Where To Ski In December: Austria Or Switzerland?

If you're planning a ski trip to the Alps in December, you might be wondering whether to head to Austria or Switzerland. Both countries offer incredible skiing experiences, but there are some key differences to consider when making your choice.

Switzerland is known for its high-quality ski resorts and impressive infrastructure, but it also has a reputation for being expensive. On the other hand, Austria typically offers better value for money, with picturesque villages and a lively après-ski scene.

When it comes to snow conditions, it can vary from year to year, but generally, both countries receive significant snowfall in December, providing excellent skiing opportunities. However, to increase your chances of finding good snow, it's advisable to opt for higher-altitude resorts, as some lower-lying resorts may not have sufficient snow coverage early in the season.

Both countries offer a range of slopes suitable for different skill levels, from beginner-friendly trails to challenging routes for advanced skiers. So, whether you're a novice or an expert, you'll find suitable options in both Austria and Switzerland.

In terms of accessibility, Switzerland is known for its efficient public transport system, making it easy to get around without a car. Austria also has decent transport connections, and its resorts are generally closer together, making it convenient to ski in multiple locations during your trip.

Ultimately, the decision between Austria and Switzerland depends on your personal preferences and budget. Both countries offer a magical Alpine experience, and you can't go wrong with either choice.

Best ski resorts in Austria and Switzerland

If you're planning a ski trip to Europe in December, Austria and Switzerland are great options. Here are some of the best ski resorts in these countries:

Austria

• Lech Zürs: This quaint Austrian town is described as "adorable" and fits all the stereotypes of an Austrian mountain town. Lech Zürs is part of the Arlberg, the biggest ski area in Austria. The area offers 305km of downhill skiing with varied runs to suit every skier, from beginners to seasoned pros. Lech Zürs also receives plenty of snowfall, providing excellent conditions for skiing. Nearby Oberlech is a car-free village accessible by cable car or directly on skis/snowboards, offering a complete mountain escape.
• St. Anton am Arlberg: St. Anton is known for its infamous après-ski scene and advanced ski terrain. It is part of the Arlberg ski area and offers 305km of fantastically maintained pistes and some of the best off-piste skiing in the world. The resort has a spectrum of challenging runs and a lively après-ski scene, with bars like MooserWirt and Krazy Kanguruh offering drinks and dancing on tables.
• Saalbach-Hinterglemm: With 270km of pistes, Saalbach-Hinterglemm is one of the largest ski resorts in Austria, offering diverse options for intermediates and advanced skiers. The SkiCircus challenge invites keen skiers to tackle a 72km circuit linking the five villages of the ski area. The resort also has quirky bars like Zum Turm (a former medieval jail) and Goaßstall (with a unique goat theme).
• Ischgl: Ischgl is a popular resort with a long ski season and high-altitude slopes reaching up to 2,900m. It offers a variety of pistes for all skill levels and is a good choice for mixed groups. It's also a popular destination for snowboarders, with the largest Fun Park in Europe featuring 35 different obstacles. Ischgl has a lively atmosphere with a range of nightlife options, from the Schatzi Ice Bar to the Pacha nightclub.
• Kitzbühel: Kitzbühel is widely known for the notorious Hahnenkamm Downhill course and has invested heavily in a high-speed, modern lift system. It offers an extensive range of blue and red runs for intermediates and plenty of off-piste terrain for experts. The medieval town has been voted the most beautiful ski town in Europe, with charming old buildings, traditional Austrian restaurants, and designer boutiques.
• Mayrhofen: Mayrhofen attracts crowds from around the world and hosts Europe's biggest snowboarding music festival, Snowbombing. The resort offers two local mountains, Ahorn and Penken, and access to the thrilling Hintertux glacier with the Zillertaler Superskipass. Experts can try the famous Harakiri run, Austria's steepest slope with a gradient of up to 78%.
• Obergurgl: Obergurgl is a long-standing favourite for families, offering peaceful, wide-open pistes and a quaint town with a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere. It is situated just 90 minutes from Innsbruck airport, making it an ideal destination for easy, snow-sure skiing. Obergurgl has 110km of winding red and blue runs, and Sölden, just a 20-minute ski bus ride away, offers an additional 144km of slopes and two glaciers.
• Sölden: Sölden lives up to its reputation as one of the best places to ski in Austria, with access to two glaciers, three mountains, and an extensive network of slopes stretching over 144km. Adventurous skiers can enjoy the long 15km run from the top of the glaciers down into the valley, which became famous in the James Bond film "Spectre."

