Winter Wonder: Snowfall In Austria Now?

Austria is one of the world's leading ski destinations, with over 600 resorts of all sizes spread across the country. The snowpack levels across Austria are currently 83% of normal, with an annual average snowfall total of 193cm. The country offers a diverse range of slopes and is known for its friendly mountain restaurants and attractive villages.

In January 2025, Powder Alarms and Snow Storm Warnings were issued for ski areas including Lech, St Christoph am Arlberg, and Zürs. The deepest reported snow was in Sölden, with depths of 175cm on upper slopes.

Austria's ski areas vary in elevation, with some resorts criticised for being relatively low, ranging from 600 to 1000m above sea level. However, Kitzbühel, one of the most famous resorts, has published statistics showing that their snow cover has remained fairly constant over the past 50 years.

Austria also boasts an impressive number of glacier ski areas, with up to eight areas open for skiing from May to November, compared to no more than three in any other country north of the equator. These include the country's highest ski lift at Pitztal Glacier, reaching 3440m.

So, is it currently snowing in Austria? Yes, it is!

Snowpack levels across Austria

Austria has over 600 ski resorts of all sizes, from the famous mountainous regions of Tirol and Stiermark in the west to the rolling hills of Eastern Austria. The resorts vary in altitude, with some critics suggesting that they are generally too low and therefore bad for snow cover. However, one of the most famous resorts, Kitzbühel, published stats showing that their snow cover has remained fairly constant over the past 50 years.

Austria has the most glacier ski areas open compared to any other country north of the equator, with up to eight glacier ski areas open during the off-season months from May to November. These include the country's highest ski lift at Pitztal Glacier, at 3440m.

Some of the most consistent good piste conditions have been reported at Kaprun, Zurs, Obergurgl, St Anton, Hintertux, Neustift, Lech, and Pitztal. For off-piste powder, resorts such as Kuhtai, Kaprun, Galtur, St Anton, Lech, Zurs, Obertauern, and Ischgl have proven among the most consistent over the seasons.

The best snow conditions in Austria generally arrive with weather systems tracking in from the north and northwest, but snow can be expected from any direction, producing reliable snow cover at most of the higher-altitude resorts.

Best snow conditions today

The best snow conditions in Austria can be found in the resorts with the greatest reported snow depths. Here are the top 6 resorts by snow depth:

• St Christoph am Arlberg
• St. Anton am Arlberg
• Sölden (reporting snow depths of 175cm on upper slopes)
• Gurgl – Obergurgl-Hochgurgl (74% of slopes open)
• Hochkönig – Maria Alm/​Dienten/​Mühlbach (100% of slopes open)
• Nauders am Reschenpass – Bergkastel (87% of slopes open)

In addition, the resorts of Kaprun, Zurs, Obergurgl, St Anton, Hintertux, Neustift, Lech and Pitztal are known for their consistently good piste conditions.

For off-piste powder, Kuhtai, Kaprun, Galtur, St Anton, Lech, Zurs, Obertauern and Ischgl are among the most reliable resorts.

It is worth noting that while St Anton is an off-piste hotspot, it does get extremely busy and the lift-accessed routes get tracked very quickly.

Austria has a relaxed policy when it comes to skiing or boarding off-piste, but it is important to observe avalanche warnings as the country has its fair share of avalanche fatalities.

Generally, the best snow conditions arrive in Austria when weather systems track in from the north and northwest, but snow can come from any direction and produce reliable snow cover at most of the higher-altitude resorts.

Powder alerts and snow storm warnings

The snow forecast for Austria's 372 ski areas shows that 55 resorts will be affected by snowfall over the next 48 hours, including Ischgl, Lech, Seefeld, Silvretta and St. Anton am Arlberg.

The deepest snow in Austria is currently in Sölden, with depths of 175cm on upper slopes.

Austria's annual average snowfall total is 193cm, and snowpack levels are currently at 83% of normal.

It is important to check local conditions before skiing or snowboarding off-piste in Austria, as the country has its fair share of avalanche fatalities.

