A Day On The Slopes: Skiing In Austria

Austria is a winter wonderland, with its mix of beginner slopes, black runs and mountainside culture, offering something for everyone — from fun-seeking families to hardcore off-pisters. The country is known for its cute alpine villages, gently wooded slopes and friendly hospitality.

Austria's ski resorts offer a wide range of slopes for beginners and advanced skiers, with well-maintained pistes, breathtaking mountains, and modern cable cars. The country's largest ski resorts offer varied slopes and fun parks, ensuring unforgettable ski days and sporty challenges.

If you're looking for a day of skiing in Austria, you can choose from a variety of resorts, including mega-resorts like St. Anton, or hidden gems like Zell am See-Kaprun.

Choosing a ski resort

When choosing a ski resort in Austria, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to select a resort with good snow reliability, especially if you are planning to ski during the early or late season. Resorts located at higher altitudes, such as those above 2000 meters, tend to have better snow conditions and offer more confidence in snow quality during the off-peak season. This is advantageous if you are seeking fewer crowds or better value deals.

Another consideration is the ski area and the variety of slopes available. Austria boasts an extensive selection of large ski resorts, including St. Anton, Saalbach, and SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental, which offer a vast network of pistes catering to different skill levels. These resorts provide an array of well-groomed pistes, off-piste opportunities, and fun parks, ensuring challenging and memorable ski experiences.

Additionally, you may want to consider the accessibility and transportation options when choosing a ski resort. Some resorts, like St. Anton, are easily reachable by flying into nearby cities and taking a train or bus. It is also worth noting that some resorts are known for their vibrant après-ski scenes, with bustling towns offering a variety of bars, restaurants, and cultural attractions. These resorts, such as Ischgl and St. Anton, provide a combination of skiing and lively nightlife.

Lastly, if you are travelling with family, it is essential to choose a family-friendly resort. Resorts like Brandnertal, Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau, and St. Johann in Tirol offer family-oriented activities, beginner-friendly slopes, and amenities specifically catered to families with children.

By considering factors such as snow reliability, ski area, accessibility, après-ski options, and family-friendliness, you can make an informed decision when choosing a ski resort in Austria that aligns with your preferences and requirements.

Getting to Austria

Austria is well-connected to the rest of the world, with several international airports and a comprehensive rail network. The best way to get to Austria depends on your starting point and preferred mode of transportation. Here are some common options for getting to Austria:

• By Air: Austria has several international airports, including Vienna International Airport (VIE), Innsbruck Airport (INN), and Salzburg Airport (SZG). Many major airlines offer direct flights to these airports from various European cities, as well as from North America, Asia, and other parts of the world.
• By Train: Austria is easily accessible by train from many European countries. The country has an extensive rail network, with high-speed trains connecting major cities. You can take direct trains to Austria from Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and other neighbouring countries.
• By Bus: Long-distance buses are a cost-effective way to travel to Austria from neighbouring countries. Eurolines, Flixbus, and other bus companies offer regular services to Austria from various European cities.
• By Car: If you prefer road travel, you can drive to Austria from neighbouring countries via well-maintained highways and border crossings. However, keep in mind that you may need to purchase a toll sticker ("Vignette") for driving on Austrian highways.
• By Boat: Although less common, you can also get to Austria by boat via the Danube River, which flows through several European countries, including Austria. River cruise ships and cargo ships operate along this route, offering a unique way to travel to the country.

When planning your trip to Austria, consider the proximity of your chosen ski resort to the arrival destination. Some resorts, such as Innsbruck, are easily accessible from the airport, while others may require additional travel by train, bus, or car. Additionally, check the availability of transfers from the airport or train station to your resort, as some ski areas provide shuttle services for added convenience.