Switzerland

St. Moritz: St. Moritz is a high-end ski resort located in Switzerland's Engadin region. It is touted as the resort "on top of the world" and has deep roots in winter

Cost of skiing in Austria and Switzerland

When it comes to skiing in Austria and Switzerland, there are several costs to consider, including lift passes, equipment rental, accommodation, and food. Here is a breakdown of the costs associated with skiing in these two countries:

Austria

Austria is known for offering relatively affordable skiing options, especially when compared to destinations like the US and Switzerland.

Lift Passes

In Austria, the cost of a day lift pass can vary depending on the ski resort and the time of the season. Some resorts offer free lift passes for under-16s at the end of the season, while others have special offers like free off-peak passes for under-15s. Generally, lift passes in Austria can range from as little as €2 to over €70 per day.

Equipment Rental

Equipment rental costs will depend on the type of equipment you need and the specific rental shop. Top-tier equipment rental (boots and skis) can be around €150 for a week if booked online in advance. For those on a budget, it may be possible to find cheaper rental options or purchase second-hand gear.

Accommodation

Austria offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets. You can find small, self-catered apartments, guest houses, and 2- or 3-star hotels. There are also higher-end options, such as 5-star hotels, for those willing to spend more.

Food

The cost of food in Austria can vary, but it is generally considered to be affordable, especially when compared to Switzerland. You can find restaurants serving pizzas and pasta for around €8-€10, and supermarkets like Lidl offer lower prices for those who prefer to cook their own meals.

Switzerland

Switzerland is known to be a more expensive destination for skiing compared to Austria.

Lift Passes

Lift passes in Switzerland tend to be more expensive than in Austria. A 6-day lift pass for a big resort can cost around €300-€400.

Equipment Rental

Equipment rental costs in Switzerland are likely to be similar to those in Austria, with top-tier equipment rental costing around €150 for a week if booked in advance.

Accommodation

Switzerland offers a range of accommodation options, but prices tend to be higher than in Austria. You can find options like guest houses, apartments, and hotels, but they may come with a higher price tag.

Food

Eating out in Switzerland is generally more expensive than in Austria. A simple meal like a pizza or burger can cost around €10-€15, and even higher-end restaurants will likely be pricier than similar establishments in Austria.

In conclusion, when it comes to the cost of skiing in Austria vs. Switzerland, Austria tends to offer more affordable options across the board. Lift passes, equipment rental, accommodation, and food are all generally less expensive in Austria, making it a better choice for those on a budget. However, Switzerland's ski resorts may offer additional amenities or services that could be worth the extra cost, depending on your preferences and budget.

Christmas markets in Austria and Switzerland

If you're looking for Christmas markets in Austria and Switzerland, you're in luck! Both countries offer a variety of festive markets that are sure to get you into the holiday spirit.

Austria

In Austria, you can find Christmas markets in many cities, including Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Hallstatt, and Linz. Here are some highlights:

• The Rathausplatz Market in Vienna, set against the grand City Hall, is widely considered the most famous in Austria.
• The Christkindlmarkt in Salzburg, with the stunning Hohensalzburg Fortress as its backdrop, is an enchanting winter wonderland in the heart of the city's historic center.
• Innsbruck's Old Town Market, located near the iconic Golden Roof, exudes a traditional Tyrolean atmosphere with local handicrafts, fresh produce, and regional delicacies.
• The Christkindlmarkt in Linz is famous for its delicious Linzer Torte, a traditional pastry savoured by locals and visitors alike.
• The Lakeside Christmas Market in Hallstatt offers a unique and picturesque setting, with the market square nestled against a serene lake and surrounded by towering alpine peaks.

Switzerland

Switzerland also boasts several charming Christmas markets that are worth visiting:

• The Christmas markets in Basel, Bern, Interlaken, Lausanne, and St. Ursanne are highly recommended.
• The market in Strasbourg is a great option if you're travelling between the Netherlands and Switzerland.
• Zurich also has a popular Christmas market that you can visit.

So, whether you choose to ski and explore Christmas markets in Austria or Switzerland in December, you're sure to have a magical experience!

Best ski resorts for beginners

If you're a beginner, there are plenty of ski resorts in Austria and Switzerland that are perfect for you. Here are some of the best options:

Austria

Alpbach is a charming ski resort located in the SkiJuwel ski area. It offers a good amount of easy terrain and dedicated learning areas, with 29km of blue runs to cruise down. The resort also boasts spectacular views and a welcoming village atmosphere, with a great choice of bars and restaurants.

