Austrian Ski Resort: A Winter Adventure Guide

Austria's ski resorts offer something for everyone, from cute alpine villages and gently wooded slopes to challenging off-piste itineraries. The country's 435 ski resorts are known for their friendly atmosphere, excellent ski schools, and lively après-ski scene.

Austria's ski areas are also relatively affordable compared to other world-class skiing destinations, with cheaper accommodation, lift passes, and drinks. The resorts are easily accessible, with short transfer times and an efficient, modern lift system.

The country's largest ski areas, such as Arlberg, SkiWelt, Saalbach-Hinterglemm, and Ischgl, offer expansive routes and varied runs for all skill levels. Smaller resorts, like Damüls, Innsbruck, and Zell am See-Kaprun, also provide unique experiences, from abundant snowfall to charming villages and exciting festivals.

With its mix of well-maintained pistes, breathtaking mountains, and vibrant culture, Austria is an excellent choice for skiers and snowboarders of all ages and abilities.

The best ski resorts for beginners

Austria is a beautiful country, rich in mountainous terrain, and has a long tradition of skiing. There are plenty of ski resorts in the Austrian Alps, ready to welcome beginners into the wonderful world of skiing. Here are some of the best ski resorts for beginners:

Niederau

Niederau is probably the most famous beginner-friendly ski resort in Austria. The runs at this resort are best suited to beginners and intermediates. It’s the perfect resort for everyone willing to improve their skills as there is a variety of nursery slopes and beginner areas. It is a good choice for families as there is a generally relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere.

Saalbach-Hinterglemm

Saalbach-Hinterglemm is one of the most beginner-friendly resorts for skiing in Austria. With its wide, gentle slopes and a network of easy-access lifts providing access to the ski circuits of the Skicircus Saalbach-Hinterglemm, it’s the perfect place for first-time skiers to learn the ropes. The nursery slopes are on your doorstep, and once you gain confidence, there’s a whopping 140km of blue runs on the main mountain.

Mayrhofen

Mayrhofen is a world-famous ski resort located in Austria. The resort is renowned for its beginner-friendly slopes, making it the perfect choice for first-time skiers. Mayrhofen offers a variety of ski lessons – ski kindergartens, schools, snow cannons and magic carpets, easing all generations of novices into the world of snow sports.

Schlick 2000

Schlick 2000 doesn’t list any green runs, but they do have about half of their 18.8km of runs rated as blue. Since easier runs tend to be less steep, they are generally longer. This means that a confident beginner will have more than half of the total mountain to enjoy. An excellent feature of this resort is that there are blue runs down from every lift. This is great for free exploring, and you never have to worry about finding yourself on a lofty, windswept peak with no way down.

Steinplatte

In addition to Steinplatte’s dedicated beginners’ area, 18 of their 42 km of skiing area is rated blue. So once you’re confident enough to leave the beginners’ zone, you’ll have a great deal of mountain to enjoy. The resort is known for its flat and wide slopes, and there are great views from runs of all difficulty levels, so your eyes will enjoy the place as much as the rest of you.

Obergurgl

When it comes to the choice and amount of beginner runs, few can rival Obergurgl. With 54% green and another 30% blue-rated runs, of their 112km total, beginners can expect to ski for days or weeks and not run out of new places to explore. The area boasts some excellent scenery, a motorcycle museum, and enjoyable sightseeing and cultural activities.

Kitzbühel

With 215km of slopes, and 39% of these ranked as ‘beginner’ blue, Kitzbühel is one of the best Austrian ski resorts for beginners who have both the endurance and the desire to put a lot of miles under their skis. If you’re a beginner who wants a bit of challenge, this resort is perfect for you. The town itself is lovely, with painted frescoes, medieval buttressed walls, all set against the rugged Wilder Kaiser Mountains.