What to do off the slopes

Austria is a winter wonderland, offering a wide range of activities beyond its ski slopes. Here are some ideas for things to do off the slopes when you're spending a day in Austria:

Explore the Cities

Austria's cities offer a unique blend of culture, history, and winter fun. Innsbruck, known as the "capital of the Alps", combines the charm of a city break with easy access to ski resorts. The Ski Plus City Pass gives you access to 13 ski areas and 22 city attractions, including museums, pools, and public transport. Wander through the historic old town of Innsbruck, admire the Gothic church in Zell am See, or indulge in the high-end restaurants and boutiques of Kitzbühel.

Adventure Activities

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, try tobogganing in the Wildkogel Arena, with a 14-kilometre natural toboggan run illuminated by floodlights. If you're feeling daring, take a plunge into frozen lakes with ice bathing at Millstätter Lake. For a unique ski experience, explore the evening ski tour in Gargellen, ascending the Schafberg plateau with touring skis and descending by the light of your headlamp.

Relax and Unwind

Austria also offers plenty of opportunities for relaxation and wellness. Visit Bad Gastein, a spa and winter sports resort renowned for its Belle Époque architecture and thermal water. Unwind in the sauna or soak in thermal pools while surrounded by snowy landscapes. For a more active form of relaxation, try alpaca hiking in Seefeld, where you can walk alongside friendly alpacas in a picturesque natural setting.

Immerse Yourself in Nature

Austria's natural wonders provide the perfect backdrop for outdoor activities. Go snowshoeing in the Rauris Valley, located within the Hohe Tauern National Park, and experience the tranquility of snow-covered forests. Skate on the thick natural ice of Lake Weissensee, one of Europe's largest natural ice surfaces. Take a peaceful horse-drawn sleigh ride through SalzburgerLand or explore the winter hiking trails in the Pillersee Valley, surrounded by snowy forests and mountains.

Where to stay

Austria is home to a wide range of ski resorts, from large, well-known resorts to smaller, hidden gems. Here are some options for where to stay when planning your ski day in Austria:

• St. Anton: Located in the Arlberg region, St. Anton is one of the world's most renowned ski resorts. It offers challenging slopes and a vibrant après-ski scene. The village has a car-free centre and is surrounded by diverse terrain, including steep slopes and gentle village runs.
• Lech: Tucked away in the Arlberg region, Lech is a charming mountain village that has evolved into an international winter sports resort. It offers world-class skiing and a quaint alpine atmosphere. With the opening of the Flexbahn Gondola, Lech is now connected to the vast Ski Arlberg area, providing access to a large network of pistes.
• Zell am See-Kaprun: This resort offers a unique combination of mountains, a lake, and a glacier. It is known for its picturesque setting and is just an hour away from Salzburg Airport. Zell am See has its own ski area, and a lift pass also grants access to the slopes of Kaprun, providing a large ski area with a variety of pistes.
• Saalbach-Hinterglemm: Saalbach is a popular winter sports resort known for its lively après-ski scene and access to one of Austria's largest lift-linked ski areas. The Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn area offers 270 km of pistes and a diverse range of slopes for all skill levels.
• Innsbruck: Innsbruck is a unique destination that combines a city break with skiing. The Ski Plus City Pass provides access to 13 ski areas and 22 city attractions, including museums and pools. While Innsbruck itself does not offer ski-in/ski-out accommodation, it provides easy access to nearby resorts and is well-connected to other ski areas via modern lift systems and buses.
• Damüls: Damüls is a postcard-pretty village located at a lower altitude, yet it is one of the snowiest places in the Alps. The ski area offers 80 km of pistes suitable for all ability levels, and the village retains a traditional, charming Austrian character.
• Ischgl: Ischgl is known for its lively après-ski scene and high-quality slopes. The resort is part of one of the biggest interconnected ski areas in Tirol, offering a large ski area with excellent infrastructure. Ischgl also boasts some of the best ski resort spas, including the spectacular Silvretta Spa.
• Kitzbühel: Kitzbühel is a famous ski resort steeped in tradition, known for its annual Hahnenkamm downhill skiing race. The resort offers a varied terrain with something for all skill levels and a vibrant village atmosphere. It combines old-world charm with high-end restaurants, lively après-ski spots, and a charming medieval quarter.
• Sölden: Sölden is a renowned ski destination in the Ötztal Valley, offering ski pistes starting at 1,400 m above sea level and reaching up to 3,249 m. It provides access to nearly 150 km of ski pistes and is known for its great après-ski and cultural events.
• Bad Kleinkirchheim: Located in Carinthia, this resort is known for its downhill racing and is opening up to more visitors with new flight connections. It offers tree-lined pistes and a variety of ski runs.

