Lyla Lindsey
Austria is one of the world's top winter destinations, offering a wide variety of ski resorts, slopes, and experiences. With pristine pistes, world-class ski schools, and optimal snow conditions, Austria is a great choice for a day of skiing. The ski season in Austria typically runs from December to April, with some resorts offering summer skiing later in the year. The best time to go for a quieter experience is in January, while February is the busiest month for families. Mayrhofen is an ideal choice in March, with high-altitude slopes, and Sölden is a great option in April, with one of the longest seasons in Austria. In addition to skiing, Austria offers other winter activities such as snowshoe walks, toboggan runs, cross-country skiing, and ice skating. The country is also known for its cosy ski huts, delicious cuisine, and festive activities during the Christmas season.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best time to go skiing in Austria | December to April |
| Top ski resorts in Austria | Obergurgl, Sölden, St. Anton am Arlberg, Kitzbühel, Mayrhofen, Lech-Zürs am Arlberg, Arlberg ski area, Ischgl, Obertauern, Stubai glacier ski area |
| Cost of ski pass | $50 USD for an adult weekday ski pass |
| Cost of shipping ski equipment | $199.99 USD for outbound and $239.99 USD for the return of a small ski bag (under 25 lbs.) from the U.S. to Austria |
| Other activities | Tobogganing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, snowshoe hiking, sleigh rides, dogsledding, snowkiting, airboarding, snow tubing, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Best times of year to go skiing in Austria
Austria is known for its excellent ski resorts, with over 400 resorts to choose from, offering everything from gentle blues for beginners to challenging black runs for experienced skiers. The best time to go skiing in Austria depends on what you want from your trip.
If you want to be able to ski everywhere in the country, then January is the best month to go. During this month, there should be snow cover across all of the country's resorts, even at lower elevations. It's also a great time to avoid the worst of the crowds, as the holiday period from December to early January and February tend to be busier, with higher prices.
For those looking for a quieter experience, April is a good option. The snow goes softer much quicker at this time of year, but the higher elevations maintain good piste conditions. Sölden, one of the highest-altitude ski resorts in Austria, is a good choice for April skiing as it has glacier skiing and most runs are still open.
If you're an advanced skier looking for high-altitude slopes, March is a good time to visit. The slopes in Mayrhofen, which go up to 3,250m, are ideal for this time of year. You can access 204km of slopes with a full lift pass in the heart of the Zillertal ski area, as well as nearby ski resorts like Fügen, Kaltenbach, Zell am Ziller and the Hintertux Glacier.
For those wanting to experience the Christmas atmosphere, December is a great time to visit. The ski resort villages have traditional alpine charm, and there are classic festive activities and cuisine, such as glühwein and alpine dishes. Obergurgl is a good choice for December as it has a great mixture of accommodation near the slopes.
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How to get to the slopes
Austria is one of the world's top winter destinations, offering a wide range of ski resorts to choose from. When planning a ski trip to Austria, it is important to consider the time of year and the type of experience you are looking for.
If you are looking for a quiet slope experience, consider visiting during off-peak times such as early or late in the season. For example, skiing in January is a quieter time to enjoy the mountains, and the Arlberg ski area is an excellent choice for this month. On the other hand, February is considered the peak season for families, so it may be busier and more lively.
When it comes to specific resorts, there are several options to consider. St. Anton am Arlberg is a highly-regarded resort, consistently voted one of the best in Europe, offering almost 200 miles of ski runs and state-of-the-art lifts. Kitzbühel is another impressive resort, with 145 miles of skiable terrain and over 50 modern lifts, making it a great option for beginners.
If you are looking for high-altitude slopes, Mayrhofen is an ideal choice, with slopes reaching up to 3,250 meters. Sölden is another high-altitude resort, offering glacier skiing and a lively atmosphere with end-of-season music events.
For late-season skiing, consider resorts like Lech, which typically stays open until mid-April, or Obergurgl, which often remains open until late April.
When planning your trip, keep in mind the cost of shipping your ski equipment and the availability of accommodations near the slopes. It is recommended to contact your intended destination to stay informed about any COVID-related regulations that may be in place.
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Where to stay
When it comes to where to stay on your ski trip to Austria, there are plenty of options to choose from. The country is known for its excellent ski resorts, with a variety of accommodation options available.
If you're looking for a quiet and traditional experience, the ski resort villages are a great choice. Here, you can find classic alpine-style accommodation and enjoy the festive atmosphere during the Christmas and New Year period. The food during this time of year is also fantastic, with plenty of glühwein and alpine dishes on offer.
For those seeking a more luxurious experience, the Arlberg ski area offers luxury ski accommodation with links to several other ski resorts, including St. Anton, Lech, St Christoph, Stuben, Warth-Schröcken, and Zürs. Lech-Zürs am Arlberg is a luxury resort that is the largest contiguous ski resort in Austria and the fifth largest in the world. It offers perfectly groomed slopes, award-winning cuisine, and charming souvenir shops.
