Lyla Lindsey
Austria is a skier's paradise, with 435 ski resorts, modern ski lifts, and well-groomed slopes. The Austrian Alps offer breathtaking mountain views and extensive ski areas, making it a top choice for skiing in Europe. The country's ski resorts cater to all skill levels, with varied slopes, fun parks, and ski schools. Austria's ski areas also provide a unique cultural experience, with traditional villages, lively après-ski scenes, and delicious cuisine. The Arlberg, SkiWelt, and Mayrhofen are among the most popular destinations, offering extensive ski terrains, snow-sure conditions, and vibrant nightlife. With its combination of world-class skiing, stunning landscapes, and authentic hospitality, Austria delivers an unforgettable ski holiday experience.
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Austrian ski resorts
Austria is known for its excellent ski resorts, with 435 ski resorts across the country. Austrian ski resorts offer a wealth of choices, from the spiritual home of après-ski to family-friendly ski areas with well-linked lifts. The Arlberg is the biggest ski area in Austria, famed as the birthplace of skiing, with 305km of downhill skiing. The area is covered by one lift pass and has a state-of-the-art lift system. St. Anton, part of the Arlberg area, is known for its famous après-ski scene, with slopeside bars and traditional Austrian music.
The second-biggest ski resort in Austria is SkiWelt in the Tyrol region, with 284km of piste to explore. SkiWelt connects several picturesque ski resorts, including Ellmau, Söll, and Westendorf, offering a variety of wide, gentle pistes ideal for families and intermediates. Those looking for something livelier can head to Söll, which has a fun après-ski scene and great night skiing opportunities.
Other notable Austrian ski resorts include Mayrhofen, which offers access to two local mountains, Ahorn and Penken, and the surrounding Zillertal area, which has many great ski resorts. Mayrhofen also has the famous Harakiri run, which, with a gradient of up to 78%, is Austria's steepest slope. Damüls, located in the foothills of the Arlberg group of the Alps, is known for its charming, traditional village and abundant snowfall, despite its low altitude. Stubai boasts one of the longest pisted ski runs in Europe, with a 10km run from Wildspitz to the valley floor.
Austria's ski resorts offer varied slopes, fun parks, and well-maintained slopes and infrastructure, making them a popular choice for skiers looking to cover a lot of terrain. The large ski resorts provide an authentic atmosphere, with cosy fondue restaurants and friendly locals.
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Après ski
Austria is a favourite skiing destination, with its wide selection of ski areas, numerous opportunities for rest and relaxation, and the hottest parties in the Alps. The après-ski parties have become so popular that, for some, skiing takes a back seat.
St. Anton, in the Arlberg region, is great for advanced skiers and is known for its lively après-ski scene. It is home to two of the finest après-ski drinking spots, Mooserwirt and Krazy Kanguruh, which are located opposite each other. Mooserwirt, named the "mother of all après-ski bars" by Playboy, serves around 5000 litres of beer a day, with space around and on top of tables completely taken up from 4 pm. Krazy Kanguruh is equally animated and has helped define Austrian oompah-stomping après since it opened in 1965.
Lech, just over the hill from swinging St. Anton, offers a more upmarket après-ski experience. Lighter, fruitier drinks reign supreme, and hotels like the Tannbergerhof have been known to carve swanky ice bars out of their porches. Lech is the place to go for fine, night-long dining, with the most Gault Millau toques of any Austrian resort. For wine, cigar, or jazz lovers, Fux Bar is a sophisticated late-night option.
Hinterglemm, part of the large Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang ski area, has been a hotspot for partygoers for years. The party locations offer a mixture of rustic mountain huts and modern party venues, which are also very popular with VIPs. The village of Saalbach has numerous bars and discos in its centre, where the party continues well after a day of skiing. The annual "Rave on Snow" is a highlight for electronica fans, with countless DJs and live acts.
Kitzbühel is another famous ski resort, attracting the rich and beautiful. It is a bit more expensive but offers pure luxury, even at night. Kirch, Kitzbühel's laid-back, lively next-door neighbour, offers a happy medium on the après scale. Schneerbar Oberkaser catches the crowd on their ski home with live music and dancing on the tables (and the roof!). This is usually followed by drinks at the local legend, The London, which has music and madness until 1 am.
Ischgl is a classic among après-ski spots, kicking off the season with the legendary Opening Week Festival, featuring headlining acts like Mariah Carey and Supertramp and crowds of up to 18,000.
Other notable mentions include Crazy Daisy, where you can dance on tables and enjoy their house speciality, "yellow snow"; Greens, where you can try Jagertree, a local speciality; and the Londoner in Kitzbühel, where adventurous après-skiers attempt the Rik's Revenge Challenge.
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Beginner-friendly slopes
Austria is renowned for its excellent skiing conditions, with a host of resorts catering to all levels of skiers. For beginners, Austria offers a fantastic opportunity to learn the basics and build confidence on the slopes. The country boasts a wide variety of beginner-friendly slopes, ensuring a fun and enjoyable experience for newcomers to the sport.
One of the standout features of Austrian ski resorts is their dedication to catering to all skill levels. Many resorts have expansive areas dedicated solely to beginners, with gentle slopes and easy-to-navigate runs. This allows novice skiers to develop their skills in a safe and controlled environment, without the worry of encountering more advanced terrain. The wide-open spaces and gentle gradients provide the perfect setting for beginners to find their feet and gain confidence on skis.
The Austrian ski schools also contribute significantly to their reputation for beginner-friendliness. These schools are known for their experienced and qualified instructors, who provide expert tuition to help newcomers progress quickly and safely. Group lessons and private lessons are readily available, ensuring that beginners can receive the guidance they need to improve their technique and feel comfortable on the slopes.