Ellmau, part of the SkiWelt ski area, is another great option for beginners. It offers 122km of blue runs and fantastic beginner area facilities, with a choice of excellent ski schools. The village itself is very relaxed and offers plenty of bars and restaurants. With a full SkiWelt ski pass, you can access 284km of pistes as you progress.

Kaprun is a quiet mountain village considered one of the best ski resorts for beginners in Austria. The slopes are suited to beginners and easy to access, with 57km of blue runs. The resort also offers a variety of dining and bar options, as well as an ice arena and activities like tubing and tobogganing.

Lech caters to all abilities but makes our list due to its dedicated nursery slopes and excellent piste preparation. After progressing from the nursery area, you can explore 133km of easy rolling blue runs. Lech also offers incredible luxury accommodation options and breathtaking mountain views.

Mayrhofen offers 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 a fun and safe learning experience. The village retains its traditional alpine charm, with lively après bars and relaxing eateries.

Switzerland

Crans Montana is known for its gentle slopes, with 40% of its pistes being blue. The 'Snow Island' beginner's area is a golf course in the summer, giving you an idea of how gentle the terrain is. The nearby 'Discovery Area' offers another gentle snow garden with a magic carpet and a rolling blue separate from the rest of the ski area.

Saas-Fee has the most snow-sure nursery slopes on the continent, separate from the rest of the area, allowing you to practice at your own pace. Once you've gained confidence, you can explore the scenic blue runs from Felskinn.

Grindelwald offers a gloriously high learner zone at Kleine Scheidegg, with over 30% of its pistes classified as easy. The learner zone at Bodmia is served by an easy-to-use drag lift and has fun features for all ages, along with an unintimidating slope to learn on.

Zermatt, with the mighty Matterhorn as its backdrop, offers a state-of-the-art beginner park at Sunnegga, complete with rope tows, magic carpets, and fun features for children. There are also five 'Slow Slopes' across the valley, providing a less intimidating learning experience.

Klosters' jewel is Madrisa-Land, where young beginners can combine their first turns with fun features like a bouncy castle and tubing slope. The village also offers three short nursery slopes served by an easy-to-use drag lift and the longer 'Barnet' blue nearby.

Davos provides a wonderful unhurried experience for beginners. Introducing 'Slow Mountain', the first 'slow and easy' area in Europe, you'll find a set of steady blues tucked away from the rest of the ski area. The Bolgen nursery slope at the foot of Jakobshorn is also perfect for first-timers.

Best ski resorts for intermediates

Switzerland

Switzerland has a lot to offer for intermediates, with its high-altitude slopes, stunning scenery, and charming villages. Here are some of the top resorts to consider:

• St Moritz: This resort offers a mix of intermediate and advanced runs, as well as a vibrant social scene and breathtaking valley views.
• Zermatt: Confident intermediates will enjoy the 120km of red runs and the chance to cross the border to Cervinia, Italy, for more intermediate-friendly blues.
• Arosa: This resort offers a compact layout and an extensive lift system, making its 87km of blues and reds easily accessible.
• Verbier: While known for its expert skiing, Verbier also offers a large network of red and blue runs for strong intermediates.
• Davos: With its series of valleys, Davos offers a mix of reds and blues. The two long reds that glide down to Klosters are particularly appealing.
• Grindelwald: This resort offers a healthy mix of restaurants, bars, and affordable accommodations. It's also a great base for excursions to nearby slopes like First, Männlichen, and Kleine Scheidegg.

Austria

Austria is known for its charming mountain villages and extensive ski areas, providing plenty of options for intermediates. Here are some top resorts to consider:

• Saalbach Hinterglemm: This resort offers a mix of blue and red runs, as well as easy access to other ski areas like Leogang and Hinterglemm.
• St. Anton am Arlberg: This resort offers a variety of slopes suitable for all levels, as well as a renowned après-ski scene.
• Kitzbuhel: Kitzbuhel's local pistes provide a good mix of blues and reds, and the nearby Ski-Welt area offers even more intermediate-friendly descents.
• Ischgl: This resort provides access to the duty-free area of Samnaun, Switzerland, and offers plenty of groomers closer to home, like the blue #64 and red #10.
• Lech-Zürs: The Lech-Zürs area features a predominance of red runs, with plenty of blues as well. The red #10 into the village is a highlight, offering a panoramic cruise through the valley.

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