The best snow conditions in Austria usually arrive with weather systems tracking in from the north and northwest, but snow can arrive from any direction, providing reliable snow cover at most higher-altitude resorts.

Austria has over 600 ski resorts of all sizes, from the famous mountainous regions of Tirol and Stiermark in the west to the rolling hills of Eastern Austria.

Upper slopes snow depths

Other areas with upper slopes snow depth reports include the Skiwelt Wilder Kaiser in Tyrol, with slopes in Ellmau and Westendorf; Saalbach Hinterglemm in Salzburg, with slopes in Leogang and Fieberbrunn; and the Ski Arlberg area in Vorarlberg, with slopes in Lech and Zürs.

Austria's annual average snowfall total is 193cm, and the country has over 600 ski resorts.

Avalanche safety

Avalanches are a serious hazard that can result in fatalities. They can occur without warning, sending thousands of tons of snow and ice downhill. It is important to be aware of the risks and know what to do if you are caught in an avalanche. Here are some key tips for staying safe:

Beforehand

• Get educated: Take an avalanche education course if you plan on spending time in the backcountry during snowy conditions. Knowing the warning signs will help you assess the risk and make informed decisions.
• Check the forecast: Avalanches are most common during and up to 24 hours after a storm that brings more than a foot of snow. Wind-loading of snow also creates conditions ripe for avalanches. Check forecasts and be aware of current and forthcoming weather conditions. Rain, strong sun, or warming temperatures can increase avalanche risk.
• Get the right gear: Experts recommend three essential items: an avalanche probe for locating someone in the snow, a shovel for digging them out, and a transceiver that can transmit and receive signals when buried. Other useful gear includes an avalanche airbag, GPS, and a first aid kit.
• Wear the gear on your body: In case you get separated from your sled or partner, make sure you are wearing the gear so it stays with you.
• Learn to use the equipment: Rescue equipment is useless if you don't know how to use it quickly and efficiently. Practice with your gear regularly.
• Make an emergency plan: Before you set out, communicate your travel plan to others outside your group and put an emergency plan in place.
• Buddy system: Travel with others and communicate your observations to make informed decisions together.
• Stick to the resort: Resorts take preemptive measures to ensure slopes are safe to ski.
• Avoid high-risk areas: Avalanches generally occur when snow accumulates over moderately steep slopes that angle between 30 and 45 degrees. Avoid slopes steeper than 30 degrees and areas under steep slopes. Be cautious if there has been a recent snowfall or if there is wind-blown snow, as this can create unstable layers.
• Be vigilant: Keep your eyes peeled for signs of prior avalanches, like bent trees or blown-out gullies. Constantly look up and around to assess your risk and watch for cracking, collapsing snow, or unusual noises, which could indicate an unstable layer.
• Interact with local communities: They might have a time-tested local warning system.

If Caught in an Avalanche

• Do not try to outrun it: Instead, run perpendicular to the avalanche path to avoid getting caught in the middle.
• Jump upslope: If the avalanche starts beneath your feet, act quickly and try to jump upslope, above the fracture line.
• Protect yourself: Push machinery, equipment, or heavy objects away from you to avoid injury.
• Keep your mouth closed and teeth clenched: This will help prevent snow from packing down your airway.
• Try to "swim" and stay on the surface: Use all your muscles to stay on top of the avalanche and swim with the current. If you are struggling, thrash around violently to stay afloat.
• Reach your arm up: Try to get an arm to the surface to indicate your location to rescuers.
• Create an air pocket: Most avalanche fatalities are caused by asphyxiation. Cup your hands over your mouth to create a small pocket of air, or dig out some space around your face.
• Stay calm: Panicking will quicken your breath and fill the small space with carbon dioxide. Try to breathe steadily to give rescuers as much time as possible.
• Dig yourself out: If possible, start digging yourself out. If you cannot, stay calm and shout only when a rescuer is near.
• Keep digging: If you are rescuing someone, do not leave them to alert others. Time is critical, so keep digging.

Frequently asked questions