Discover Austria's Top Ski Resorts For A Winter Getaway

With more than 400 ski resorts, Austria is a skier's paradise. The Austrian Alps offer elevations of up to 3,000 metres, spectacular scenery of snow-capped peaks, and genuine mountain chalets serving hearty local cuisine. The country is known for its rich skiing culture, with the birthplace of ski school and the first modern chairlifts found here.

So, which are the best ski resorts in Austria? Here's a list of some of the top spots:

- St. Anton/Arlberg: Great slopes for all skill levels, easily accessible, and known for its lively nightlife.

- Kitzbühel: Exclusive resort with 233km of pistes and the world's longest ski circuit.

- Obertauern: Austria's 'snowiest' ski resort, great for intermediate skiers, and caters to both families and party-goers.

- Saalbach-Hinterglemm: One of Europe's finest ski resorts with 70 lifts and 270km of pistes, also known for its pretty village.

- Ischgl: Long ski season, high-altitude slopes, and a popular destination for snowboarders with the largest Fun Park in Europe.

- Sölden: Access to two glaciers, three mountains, and 144km of slopes; also known for its appearance in the James Bond film, Spectre.

- Lech: Peaceful slopes, limited lift tickets for crowd control, and a charming, luxurious town.

- Mayrhofen: Hosts Europe's biggest snowboarding music festival, Snowbombing, and offers a range of terrain, including the famous Harakiri run.

- Obergurgl: Family-friendly resort with wide-open pistes, a relaxed atmosphere, and easy access from Innsbruck airport.

The best ski resorts for advanced skiers

Austria is a great destination for advanced skiers, with challenging slopes, extensive ski areas, and modern cable cars. Here are some of the best ski resorts in Austria for advanced skiers:

• St. Anton in the Arlberg region is renowned for its challenging slopes and lively après-ski scene. It offers diverse terrain, from the steep Valluga to the gentle village slopes around Nasserein. St. Anton is also steeped in history, having hosted various World Alpine Ski Championships and Ski World Cups.
• Lech in the Arlberg region is another excellent choice for advanced skiers. The Flexbahn Gondola connects Lech to the vast Ski Arlberg area, which offers 300km of pistes and an extensive network of marked, unpisted backcountry routes. Lech is known for its smaller village charm and organic development, attracting a more discerning and high-paying clientele.
• Saalbach-Hinterglemm provides access to one of Austria's largest lift-linked ski areas, the Saalbach-Hinterglemm-Leogang-Fieberbrunn, with over 270km of pistes. It offers a full-on après-ski experience and is centred around an attractive old Tyrolean village.
• Kitzbühel is a Tyrolean resort known for its historic Hahnenkamm downhill skiing race, one of the most challenging courses in the World Cup. The resort offers varied terrain, including excellent intermediate slopes, and a low base altitude. Kitzbühel has a beautiful old-world village with swanky boutiques and hotels, as well as a vibrant après-ski scene.
• Ischgl in the Eastern Alps boasts one of the liveliest après-ski scenes in Europe. The lift-linked Silvretta Arena offers high, snow-sure slopes and an excellent lift system. The resort is also known for its spas, including the spectacular Silvretta Spa.
• Mayrhofen is a picture-perfect resort that is perfect for confident skiers and snowboarders. It has one of the best snow parks in the Alps, catering to all levels. The village comes alive in the afternoons and evenings, especially during the Altitude Comedy Festival and Snowbombing music festival.
• Obergurgl and its twin sister, Hochgurgl, offer one of Austria's most snow-sure resorts. The high altitude, with the village sitting at 1,930 metres, and an impressive snow generation system ensure excellent snow coverage. The resort provides a variety of après-ski attractions and is connected to Sölden for those seeking a bigger night out.
• Innsbruck, while known primarily as a transit hub, has emerged as a skiing destination in its own right. The Ski Plus City Pass offers access to 13 nearby ski areas and 22 city attractions. Innsbruck provides something for every type of skier, from beginner-friendly slopes to challenging terrain in Nordkette and Kühtai.
• Damüls is a charming, traditional village sitting at just 1,400 metres above sea level. Despite its low altitude, Damüls receives an abundance of snowfall, with an average of 9.39 metres of snow each winter. The ski area offers 80km of pistes served by 21 lifts, with plenty of options for all ability levels.

These resorts offer challenging terrain, extensive ski areas, and a vibrant après-ski scene, making them ideal choices for advanced skiers looking for a memorable experience in the Austrian Alps.

The best ski resorts for beginners

Austria has plenty of ski resorts that are perfect for beginners. Here are some of the best:

Alpbach

Located in the SkiJuwel ski area, Alpbach is a charming ski resort with spectacular views. It features a good choice of ski schools and instructors, as well as 29km of blue runs for beginners to practice on. The resort isn't too big, so beginners don't need to worry about accidentally ending up on a more challenging run. The village has a welcoming atmosphere, with a good selection of bars and restaurants.

