Austria's Ski Safety: What You Need To Know

Austria is a popular destination for skiers, with its mix of beginner slopes, black runs, mountainside culture, and world-class ski schools. It is known for its cute alpine villages, gently wooded slopes, and super-friendly bar staff. It is also the spiritual home of après ski, with world-famous venues like the Mooservirt in St. Anton.

However, with heavy snowfalls, there is always a risk of avalanches. In February 2019, at least seven skiers were killed in avalanches in the Alps, including one in Austria. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office advises that a high risk of avalanches exists in parts of Austria and travellers should follow the advice of local authorities and their tour operator.

So, is it safe to ski in Austria? Well, it is generally considered to be safer than many other European countries, thanks to its high-quality ski lifts, well-maintained pistes, and well-trained ski patrol and emergency services. But, as with anywhere, there are risks involved, especially when skiing off-piste or in closed areas.

Avalanche risks

Austria's Alps are known for their long and lavish snow season, making it one of the world's best snow-sure skiing destinations. However, the heavy snowfall also poses a significant risk of avalanches, which can be deadly. Avalanches cause, on average, 26 deaths in Austria each ski season, with 90 to 110 people dying in the Alps annually due to avalanches, most of whom are off-piste skiers.

To address this danger, the Austrian government and tourist board fund free Snow & Avalanche Awareness Camps (SAAC) in 20 resorts across the country. These camps educate skiers about the causes of avalanches and how to stay safe in alpine environments. Additionally, it is obligatory for children under 15 to wear helmets when skiing in Austria.

When skiing in Austria, it is crucial to be aware of the avalanche risk and take necessary precautions. This includes checking the avalanche warning level, which is communicated on a five-tier scale, and avoiding off-piste skiing without proper guidance. Hiring a guide with avalanche safety training and certification is highly recommended, as they can help judge snow conditions and identify high-risk areas.

Even with precautions, the risk of avalanches is ever-present in the Alps. Therefore, it is essential to be prepared and know how to respond in the event of an avalanche. This includes carrying and knowing how to use emergency gear, such as an avalanche beacon, and being aware of rescue and survival techniques.

By taking the necessary precautions and staying informed about avalanche risks, skiers can enjoy the thrilling experience of skiing in Austria while minimising the potential dangers.

Safety measures

Austria is widely regarded as one of the safest countries to travel and live in. Its ski slopes are considered incredibly safe for winter sports enthusiasts. Here are some of the safety measures that make skiing in Austria safer than in many other European countries:

• High-Quality Ski Lifts: Austria's ski resorts are known for their high-quality ski lifts, which are crucial for transporting skiers safely up and down the mountains.
• Well-Maintained Pistes: The pistes in Austria are meticulously groomed and maintained, ensuring a smooth and safe surface for skiers.
• Well-Trained Ski Patrol and Emergency Services: The ski patrol and emergency services in Austria are well-trained and equipped to handle any situations that may arise on the slopes.
• Mandatory Helmet Law for Minors: In Austria, it is obligatory for children under the age of 15 to wear helmets while skiing, providing an extra layer of protection for young skiers.
• Safety Regulations: Austria has clear rules and regulations on the pistes, which help to ensure the safety of skiers and snowboarders. These rules aim to prevent accidents and create a worry-free experience for all.
• Modern Infrastructure: With a long tradition in skiing, Austria continuously invests in its winter sports infrastructure. This includes modern lift and cable car installations, as well as top-of-the-range snow-making facilities, ensuring safe and well-maintained slopes.
• Safety Awareness: Organisations like the Ski Club of Great Britain emphasise the importance of assessing the risk factors before skiing off-piste. They recommend considering recent weather conditions, snowfall, temperature, and slope aspects. Carrying safety equipment, such as an avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe, is also advised when venturing off-piste.
• Avalanche Awareness: While avalanches can occur in the Alps, resort authorities take precautions to minimise risk. They closely monitor conditions and will close pistes or roads if they are considered unsafe, prioritising the safety of skiers and staff.
• Sustainable Practices: Many ski resorts in Austria are committed to sustainability. For example, the Schladming-Dachstein resort relies on climate-friendly travel options like trains and ski buses, while the Wilder Kaiser ski region encourages guests to arrive by train and rewards them with free transfers and discounts.

Beginner-friendly resorts

Austria is known for its ski resorts catering to beginners and returning skiers. The ski schools in Austria are considered world-class, with experienced instructors and suitable ski areas to ensure a successful start to your skiing journey.

