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Austria is one of the world's top winter destinations, offering a wide range of ski resorts to suit all tastes and abilities. From the snow-sure slopes of Sölden, with its glacier skiing and lively après-ski scene, to the quieter, snow-kiting and airboarding of Tirol, there is something for everyone. The Arlberg ski area is another excellent choice, with its reputation as one of the snowiest destinations in Europe and a great range of runs for all abilities. For those seeking a more relaxed ski trip, January is the perfect time to visit, while February is peak season, with families from around the world heading to the slopes. With pristine pistes, world-class ski schools, and optimal snow conditions, Austria has something for everyone, whether you're an experienced skier or a beginner.
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What You'll Learn
Best times of year to go skiing in Austria
Austria is one of the best places in the world to hit the slopes, with its towering peaks, picturesque mountain villages, and thriving après-ski scene. Its resorts consistently make it onto lists of the top locations to ski on the continent. You can even ski year-round in Austria, thanks to its glaciers. However, not all months are equal. At certain times, prices rocket, and there are huge crowds. At other times, snow cover at lower elevations is patchy.
To avoid these issues, the best time to go skiing in Austria is mid-January. This time of year combines the best snow conditions across many resorts with lower prices and fewer crowds than during other periods. During this month, there should be snow cover all over the country's resorts, even at lower elevations. Skiers who hit the slopes at the beginning of the season in early December or later in March and April often have to head to higher-elevation resorts for good powder.
Christmas and New Year in Austrian ski resorts are fantastic, with their traditional alpine charm and classic festive activities. Austrian cuisine is fantastic at this time of year, with plenty of glühwein and alpine dishes available. Skiing in Austria in December is an exciting time of the year. Obergurgl is a brilliant choice in December because it has a great mixture of accommodation near the slopes.
If you want to go somewhere quiet and family-friendly, try the village of Ellmau, about an hour's drive from Innsbruck. Ellmau is an excellent place for beginners and offers great slopes for intermediate skiers. However, Ellmau is part of the larger SkiWelt area, where you can find more advanced slopes and a party atmosphere.
Mayrhofen is an ideal choice in March, with its high-altitude slopes (up to 3,250m). Before the ski season draws to a close, skiing in Austria in April is a great option. There are some great ski resorts to enjoy the sun and the last snow of the season. Sölden is one of the highest-altitude ski resorts in Austria and has glacier skiing, so even in April, ski conditions are great and most runs are still open. The ski resort has a reputation for having the longest season in Austria, so this bodes well for April skiing.
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Top ski resorts in Austria
Austria is known for its excellent ski resorts, with 435 across the country. The resorts are big, snow-sure, and well-groomed, with world-class ski schools, optimal snow conditions, and pristine pistes. They are also relatively cheap compared to other world-class skiing destinations.
Arlberg
Arlberg is the biggest ski area in Austria and the birthplace of skiing. It comprises 305km of maintained pistes and some of the best off-piste skiing in the world. The area includes the infamous St. Anton, known for its après scene and challenging ski terrain.
KitzSki – Kitzbühel/Kirchberg
KitzSki – Kitzbühel/Kirchberg is the best-rated ski resort in Austria, with 4.9 out of 5 stars. It offers 179km of groomed pistes and is widely known for the notorious Hahnenkamm Downhill course.
Damüls
Damüls is a charming, traditional Austrian village sitting at 1,400m above sea level. Despite its low altitude, it is one of the snowiest places in the Alps, receiving an average of 9.39m of snow each winter. The ski area offers 80km of pistes served by 21 lifts, with options for all ability levels.
Ischgl
Ischgl is one of the largest ski resorts in Austria, with a lively atmosphere. It offers a range of attractions, from the Schatzi Ice Bar to the Pacha nightclub, and hosts several well-known ski festivals.
Zell am See-Kaprun
Zell am See-Kaprun is a hidden gem, offering a cute alpine village experience with gently wooded slopes. It is ideal for beginners, with wide pistes and a friendly atmosphere.
Lech
Lech is known as one of the best ski resorts in Austria and is home to the world's first ski school and the longest ski race. The resort limits the number of lift tickets sold to preserve its peaceful slopes and offers a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly apartments to luxurious five-star spa hotels.
