Winter Adventure: Snow-Sure Austria In January

Austria is known for its winter sports and snow-based activities, with January being the coldest month of the year. The country offers a variety of ski resorts, with some of the best snow conditions in the Alps. The average January temperature in Vienna, Austria's capital, is 3.8°C, with 186mm of snow typically accumulated throughout the month. However, snowfall varies across the country, with different regions experiencing different weather patterns. The Arlberg area, including the towns of Zürs, Lech, and St. Anton, is known for its significant snowfall during January and February. The ski area in St. Anton goes up to 2811m, providing excellent snow conditions. Other notable ski resorts in Austria include Obergurgl, Sölden, Ischgl, and Obertauern, which offer a combination of high altitudes, extensive ski areas, and reliable early-season snow conditions.

The Arlberg area, including Zürs, is known for good amounts of snow

The Arlberg region is home to several ski resorts, including Lech, Zürs, Stuben, St. Christoph, and St. Anton. These resorts offer a variety of slopes and lifts for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The contiguous ski resorts around Lech and Zürs, in particular, form a vast ski area with 87 lifts, 305 km of groomed slopes, and 200 km of deep snow slopes.

The Arlberg area is known for its good snow conditions due to its high altitude and geographical location. The ski area goes up to 2811m on the Valluga, where you can usually find around three metres of snow build-up by the end of the season. The north-facing slopes also help to keep the snow shaded and protected from the sun. In addition, the region benefits from artificial snowmaking, with 194 cannons covering 95% of the pistes.

Zürs, specifically, is known for its high snowfall levels, with top depths of around 7 metres of snow in Lech and over 10 metres of snow in Zürs. This amount of snow makes the Arlberg area a popular destination for freeriding. The snow conditions in the Arlberg area are consistently good, making it a top choice for skiers and snowboarders seeking reliable snow conditions and a variety of terrain to explore.

The best time to visit the Arlberg area for the most snow is typically from mid-January to mid-February. This period offers the greatest chance of having the most snow, and the prices are also lower compared to the high season in February.

Vienna is the snowiest in January, with 186mm of snow cover

Vienna is the snowiest place in Austria in January, with 186mm of snow cover. This is the second-highest snowfall of the year, and it is also the coldest month in the city. The average high temperature is 3.8°C, and the average low is -0.8°C.

January is the perfect time to visit Austria for snow, as it falls naturally and is not usually supplemented with artificial snow. The Arlberg area, including Zürs, is known for its significant snowfall, and the snow usually lasts until mid-February. The ski area goes up to 2811m on the Valluga, and there are also north-facing slopes to keep the snow from melting.

Other snow-sure ski resorts in Austria include Obergurgl, Sölden, Ischgl, and Obertauern. These resorts have a combination of high altitudes, extensive ski areas, and good snow preservation, making them excellent destinations for early-season skiing.

Hintertux glacier has some of the best snow conditions in Austria

Hintertux Glacier in Zillertal is the flagship of the best snow conditions and snow-sure downhill runs. It offers 62 kilometres of perfectly groomed powder snow slopes of all levels of difficulty, state-of-the-art cable car facilities, and excellent gastronomy. The breathtaking view from the panorama terrace at 3,250 metres of the surrounding three-thousand-metre peaks and the striking summit of the Olperer make the Hintertux Glacier a world-renowned glacier ski area. The Hintertux Glacier is part of the Ski- & Glacier World Zillertal 3000, an internationally recognised outstanding ski resort. From early December to mid-April, avid skiers and boarders can enjoy 204 kilometres of perfectly groomed pistes suitable for all levels of ability at altitudes ranging from 630 metres to a breathtaking 3,250 metres above sea level, as well as fabulous natural snow slopes, inviting deep snow and challenging moguls.

The Hintertux Glacier is not just for skiing and snowboarding, it also offers interesting treasures as a popular excursion destination in Tyrol. There are modern inns with traditional food on the glacier, ranging from hearty breakfasts and small snacks to regional specialties and delicacies. There are also cool drinks on warm days and cups of tea or hot chocolate by the open fireplace to warm up.