Kaltenbach

With 33km of its total 102km of pistes rated as green and blue, Kaltenbach is of competitive size among Austrian ski resorts for beginners. They even have a large area dedicated solely to beginners. The resort is family-friendly, with a funpark, children’s area, children’s restaurant and all-day childcare facilities.

Wildkogel

45% of Wildkogel’s 75km of pistes is rated blue, which means beginners who graduate from the learner runs will have a reasonably wide range of runs to choose from. When the slopes have your thighs burning and your cheeks aching from constant grinning, take a break and experience some of the other activities the area has to offer. There are guided winter walks, snowshoeing and wildlife watching – even horse-drawn sleigh rides!

Sölden

Sölden ski resort is a perfect winter vacation spot for beginners. High-altitude, beginner-friendly slopes and runs are snow-sure thanks to two glaciers that make Sölden an almost year-round ski destination. The majority of runs on the mountain are blue, with 74km to explore once you’ve progressed from the nursery slopes.

Lech

Lech ski resort in the Ski Arlberg area consists of gentle slopes and world-class instructors, making it the dream spot for beginners. With its picturesque setting in the Austrian Alps, Lech is also a great choice if you’re just looking to enjoy a winter wonderland. Lech offers a wide range of ski schools, a variety of dedicated nursery slopes and excellent piste prep ready to surpass your expectations.

Ellmau

Ellmau, a quaint, traditional ski village set against the splendour of the Wilder Kaiser Mountains, is a great place for beginners skiing. The well-groomed slopes are not too steep, with plenty of beginner-friendly ski slopes in the village to choose from and little learners will have a whale of a time in Kinderland. Once you have mastered the basics, there are plenty of other activities to keep you entertained at Ellmau ski resort. There is an indoor pool, a spa, charming shops and restaurants and even a nightlife scene.

The best resorts for families

Austria is brimming with family-friendly ski resorts, offering everything from world-class ski schools to enchanting villages and fun off-piste activities. Here are some of the best Austrian ski resorts for families:

SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental, Tirol

One of the largest and most modern ski resorts in the world, SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental is well-suited to families. It features child-safe chairlifts, gentle slopes, and numerous blue runs. There are 22 ski schools for children aged two and above, as well as fun off-piste activities like illuminated toboggan runs and a village of igloos.

Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, Tirol

Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis in Tirol is possibly one of the most child-friendly ski resorts in the world. It offers family-friendly accommodation, 125,000m2 of slopes reserved for children, and a kids' adventure land. There are ski courses for all ages, and lunch is served in dedicated children's restaurants. Other activities include tobogganing, winter hiking, and a website with games and information just for kids.

Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau, Tirol

Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau in Tirol is a paradise for children, featuring the new JUPPI-DO children's area with obstacles, jumping courses, and ski trails. Off the slopes, families can enjoy the "Lauser Sauser" Alpine coaster, igloo-building workshops, and the chance to ride shotgun on a piste basher.

Zell am See-Kaprun, SalzburgerLand

The Schmittenhöhe mountain in Zell am See-Kaprun provides entertainment for the whole family. The resort's mascot, Schmidolin the Dragon, teaches children how to ski, while parents can enjoy the many pistes, including the glacier Kitzsteinhorn. The XXL Fun Slope, snow park, and the world's longest toboggan run in the neighbouring Wildkogel Arena offer additional fun for all ages.

St. Johann in Salzburg

St. Johann in Salzburg caters specifically to families, with 16 specialised family accommodation properties. The "ski in ski out" region offers wide and clearly laid-out slopes, as well as off-piste activities like horse-drawn carriage rides and toboggan runs.

Bad Kleinkirchheim, Carinthia

The laid-back ski resort of Bad Kleinkirchheim in southern Austria offers a range of easy to moderate descents, four ski schools, and a "ski kindergarten" for children aged three and above. Off the slopes, families can enjoy snow-shoe hiking, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and toboggan rides. The region's famed Thermal Römerbad spa also offers a special children's area.