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How to get to the ski resorts
Austria is well-connected by rail, with several ski resorts accessible by train. The Tyrol-Salzburg connection runs through the mountains, linking ski resorts such as Kitzbühel, Kirchberg, St. Johann in Tirol, Fieberbrunn, Saalbach, and Hinterglemm. Seefeld is another resort on a direct rail line between Munich and Innsbruck, making it convenient for those arriving by air. The Ziller valley railway provides access to Mayrhofen train station, which is within walking distance of a main ski lift.
For those flying to Salzburg or Innsbruck airports, there are numerous ski resorts to choose from. Seefeld, for example, is known for its cross-country tracks and alpine skiing, and is just one hour from Salzburg airport. The resort of Kühtai is also one of the highest in Austria and is a short transfer from Innsbruck airport.
If you're looking to ski in two countries in one day, you can access the Swiss resort of Samnaun from Austria via a double-decker gondola. The Oberstdorf-Kleinwalsertal ski area is situated between Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, and Austria, and is accessible by car from Germany.
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What to do when you're not skiing
Skiing in Austria is an exhilarating experience. However, there is much more to do besides skiing. Here are some activities to indulge in when you are not skiing:
Snowshoe walks
Explore the quiet, snowy forests of Austria on a peaceful snowshoe walk. These walks offer a chance to immerse yourself in nature and discover breathtaking views.
Tobogganing
Austria offers thrilling toboggan runs on curvy tracks, perfect for both adults and children. Enjoy the adrenaline rush as you speed down the slopes, taking in the stunning surroundings.
Cross-country skiing
Cross-country skiing is an excellent way to explore the serene valleys and open fields of Austria. It allows you to appreciate the country's natural beauty and breathe in the fresh mountain air.
Animal-drawn sleigh rides
Experience the romance of a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the picturesque countryside. Alternatively, opt for a dogsledding adventure, where a team of energetic dogs pulls you through the snow-covered landscapes.
Ice skating
Glide across the ice and create unforgettable memories with friends or family. Whether you choose to skate in the city or on a frozen lake, ice skating in Austria is a magical experience.
Explore ski huts
After a day on the slopes, unwind at the cosy ski huts. Savour traditional dishes and warm drinks while admiring the unique architecture, blending rustic charm with modern twists.
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What to do after a day of skiing
After a day of skiing, you might be ready for some rest and relaxation. Many of Austria's ski huts offer cosy parlours or wooden tables on sun terraces where you can settle in and refuel. Each alpine hut has its own unique architecture, blending the old with the new.
If you're not quite ready to call it a day, you could try some night skiing under the floodlights or take a torchlit hike to help you ground yourself and focus on the moment. Alternatively, you could try some cross-country skiing through calm valleys and open fields, or take a peaceful snowshoe walk through quiet, snowy forests.
If you're looking for a more relaxed activity, you could try a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the countryside or, if you're after something more action-packed, a dogsledding adventure. You could also try ice skating on a frozen lake or take a cable car ride up to a mountain café.
For those who still have energy to burn, there's snowkiting, airboarding, snow tubing, and snow skiing in Tirol, or you could try tobogganing on one of the many sledding tracks.
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Frequently asked questions
The best time to go skiing in Austria depends on what you're looking for. December is an exciting time to ski in Austria, with Christmas markets, traditional alpine charm, and classic 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 if you want quieter slopes, as ski resorts start to wind down. April is a great month to ski in Austria if you want to enjoy the sun and the last of the snow.
Austria has many ski resorts to choose from, including Obergurgl, Sölden, Lech, Ischgl, Obertauern, St. Anton am Arlberg, Kitzbühel, Mayrhofen, and Hintertux Glacier.
Besides skiing, there are plenty of other winter activities to enjoy in Austria. These include snowshoe walks, toboggan runs, cross-country skiing, ice skating, and sleigh rides. There are also Christmas markets, luxury accommodations, and delicious food and drinks to enjoy.
To plan a ski trip to Austria, you should first decide on a destination and research the different ski resorts and their offerings. You can also book accommodations and purchase ski passes in advance. If you're bringing your own skis or snowboard, you may want to look into shipping them to Austria instead of carrying them with you. Finally, make sure to check the latest COVID-related regulations and guidelines for your intended destination.
