slopes and annual Hahnenkamm downhill race, it also offers plenty of terrain suitable for families and beginners. The Kitzbüheler Horn area, in particular, provides gentle slopes ideal for children and those learning to ski. Ski schools and childcare services are available, allowing parents to enjoy some worry-free time on the slopes. Fun off-slope activities include tobogganing and ice skating, and the picturesque medieval town offers a mix of traditional and modern amenities.

Obergurgl-Hochgurgl

Obergurgl-Hochgurgl guarantees excellent snow conditions throughout the season, from November to May, which is particularly beneficial for beginners. The ski area offers a variety of wide, well-groomed slopes for all skill levels, with dedicated beginner areas and gentle nursery slopes. Families will find high-quality ski schools and childcare services, as well as family-friendly accommodations offering family rooms and play areas. Non-skiing activities include tobogganing, horse-drawn sleigh rides, an indoor swimming pool, and a wellness centre.

Söll

Söll is part of the SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental, one of the largest interconnected ski areas in Austria. The wide, well-groomed pistes cater to all skill levels, from gentle nursery slopes for beginners to more challenging runs for experienced skiers. The ski schools offer tailored lessons for different age groups and skill levels, and childcare services are available. Söll boasts a range of family-friendly accommodations, including hotels, apartments, and chalets. Off the slopes, families can enjoy tobogganing, snowshoeing, winter hiking, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. The resort also has an indoor swimming pool and wellness centre.

Other Notable Mentions:

• Stuben: A quieter, quaint side of the Arlberg region, offering a delightful small alpine village with easy lift access to vast ski terrain.
• Lech Zurs: Offers fine lodging, such as Hotel der Berghof, which is within walking distance of the ski lifts.
• Oberlech: A car-free ski village with posh mountain lodging like Hotel Bergkristall.
• Kühtai: A family-friendly resort with gentle terrain and good snow. It offers ski schools, snow parks, and family-friendly accommodations.
• Ski Juwel: Two interconnected mountains, Alpbachtal and Wildschőnau, offer 145 kilometres of prepared ski trails and excellent ski schools. The alpine village of Alpbach provides a traditional Austrian chalet experience.
• Serfaus Fiss Ladis: Extensive children's ski programs with 68 lifts connecting three alpine villages and a high elevation of 2,800 meters.
• Wildkogel-Arena Neukirchen and Bramberg: A hidden gem with slopes catering to all skill levels and plenty of highlights for families, including fun parks and slopes.

Frequently asked questions