Spring Skiing In Austria: Is It Possible In April?

Austria is home to several ski resorts that offer late-season skiing, with some remaining open until April or even May. These include Obergurgl, Sölden, Lech, Ischgl, Obertaun, Kaprun, Hintertux, St. Anton, and Obertaun. The snow conditions in these resorts can vary, with some offering more reliable snow cover than others during the spring months. Some resorts are known for their lively après-ski scenes, while others cater to specific skill levels, such as beginners or intermediates. When planning a late-season ski trip to Austria, it is worth considering factors such as snow conditions, elevation, and the length of the ski season, as well as personal preferences for the atmosphere and amenities offered by different resorts.

Obergurgl: Non-glacier resort with skiing until late April

Obergurgl is a non-glacier ski resort located at the end of the Ötztal Valley in Tirol, surrounded by snow-covered 300-metre-high peaks. The resort is known for its long ski season, with snow guaranteed from November until late April. In fact, it is widely considered the most reliable entirely non-glacial resort in the Alps for spring skiing.

The resort offers 112 km of pistes, exciting terrain for freeriders of all levels, and 12 km of cleared, signposted winter hiking trails. With a top height of over 3000 metres, Obergurgl delivers excellent snow cover at all levels, and good snow quality, particularly in the high bowls above Hochgurgl.

In a typical year, skiers can expect excellent conditions right through to the end of the season. For example, in 2007, which was one of the poorest snow years ever recorded in the Alps, it was still possible to ski back to the resort in late April.

Obergurgl is best suited to beginners and intermediates. The resort is also known for its first-class hotels and dream-like mountain panoramas.

If you're looking for a non-glacier resort with late-season skiing in Austria, Obergurgl is an excellent choice.

Sölden: Glacier resort with summer skiing

Sölden is one of the main glacier resorts in the Tyrol region of Austria. It offers summer skiing later in the year, with two glaciers that guarantee extensive areas of good snow, even in poor snow years. The resort takes pride in being livelier than its neighbour Obergurgl, with its two-day Electric Mountain Festival from April 7-8. The final winter date is April 24, after which the resort switches into spring season mode with a reduced ski area (glacier only) and tickets available until May 8.

Sölden's two glaciers are its biggest draw, providing a large area of good snow, even in poor snow years. There is also plenty of high non-glacial skiing, making Sölden an excellent choice for late-season trips. The resort is best suited to intermediate skiers, and there are lifts available to get you back down to the base if you don't fancy skiing the slushy runs home.

The resort is located at an altitude of just under 2000 metres, which helps it to open early and close late. It is also close to the Stubai Glacier ski area, which offers year-round skiing on some of the highest slopes in the country.

If you're looking for a late-season ski trip to Austria, Sölden is a great option with its reliable snow and lively atmosphere.

Lech: Non-glacier resort with restricted lifts in April

Lech, a small village in the Vorarlberg region of Austria, is a popular ski resort. It is known for its exclusive and luxurious offerings, attracting royalty, business leaders, sports stars, and film producers. Lech is situated at 1,444 metres above sea level and offers altitudes of over 2,000 metres for skiing. The resort typically opens in early December and closes in late April, with a restricted number of lifts operating from mid-April.

Lech is part of the Arlberg ski area, which includes neighbouring resorts such as Zürs, St. Anton, Warth, and Schröcken. The entire Arlberg ski region boasts 305 kilometres of runs, making it the biggest ski area in Austria. Lech itself has a local ski area with plenty of interesting runs, and recent investments in infrastructure have improved connectivity within the broader region.

The resort is known for its careful development and attention to maintaining its charm. Lech offers a mix of luxury hotels and family-run accommodations to suit different budgets. The village has a cool, contemporary vibe, and its bars buzz with a lively atmosphere.

Lech is an excellent choice for intermediate skiers, with a variety of groomed pistes and challenging bump runs or ski routes. It also offers good nursery slopes for beginners and young children, making it suitable for families. Advanced skiers can explore off-piste skiing and heli-skiing options. The resort is also a great choice for snowboarders, with facilities including an 80-metre half-pipe, a fun park, and a boarder-cross course.

The 'My Lech Card' provides access to cable cars, blue village buses, museums, public pools, and activity centres, as well as themed hikes and excursions. Lech is typically accessible by car via the Flexen Pass at Zürs during the winter months. However, heavy snowfall can make the journey more challenging.

Ischgl: Extensive skiing above 2000m with reliable snow cover

Ischgl is part of one of the biggest interconnected ski areas in Tirol. The ski area offers 239 km (148 mi) of pistes, more than 70 km (43 mi) of cross-country trails, and more than 60 km (37 mi) of winter hiking trails in the Paznaun. The season here usually starts in late November and ends in early May.

Don’t be put off by Ischgl’s modest resort height, or the lack of a glacier. Most of your day will be spent above the mid-stations, and Ischgl has by far the greatest extent of skiing above 2000m in Austria. This means super-reliable snow cover right through until closing time in early May.

What’s more, you don’t have to negotiate the runs home (which do get very slushy in spring) if you don’t fancy it—there are no less than three efficient lifts ready to whisk you back to base.

Ischgl usually gets a superstar “name” to round off the season for its Top Of The Mountain Concert near the end of April. Whether or not the concert can take place will be decided closer to the end of the season, but the official end of skiing is scheduled for May 1st.

Hintertux: One of Europe's largest glaciers with year-round skiing

Hintertux is one of the largest glaciers in Europe, located in the Ziller Valley in Austria. With its high-altitude location and one of the most varied glaciers, Hintertux offers year-round skiing with guaranteed snow even in late spring. The ski area boasts one of Europe's largest glaciers, providing a vast and diverse range of slopes for skiers and snowboarders alike.

The Hintertux Glacier is a snow-sure destination, offering perfectly groomed runs 365 days a year. The resort provides access to 203 kilometres of slopes in the Ski- and Glacier World Zillertal 3000 with just one ski pass. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, Hintertux has something for everyone, with up to 20 kilometres of summer skiing available during the warmer months.

The glacier is situated at an altitude of up to 3,250 metres, ensuring excellent snow conditions throughout the year. The high elevation also means that skiers can enjoy stunning natural scenery while they hit the slopes. And it's not just about the skiing; Hintertux also offers great food and a range of other activities to enjoy when you're not on the slopes.

Hintertux is a great choice for late-season skiing, with reliable snow cover and a wide range of runs to choose from. The nearby resort of Mayrhofen also offers plenty of snow-sure slopes, making the area an excellent destination for a late-season ski trip. So if you're looking for a place to ski in April or even later in the year, Hintertux is a perfect choice with its year-round skiing and stunning natural surroundings.

With its impressive glacier, stunning scenery, and reliable snow conditions, Hintertux is a top choice for skiers looking to hit the slopes in April or any time of the year. So if you're planning a late-season ski trip, be sure to consider this Austrian gem!

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