• Alpbach: Located in the SkiJuwel ski area, Alpach is a charming ski resort with a good choice of ski schools and instructors. The village and slopes offer spectacular views, and there are 29km of blue runs to practice on. The resort is not too big, so you don't have to worry about accidentally ending up on a more challenging run.
• Ellmau: Part of the SkiWelt ski area, Ellmau offers 122km of blue runs and fantastic beginner area facilities, making it perfect for first-time skiers. The village has a relaxed atmosphere, and there are plenty of bars and restaurants to enjoy.
• Kaprun: Kaprun is a quiet mountain village considered one of the best ski resorts for beginners. The slopes are easily accessible and suited for newbies, with 57km of blue runs to progress on. The resort also has over 30 dining options and plenty of bars. Kaprun's ice arena offers great non-ski activities like tubing and tobogganing.
• Lech: Lech has something for all skill levels but makes our list due to its dedicated nursery slopes and excellent piste preparation. After the nursery area, you can explore 133km of easy rolling blue runs. Lech also offers incredible luxury accommodation with breathtaking mountain views.
• Mayrhofen: Mayrhofen has a diverse selection of ski runs, including 60km of blue runs and dedicated learning areas. Beginners can head to Pepis Kinderland and Übungsland Penken for practice. Kids can enjoy the Fun Ride Ahorn park, which has obstacles and an easy skicross course. The village retains its traditional Alpine charm and offers both lively après bars and relaxing eateries.
• Niederau-Oberau: Neighbouring the Alpbach resort, Niederau-Oberau is ideal for beginners with its nursery slopes. It's located in the beautiful Wildschonau Valley and offers 26km of blue slopes once you're ready to progress. The village has a great selection of bars, restaurants, and shops.
• Obergurgl: Towards the end of the Otz Valley, Obergurgl offers dedicated nursery slopes and easy terrain for beginners, along with neighbouring Hochgurgl. It's one of the highest ski resorts in Europe, ensuring snow-sure conditions. The main town has a tranquil atmosphere with minimal traffic, and there are plenty of dining and accommodation options.
• Saalbach-Hinterglemm: Hinterglemm, in particular, offers some of the best skiing for beginners, with nursery slopes right in the village. Once you progress, there are 140km of blue runs to explore, including the ideal cruising blues from Zwolferkogel towards Hinterglemm. Neighbouring Saalbach also offers fantastic blue runs.
• Seefeld: Seefeld is a quiet and stylish ski resort with a good range of gentle terrain, making it ideal for beginners. There are 27km of slopes in the area, 19km of which are easy blue runs. The nursery slopes are easily accessible from the main village, and the resort offers great luxury accommodation options.

These resorts provide the perfect environment for beginners to develop their skills and build their confidence on the slopes.

Après-ski culture

Austria is known for its unrivalled après-ski culture. Après-ski refers to the social activities that take place after a day of skiing, and in Austria, the party kicks off in the early afternoon. You can expect friendly crowds, delicious food, catchy tunes, and a fun, uplifting atmosphere.

Food and Drink

Après-ski in Austria offers a variety of culinary delights and beverages. You can warm up with a hot spicy Glühwein or a homemade schnaps in front of a crackling log fire. Traditional Austrian dishes, such as Käsespätzle, bacon dumplings, and Kaiserschmarrn, are often served in cosy rustic mountain huts.

Music and Dancing

Après-ski in Austria is also characterised by lively music and dancing. You can expect to hear catchy tunes, from pop songs to traditional Austrian folk music, with people dancing on tables and singing along.

Socialising

The après-ski culture in Austria is known for its friendly and social atmosphere. Austrians are known for their hospitality and welcoming attitude, which extends to their après-ski gatherings. Whether you're at a mountain hut or in a village pub, you'll find locals and fellow skiers alike coming together to socialise and celebrate.

Variety of Venues

Après-ski activities take place in a variety of venues across Austria's ski resorts. From mountain huts and pubs to chic bars and award-winning restaurants, each offering its unique atmosphere and experience.

Regional Variations

While the general atmosphere of après-ski in Austria is consistent across the country, there are some regional variations to note. For example, the Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau region is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and great value for money, while Kitzbühel is famous for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and lively nightlife.

In conclusion, Austria's après-ski culture is an integral part of the ski experience in the country, offering a unique blend of food, drink, music, and socialising in a variety of venues across its many ski resorts. It is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in Austrian culture and connect with locals and fellow skiers.

Snow conditions

Austria's Alps are blessed with a long and lavish snow season, making the country one of the world's best snow-sure skiing destinations. The snow on the ground is generally powdery and fluffy well into spring, packed powder prevails on the groomed runs, and deep powder off-piste. The high altitude of many of its mountains brings about ideal snowy conditions up until springtime and beyond.

Tirol alone has five glaciers, including Hintertux, which offers 365 days of skiing a year, and Kitzsteinhorn, which offers skiing from October to June. Zell am See-Kaprun, a gorgeous lakeside town, also offers snow-sure skiing on the 3,030-metre-high slopes of Kaprun's Kitzsteinhorn Glacier.

Even if everything goes wrong, Austria’s resorts feature top-notch snow-making facilities, ensuring perfectly groomed pistes no matter the weather. In fact, 90% of them use green energy only.

Damüls is a village that sits at just 1,400m above sea level, and yet it is one of the snowiest places in the Alps. According to the tourist board, the resort gets an average of 9.39m of snow each winter. This is due to its location on the western edge of the Vorarlberg, the foothills of the Arlberg group of the Alps, meaning that any time there's a storm that picks up moisture over the lake, these peaks get plastered with snow.

Innsbruck, a city that most people fly into to reach the Austrian Alps, has also emerged as a skiing destination in its own right. The Ski Plus City Pass offers access to 13 of the closest ski areas as well as 22 of the city's museums and other attractions.

Austria's ski resorts are surrounded by marvellous winter landscapes. The increase in cheap flight connections to Innsbruck, Salzburg, Linz, and Klagenfurt means that those with summit gleams in their eyes can easily experience a winter lifestyle where serious powder highs and oompah-pop-fuelled après-ski is the norm.

Frequently asked questions