Additionally, the ski lifts in Austria are well-equipped to accommodate beginners. Many resorts feature modern lift systems, including high-speed gondolas and chairlifts, which make accessing the slopes convenient and efficient. Furthermore, the presence of beginner-specific lifts, such as magic carpets and rope tows, allows newcomers to become familiar with the equipment and build their confidence before tackling more challenging terrain.
The variety of beginner-friendly slopes in Austria ensures that those new to the sport can find the perfect resort to match their needs. From gentle nursery slopes in picturesque villages to more extensive networks of green and blue runs in larger ski areas, there is something for every beginner skier. The well-groomed and meticulously maintained pistes provide the ideal conditions for beginners to practice their turns and perfect their snowploughs.
In conclusion, Austria's ski resorts offer an exceptional experience for beginners, with dedicated areas, expert instruction, and beginner-friendly infrastructure. The country's commitment to catering to all skill levels ensures that newcomers can develop their passion for skiing in a safe, enjoyable, and accessible environment. With its combination of excellent conditions, top-notch tuition, and varied terrain, Austria is an ideal choice for those taking their first steps in the world of skiing.
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Advanced slopes
Austria is known for its excellent ski resorts, with over 400 ski resorts across its nine provinces. The country offers a mix of beginner slopes, black runs, and mountainside culture, catering to all levels of skiers, from beginners to advanced.
For advanced skiers, St. Anton in the Arlberg region is a popular choice, known for its challenging runs and lively après-ski scene. The area boasts 305km of fantastically maintained pistes and some of the best off-piste skiing in the world. Advanced skiers can take a guide to the top of the Valluga lift and tackle the routes down to Zürs, or explore the wide-open pistes around the Galzig mountain.
The Ski Circus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrenn is another excellent option for advanced skiers, with 70 lifts and 270km of pistes. The Nordabfahr piste, a black run with panoramic views of Saalbach, offers a challenging experience. Additionally, the SkiCircus challenge, a 72km circuit linking the five villages of the ski area, provides a unique experience.
Scenic Kitzbühel, widely known for the notorious Hahnenkamm Downhill course, is another resort that caters to advanced skiers. While the resort offers a range of blues and reds for intermediates, experts can explore over 200 square kilometres of off-piste terrain with the help of a guide.
Damüls, located in the western edge of the Vorarlberg, offers a traditional and charming village experience. While the ski area is not massive, it provides some seriously epic descents that are easily accessible from the lifts, making it a great choice for advanced skiers looking for a more low-key experience.
Stubai, with one of the longest pisted ski runs in Europe at 10km, is also worth considering. The off-piste terrain here is epic, and advanced skiers can take advantage of the joint lift ticket offering access to other resorts in the Stubai Valley, providing even more challenging terrain.
Finally, Mayrhofen, known for its two local mountains, Ahorn and Penken, offers the famous Harakiri run, which, with a gradient of up to 78%, claims the title of Austria's steepest slope.
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Cost
Skiing in Austria is known to be relatively inexpensive compared to other destinations. A day lift ticket in Austria can cost around $70, which is significantly cheaper than in the US, where prices can reach $250-300. Rentals and food on the mountain are also more affordable in Austria. Additionally, there is public transportation available to the ski resorts in Austria, eliminating the need for a rental car or taxi services.
For those planning to ski multiple times during their stay in Austria, a season pass is often the most economical option. Season passes offer consecutive days of skiing, ranging from a single day to 14 days, and are usually valid for the entire season, which can extend from October to May. These passes can be used across different ski regions within Austria and sometimes even in neighbouring countries like Bavaria.
The cost of a ski trip to Austria can be further reduced by purchasing lift tickets in advance, as many resorts offer special deals and discounts on their websites. Additionally, some resorts provide discounts for teenagers and children, making it an excellent option for families.
When comparing the cost of skiing in Austria to other destinations, it is important to consider the overall trip expenses, including flights and accommodation. While the daily lift ticket prices in Austria are significantly lower than in the US, the cost of flying to Austria from certain locations might be higher. However, once in the country, the overall expenses tend to be lower due to the affordable lift tickets, rentals, and food options.
Overall, Austria offers a cost-effective option for skiers looking for a balance between affordable skiing and a variety of other winter activities. The country's ski resorts cater to individuals, groups, and families, with prices that are generally in line with general inflation, making it a popular choice for those seeking a winter getaway without breaking the bank.
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Frequently asked questions
Austria is a skier's paradise, with 435 ski resorts, modern ski lifts, and well-maintained slopes. The country's ski resorts are as big, snow-sure, and well-groomed as any in France or Switzerland, but generally cheaper.
Some of the best ski resorts in Austria include:
- Arlberg: the biggest ski area in Austria, with 305km of downhill skiing, and home to legendary resorts like St. Anton, Lech, St Christoph, and Zürs.
- SkiWelt: the second-biggest ski resort in Austria, with 284km of piste, and great for families and intermediates.
- Damüls: a charming, traditional Austrian village that is one of the snowiest places in the Alps, despite sitting at just 1,400m above sea level.
- Mayrhofen: features two local mountains, Ahorn and Penken, and is close to Munich International Airport.
- Hintertux: a glacier with thrilling terrain, including Austria's steepest slope, the famous Harakiri run.
- Stubai: features one of the longest pisted ski runs in Europe, with a 10km run from Wildspitz mountain station to the valley floor.
Austrian ski resorts are known for their après-ski scene, with plenty of slopeside bars and clubs. In the period leading up to Christmas, many resorts also feature festive markets and carols. Austrian ski resorts also offer excellent food and drinks, including schnapps and Kaiserschmarren.
Austrian ski lifts are extremely modern and comfortable, with some featuring heated seating. The resorts also have efficient lift systems, with SkiWelt, for example, offering 284km of piste served by 62 lifts.
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