Leslie Massey
Austria is a popular destination for skiing, with its well-maintained slopes, modern infrastructure, and breathtaking mountain views. The ski season in Austria typically starts in November and December, with some resorts opening as early as October if snow conditions permit. The opening dates can vary from year to year, depending on snow and weather conditions, so it's always good to check the latest updates before planning a trip. So, which ski areas in Austria are open the latest?
Ski areas in Austria that are open the latest
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ski resorts with modern cable cars | Austria has ski resorts with modern cable cars, well-maintained slopes, and breathtaking mountains. |
| Opening dates | The Zell am See/Kaprun ski area opens in mid-October, while Sölden’s glacier ski areas may open earlier if snow conditions are favourable. |
| Notable events | The World Cup ski racing event in October; St. Anton's opening weekend on December 4; Ischgl's opening on November 28 with a traditional concert on November 30. |
| Other attractions | Night skiing on illuminated pistes; Christmas markets in cities and rural areas; spa experiences; ski schools. |
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What You'll Learn
Ski resorts with modern cable cars
Austria is a country with a rich skiing history and culture, with about 60% of the country covered in mountains. It is home to over 400 ski resorts, with most of the top resorts being easily accessible, usually less than two hours from Salzburg or Innsbruck airports. The ski season in Austria usually starts in December, with some higher resorts opening in November depending on snow conditions. The end of the season is typically around late March or April, with higher resorts like Stubai and Kitzsteinhorn staying open almost all year round.
One of the best ski resorts in Austria, St. Anton, is steeped in history. It is considered one of the cradles of modern Alpine skiing, with one of the first cable cars in the Alps being installed there. The Skiwelt ski area, of which St. Anton is the main gateway, offers 284km of slopes. Lech, a ski resort tucked away in the Arlberg region, is connected to the Ski Arlberg area, which includes St. Anton. With the opening of the Flexbahn Gondola, Lech now offers access to a vast network of pistes with 88 lifts and cable cars and 300km of pistes.
The Zillertal valley, home to the legendary Aësthetiker crew, is known for its snowboarding scene and snow park. The village is linked to the main resort by the Penkenbahn cable car. Mayrhofen, a picture-postcard resort in the Tyrol region, is perfect for confident skiers and snowboarders. It is known for its lively atmosphere in the afternoons and evenings, especially during festivals such as Snowbombing, the world's biggest and longest-running winter music festival.
Serfaus, along with its neighbouring villages of Fiss and Ladis, is one of Tyrol's greatest family-friendly resorts. The linked area offers child-friendly hotels and excellent ski schools, with a new 10-person lift capable of carrying 3,500 passengers per hour. Maria Alm, the entry point to the Salzburgerland's Hochkönig ski region, offers 120km of pistes, including the 35km Königstour panoramic route. The village has a variety of interesting accommodation options and restaurants serving some of the finest ski food in Austria.
With its world-class ski schools, pristine pistes, and optimal snow conditions, Austria has something for everyone, from beginners to experts. The majority of its ski resorts are easily accessible, and the country's vibrant culture and natural beauty make it a unique and enjoyable skiing destination.
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Well-maintained slopes
Austria is a great place for extensive ski areas with modern cable cars, well-maintained slopes, and breathtaking mountains. The Austrians' love for snow and skiing has made the sport a cherished tradition. The large ski resorts offer varied slopes and fun parks, ensuring unforgettable ski days and sporty challenges. The ski areas' location and altitude also make them favoured spots for good weather.
Austria's ski resorts offer something for everyone. Beginners and returning skiers can take advantage of the ski schools, where experts will teach you the basics, from smooth carving turns to proper pole technique. For those looking for a challenge, the well-maintained slopes and varied terrain will provide the perfect setting for improving your skills. The large ski resorts offer a range of slopes, from gentle cruisers to steep and challenging runs. The modern infrastructure, including sustainable cable cars and floodlit pistes for night skiing, ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience.
The Austrian ski holiday experience is unique, with the thrill of skiing on a sunny, icy day, admiring the snow-covered peaks, and enjoying traditional cuisine at a mountain hut. The ski regions also offer easy access to spas, providing an opportunity for relaxation after a day on the slopes. The period leading up to Christmas is also a magical time to visit, with the cities and rural areas lit up by Christmas markets full of light and fragrance.