The best resorts for advanced skiers

Austria is a great destination for advanced skiers, with its challenging slopes, world-class steeps, and epic off-piste itineraries. Here are some of the best Austrian ski resorts for advanced skiers:

St. Anton

St. Anton, located in the Arlberg region, is one of the world's most renowned ski resorts, offering some of the most challenging slopes in the Alps. It has hosted numerous skiing competitions, including the World Alpine Ski Championships and Ski World Cups. The surrounding slopes provide incredible diversity, from the steep Valluga to the gentle village slopes around Nasserein. St. Anton is also famous for its lively après-ski scene, with iconic bars like MooserWirt and Krazy Kanguruh.

Lech

Lech, located in the Arlberg region, is known for its peaceful slopes and limited lift tickets during busy periods, ensuring a crowd-free skiing experience. Lech is also home to some of the best pistes and powder in the Zürs ski area. The resort offers a range of fine gourmet eateries and bars, set in a scenic riverside location.

Ischgl

Ischgl, located in the Eastern Alps, boasts one of the livelier après-ski scenes in Europe. The resort offers high, snow-sure slopes and an excellent lift system. The lift-linked Silvretta Arena provides access to a large ski area, and you can also explore neighbouring resorts like Galtür, Kappl, and See with the same lift pass. Ischgl is known for its parties and old-school Austrian après-ski experience.

Kitzbühel

Kitzbühel is a picturesque Tyrolean resort known for the historic Hahnenkamm downhill skiing race, one of the most challenging courses in the World Cup. The resort offers a varied terrain, catering to both advanced skiers and intermediates. The village has a beautiful old-world charm, with a mix of high-end hotels, restaurants, and late-night dive bars. Kitzbühel has invested in a high-speed, modern lift system, ensuring efficient access to the slopes.

Mayrhofen

Mayrhofen is a popular resort that hosts one of Europe's biggest snowboarding music festivals, Snowbombing. It offers challenging terrain for advanced skiers, including the famous Harakiri run, which claims to be Austria's steepest slope with a gradient of up to 78%. Mayrhofen also provides access to the snow-sure Hintertux glacier and an extensive network of slopes.

Saalbach-Hinterglemm

Saalbach-Hinterglemm is one of the largest ski resorts in Austria, offering 270km of pistes. It caters to intermediates and advanced skiers, with challenging terrain on the north-facing side of the ski area. The Nordabfahr piste, a black run with panoramic views, is a highlight for advanced skiers. Saalbach also has a vibrant après-ski scene, with unique bars like the medieval-themed Zum Turm and the goat-themed Goaßstall.

The best resorts for a luxury experience

Austria is a great destination for a luxury ski trip, with its mix of high-end hotels, gourmet eateries, and challenging ski runs. Here are some of the best Austrian ski resorts for a luxury experience:

Lech

Lech is a ski resort tucked away in the Arlberg region of Austria. It is known for its luxurious accommodations, gourmet restaurants, and tranquil atmosphere. The resort offers access to some of the best pistes and powder in the Zürs ski area. Lech also has the distinction of being home to the world's longest ski race and the first-ever ski school. The Flexbahn Gondola connects Lech to the vast Ski Arlberg area, offering a network of pistes that rivals the best in Austrian skiing. 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 over 200km of marked, unpisted backcountry ski routes.

Ischgl

Ischgl is a high-altitude resort in the Eastern Alps, known for its lively après-ski scene and excellent ski infrastructure. The resort has one of the liveliest après-ski scenes in Europe and is famous for its oompah folk music. The lift-linked Silvretta Arena offers a large ski area, and with a single lift pass, you can also access three neighbouring resorts: Galtür, Kappl, and See. Ischgl is also known for its spectacular spas, including the Silvretta Spa, a mecca for alpine-themed wellness.

