Austria: A Skiing Paradise?

Austria is a great destination for skiing, with its snow-sure pistes, world-class ski schools, and unrivalled après-ski culture. The country offers a range of ski resorts suitable for all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders.

Austria's Alps are blessed with a long and lavish snow season, making it one of the world's best snow-sure skiing destinations. The high altitude of its mountains provides ideal snowy conditions well into spring and beyond. The country also boasts top-notch snow-making facilities, ensuring perfectly groomed pistes.

Austria has some of the best winter sports infrastructure in Europe, seamlessly combining modernity with authentic Alpine charm. The country has a long tradition in skiing and is considered one of the birthplaces of Alpine skiing. It offers a wealth of perfectly groomed pistes, fun snow parks, impressive viewing galleries, and state-of-the-art lift and cable car installations.

In addition to its excellent skiing conditions and infrastructure, Austria is also known for its hospitality and cosy atmosphere, often referred to as Gemütlichkeit. Cosy rustic mountain huts invite you to enjoy spicy Glühwein or homemade schnaps by the fireplace, surrounded by friendly locals.

Austria's ski resorts also offer great value for money, with lift passes, ski schools, dining out, and accommodation costing less than in many other popular ski destinations.

So, if you're planning a skiing holiday, Austria is definitely worth considering!

Austria's ski resorts are easily accessible

St. Anton, one of the world's great ski resorts, is also easily accessible. Located in the Arlberg region, it can be reached by flying to Innsbruck and taking the train. St. Anton is known for its challenging slopes and lively nightlife. It has an extensive artificial snow-blower system, ensuring snow-sure conditions.

Other resorts with short transfer times include Zell am See-Kaprun, which offers skiing from October to June thanks to the Kitzsteinhorn glacier. Saalbach, part of the Saalbach-Hinterglemm-Leogang-Fieberbrunn ski area, is another easily accessible resort, with a gondola link to Fieberbrunn.

Ischgl, in the Eastern Alps, is accessible by flying into Innsbruck and is known for its lively après-ski scene and high, snow-sure slopes.

For those looking for a more low-key experience, Damüls is a postcard-pretty village at just 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.

With a range of resorts to choose from, easily accessible by plane, train, bus, or car, Austria is a great choice for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

There's plenty of English speakers

Austria is a great choice for a ski trip, with snow-sure pistes, unrivalled après-ski, and a long tradition of Alpine skiing. If you're concerned about language barriers, fear not—there are plenty of English speakers in Austria's ski resorts.

Most ski schools in Austria have at least one English-speaking instructor, and some are owned by native English speakers. For example, Ski School Develop Your Skiing in St. Anton am Arlberg is owned by the British-Austrian Toby Fishel. Skivolution in Kaprun also offers ski lessons with BASI-certified coaches.

If you're looking for a place to stay, consider booking accommodation with a UK tour operator. They often cater to English speakers and can help you find work if you're looking for a seasonal job. Morzine, Chamonix, and St. Anton are popular resorts with English speakers and are easily accessible from Geneva Airport.

When it comes to getting around, you'll be glad to know that many ski resorts in Austria are easily accessible by public transport. For example, you can fly to Innsbruck and take the train to St. Anton. Mayrhofen is another option that's close to Munich International Airport.

So, whether you're looking for ski lessons, accommodation, or just easy communication during your trip, there are plenty of English speakers in Austria's ski resorts to make your holiday a breeze.

It's great value for money

Austria is well-known for offering great value for money. Compared to other popular ski destinations, everything from lift passes to ski schools, eating out, and partying costs less. This makes Austria an excellent choice for those looking for a skiing holiday that won't break the bank.

Savvy travellers can find great deals in Austria's ski regions, including all-in passes for transportation or free ski passes for children, allowing families to save even more. The Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau region, in particular, is known for its excellent value for money.

Lift passes in Austria tend to be about 10% more affordable than in comparable French resorts, and the modern lift systems ensure a seamless and comfortable experience with heated seats. Ski hire equipment is also typically more affordable, especially when booked in advance or as part of a ski school package.

When it comes to food and drinks, Austria truly shines. On-mountain dining in Austria is significantly cheaper than in France, with delicious options available for up to 25% less. The variety of dining options ranges from cosy rustic mountain huts serving hot Glühwein and homemade schnaps to award-winning restaurants in gourmet foodie destinations.

Accommodation in Austria also offers excellent value. While catered chalets are less common, you can find charming family-run hotels and guesthouses that provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, the service gratuities are usually included in the rate, so you won't have to worry about additional costs.

Overall, Austria provides a fantastic skiing experience without compromising on quality or comfort. With its combination of modern infrastructure and traditional hospitality, it's no wonder that Austria is a top choice for skiers seeking both excitement and value.