If you're an experienced skier looking for a challenge, St. Anton am Arlberg is the birthplace of alpine skiing and has almost 200 miles of ski runs, along with another 125 miles of off-piste challenges. The resort also boasts state-of-the-art lifts and modern infrastructure, as well as stunning accommodation and a vibrant après-ski scene.
For late-season skiing, Sölden is one of the highest-altitude ski resorts in Austria and offers glacier skiing. It has a reputation for having the longest season in the country, so it's a great choice for April skiing. Obergurgl is another resort that stays open later in the season, usually until late April.
If you're looking for a family-friendly option, Kitzbühel is a great choice. It played a major role in the invention of skiing and offers 145 miles of skiable terrain accessible by more than 50 modern lifts. The area also has a wide variety of terrain, including an on-site ski school, making it perfect for beginners.
When planning your trip, it's important to consider the time of year. December and January are quieter months to enjoy the mountains, while February is peak season with families from around the world flocking to the resorts. March is also a great time for skiing, as the days are longer and the snow conditions are still good before the resorts start to wind down in April.
No matter what your preferences are, Austria has a ski resort that will suit your needs. With its deep powder, extra-long seasons, and unrivalled après-ski options, you're sure to have a memorable ski trip.
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What to do off the slopes
There is plenty to do off the slopes in Austria, from adrenaline-pumping activities to more relaxed pursuits.
For those who want to stay active, there are numerous options. Snowshoeing is a great way to explore the snowy forests and take in the amazing views. You can also try cross-country skiing, which allows you to soak in the stunning scenery of Austria's snow-covered mountains and valleys. If you're feeling adventurous, Tyrol offers fast-paced fun sports like snowkiting, airboarding, and snow tubing. Or, if you're looking for a unique way to get down the mountain, try tobogganing on curvy tracks, which is fun for both kids and adults.
For a more relaxed experience, take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the countryside or try ice skating on a frozen lake. You can also visit the spa and winter sports resort of Bad Gastein in SalzburgerLand, famous for its Belle Époque hotels and villas built into the steep, wooded hillsides. The town's landmark waterfall cascades down into the resort, and the mineral-rich spring water is said to have holistic benefits.
Austria also offers the opportunity to explore its many winter hiking trails. In the Pinzgau Valley in Salzburgerland, you'll find the 380-metre-high Krimmler Wasserfälle, Europe's tallest waterfall. The Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Hohe Tauern National Park is another spectacular drive through the Austrian Alps. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, try paragliding in the Zillertal or whitewater rafting on the Inn and Sanna rivers in the summer.
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Austria's top ski resorts
Austria is known for its excellent ski resorts, with 435 ski resorts across the country. It is a land of cute alpine villages, gently wooded slopes, and super-friendly bar staff. Beginners can learn in a supportive environment, intermediates can ski all day on wide pistes, and experts can enjoy some of Europe's most impressive off-piste itineraries.
Austria's ski resorts are as big, snow-sure, and well-groomed as any in France or Switzerland, but almost everything is less expensive. Resorts offer short transfer times, family-friendly options, and some of the best beginner-friendly resorts in Europe.
One of the best-known resorts is St. Anton, which has a reputation as one of the best ski resorts in Austria. It offers easily accessible slopes for all abilities, great nightlife, and world-famous après-ski venues like the Mooservirt.
Zell am See-Kaprun is another highly-rated ski resort in Austria, offering hidden gems beyond the more famous mega-resorts. Damüls is also a great option, sitting on the western edge of the Vorarlberg in the foothills of the Alps. Despite its low altitude, it is one of the snowiest places in the Alps, with plenty of options for all abilities.
Other recommended resorts include Obertauern, Ischgl, Arlberg, Solden, Mayrhofen, and Saalbach. Saalbach is known for its low altitude, which can sometimes result in a lack of snow.
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Frequently asked questions
The best time to go skiing in Austria depends on what you are looking for. December is an exciting time to ski in Austria, with Christmas markets, traditional alpine charm, and festive activities. January is a quieter time to ski, with fewer people on the slopes. February is peak time, with families from around the world heading to Austrian ski resorts. March is a good time to ski as the days are longer and the ski resorts are winding down. April is a great month to catch the sun and the last of the snow before the season ends.
Some of the best ski resorts in Austria include Obergurgl, Sölden, St. Anton am Arlberg, Kitzbühel, Lech-Zürs am Arlberg, and Mayrhofen.
Besides skiing, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy at Austrian ski resorts. These include snowshoe walks, toboggan runs, cross-country skiing, ice skating, and sleigh rides. Many resorts also offer cosy ski huts with delicious food and stunning views.
If you are travelling from the US, you can ship your ski or snowboard equipment to Austria. The cost of shipping a small ski bag (under 25 lbs.) is $199.99 USD one way and $239.99 USD return. Alternatively, you can rent ski equipment when you arrive in Austria.
