Where To Find Snow In Austria Now

Austria is a haven for winter sports lovers, with 7,200 kilometers of trails and 600 ski resorts. The country is home to almost 1,000 summits above 3,000 meters, with the highest, the Großglockner, reaching 3,798 meters. The leading provinces for skiing are Vorarlberg, Tyrol, and Salzburg, with the Arlberg region around St Anton and Lech having the most runs open in the country.

So, is there snow in Austria right now? Yes, and plenty of it. Fresh snow is forecast at 31 resorts, with powder reported at 48 resorts, and 48 reporting good piste conditions.

Snow conditions in Austrian ski resorts

As of January 2025, snowpack levels across Austria are at 83% of normal, with an average annual snowfall of 193cm. The country offers over 600 ski resorts, from the famous mountainous regions of Tirol and Stiermark in the west to the rolling hills of Eastern Austria.

Austria is one of the world's leading ski destinations, with some of the most consistent good piste conditions reported at Kaprun, Zurs, Obergurgl, St Anton, Hintertux, Neustift, Lech, and Pitztal. These resorts offer a mix of glacial resorts and those most exposed to prevailing storm tracks.

For off-piste powder, resorts such as Kuhtai, Kaprun, Galtur, St Anton, Lech, Zurs, Obertauern, and Ischgl have proven to be the most consistent over the seasons due to regular snowfalls, favourable sun aspects, and minimal tracking.

The Arlberg region around St Anton and Lech has the most runs open in the country, with nearly 90% of its slopes still open. However, deeper snow lies on several of Austria's glaciers. Fresh snow is forecast for 31 resorts, and good piste conditions are reported at 48 resorts.

• Saalbach Hinterglemm: 50/120cm
• St Anton: 45/375cm
• Lech: 45/375cm
• Achensee - Christlum
• Achensee - Maurach
• Achensee - Pertisau
• Achensee - Planberg- und Wiesenlifte
• Alpbach - Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau
• Alpenarena Hochhäderich
• Arralifte Harmanschlag
• Axamer - Lizum
• Bad Gastein - Sportgastein
• Bad Hofgastein-Bad Gastein – Skischaukel Schlossalm-Angertal-Stubnerkogel
• Bad Kleinkirchheim
• Bergeralm - Steinach am Brenner
• Biberwier - Marienberg
• Bichlbach - Berwang
• Birkenlift Seefeld
• Brandnertal
• Brixen im Thale - SkiWelt
• Buchensteinwand
• Bödele - Schwarzenberg
• Dachstein West
• Diedamskopf
• Dorfgastein - Großarltal
• Eben - Monte Popolo
• Egg Schetteregg
• Ehrwalder Alm
• Ehrwalder Wettersteinbahnen
• Elferlifte Neustift
• Ellmau - SkiWelt
• Fageralm - Forstau
• Fanningberg
• Faschina - Fontanella
• Feuerkogel
• Filzmoos Neuberg
• Flachau
• Forsteralm
• Freesports Arena Dachstein Krippenstein
• Fügen - Spieljoch
• Füssener Jöchle - Grän
• Gaaler Lifte
• Gaberl - Stubalpe
• Galsterbergalm
• Galtür - Silvretta
• Gargellen

These snow conditions are sure to please skiers and snowboarders alike, offering a variety of terrain and resort options to choose from.

Snow cover in Austria

Austria is a winter sports haven, with 7,200 kilometers of trails and 600 ski resorts. The Alpine Republic is known for its mountains, with almost two-thirds of the country's total area in the mountains. The highest among them, the Großglockner in the national park Hohe Tauern, reaches a height of 3,798 meters.

Current Snow Conditions

As of January 2025, snowpack levels across Austria are at 83% of normal, with the country's annual average snowfall total at 193cm. The deepest reported snow is in Sölden, with snow depths of 67 inches on upper slopes.

Leading Ski Provinces

The leading provinces for winter sports are Vorarlberg, Tyrol, and Salzburg. The biggest ski regions include Ski Welt Wilder Kaiser and Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang mit Fieberbunn.

Summer Skiing

The glacier ski regions, including Kitzsteinhorn, Kaunertal, Pitztal, Stubaital, and Hintertux Glacier, allow for skiing even in the summer months.

Snow Conditions

Snow conditions in Austria vary. While there has been fresh snow at high altitudes, the lower slopes have experienced a mix of rain and snow, especially in the western regions.

Avalanche Safety

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

Snow in the Austrian Alps

The Austrian Alps are a popular destination for skiing and other winter sports. The Alps span several countries, with the Austrian section being home to over 600 ski resorts. The Austrian Alps are known for their picturesque wooden mountain restaurants and varied terrain, including runs through forests.

Current Snow Conditions

As of January 2025, snowpack levels across Austria are at 83% of normal, with the annual average snowfall total being 193cm. Snow conditions in the Alps are highly variable, with a mix of rain and snow, especially in the northern and western Swiss Alps. Lower altitudes often experience wet snow conditions.

Best Resorts for Snow

Some of the most consistent good piste conditions have been reported at Kaprun, Zurs, Obergurgl, St Anton, Hintertux, Neustift, Lech, and Pitztal. These resorts offer a mix of glacial resorts and those exposed to prevailing storm tracks.

Forecast

Snow is forecast to fall in Austria over the next couple of days, with fresh snow expected at higher altitudes. Powder alarms and snow storm warnings have been issued for at least 109 ski areas, including Alpbach, Kitzbühel, Lech, and St. Anton am Arlberg.

