Snowboarders Welcome? Exploring Austrian Ski Area Policies

Austria is home to some of the best snowboarding resorts in the world. Snowboarders can enjoy endless slopes, untracked powder snow, and fun parks. The best snowboarding resorts in Austria include St. Anton, Ski Amadé, Saalbach, Mayrhofen, Ischgl, Hintertuxer Gletscher, and many more. These resorts offer a range of slopes suitable for beginners, intermediates, and experts, as well as fantastic off-piste options, snow parks, and freestyle areas. So, is snowboarding allowed at all ski areas in Austria? The answer is yes! With over 435 ski resorts in the country, snowboarders have plenty of choices for their winter adventures.

Snowboarding in Innsbruck

Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrol region, is known as the European capital of snowboarding. The city has hosted the Winter Olympics twice and is home to the headquarters of brands like Burton Snowboards and Method Mag. Innsbruck offers a huge range of options for snowboarders, with nine resorts within a 45-minute drive, including NordPark, Axamer Lizum, Kuhtai, and the Stubai Glacier.

The Olympia SkiWorld Innsbruck is a collective of nine ski resorts around the city, offering diverse experiences for snowboarders of all skill levels. The resorts range from family-friendly options like Rangger Köpfl and Muttereralmpark to freeriding destinations like Axamer Lizum and Kühtai.

Innsbruck is easily accessible, with direct flights from London to the nearby airport. Transportation to the resorts is convenient and affordable, with local buses, cable cars, and funiculars available. The city itself is steeped in history and culture, making it a tourist attraction in its own right.

Innsbruck provides a range of accommodation options, from hotels to hostels, and Airbnb, allowing visitors to find something suitable for their budget. The city also offers a variety of culinary delights, from traditional Austrian dishes to vegan options and excellent pizzerias.

With its proximity to world-class resorts, cultural attractions, and convenient transportation, Innsbruck is an ideal destination for snowboarders seeking a unique combination of winter sports and urban exploration.

The best snowboarding resorts in Austria

Austria is home to some of the best snowboarding resorts in the world, with endless slopes, untracked powder snow, and world-class villages. Here are some of the top spots for snowboarders looking for their next adventure:

St. Anton, Tirol

St. Anton in Tirol is known as the "cradle of Alpine skiing", but it is also a top choice for snowboarders. With numerous slopes, great powder runs, and 87 lifts providing easy access, this resort offers a classic winter experience. The STANTON Freestyle Park is a highlight, featuring kickers, rails, and boxes for different skill levels. The resort also offers a variety of bars and restaurants with stunning views.

Ski Amadé, SalzburgerLand & Styria

Ski Amadé is Austria's largest skiing resort, combining 5 regions, 25 resorts, 760 km of pistes, and 270 lifts. Snowboarders can explore all the slopes and off-piste options, suitable for all skill levels. The resort is also home to 10 snow parks and 13 fun slopes, offering half-pipes, obstacle courses, and powder. With 260 mountain huts and restaurants serving traditional Austrian dishes, Ski Amadé has something for everyone.

Sölden, Tirol

Sölden is a favourite among the party crowd, but it also offers excellent snowboarding opportunities. Snowboarders who enjoy going off-piste will find ideal conditions here, with the Giggijoch mountain suitable for novices and the Gaislachkogl mountain recommended for experienced riders. The AREA 47 Snow Park Sölden attracts snowboarders from around the world with its ever-changing jumps, rails, wall rides, and boxes.

Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn, SalzburgerLand

Skicircus offers a huge variety of snowboard-friendly slopes for all levels, spanning over 270 km. The SKI ALPIN CARD provides access to two additional resorts, Zell am See - Kaprun and the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, adding up to 408 km of pistes. The Nitro Snow Park in Leogang is a highlight for snowboarders looking for extra thrills or a safe environment to improve their skills.

Vorarlberg, Austria's Westernmost Province

For those seeking a quieter snowboarding experience away from the large resorts, Vorarlberg is a great choice. The Montafon Snow Park, close to the Swiss border, is one of the best terrain parks in the Alps, with approximately 40 obstacles catering to all skill levels. The Crystal Ground Snow Park in Kleinwalsertal offers creative and ever-changing setups, along with nighttime rides on Wednesdays. Lech Zürs is another top spot, with the Lech Snow Park, 305 km of groomed pistes, and endless freerides.

