Austria Skiing: An Affordable Winter Adventure?

Austria is a popular destination for skiing, but how does it compare to other countries in terms of cost?

While some people find Austria expensive for skiing, others argue that it offers good value for money. When compared to France and Switzerland, lift passes, ski lessons, and mountain lunches in Austria tend to be cheaper. Additionally, accommodation, food, and drinks are generally more affordable in Austria than in France. However, ski hire in Austria can be more expensive than in France, and the kilometre of pistes available may be more limited.

When considering the cost of skiing in Austria, it is worth noting that there is a range of inexpensive ski resorts available, such as SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental, Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, and KitzSki – Kitzbühel/​Kirchberg. These resorts offer day passes starting from €42.

In summary, while certain aspects of skiing in Austria may be more expensive than in other countries, there are also many affordable options available, making it a viable destination for those on a budget.

Lift passes, ski lessons and lunches are cheaper than in France and Switzerland

When it comes to lift passes, ski lessons, and lunches, Austria is a more affordable option compared to France and Switzerland. Here are some insights that support this:

Lift Passes

Austria offers excellent value for money when it comes to lift passes. The SkiWelt region, one of the country's largest linked ski areas with 280km of pistes, provides special offers like free off-peak passes for those under 15 years old. The KitzSki – Kitzbühel/​Kirchberg area offers a day ticket during the main season for €76, providing access to 188 km of pistes. Another example is the SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental, with a day ticket price of €73 for access to 275 km of pistes. These prices are often more affordable than comparable French resorts, and you get the added benefit of heated seats and modern lifts.

Ski Lessons

Ski schools in Austria tend to be significantly cheaper than in France. For instance, in some resorts, ski lessons can be around €100 less expensive than what you would find in France. This makes Austria an excellent choice for beginners or those looking to improve their skills without breaking the bank.

Mountain Lunches

Austria is known for its delicious and affordable mountain cuisine. You can easily find hearty meals, such as meat sandwiches for around €5, or pizzas and pasta dishes starting from €7-€8. This is in stark contrast to the typically higher prices found in French resorts.

In summary, Austria offers excellent value for money when it comes to lift passes, ski lessons, and mountain lunches. The savings in these areas can make a significant difference in the overall cost of your ski trip, especially when compared to similar options in France and Switzerland.

Budget-friendly resorts include Zell am See, Niederau, Kirchberg, Mayrhofen, Alpbach, Soll, St Anton and Ellmau

Zell am See

Zell am See is a budget-friendly ski resort in Austria. The town has a range of restaurants, shops, and accommodation, including small 3-star hotels and self-catered apartments within easy reach of the centre and slopes. The area pass includes three ski areas shared with neighbouring Kaprun, including the snow-sure Kitzsteinhorn glacier. A free bus runs between Zell am See and Kaprun, and free WiFi spots can be found across the area. Eating out is affordable, with restaurants such as Kupferkessel offering pizzas and pasta for around €8, and there is even a McDonald's. Supermarkets such as Lidl also keep food costs low. Après-ski is affordable too, with cocktails costing €4.50 during Happy Hour at Green's Bar.

Niederau

Niederau is a fabulous option for cheap family ski holidays. In recent years, there have been free ski passes for under-16s at the end of the season, and free WiFi on the slopes and in the village. Ski schools are much cheaper than in France, and self-catering tends to be the lowest-priced option. There are also 2- and 3-star guest houses and hotels, where meals can be included in the package on a B&B or half-board basis.

Kirchberg

Kirchberg is a good option for those who want to ski in Kitzbühel without the big-ski-town budget. Both resorts are lift-linked and share 170km of slopes. Kirchberg is also the gateway to Ski Welt, Austria's biggest linked ski area, with 280km of slopes. Eating out is affordable, with pizzas starting from €7 at Tutti's and cheap Chinese food at Aurora. Après-ski tends to be lively, with The Londoner offering €2 beers on special occasions, and Kracherl famed for its boozy loyalty card.

Mayrhofen

Mayrhofen offers plenty of scope for skiing on a shoestring. There are many self-catered apartments, and some cracking Snow Homes – no-frills crash pads where breakfasts and suppers are provided in a local restaurant. Gasser's does hearty meat sandwiches for around €5, and Bruggerstube offers three courses of Austrian fare for under €15. The skiing area includes 136km of slopes on the Ahorn and Penken mountains, with many other resorts nearby.

Alpbach

Alpbach has been described as a "beginners' resort", but it offers a surprisingly extensive ski area with lengthy intermediate-level runs. The village is at a high altitude, and the shaded nature of the runs under the main Wiedersbergerhorn cable car mean that snow conditions are often better than the high point of 2100m might suggest. The new link to the Wildschönau ski area further increases the appeal.

Soll

Soll is no more than an hour away from Innsbruck, so transfers are affordable. Lift access to the ski area is excellent, with the SkiWelt offering 280km of slopes across nine interconnected resorts. There are great facilities for families, with half-day kindergarten costing €30 when last checked, while it can climb to over €50 in France. Après-ski is fantastic and affordable, with €2 beers at Moonlight Bar.

