Austria's Ski Season: When And Where To Go

Skiing in Austria offers a lively and fun experience, with a warm welcome and fantastic wide-open ski areas. The Austrian ski season runs from December to April, with the Hintertux glacier in Tyrol offering skiing all year round. The country has 426 skiing areas, including the largest ski area, Arlberg, and intimate resorts such as Alpbach and Kühtai. Austria's ski resorts offer something for everyone, from tots to teens to veteran skiers, with a range of gentle nursery slopes and challenging runs. The high altitude of the mountains brings about ideal snowy conditions, and the country's Alpine charm and excellent snow conditions make it a popular choice for skiers.

Where are the best ski resorts in Austria?

Austria is a country with a diverse range of ski resorts, from mega-resorts with big reputations to hidden gems. With 435 ski resorts, it is a great choice for skiers of all levels, from beginners to experts. Here are some of the best ski resorts in Austria:

• Innsbruck: Innsbruck has emerged as a skiing destination in its own right in recent years. The Ski Plus City Pass offers access to 13 ski areas as well as museums and other attractions in the city. Innsbruck has something for every type of skier, from beginner-friendly slopes to challenging terrain and excellent off-piste opportunities.
• Ischgl: Ischgl is located in the Eastern Alps and is known for its lively après-ski scene. The resort has high, snow-sure slopes and an excellent lift system. The lift-linked Silvretta Arena ski area provides access to neighbouring resorts, and there are plenty of parties and pistes to enjoy.
• Kitzbühel: This Tyrolean resort is known for its historic Hahnenkamm downhill skiing race, one of the most challenging courses in the world. The terrain is varied, making it an excellent resort for intermediates. The village has a beautiful old-world ski town vibe, with a mix of high-end hotels and restaurants, rambunctious après-ski spots, and late-night underground dive bars.
• Lech: Lech is located in the Arlberg region and was once a well-kept secret, overshadowed by the nearby massive resort of St. Anton. With the opening of the Flexbahn Gondola, Lech now offers access to the vast Ski Arlberg area, with 88 lifts and 300km of pistes. The local ski area around Lech is ideal for intermediate skiers, with plenty of red and blue runs. Advanced skiers can explore the multiple snow parks and marked, unpisted backcountry ski routes.
• Mayrhofen: Mayrhofen is a picture-perfect resort in the heart of the Tyrol, perfect for confident skiers and snowboarders. The surrounding Zillertal valley is home to the legendary Aësthetiker crew, and the snow park is second to none, offering lines for all levels. The village comes alive in the afternoons and evenings, especially during the Altitude Comedy Festival and Snowbombing, the world's biggest and longest-running winter music festival.
• Obergurgl and Hochgurgl: These twin resorts combine to form one of Austria's most snow-sure resorts due to their high altitude and impressive snow generation system. The village has all the usual après-ski attractions but is still relatively quiet compared to its neighbour, Sölden, which is easily accessible on the Ötztal lift pass for those seeking a bigger night out.
• Saalbach: Saalbach is centred on an attractive old Tyrolean village and is renowned for its full-on après-ski scene. The Saalbach-Hinterglemm-Leogang Skicircus area offers access to one of Austria's largest lift-linked ski areas, with over 270km of pistes catering to all levels of skiers.
• St. Anton: St. Anton, located in the Arlberg region, is one of the world's great ski resorts, offering some of the most challenging slopes in the Alps. The village has a car-free centre and bustles with activity throughout the day and night. The surrounding slopes provide incredible diversity, from steep Valluga to gentle village slopes. An extensive artificial snow-blowing system ensures that the ski area is always snow-sure.
• St. Christoph: This pint-sized resort is just a 10-minute drive from St. Anton and is ideal for those seeking easy access to a huge skiing area while staying outside the hustle and bustle of a major resort. St. Christoph has limited terrain, but there is a nice nursery area for beginners, and advanced skiers can easily access the wider Arlberg ski area.
• Serfaus Fiss Ladis: This charming Tyrolean town offers access to a massive 214 kilometres of slopes, with terrain suitable for all abilities. There are fantastic off-piste activities, such as the Fisser Flieger zip line and the Skyswing simulated freefall ride. Most visitors stay in aparthotels, but there are also some hotels in the area.
• Söll: Söll is a traditional Austrian family-friendly ski village and the biggest of the nine villages that make up the SkiWelt ski area. It has seen significant investment in family and children's facilities, making it a popular choice for beginners. The pistes are served by 90 lifts, including gondolas and chairlifts with heated seats. There are also plenty of off-slope activities, such as ice skating and an aqua-leisure centre.
• Zell am See-Kaprun: This resort is set on the shores of a large freshwater lake and is a contender for the most beautiful resort in Austria. The village has a beautiful old town centred around a Gothic church and is filled with charming boutiques and restaurants. The lift pass offers access to Kaprun, creating one of the largest ski areas in the country, with 400 km of pistes.
• Zürs: Zürs is a quaint resort located near Lech, offering fantastic terrain for skiers of all levels, with 305 kilometres of runs served by 97 lifts. The resort is filled with fantastic spas, great restaurants, and brilliant bars. Zürs also does well in sustainability, relying on its biomass heating system to operate independently of fossil fuels.