Ellmau

Part of the SkiWelt ski area, Ellmau is perfect for first-time skiers, with 122km of blue runs and fantastic beginner area facilities. The village is relaxed and offers plenty of bars and restaurants. With a full SkiWelt ski pass, beginners can eventually access 284km of pistes as they progress.

Kaprun

Kaprun is a quiet mountain village considered one of the best ski resorts for beginners in Austria. The slopes are suited to beginners and are easily accessible, with 57km of blue runs. The resort has over 30 venues to eat at and plenty of bars. Kaprun also has an ice arena and offers tubing and tobogganing for non-ski activities.

Saalbach-Hinterglemm

Saalbach-Hinterglemm is one of Europe's finest ski resorts, with 70 lifts and 270km of pistes. Hinterglemm, in particular, has some of the best offerings for beginners, with nursery slopes in the village and 140km of blue runs. The blue runs from Zwolferkogel towards Hinterglemm are ideal for beginners to practice on. Neighbouring Saalbach also has great blue runs to explore.

Mayrhofen

Mayrhofen has a diverse selection of ski runs, with 60km of blue runs and dedicated learning areas. Beginners can head to Pepis Kinderland on the Penken summit and Übungsland Penken at the top of the Penkenbahn. The village has a traditional alpine charm, with lively après bars and relaxing places to eat and drink.

Obergurgl

Towards the end of the Otz Valley, Obergurgl is one of the highest ski resorts in Europe, with an altitude of 1,930m-3,080m, making it a snow-sure destination. The resort features dedicated nursery slopes and easy terrain, with about a third of the ski area classified as blue. The main town has a tranquil atmosphere and offers a good choice of restaurants, bars, and accommodation.

The best ski resorts for families

SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser Tyrol

The SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser in Brixental has been awarded several times as the best family skiing area in Austria. It offers almost 250 kilometres of slopes of easy and medium difficulty, with 10 kilometres of black slopes for experienced skiers. The extra-wide slopes of the SkiWelt Ellmau ensure a joint skiing experience for young and old. The Kids-SkiWelt in Hochbrixen with Bobo's Miniclub and the Kids' Club is ideal for little ones to gain their first skiing experiences. With its own practice lift and two conveyor belts, Brixen is perfect for getting youngsters started. Twenty-two professional ski schools offer special children's ski courses for children from the age of two, while youngsters can enjoy various fun parks, ski courses and ski-movie tracks. Eleven kilometres of illuminated slopes in Söll and three illuminated toboggan runs ensure fun on the slopes until late at night.

Muttereralm Innsbruck

The Muttereralm is a real family ski paradise, easily and sustainably reachable by public transport from Innsbruck. The Kinderland is located at 1,620 meters above sea level, with a covered magic carpet and an ideal practice slope at the Almboden T-bar lift. The fairy tale forest is a highlight for little skiers, while advanced skiers can take the 4-seater chairlift Nockspitzbahn up to 1,804 meters. The FIS course on the "Mutterer" side and the "Götzner Abfahrt", built as a reserve race course for the Olympic Games, offer enough challenge for experts. There are two ski schools available, and from Innsbruck, you can get to the Muttereralm car-free, with a free ski bus for all skiers.

Family ski resort Zettersfeld

The Zettersfeld ski area in Lienz, East Tyrol, is a true children's adventure mountain with over 2,000 hours of sunshine per year. The terrain and infrastructure are ideal for the entire family, with generous turns on free slopes for parents and a dedicated ski school for kids. For little adventurers, there is the slalom & wave course in Bobo's Kinderland, right next to the Bidner practice lift. The child-friendly offer includes various events such as a puppet theatre in the snow, a scavenger hunt, and the Winter Olympics. Hardly any waiting times at the lifts and manageable infrastructure make it possible for families to enjoy a rustic, traditional hut with delicious East Tyrolean home cooking.

Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau

The Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau has been awarded several times as a top family ski area, offering unique fun on the slopes with great wave runs, children's slopes and a speedometer. A large selection of special children's ski schools ensures that the first experiences on skis will be unforgettable. While parents enjoy some downtime, youngsters can let off steam in the kids' clubs with childcare, and two snow parks provide plenty of action. Off the slopes, families can enjoy spectacular rides with the Alpbachtaler Lauser-Sauser, build an igloo, or go on a tandem flight.

Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis

Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis is one of Tyrol's greatest family-friendly resorts, with three-quarters of its 161 kilometres of pistes aimed at beginner and intermediate skiers. The area is known for its child-friendly hotels and excellent ski schools, with a new 10-person lift able to carry 3,500 passengers per hour. The "KinderSchneelam" practice area at the Komperdellbahn mid-station offers a magic carpet, animal park, Berta's Indian Land, a children's stage, a happy toboggan run, various adventure courses, and children's fun areas. There is something for everyone, with extra easy slopes for beginners and challenging terrain for experienced skiers. The resort also offers a great entertainment program off the slopes.