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Night skiing
Austria is a favourite European destination for ski lovers, with 5 ski areas and 13 resorts. The Arlberg ski area is a popular choice, offering one of the best ski circuits in the Alps, the Weiße Ring, which is a hit with keen skiers. St Anton is the stand-out resort in this ski area, attracting avid skiers and snowboarders with its challenging runs.
The SkiWelt resorts are also a great option for night skiing, with pretty towns in good locations. This area offers a unique experience with stays in real igloos, schnapps tasting tours, and even Llama treks. SkiWelt is full of wide, open blue and red runs, perfect for a relaxed week on the slopes. It is also the largest night-time skiing area in Austria.
For beginners, the nursery slopes on the south side of Hinterglemm are ideal, while advanced skiers can test their skills on the world cup run: Zwölferkogel. The Pillersee Valley also hosts a popular snow park for snowboarders.
Serfaus Fiss Ladis currently has the highest percentage of open slopes (100% open).
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Top-rated Austrian ski resorts
Austria is home to 435 ski resorts, with slopes for all skill levels, from beginners to experts. The resorts are big, snow-sure, and well-groomed, and the country is relatively cheap for a world-class skiing destination.
The ski resort of KitzSki – Kitzbühel/Kirchberg is rated as the best ski resort in Austria, with 4.9 out of 5 stars. It is located in Tyrol (Tirol), Tiroler Unterland. The area offers excellent skiing conditions and a variety of slopes to choose from.
St. Anton, located in the Arlberg region, is another highly-rated ski resort in Austria. It is easily accessible from Innsbruck and offers a range of slopes for all skill levels. St. Anton is also known for its vibrant nightlife.
Damüls, located in the western edge of the Vorarlberg region, is a charming traditional village sitting at just 1,400 meters above sea level. Despite its low altitude, Damüls is one of the snowiest places in the Alps, receiving an average of 9.39 meters of snow each winter. The ski area offers 80 kilometers of pistes served by 21 lifts, with options for all ability levels.
Other top-rated ski resorts in Austria include Obertauern, Saalbach Hinterglemm, Ischgl, Zell am See-Kaprun, and Mayrhofen. These resorts offer a range of slopes, modern facilities, and a lively atmosphere, attracting skiers and snowboarders from all over the world.
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Christmas markets
Austria is known for its excellent ski resorts, and the country's Christmas markets are a big part of the festive experience. Many of these markets date back to the 13th century, and they are full of light, music, fragrance, and delicious food and drink.
One of the most well-known Christmas markets is the "Vienna Magic of Advent", which takes place in front of the neo-Gothic City Hall. The square is transformed into a shining fairytale land, with over 150 booths selling everything from miniature wooden houses and puppets to gingerbread hearts and woollen hats. The Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace is another popular option, set against the glorious baroque backdrop of the world-famous residence. Here, you'll find over 40 festively decorated market stalls offering traditional handcrafted goods, elaborate Christmas decorations, and culinary delights.
The Innsbruck Christmas markets are also worth visiting, with a collection of wonderful markets to explore. In the old town, you'll find around 70 stalls selling ornaments and souvenirs, as well as musical performances from the iconic Golden Roof. The Marktplatz market is a great option for families, with traditional Tyrolean market stalls, pony rides, and a merry-go-round. The Maria-Theresien-Straße Market is lit up by glittering crystal trees, and the Hungerburg market, known as the panorama market, offers stunning views of the city.
Outside of Vienna and Innsbruck, there are many other charming Christmas markets to discover in Austria. The Salzburg Christmas Market, set against the backdrop of the magnificent cathedral, is one of the oldest and most romantic markets in the country. The St. Wolfgang market is another highlight, where you can experience regional traditions and authentic handicrafts with the floating red Advent candle on Lake Wolfgang in view. Zell am See is also a great option, with stars above the streets and floating on the lake, and huts selling wooden toys, Glühwein, cookies, and knitwear.
Whether you're looking for festive cheer, traditional handicrafts, or delicious food and drink, Austria's Christmas markets have something for everyone. So, if you're planning a ski trip to Austria, be sure to add a visit to one of these magical markets to your itinerary!
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Frequently asked questions
The Zell am See / Kaprun ski area, Kitzsteinhorn glacier, and Sölden’s glacier ski areas tend to open in October, with good snow conditions.
Obergurgl is one of the first non-glacier resorts to open, with its opening day in mid-November. Ischgl opens towards the end of November.
No, ski areas are subject to changing snow, weather, and road conditions, so opening dates and times can change dramatically and at short notice.