What to eat and drink

When it comes to food and drink, Austria is known for its delicious cuisine and lively après-ski scene. Here's what you should eat and drink during your day of skiing in Austria:

Food

Austria's mountainous regions offer a variety of traditional dishes that will warm you up and provide the energy you need for a full day of skiing. Here are some popular Austrian foods to try:

• Kaiserschmarrn: Named after Emperor Kaiser Franz Joseph, this dish is made of scrambled sweet pancakes ("Palatschinke" in Austrian) and is served with powdered sugar and stewed plums. It's considered a classic Austrian dessert and is often enjoyed after a day of skiing.
• Spätzle: This is a type of pasta layered with cheese and baked in the oven. It's usually garnished with roasted onions and made with regional cheese.
• Kaspressknödelsuppe: Literally translated as "pressed cheese dumplings soup," this simple yet hearty dish is perfect for warming you up on cold days. The dumplings are made with a special type of bread and cheese that varies by region.
• Germknödel: These are large, yeast-based dumplings that are often filled with plum jam. They are served with molten butter, and a mixture of sugar and poppy seeds, or sometimes vanilla sauce.
• Apfelstrudel: A popular type of strudel filled with sliced apples, dark raisins, and breadcrumbs. While some enjoy it with vanilla sauce or whipped cream, traditionalists prefer their Apfelstrudel without any extras.
• Gulasch: A hearty ragout made with different types of meat, peppers, onions, garlic, and caraway. The meat is slowly cooked, resulting in a creamy sauce that is perfect for a cold day on the slopes.
• Carinthian Noodles: Similar to Italian ravioli, these thin noodle dough pockets are filled with various ingredients. A popular variety is the "Kärntner Kasnudeln," filled with a mixture of curd cheese and potatoes.
• Schweinsbraten: A roasted piece of domestic pig seasoned with caraway, coriander, marjoram, and garlic. If you like crispy pork rind, go for the "Krustenbraten" variation.
• Brotzeit: This is a platter of various meats, sausages, bread, and cheese for those who can't decide on just one dish. It's typically accompanied by a small, cold beer called a "Seiterl."
• Wiener Schnitzel: A classic Austrian dish, Wiener Schnitzel is a thin, breaded, and fried veal escalope served with potato salad and fries ("Pommes" for the kids).

Drinks

Austria has a vibrant drinking culture, and its après-ski scene is renowned for its lively atmosphere. Here are some drinks to try during your ski trip:

• Beer: Austrians love their beer, and there's nothing like enjoying a cold one on a terrace with stunning mountain views. Stiegl is one of the most popular beer brands in the country.
• Schnapps: A popular liqueur in Austria, Schnapps comes in various flavours, including apricot, pear, apple, and peach. It's a staple at après-ski gatherings.
• Glühwein: Austria's version of mulled wine, Glühwein is made with red wine, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and fresh orange. It's a perfect drink to warm you up after a day on the slopes.
• Spezi: This unique drink is a mixture of cola and orange soda, originating from Germany.
• Jagertee: A warm and comforting alcoholic punch made from black tea and rum.
• Demi-Peche: While not specifically mentioned in the Austrian context, this French-style shandy, featuring a shot of peach syrup in lager, could be a refreshing option during your ski trip.

So, when you're not carving down the slopes or taking in the breathtaking mountain views, indulge in these delicious Austrian foods and beverages to make your ski trip truly memorable!

Frequently asked questions