What is the best time of year to go skiing in Austria?

The best time of year to go skiing in Austria depends on a few factors, including the snow conditions, temperature, and your personal preferences. Here are some things to consider when planning your ski trip to Austria:

• Snow Conditions: The snow conditions in Austria are generally best during the winter months, specifically from December to April. This is when most ski resorts are open and offer the best skiing experience. However, due to climate change, snowfall in the Alps has been decreasing, with a notable decline after 1980. So, it is essential to check the snow reports and choose resorts at higher elevations to ensure adequate snow cover.
• Temperature: The temperature can vary throughout the ski season in Austria. The coldest months are usually January and February, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. If you prefer milder temperatures, late December, March, and even early April can be good months to visit, as the weather is slightly warmer, and you can enjoy longer days on the slopes.
• Ski Resort Choice: Different ski resorts in Austria may have varying conditions due to their location and elevation. Resorts in the southern regions, such as those in Italy, Slovenia, and parts of the Austrian Alps, are more affected by decreasing snowfall. Opt for resorts at higher altitudes, as they tend to have more reliable snow conditions. Additionally, consider the north-facing slopes, as they receive less direct sunlight and can preserve snow better.
• Personal Preferences: Consider what you want from your ski trip. If you prefer quieter slopes and lower prices, the early or late season (December or April) might be ideal. These months often have fewer tourists, and you can take advantage of cheaper accommodation and ski pass deals. However, if you enjoy a lively atmosphere with plenty of après-ski activities, the peak season (January to March) is probably better. Just remember that this is also the busiest time, so book well in advance.
• School Holidays: If you are travelling with children or want to avoid the busiest periods, take school holiday dates into account. The Christmas and New Year period, as well as February half-term, tend to be the busiest times in Austrian ski resorts. Prices are usually higher during these periods, and the slopes can be more crowded.

In summary, the best time of year to go skiing in Austria depends on your preferences and the specific conditions in a given year. Generally, December to April is the traditional ski season, with the coldest months being January and February. To maximise snow conditions, opt for resorts at higher elevations, especially in the southern regions. If you prefer milder temperatures and quieter slopes, consider late December or early spring for your trip.

What are the best ski goggles to wear in Austria?

Yes, you can go skiing in Austria! The 2024-25 Alpine Skiing World Cup season is taking place in Sölden, Austria, and the biennial world championships will be held in February in Saalbach, Austria.

Now, onto the best ski goggles to wear in Austria.