St Anton

St Anton is an expensive resort, but there are ways to ski on a budget. Self-catered apartments are available, and restaurants offer meals for around €10-€15, with lunches for around €10. Beers cost €3-€5, and a decent meal can be had for €15.

Ellmau

Ellmau has low-priced accommodation but still maintains good star ratings. Supermarkets such as Billa and MPreis keep cooking costs low, but eating out is also affordable, with Memory Bar offering pizzas from €6. The skiing is incredible, with the massive SkiWelt area (the largest in Austria) and its 280km of slopes just a lift ride away. Ellmau has some of the best beginner slopes in the region, and lessons are around €100 cheaper than in France and Switzerland.

Self-catering is the cheapest option

If you're looking for a cheap ski holiday in Austria, self-catering is the way to go. It is worth spending some time searching for the right accommodation, as this can make a big difference in the overall cost of your trip. Here are some tips to find the best deals on self-catering options in Austria:

• Look for apartments or guest houses: In Austria, you can find many self-catered apartments, as well as guest houses and hotels where meals can be included in a Bed and Breakfast or Half Board package. These options tend to be more affordable than fully catered chalets or hotels.
• Compare prices in different resorts: Some of the most popular resorts in Austria, such as Ischgl and St. Anton, tend to be more expensive. Consider lesser-known resorts or those with smaller ski areas, as they often offer more affordable options without compromising on the quality of skiing.
• Book in advance: If you plan your trip early, you can take advantage of early bird discounts on ski hire, lift passes, and accommodation.
• Consider the location: While ski-in/ski-out accommodation can be convenient, it usually comes at a premium. Look for places that are a short walk or bus ride away from the slopes and lifts. This will help you save money without adding too much hassle to your commute.
• Shop at local supermarkets: Buying groceries at supermarkets like Lidl or Worgl can help you save money on food. You can also find budget-friendly restaurants and bars in most resorts, offering simple meals and drinks at reasonable prices.
• Compare package deals: Websites like Chalets Direct and Catered Ski Chalets offer package deals that include accommodation, flights, and other amenities. Comparing these packages can help you find the best value for your money.
• Consider group trips: If you're travelling with a large group, you may be able to get discounts on group bookings. This can include discounts on accommodation, lift passes, and ski hire.
• Look for special offers: Keep an eye out for resorts that offer free lift passes for children or other promotions. These deals can significantly reduce the cost of your trip.
• Book your flights and transfers wisely: Flying into Innsbruck, Salzburg, or Munich can be more affordable, and these airports offer quick transfers to nearby resorts. Consider using budget airlines and booking your flights and transfers in advance to get the best prices.

By following these tips and doing some research, you can find great self-catering options in Austria that fit your budget. Self-catering allows you to customise your meals and save money, making it the cheapest option for skiing in Austria.

Lift passes are around 10% more expensive than in France

When it comes to lift passes, skiing in Austria can be more expensive than in France. Lift passes in Austria tend to be about 10% pricier than those in comparable French resorts. However, this higher price buys you some perks, such as heated seats and modern lifts.

If you're looking to save money on skiing, there are other ways to do so in Austria. For example, ski hire usually comes with discounts, especially if you book in advance or as part of a ski school package. Additionally, transfers in Austria tend to be shorter and cheaper than in France, and food on the mountain is about 25% cheaper.

When it comes to accommodation, you may struggle to find ski-in, ski-out options within your budget. However, if you're willing to stay a bit further away from the slopes and lifts, you can find more affordable options. Self-catering is also a good way to save money, as eating out can be expensive.

Overall, while lift passes may be more expensive in Austria, there are other ways to save money on your ski trip. By doing your research and comparing prices, you can find ways to make your ski trip more affordable.

Ski hire is more expensive

One of the most significant expenses when it comes to skiing in Austria is ski hire. While it is possible to get discounts, especially when booking in advance or as part of a ski school package, the base price of ski hire in Austria is still considerably higher than in other countries. This is something to keep in mind when planning a skiing trip to Austria, as it can add up quickly, especially for larger groups.

However, it is worth noting that the quality of ski equipment available for hire in Austria is generally very good. The higher prices reflect the level of maintenance and the range of options available. If you are an experienced skier with specific equipment requirements, the extra cost may be worth it to ensure you have access to the best possible gear.

Additionally, there are ways to mitigate the higher costs of ski hire. Booking in advance and taking advantage of package deals can help reduce the overall expense. It is also worth considering the option of bringing your own ski equipment, especially if you are a frequent skier or have specific preferences for your gear.

While ski hire in Austria may be pricier, it is important to weigh this against the overall cost of the trip and the quality of the experience. Austria has a lot to offer in terms of skiing, with modern lift infrastructure, charming villages, and excellent food and drink options. By doing thorough research and comparing prices, it is possible to find good deals on ski hire and make your Austrian skiing trip more affordable.

Frequently asked questions