Mayrhofen

Mayrhofen is a big draw for boarders, thanks to the Vans Penken Park. It offers a range of challenging pistes and powder routes for expert riders, as well as nursery slopes for beginners. The nearby Sesselbahn lift provides access to docile descents from impressive altitudes. Mayrhofen also boasts renowned nightlife spots and a vibrant festival scene.

Snowboarding for beginners in Austria

Snowboarding is allowed at all ski areas in Austria, and the country is a great choice for beginners. Here is a guide to snowboarding for beginners in Austria:

Choosing a Resort

Beginners often feel more comfortable in smaller ski areas, and there are plenty of charming, small villages with ski resorts in Austria. When choosing a resort, it is worth considering the location of the beginner areas and the number of easier runs. Many resorts have dedicated nursery slopes, which are ideal for beginners. Some resorts also offer a range of off-piste activities, such as tubing or tobogganing.

Top Resorts for Beginners

Alpbach, in the SkiJuwel ski area, is one of the best resorts for beginners. It has a good choice of ski schools and instructors, as well as spectacular views. There are 29km of blue runs to enjoy, and the resort is not too big, so beginners won't get lost.

Ellmau, part of the SkiWelt ski area, is another excellent choice for first-time snowboarders. It has 122km of blue runs and fantastic beginner facilities. The village is very relaxed, with plenty of bars and restaurants. With a full SkiWelt ski pass, beginners can access 284km of pistes as they progress.

Kaprun is a quiet mountain village with slopes that are well-suited to beginners. There are 57km of blue runs, as well as over 30 venues to eat and plenty of bars. Kaprun also has an ice arena and offers other non-ski activities, such as tubing and tobogganing.

Mayrhofen is another great option, with 60km of blue runs and dedicated learning areas. Beginners can head to Pepis Kinderland and Übungsland Penken for gentle descents and snowploughing action. There is also a Fun Ride Ahorn park with obstacles and an easy skicross course. The village has a traditional Alpine charm and a mix of lively bars and relaxed eateries.

Other Tips

• It is recommended to book a few lessons at a ski school to build up your skills and confidence.
• Choose a resort with mostly easy (blue) or intermediate (red) slopes.
• Get your ski equipment checked and hire the latest models if necessary.
• Wear a ski helmet – this is mandatory for minors up to the age of 15.
• Get fit before you hit the slopes by training your leg, abdominal, and back muscles, and doing regular cardio.
• Take your time and don't be disappointed if you don't get it right away – it may take some time to get a feel for the slopes.

Snowboarding for intermediates in Austria

Snowboarding is a popular winter sport in Austria, with its well-maintained slopes, modern infrastructure, and breathtaking mountains. Here is a guide to some of the best snowboarding destinations in Austria for intermediates.

Ischgl, Tyrol

Ischgl is located in the vast ski region of Tyrol and offers intermediates an impressive 240 km of slopes, with 47 km of blue runs and 150 km of red pistes. The area is easily navigable, with 42 lifts, including 12 high-speed chairlifts and three gondolas. Ischgl also has a lively nightlife scene with vibrant bars and clubs.

Kitzbühel

Kitzbühel is one of the most famous ski resorts in Austria and offers a great combination of challenging runs and intermediate terrain. There are 234 km of slopes to explore, with 106 km of blues and 66 km of reds. The resort's high altitude of 2,000 m ensures reliable snow conditions throughout the season. Kitzbühel offers a good mix of lively bars and traditional Alpine charm.

Kühtai

Kühtai is a relatively small ski resort, but it offers intermediates 46 km of slopes, with 9 km of blues and 26 km of reds. Its remote location and high altitude provide excellent and reliable snow conditions. Kühtai is an ideal choice for snowboarders seeking a peaceful and tranquil ski experience.

Lech, Arlberg

Lech is part of the Arlberg ski area, which boasts an extensive 305 km of slopes, including 133 km of blues and 135 km of reds. The region's high altitude and location contribute to abundant snowfall throughout the season. Lech is known for its luxurious ski accommodation and stylish ambiance. It was also a filming location for the movie "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason."