The Hintertux Glacier is especially attractive in autumn, when the anticipation of winter is high, or in spring, when it is too early to put skis and snowboards away, as it offers great conditions with breathtaking views thanks to its altitude. Freestyle enthusiasts also love spring and autumn as the start and end of the season at Betterpark Hintertux.

Hintertux is also one of the best snow-sure ski resorts in Austria, with Europe's steepest glacier, which is usually open to skiers every day of the year.

January is the best month for skiing on natural snow

Austria's Top 10 Snow Sure Ski Resorts offer skiers the chance to ski on natural snow. St Anton, for example, is sheltered in the Arlberg region, which keeps it cool and snowy. The ski area goes up to 2811m on the Valluga, where there is usually around three metres of build-up by the end of the season.

The Hintertux glacier is another great option for skiers looking to ski on natural snow. The Hintertux glacier is open 365 days a year and offers better snow quality than other glaciers during late summer and early autumn. The Hintertux glacier is a popular training venue for international ski teams during the autumn months.

Sölden is also one of the most snow-sure early-season ski resorts in Austria. While its natural snowfall may not be especially high, it offers excellent snow preservation thanks to its high average skiing height and central Alpine location. Sölden's two glaciers, Rettenbach and Tiefenbach, offer around 25km of ultra-snow-sure skiing.

Obergurgl is widely acknowledged to be the most snow-sure entirely non-glacial ski resort in Austria, if not the Alps. Not only does it have altitude on its side, sitting at 1930m and topping out at over 3000m, but its location close to the main Alpine ridge means that it taps into both northerly and southerly-tracking storms.

If you're looking for the best month for skiing on natural snow, January is the time to go. With reliable snowfall and snow-sure conditions, these resorts offer skiers the chance to enjoy the great outdoors and take in the stunning scenery of the Austrian Alps.

St Anton, Solden, Kaprun, Lech, Obergurgl, Schladming, and Mayrhofen are top snow-sure ski resorts

St Anton

St Anton is a snow-sure ski resort in Austria. The snowiest week is typically the second week of January, with an average of 3.2 snowy days and 62 cm of snowfall. During this week, the average maximum and minimum temperatures are -4.7°C and -6.7°C, respectively, with light winds and some sunshine.

Solden

Solden, located in the Tyrol region, is a popular ski resort. While the snowiest week is during the first week of February, the first week of December also sees significant snowfall, with an average of 4.1 snowy days and 38 cm of snow. The average maximum and minimum temperatures during this week are -4.6°C and -6.0°C, respectively, with light winds and some sunshine.

Kaprun

Kaprun is a ski resort in Austria that offers a variety of snow conditions. While snow forecasts vary, Kaprun generally experiences light snow, clear spells, and cloudy weather.

Lech

Lech is a top ski resort in Austria. The snow conditions in Lech vary, and while it can experience fresh powder, the surfaces can also become firm and icy. The snowiest week in Lech is the first week of January, with an average of 3-4 snowy days and 30 cm of snowfall. The average maximum and minimum temperatures during this week are -6.0°C and -7.4°C, respectively, with light winds and some sunshine.

Obergurgl

Obergurgl is a snow-sure ski resort in Austria. The snowiest week is the first week of March, with an average of 4.7 snowy days and 43 cm of snowfall. During this week, the average maximum and minimum temperatures are -6.0°C and -7.4°C, respectively, with light winds and some sunshine.

Schladming

Schladming, located in the Styria region, receives an average annual snowfall of 198 cm and has approximately 17 snowfall days.

Mayrhofen

Mayrhofen is a ski resort in Austria. The snowiest week is the second week of January, with an average of 3.4 snowy days and 28 cm of snowfall.

Austria is a great destination for snow-sure ski resorts, offering a variety of conditions and experiences for skiers and snowboarders.

Frequently asked questions