There's a wide range of ski runs

Austria is a great destination for skiing, with a wide range of ski runs catering to all skill levels. The country offers a unique blend of modern infrastructure and authentic village life, making it a top choice for skiers from around the world. Here are some key reasons why Austria stands out for its diverse ski runs:

Ski Runs for All Skill Levels

Austria boasts ski areas that cater to a diverse range of skiers, from beginners to advanced. The Ski Circus ski area, for example, offers 270km of pistes, with 140km of blue runs, 112km of red runs, and 18km of black runs. The SkiWelt ski area is another great option, with 288km of pistes, including 134km of blue, 129km of red, and 17km of black runs. Whether you're a novice or an expert, you'll find slopes that challenge and excite you.

Unrivalled Infrastructure

Austria has a long tradition in skiing and is considered one of the birthplaces of Alpine skiing. The country continuously invests in its winter sports infrastructure, ensuring modern and sustainable facilities. You'll find perfectly groomed pistes, top-notch snow-making facilities, impressive viewing galleries, and state-of-the-art lift and cable car installations. This makes navigating the ski areas and accessing the ski runs a seamless experience.

Variety of Ski Resorts

Austria is home to a diverse range of ski resorts, from mega-resorts like St. Anton to hidden gems like Zell am See-Kaprun. These resorts offer varying levels of difficulty, terrain, and amenities. For instance, Kitzbühel, known for its historic Hahnenkamm downhill skiing race, offers a mix of challenging slopes and a vibrant village atmosphere. On the other hand, Damüls, a postcard-pretty village, is known for its abundant snowfall and charming, traditional atmosphere.

Easy Accessibility

Many of Austria's ski resorts are easily accessible from international airports, making them convenient destinations for skiers travelling from abroad. Resorts like St. Anton and Ischgl are reachable via nearby airports such as Innsbruck, making the journey to the slopes smoother and shorter. This accessibility enhances the overall ski experience, especially for those with limited time.

Après-Ski Culture

Austria is renowned for its vibrant après-ski culture, which adds to the overall ski experience. Resorts like St. Anton and Ischgl are known for their lively nightlife, with bustling slopeside bars and restaurants. The unique Austrian concept of "Gemütlichkeit" embodies cosiness, comfort, and hospitality, making the post-ski social scene an integral part of the ski holiday experience.

In conclusion, Austria offers a wide range of ski runs and resorts that cater to diverse skier profiles and preferences. The country's investment in infrastructure, combined with its rich skiing history and cultural offerings, makes it a top choice for skiers seeking varied and enjoyable ski experiences.

The resorts are charming

Austria's mountain resorts are known for their charm and beauty. The resorts are often nestled in picturesque villages that have grown organically over the centuries, retaining their Old-World atmosphere and authentic village life. The result is a perfect winter fairy-tale setting for your ski holiday.

Take, for instance, the village of Damüls, sitting at just 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 traditional, charming Austrian village is a rare find in bigger, more popular resorts.

Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol, is another excellent example. While it may be surprising to include a city on this list, Innsbruck has emerged as a skiing destination in its own right. With the introduction of the Ski Plus City Pass, you can access 13 nearby ski areas and 22 city museums and attractions with a single ski pass. The modern lift system and bus travel (included in your lift pass) make it easy to get around. Innsbruck offers a unique combination of world-class restaurants, beautiful architecture, and a vibrant cultural life that most ski resorts can only dream of.

If you're looking for a resort with both excellent skiing and a charming village vibe, Kitzbühel is a great choice. This Tyrolean resort, known for its historic Hahnenkamm downhill skiing race, offers varied terrain for all skill levels. The village itself is a beautiful old-world ski town with a mix of high-end hotels and restaurants, rambunctious après-ski spots, and late-night underground dive bars.

For a more intimate and organic experience, Lech in the Arlberg region is a fantastic option. Tucked away in the mountains, Lech has developed more naturally, away from the attention of developers. With the opening of the Flexbahn Gondola, Lech is now connected to the vast Ski Arlberg area, offering access to a vast network of pistes. The local ski area around Lech is ideal for intermediate skiers, with plenty of red and blue runs to choose from.

Last but not least, Mayrhofen, a picture-perfect resort in the heart of the Tyrol, is perfect for those seeking a combination of excellent skiing and a charming resort. The village has a traditional Austrian look, with some modern touches, and it comes alive in the afternoons and evenings, especially during the Altitude Comedy Festival and Snowbombing, the world's biggest and longest-running winter music festival.

So, whether you're seeking snow-sure slopes, charming villages, or a vibrant cultural experience, Austria's ski resorts have something for everyone.

Frequently asked questions