Smith I/O Mag ChromaPop

The Smith I/O Mag ChromaPop is the best overall ski goggle, according to GearJunkie. It offers excellent clarity, especially in variable and low light conditions, and has a comfortable fit across a range of face sizes and shapes. The goggle lens has a frameless design, which makes it a little less flexible, but it is still very comfortable for all-day wear. The Smith I/O Mag ChromaPop is also available in a small frame size or a low bridge size.

Giro Revolt Goggle

The Giro Revolt Goggle is the best budget ski goggle, according to GearJunkie. It has a durable design that delivers excellent protection and a comfortable fit for small-to-medium faces. The Revolt Goggle comes with two lenses: one for sunny conditions and one for overcast days. However, the lenses are not the quickest to swap out.

Anon M5 Goggles

The Anon M5 Goggles are the best ski goggles for interchangeable lenses, according to GearJunkie. They have a remarkably easy lens swap system and a detachable face mask. The M5 Goggles come with two lenses that cover the full spectrum of lighting conditions. They are, however, a premium product with a top-shelf price tag.

POC Nexal Clarity Goggles

The POC Nexal Clarity Goggles are the best ski goggles for helmet integration, according to GearJunkie. They are designed for speed and have a feature set to match. The outriggers on each side of the frame kick the strap up and out of the way of the helmet's ear pads, ensuring a seamless fit. The Nexal Clarity Goggles also have zygomatic bone covers, which provide extra protection and sun protection.

Dragon NFX Mag OTG

The Dragon NFX Mag OTG are the best ski goggles for wearing over glasses, according to GearJunkie. They have a medium shape that should fit most faces and are versatile with or without a helmet. They also have a triple-layer padding and a cozy fleece outer layer. The Dragon NFX Mag OTG has two lenses: the primary Lumalens Gold Ion lens for bright and partly cloudy conditions, and the Lumalens Amber lens for low light.

Sweet Protection Durden RIG Reflect Goggles

The Sweet Protection Durden RIG Reflect Goggles are the most durable ski goggles, according to GearJunkie. They have a minimal frame, a large field of vision, and exceptional lenses. They also have good ventilation and are well-suited for all-around resort and backcountry use.

Oakley Line Miner Pro Goggle

The Oakley Line Miner Pro Goggle is recommended by Snow Magazine for those seeking a premium ski goggle with a wide field of vision. It has been designed to increase your field of view by up to 20% compared to the original Line Miner. It comes in two sizes: Large and Medium, and includes a second PRIZM lens so you can adapt to all conditions.

Melon Jackson Goggles

Snow Magazine recommends the Melon Jackson Goggles for those seeking the latest Zeiss Sonar lens technology at a fraction of the price. They offer all-round comfort with a mid-sized fit, a 360-degree venting system, and a triple-layer face foam for a close fit.

Dirty Dog Mutant 0.5 Goggles

The Dirty Dog Mutant 0.5 Goggles are recommended by Snow Magazine for those seeking top performance at a fraction of the price. They come with two lenses for low light and bright sun, and a magnetic system for easy lens changes. They have a low-key look and a spherical lens, giving off a park or freeride vibe.

Salomon Radium Pro Sigma Goggles

The Salomon Radium Pro Sigma Goggles are recommended by Snow Magazine for those wanting to make the terrain pop. They have Sigma lens technology, which makes the most of available light, adding contrast so you can see clearly. They also feature a magnetic snap-fit for easy lens changes, a frameless design for a wide field of view, and anti-fog technology.

Sungod Ullrs Goggle

The Sungod Ullrs Goggle is recommended by Snow Magazine for freestyle devotees on a budget. They have a freestyle-inspired look with a cylindrical lens and a compact shape designed to enhance spatial awareness and reduce glare. They are available with the standard lens or, for an extra £50, you can get the tougher and clearer 8KO®SNOW lens.