Obergurgl, Otz Valley

Obergurgl, situated at the end of the picturesque Otz Valley, offers intermediates 110 km of slopes, with 35 km of blues and 55 km of reds. The resort has excellent links to its neighbouring ski area, Hochgurgl. Most of the ski accommodations are ski-in-ski-out, providing convenient access to the lifts and slopes. Obergurgl's high altitude of 3,080 m ensures very reliable snow conditions.

Saalbach-Hinterglemm

The combined ski resorts of Saalbach-Hinterglemm offer intermediates an extensive 270 km of slopes, with 140 km of blues and 112 km of reds. Saalbach-Hinterglemm stands out for having the highest proportion of fast lifts among major ski resorts worldwide, making it easy to get around the mountain. The town has a vibrant atmosphere, with a variety of bars and restaurants for après-ski entertainment.

Sölden, Tyrol

Sölden, located in Tyrol, is known for its vibrant après-ski scene and is an excellent choice for intermediates. The area offers 155 km of slopes, with 74 km of blues and 54 km of reds. Sölden benefits from glacier skiing, which extends the ski season longer than most other resorts in Austria. It also gained fame as a filming location for the James Bond movie "Spectre," and fans can visit the 007 Elements installation.

St. Anton, Arlberg

St. Anton is one of the most popular ski resorts in Austria and is part of the vast Arlberg ski area. Intermediates will find a wide range of options, with excellent links to neighbouring ski areas like Lech, Zürs, Warth, and Schröcken. The town offers a mix of family-friendly activities and lively bars, making it one of the most visited destinations in the Alps.

Zell am See

Zell am See is renowned for its stunning scenery, including the beautiful Lake Zell. The ski terrain offers intermediates 138 km of slopes, with 57 km of blues and 55 km of reds. The resort also has great connections to nearby Kaprun. Zell am See is ideal for families and has a vibrant nightlife scene.

Snowboarding for advanced riders in Austria

Austria is a snowboarder's paradise, with its world-class slopes, majestic Alpine scenery, and vibrant après-ski culture. The country offers endless possibilities for both beginners and advanced riders to carve their own adventures.

St. Anton in Tirol

St. Anton, often regarded as the "cradle of Alpine skiing", is a winter classic that welcomes snowboarders with open arms. The region boasts numerous slopes and powder runs, easily accessible via 87 lifts, many of which are gondolas and chairlifts, making it convenient for snowboarders to get up the mountain. The STANTON Freestyle Park, with its kickers, rails, and boxes, caters to different skill levels and has become a favourite freestyle destination.

Ski Amadé, SalzburgerLand & Styria

Just 60 km from Salzburg, Ski Amadé is Austria's largest skiing resort, combining 5 regions, 25 resorts, 760 km of pistes, and 270 lifts. Snowboarders can explore all the slopes and off-piste options, suitable for all skill levels. The resort is also home to 10 snow parks and 13 fun slopes, offering half-pipes, obstacle courses, and powder.

Sölden in Tirol

Sölden is a popular destination for snowboarders, especially those who enjoy off-piste riding. The Giggijoch mountain is perfect for freeride novices, while the Gaislachkogl mountain is recommended for experienced riders only. Both locations feature checkpoints with vital weather and avalanche hazard information. The AREA 47 Snow Park Sölden, with its ever-changing jumps, rails, and boxes, has attracted snowboarders from around the world and caters to all skill levels.

Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn, SalzburgerLand

Skicircus offers a vast array of snowboard-friendly slopes for all ability levels, spanning over 270 km. The SKI ALPIN CARD provides access to two additional resorts, Zell am See - Kaprun and the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, adding up to a massive 408 km of pistes. The Nitro Snow Park in Leogang is a thrill-seeker's paradise, featuring numerous obstacles, rails, and jumps, along with Austria's largest NITRO Snowboard Test Centre.

Vorarlberg, Austria's Westernmost Province

For those seeking a quieter snowboarding experience away from the large resorts, Vorarlberg's smaller ski regions offer a delightful alternative. The Montafon Snow Park, near the Swiss border, is one of the top terrain parks in the Alps, with approximately 40 obstacles catering to all skill levels. The Crystal Ground Snow Park in Kleinwalsertal is known for its creative setups and offers nighttime rides on Wednesdays. Lech Zürs, with its Lech Snow Park, 305 km of groomed pistes, and endless freerides, ensures snowboarders have a plethora of options.

Frequently asked questions