Kitzbühel

Kitzbühel is a historic Tyrolean resort known for its exclusive luxury accommodations and world-class skiing. It is home to 233km of pistes and the world's longest ski circuit, the KitzSkiWelt Tour. Kitzbühel offers a range of accommodation options, from high-end hotels to more affordable choices. The resort is famous for its Hahnenkamm downhill skiing race, one of the most challenging courses on the World Cup calendar. The village has a beautiful old-world charm, with a mix of swanky boutiques, luxurious hotels, and excellent restaurants.

St. Anton

St. Anton is a world-renowned ski resort located in the Arlberg region. It offers some of the most challenging slopes in the Alps and has hosted numerous skiing competitions. The resort has a car-free centre and a lively atmosphere, with bustling activity throughout the day and night. St. Anton is part of the Ski Arlberg area, providing access to over 125 miles of interconnected routes. It is known for its challenging slopes, such as the Run of Fame circuit and the off-piste trails from the summit of Mount Valluga. The resort also boasts a vibrant après-ski scene, with MooserWirt rumoured to sell the most beer in all of Austria.

Obergurgl

Obergurgl, along with its twin sister Hochgurgl, forms one of Austria's most snow-sure resorts. The village is located at a high altitude, with Obergurgl sitting at 1,930 metres, and the lifts reaching above 3,000 metres. The resort offers a high-tech snow generation system, ensuring excellent snow coverage. Obergurgl is known for its luxurious accommodations and vibrant après-ski scene. It is a great choice for those seeking a combination of challenging ski runs and lively nightlife.

The best resorts for a budget-friendly experience

While there are no ski resorts in Austria that are considered "cheap", the country does offer lower prices for most elements of a ski holiday when compared to France or Switzerland.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a great option for a low-cost ski holiday. The capital city of Tirol is easy to reach, and accommodation is very reasonably priced for the quality when compared to other ski resorts or cities. This is because Innsbruck sees much more business during the summer than winter, so accommodation providers cut prices to attract visitors.

Innsbruck has a large student population, so there are plenty of inexpensive dining and après-ski options. The lift pass is also a great deal, granting access to 13 ski areas around the city, transport to them, and access to attractions, tours, and swimming pools.

Zell am See

Zell am See is packed with restaurants, shops, and accommodation, including small 3-star hotels and self-catered apartments within easy reach of the centre and slopes. While the gourmet dining scene is huge, you’ll find plenty of cheap eats for simple comfort food. When it comes to buying food, supermarkets like Lidl keep prices low. You won’t need to break the bank for après-ski either, with cocktails going for €4.50 during Happy Hour at Green’s Bar.

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 ski area at 280km. If you’re not interested in gourmet food, there’s plenty of hearty, no-frills food closer to home – like Tutti’s, where pizzas start from €7. While this is a small resort, it’s by no means sleepy – with après-ski that’s less Perrier-sipping, more pitcher-swinging.

Mayrhofen

Mayrhofen has a lot of scope to ski on a shoestring. There’s a lovely bundle of self-catered apartments, where homemade meals and packed lunches will stretch the budget further. There are also some great Snow Homes – no-frills crash pads, where breakfasts and suppers are provided in a local restaurant. For lunches, Gasser’s do hearty meat sandwiches for around €5. Bruggerstube is also super value for supper, where 3 courses of Austrian fare can be had for under €15.

Schladming

One of Austria’s leading resorts, Schladming, is certainly one of the more inexpensive, with comparatively low-cost ski passes for extensive, world-class terrain. Its position down in the south of the country close to the Italian border and its large year-round population also seems to have a dampening effect on prices in restaurants and bars as well as for ski schools and rentals.

Kitzbühel

For one of the world’s most famous resorts, it’s possible to have a surprisingly low-cost ski holiday in Kitzbühel. The town is a year-round destination of considerable size compared to many resorts. It also has other small towns nearby, so the competition between shops, restaurants, and bars is quite intense, which seems to have a dampening effect on prices in the resort.

Ski Lift Breitenfurt

Ski Lift Breitenfurt is currently the most affordable ski area in Austria.

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