Anon M5 Goggles

Snow Magazine also recommends the Anon M5 Goggles for those seeking all-round conditions on and off-piste. They have an almost frameless design with an oversized shape, best suited for bigger faces, and a flat toric lens that offers a great field of view and enhanced clarity. They come with Anon's Percieve Lenses for high-contrast vision in any light and have a magnetic lens change system and a magnetic face mask integration.

Smith Proxy Goggle

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What is the cost of skiing in Austria?

The cost of skiing in Austria can vary depending on the ski resort and the type of ski pass purchased. Here is a breakdown of the costs to consider:

Ski Passes

Season passes are often the most cost-effective option if you plan to ski multiple times during the season. These passes offer benefits such as the best lift ticket prices and other advantages. The price of a season pass varies depending on the resort and can be purchased directly from the ski resort.

Daily lift tickets are also available and their prices vary based on dates, age, and the number of days. Early bird lift tickets during the peak ski season and late-season lift tickets often offer the best prices.

Accommodation

The cost of accommodation in Austria can vary depending on the resort and the type of lodging. Renting a chalet can be expensive, so a cost-effective alternative is to opt for a chalet hotel. Self-catering apartments or hotels are also available and can offer more affordable options.

Ski Equipment Rental

Renting ski equipment, such as skis, boots, and poles, can cost several hundred pounds. However, renting equipment at the resort or booking in advance online can help save money.

Travel

Travel costs to and within Austria will also impact the overall cost of your ski trip. Flying mid-week can often result in cheaper flight deals. Additionally, travelling by train or bus to the ski resort from the airport can be a more affordable option than renting a car.

Food and Drinks

The cost of food and drinks in Austria can vary depending on the resort and your personal preferences. A typical budget for food and drinks for six days can range from £110 to £135 per person.

Other Costs

Other costs to consider include ski lessons, which can range from £65 to £110 for a six-day lesson. Additionally, ski clothing and gear such as goggles, helmets, gloves, and thermals will also need to be factored into your budget.

In summary, the cost of skiing in Austria can vary depending on your choices of resorts, accommodation, travel options, and personal spending habits. It is recommended to research the specific resorts and their respective pricing to get a more accurate estimate of the costs involved.

What is the après-ski like in Austria?

Austria is the spiritual home of après-ski. The country is dotted with buzzing bars and clubs, from world-famous venues like the Mooservirt in St. Anton to smaller, intimate spots. No matter which piste you ski down, you're likely to stumble upon a lively bar with music blasting and people dancing on tables. The drinks are flowing, with rounds of Jägerbombs and homemade schnapps being served across the country.

In addition to the classic Austrian après-ski experience, each region has its own unique offerings. Innsbruck, for example, is a great option for those looking to combine skiing with the joys of a city break. The Ski Plus City Pass gives you access to 13 ski areas as well as 22 museums and other attractions in the city. Kitzbühel, on the other hand, is a colourful, 750-year-old town with a charming medieval quarter filled with smart boutiques, swish hotels, and award-winning restaurants. It offers the perfect mix of high-end amenities and rocking après-ski spots.

Zell am See, often considered one of Austria's prettiest ski towns, is nestled beside a large freshwater lake and boasts an atmospheric old quarter centred around a Gothic church. The town comes alive with tempting shops, good restaurants, and lively bars. Neighbouring Kaprun is a pleasant riverside village with plenty of traditional-style buildings and a relaxed atmosphere.

For those looking to liven up their ski holiday, Ischgl is the place to be. Known as the winter entertainment capital of the Austrian Alps, Ischgl offers snowsure slopes and a supercharged après-ski scene with open-air concerts and events. The resort caters to a range of tastes, from budget-conscious travellers to those seeking luxury accommodations and gourmet culinary experiences.

Austria truly embraces the concept of "Gemütlichkeit", a unique philosophy that embodies cosiness, comfort, and homeliness. Whether you're warming up with a hot drink in a cosy mountain hut or basking in the hospitality of a family-run hotel, you'll feel the warmth and friendliness of the Austrian people.

Frequently asked questions