Austria's Apre Ski Scene: Open And Ready To Party

Austria is known for its lively après-ski scene, with the country's ski resorts boasting the best après-ski anywhere. The Krazy Kangaruh and the Mooserwirt in St. Anton are two of the most popular après-ski bars in the country, with the former known as the original home of après-ski in the region. The Hinterhag Alm in Saalbach and the Trofana Alm in Ischgl are also well-known for their lively après-ski scenes. While most Austrian ski resorts open in December, some higher ones open in November, depending on snow conditions.

Après-ski in St. Anton am Arlberg

St. Anton am Arlberg is a charming ski resort considered to be the epicentre of winter sports by many. It is nestled in the border region between the federal states of Tyrol and Vorarlberg, offering excellent conditions for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. The region boasts more than 300 kilometres of interconnected downhill skiing, 200 kilometres of deep snow runs, and 85 state-of-the-art cableways.

The après-ski scene in St. Anton is renowned and vibrant, attracting a large following of advanced skiers. The village of St. Anton and its neighbouring villages provide a unique and stunning recreation destination for the whole family. The area is known for its rustic mountain huts, where one can warm up with a Glühwein and indulge in hearty local cuisine, such as Weiner Schnitzel and Goulash soup.

St. Anton's ski area is vast and diverse, catering to both beginners and experts. Beginners can explore the Hopplweg, which leads from Gampen into the valley, passing by lifelike animal statues. For those seeking a challenge, the Valluga ridge offers a nine-kilometre slope with a 1,350-metre elevation loss, starting from the peak at 2,811 metres and descending to St. Anton.

The region is easily accessible, with the Innsbruck Airport located just 62 miles away, making it a convenient destination for those seeking a quick ski trip. The ski resort also offers a free ski bus, providing transportation between the village and the ski area.

St. Anton am Arlberg is part of Ski Arlberg, which includes the neighbouring villages of St. Christoph, Stuben, Lech, Zürs, Warth, and Schröcken. Together, they form one of the largest interconnected ski areas in Austria, renowned for its excellent piste conditions and guaranteed snow. Ski Arlberg is a founding member of 'Best of the Alps', a quality association of the 13 most renowned alpine destinations.

Beginner skiing in Söll

Söll is a great choice for beginners as it offers wide-open and unthreatening fields near the village, where beginners can learn the basics before moving on to the bigger bowl higher up the hill.

The resort is reasonably priced and has a good reputation for ski instruction. There is also a special easier beginners' area higher up, which means that the exposure to the altitude is less threatening.

The après-ski in Söll may not be as full-on as it once was, but there are still plenty of beginner skiers in the same position, looking to unwind after a day on the slopes.

Söll is also the only resort to make it onto the list for both experts and beginners. While expert skiers might be discovering the full extent of the SkiWelt lift pass, beginners have their own options at the bottom and top of the Söll gondola.

The only downside is the low altitude.

Beginner skiing at Obergurgl

Obergurgl is a great ski resort for beginners. The village of Obergurgl has grown into one of Austria's favourite ski destinations, with a higher altitude than most of its competitors in the Austrian Alps. The ski resort consists of the Hochgurgl and Obergurgl ski resorts, connected by the "Top Express" gondola.

The ski area is ideal for beginners, with slopes close to accommodation and ski schools that have an excellent reputation. The ski schools cater to all skill levels, from your first turns to refined techniques. The ski resort has an altitude of 1,800 to 3,030 meters, guaranteeing snow and the best conditions on 112 kilometers of slopes. 25 modern lifts will take you up the mountain, and there are 13 huts and 12 restaurants offering Alpine cuisine and breathtaking views.

The capacious lift system quickly swallows crowds, meaning that lift queues are a rare sight. The beginners' slopes are close to the accommodation, and the ski schools are highly regarded. The ski area is perfect for intermediates looking for a decently-sized area for a week's holiday with guaranteed snow and few ski lift queues.

The main drawback to Obergurgl is the altitude. While most of the time, the height means that snow conditions are excellent, when a snowstorm hits, the slopes can become unwelcoming. Additionally, the accommodation can be pricey, especially during the high season, and most runs are above the treeline, so skiing is not ideal in bad weather.

The ski season in Obergurgl is scheduled to start on November 14, 2024, and last until April 27, 2025.

Beginner skiing in Seefeld

Seefeld is a great ski resort for beginners. Located in the Tirol region of Austria, it is less than an hour away from Innsbruck Airport, making it easily accessible. Seefeld has 17 lifts within its terrain, which is suitable for beginners and intermediate levels, including terrain park enthusiasts.

The resort offers a total of 27 kilometres of pistes, with 19 trails to explore. The beginner ski slopes are right in the middle of the village, and the resort is at a decent altitude, providing good conditions for learning. Seefeld also has a good reputation for ski instruction, with one of the largest and best-regarded ski schools in Austria.

The family ski areas at Birkenlift and Geigenbühel are connected by what is believed to be the smallest ski circuit in the world. Gschwandtkopf caters to more advanced skiers, while Leutascher Katzenkopf offers a toboggan run for a change of pace. The Bergbahnen Rosshütte area has something for everyone, from Kinderland to the Freestyle Fun Park.

In addition to skiing, Seefeld offers plenty of other activities. It is one of the top cross-country skiing areas in Europe, with extensive cleared walking trails in the winter. There are also cosy mountain restaurants and rustic huts throughout the five ski areas, providing delicious snacks and traditional Austrian cuisine.

Accommodation options in Seefeld are varied, and the resort is known for its picturesque scenery and peaceful atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for beginners looking for a well-rounded winter holiday experience.

Beginner skiing in Lermoos

Lermoos is a charming village in the winter landscape of the Ausserfern region of Tyrol. It is a great base for beginners to explore the two ski resorts in this part of Tirol, close to the German border.

Ski Resorts

There are two small ski resorts in the area around Lermoos, each offering good skiing and fine views. The quickest and easiest resort to access from Lermoos is the ski area on the Grubigstein mountain. The slopes go up to 2,060 metres above sea level and cater to skiers of all abilities. The second resort, on the Marienberg mountain above the village of Biberwier, is aimed at families and beginners. There are also several other ski resorts within a 12-kilometre radius of Lermoos, including Ehrwalder Almbahn, Wettersteinbahnen, Zugspitzbahn, and Berwang.

Ski School

Lermoos Ski School caters to beginners, and Pepi Pechtl Ski School is also an option for those wanting to learn to ski in Tyrol.

Ski Lifts and Pistes

Lermoos has 11 lifts within its 59 hectares of terrain, which is suitable for beginners and intermediates. There are 148 acres of terrain over eight pistes, with a total length of 29 kilometres. About one-third of the pistes at Lermoos are covered by snowmaking.

Travel

The closest airport is at Innsbruck, with a transfer time of about one hour. The nearest train station is at Lermoos.

Accommodation

There is accommodation located close to the pistes.

Frequently asked questions