Top Snow Depths

The deepest reported snow in Austria is in Sölden, with snow depths of 67 inches on upper slopes. Other resorts with significant snow depths include St. Christoph am Arlberg and St. Anton am Arlberg.

Avalanche Safety

It is important to observe avalanche warnings when skiing or snowboarding off-piste. Austria has its fair share of avalanche fatalities, so staying informed about the risks is crucial.

Austrian provinces with the most ski areas

Austria is a country dominated by the Alps, so it's no surprise that it offers many opportunities for alpine skiing. The provinces of Vorarlberg, Tyrol, and Salzburg offer one or more ski resorts in almost every Alpine valley, with numerous lifts and cable cars. The large ski areas in the Austrian Alps have 50 or more different lifts and sometimes over 100 km of groomed slopes.

The Arlberg is the biggest ski area in Austria, with 305km of downhill skiing. It is home to several resorts, including St. Anton, Lech, St Christoph, and Zürs. The area is covered by one lift pass, and its state-of-the-art lift system makes it easy to get around. The Arlberg is also one of Austria's most snow-sure resorts, with an altitude reaching 2,811m.

The second-biggest ski resort in Austria is SkiWelt, found in the Tyrol region. SkiWelt connects several picturesque ski resorts, including Ellmau, Söll, and Westendorf, with 284km of pistes to explore.

Saalbach-Hinterglemm is another one of the largest ski resorts in Austria, with 270km of pistes. The ski area is fantastic for intermediates, with plenty of blues and reds to choose from, and challenging terrain for advanced skiers on the north-facing side.

Ischgl, with 240km of pistes, is the fourth-largest ski resort in Austria. It has a long ski season and high-altitude slopes reaching up to 2,900m. It is a good resort for mixed groups, with a variety of blues, reds, and blacks available.

Scenic Kitzbühel, widely known for the notorious Hahnenkamm Downhill course, offers 179km of groomed pistes. The resort has invested heavily in a high-speed, modern lift system, and experts might enjoy hiring a guide to explore the over 200 square kilometres of off-piste terrain.

St. Anton, part of the vast Arlberg, is one of the world's most high-profile ski resorts. It has built a name for itself through its infamous après scene and incredible, advanced ski terrain.

Lech, also part of the Arlberg, is one of the best ski resorts in Austria for those chasing snow. It gathers an average of 10m per season and offers some of the best pistes and powder in the Zürs ski area.

Mayrhofen, which hosts one of Europe's biggest snowboarding music festivals, Snowbombing, is another popular resort that attracts crowds from all over the world.

Obergurgl is a long-standing favourite for families, favoured for its peaceful, wide-open pistes and quaint town with a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere.

Sölden, with access to two glaciers, three mountains, and an extensive network of slopes stretching over 144km, lives up to its reputation as one of the best places to ski in Austria.

The best Austrian ski resorts

Austria is a great destination for skiing, with over 400 ski resorts spread across the country. Here are some of the best Austrian ski resorts to visit:

St. Anton

St. Anton, located in the Arlberg region, is one of the world's most renowned ski resorts. It offers some of the most challenging slopes in the Alps and has hosted numerous skiing competitions, including the World Alpine Ski Championships and Ski World Cups. The village has a car-free centre and a vibrant atmosphere, with bustling activity throughout the day and night. The surrounding slopes provide a diverse range of options, from the steep Valluga to the gentle village slopes around Nasserein. St. Anton is also known for its lively après-ski scene, with the famous Mooservirt venue.

Saalbach

Saalbach is a rocking resort centred on an attractive old Tyrolean village. It offers full-on après-ski and access to one of Austria's largest lift-linked ski areas, the Saalbach-Hinterglemm-Leogang-Fieberbrunn. With the recent expansion to Fieberbrunn, this ski area boasts over 270 km of pistes catering to all skill levels. Saalbach has a well-deserved reputation as one of the best ski resorts in Austria.

Lech

Lech, tucked away in the Arlberg region, was once overshadowed by the massive resort of St. Anton. However, with the opening of the Flexbahn Gondola, Lech now offers access to the vast Ski Arlberg area. The local ski area around Lech is ideal for intermediate skiers, with plenty of red and blue runs. Advanced skiers and snowboarders will also find ample challenges in the Ski Arlberg region, including multiple snow parks and marked backcountry ski routes.

Ischgl

Ischgl, located in the Eastern Alps, is known for its lively après-ski scene and high-quality slopes. The lift-linked Silvretta Arena ski area provides an extensive skiing experience, and you can also access three neighbouring resorts (Galtür, Kappl, and See) with the same lift pass. Ischgl's infamous Hotel Elizabeth embodies the old-school Austrian après-ski experience, with booming oompah trance and scantily-clad dancing girls.

Damüls

Damüls is a charming, postcard-pretty village 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 ski area offers 80km of pistes served by 21 lifts, catering to all ability levels, including excellent beginner areas and epic descents. Damüls provides a traditional Austrian experience away from the crowds of bigger resorts.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck has emerged as a skiing destination in its own right, offering a unique combination of city break and ski holiday. The Ski Plus City Pass provides access to 13 nearby ski areas and 22 city museums and attractions. The resorts overlooking the city cater to all skill levels, from beginner-friendly Mutteralm to the challenging fun parks of Nordkette and Kühtai. Innsbruck provides world-class restaurants, beautiful architecture, and a vibrant cultural life alongside its skiing opportunities.

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