Zell am See: Schmittenhöhe

The Schmittenhöhe family ski area in Zell am See offers 77 kilometres of slopes for all ages and levels. The moderate ski prices, with various specials for families, are especially popular. The Schmitten dragon Schmidolin is a hit with the kids, who can learn exciting stories about the mascot along the Kidsslope. Numerous ski schools with top-trained instructors offer a special program for children. Zell am See also boasts the largest fun slope in Austria.

The best ski resorts for a quick trip

Austria is an ideal destination for a quick ski trip, with most of its top resorts less than two hours from Salzburg or Innsbruck airports, and easily accessible by public transport. Here are some of the best ski resorts for a quick trip to Austria:

St. Anton

St. Anton, part of the Arlberg ski area, is known for its challenging ski terrain and lively après-ski scene. It offers a wide range of advanced runs and some of the best off-piste skiing in the world. The resort also has a famous après-ski scene, with table-dancing and beer steins adding to the excitement. Nearby villages like St. Christoph offer a quieter alternative while still providing access to the vast Arlberg ski area.

Saalbach-Hinterglemm

Saalbach-Hinterglemm is one of the largest ski resorts in Austria, with 270km of pistes catering to intermediates and advanced skiers. The Ski Circus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrenn connects five villages and offers 70 lifts and 270km of pistes. The resort is also known for its quirky bars, such as the medieval jail-turned-bar, Zum Turm. Saalbach is considered one of Austria's prettiest ski villages, with a charming church and timber houses.

Ischgl

Ischgl is a popular resort with a long ski season and high-altitude slopes reaching 2,900m. It offers 240km of pistes suitable for all skill levels and the largest Fun Park in Europe for snowboarders. Ischgl also has a vibrant après-ski scene, with options like the Schatzi Ice Bar and Pacha nightclub. The resort hosts several well-known ski festivals, including Rock The Mountains and Top Of The Mountain.

Kitzbühel

Kitzbühel, a medieval Tyrolean town, is one of Austria's most exclusive resorts. It offers 233km of pistes, including the notorious Hahnenkamm Downhill course. The resort has invested in a modern lift system, making it easy to access the extensive blue and red runs. The medieval town, enclosed by old city walls, features designer boutiques and traditional Austrian restaurants. It has been voted the most beautiful ski town in Europe.

Obertauern

Obertauern, known as Austria's "snowiest" resort, is great for intermediate skiers, with over 100km of pistes. It successfully caters to both families and party-goers, and it has a unique connection to the Beatles, who filmed "Help!" here in 1965. The resort offers a range of accommodation and entertainment options to suit different tastes.

The best ski resorts for a longer trip

Austria is a great destination for a longer ski trip, with its top-class pistes, excellent infrastructure, and variety of accommodation options. Here are some of the best ski resorts for a longer trip to Austria:

St. Anton

St. Anton is one of the world's most well-known ski resorts, with challenging runs and a famous après-ski scene. It is part of the Arlberg region, the biggest ski area in Austria, with 305km of fantastically maintained pistes and some of the best off-piste skiing in the world. The state-of-the-art lift system makes it easy to get around the vast ski area. St. Anton also offers a range of accommodation options, from the lively resort town to the quieter nearby village of St. Christoph.

Saalbach-Hinterglemm

Saalbach-Hinterglemm is one of the largest ski resorts in Austria, with 270km of pistes catering to intermediates and advanced skiers. The Ski Circus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrenn connects five villages and offers 70 lifts and 270km of pistes. Saalbach is also known for its quirky bars and picturesque village, making it a great choice for a longer trip.

Ischgl

Ischgl is one of the largest and most popular ski resorts in Austria, with a long ski season and high-altitude slopes reaching up to 2,900m. The resort offers 240km of pistes suitable for all skill levels and the largest Fun Park in Europe for snowboarders. Ischgl also has a lively atmosphere with a variety of bars and nightclubs, making it a great choice for those looking for both excellent skiing and an exciting scene off the slopes.

Kitzbühel

Kitzbühel is a scenic and historic medieval town widely known for the notorious Hahnenkamm Downhill course. The resort offers 179km of groomed pistes, with a high-speed, modern lift system and a range of blues and reds for intermediate skiers. The town itself is charming, with old buildings, traditional Austrian restaurants, and designer boutiques. Kitzbühel is a great choice for those looking for a combination of excellent skiing and a beautiful ski town to explore.

Lech

Lech is a peaceful and luxurious ski resort in the Arlberg region, known for its first-class service and gourmet eateries. The resort preserves the tranquility of its slopes by limiting the number of lift tickets sold during busy periods. Lech is also home to the first-ever ski school and the world's longest ski race, making it a great choice for those looking for a combination of excellent skiing and a relaxed atmosphere.

Frequently asked questions