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Austria is one of the top ski destinations in Europe, with stunning alpine scenery, traditional villages, and some of the best après-ski in the world. The price of a ski holiday in Austria depends on factors such as group size, trip duration, and accommodation type. Generally, it is cheaper than popular French ski resorts, with lower prices for ski passes, food, and drink. Austria's ski resorts tend to be at a lower level than those in France, and you won't find any high-rise buildings. Instead, you'll encounter charming hand-painted buildings, cute onion-domed churches, and attractive wooded mountains. The best time to book a ski holiday in Austria depends on your preferences and the availability of accommodations. Many resorts offer early booking discounts and deals, so booking in advance can be advantageous. However, last-minute bookings are also possible, especially if you are flexible with your accommodation choices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Season | Long season with good conditions well into spring |
| Resorts | St. Anton, Obergurgl, Ischgl, Sölden, Hintertux glacier, Kitzbühel, Zell am See, Alpbach, Kirchberg, St. Johann in Tirol, Saalbach, Hinterglemm, Westendorf, Kaprun, Niederau, Schladming, Bad Kleinkirchheim, Mayrhofen, Bad Gastein, Bad Hofgastein, Lech, St Christoph, Livigno |
| Ideal for | Beginners, intermediates, advanced skiers, families, groups, couples |
| Activities | Alpine skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, tobogganing, ice skating, hiking |
| Accommodations | Hotels, chalets, apartments, pensions |
| Additional services | Ski schools, ski lifts, après-ski, restaurants, spas, childcare |
| Cost | Cheaper than popular French ski resorts |
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What You'll Learn
Types of accommodation
When it comes to accommodation, Austria has something for everyone. From family chalets in Obergurgl to the ski-in ski-out hotels in St. Anton, Ischgl and St. Johann in Tirol, you can choose from a range of apartments, chalets and hotels with amenities like indoor/outdoor pools, extensive spa areas, mountain views and cosy restaurants.
If you're looking for a home-away-from-home experience, chalets are a great option. Hotels, on the other hand, are perfect for shorter breaks, and self-catered ski apartments offer complete flexibility. You can also find ski-in-ski-out accommodation in Vorarlberg, Arlberg, Silvretta Montafon, Damüls-Mellau, and the Styrian mountains, allowing you to be among the first on the slopes each morning and providing easy access to relaxation after a long day.
For those seeking a blend of luxury, history and challenging pistes, Kitzbühel is a favourite. Zell am See is another excellent choice, offering breathtaking lake views and a variety of pistes for all abilities. If you're travelling with family or a larger group, you can find specially selected hotels to cater to your needs. Adults-only options are also available.
Austria's ski resorts cater to every type of skier, with excellent snow conditions, modern lift systems, and renowned ski schools. The country boasts thousands of kilometres of well-groomed pistes, with resorts like Saalbach and Hinterglemm offering excellent snowfall throughout the season. The high altitude of mountains in resorts like Sölden and St. ensures ideal snowy conditions, with the Hintertux glacier in Tirol offering 365 days of skiing a year.
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Beginner-friendly resorts
When booking a ski holiday in Austria, it's important to consider factors such as the duration of your trip, group size, and preferred accommodation type. The ski season in Austria typically offers good conditions well into spring, thanks to the high altitude of its mountains.
Now, let's focus on beginner-friendly resorts:
Alpbach
Alpbach, located in the SkiJuwel ski area, is renowned for its charming village atmosphere and spectacular views. With 29km of blue runs, it's an excellent choice for beginners, offering ample easy terrain and dedicated learning areas. The resort also boasts a good selection of ski schools with excellent instructors. Off the slopes, you'll find welcoming locals and a variety of bars and restaurants.
Westendorf
Westendorf is ideal for beginners and families, with nursery slopes conveniently located near the main village. The village itself is small and friendly, making it easy to navigate. Westendorf offers 122km of blue runs to progress to after mastering the basics. Additionally, you'll find fantastic ski schools with top-notch instructors.
Kaprun
Kaprun, a quiet mountain village, is highly regarded as one of the best resorts for beginners. The slopes are easily accessible, and you'll find 57km of blue runs to improve your skills. Kaprun also offers a diverse range of off-slope activities, including an ice arena, tubing, and tobogganing. The resort has over 30 dining options and a vibrant bar scene.
Lech
Lech caters to all skill levels but is particularly well-suited to beginners due to its dedicated nursery slopes and excellent piste preparation. Once you've honed your skills, you can explore the 133km of easy rolling blue runs. Lech also offers luxurious accommodation options for those seeking a touch of indulgence.
Zell am See
Zell am See is another excellent option for beginners, offering a variety of pistes suitable for all abilities. It boasts breathtaking lake views and provides a mix of experiences, from gentle slopes to more challenging runs. Additionally, Zell am See is known for its commitment to sustainability, with cable cars running on 100% renewable electricity.
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Family-friendly resorts
Austria is a great destination for a family ski holiday. With picturesque towns, incredible snow records, and family-friendly resorts, Austria has all the ingredients for an unforgettable family skiing holiday.
Niederau-Oberau
Located in the beautiful Wildschonau Valley, the magical ski village of Niederau-Oberau offers gentle skiing and peaceful evening activities. The resort has 109km of beginner and intermediate-friendly pistes across the Ski Juwel area, as well as plenty of off-mountain activities. Families can enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, night tobogganing, and igloo building.
Alpbach
Alpbach is a charming Tirolean ski resort with picturesque streets lined with family-run hotels and wooden chalets. The Ski Juwel area offers 109km of superbly maintained pistes shared between Niederau-Oberau and Alpbach. The resort is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, with gentle slopes and quiet blue runs perfect for beginners and children.
Westendorf
Westendorf is part of the SkiWelt region, offering 284km of varied pistes for all levels. The village has a relaxed and scenic atmosphere, with traditional buildings such as the domed Church of St Nicholas. Westendorf is exceptionally family-friendly, with a practice area for beginners and children located in the centre of the village. The "Mini Playground" at the exercise meadow in the valley is a fun park for beginners and younger riders, with slightly smaller obstacles than the Boarders Playground.
Obergurgl
Obergurgl is a fantastic option for families, located at the end of the Otz Valley. The resort has maintained its traditional alpine charm and offers a welcoming and easy-to-navigate village and slopes. With a full lift pass, you'll have access to 110km of slopes suitable for all levels. The ski school and childcare options are excellent, and the Hotel Edelweiss & Gurgl is highly recommended for families, with its ski-in ski-out location, play area, and family-friendly restaurant.
Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis
Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis is known for its family-friendly ski courses and lifts, as well as childcare options. The resort offers extra easy slopes for beginners and challenging terrain for more experienced skiers. The entertainment program off the slopes is also excellent, ensuring that families have plenty to do even when not skiing.
Zettersfeld ski area in Lienz, East Tyrol
The Zettersfeld ski area is ideal for the entire family, with terrain and infrastructure suitable for all ages and abilities. While parents enjoy the free slopes, kids can attend the ski school. The slalom and wave course in Bobo's Kinderland, located next to the Bidner practice lift, is perfect for little adventurers. The child-friendly offer is rounded off with events such as a puppet theatre in the snow, a scavenger hunt, and the Winter Olympics. The manageable infrastructure means families can enjoy traditional East Tyrolean cuisine together without worrying about long waiting times or getting lost.
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Cost
The cost of a ski holiday in Austria will depend on a range of factors, including the type of accommodation, the ski resort, the time of year, and the duration of your stay.
Generally, Austrian ski holidays are considered more affordable than those in France and Switzerland, and slightly more expensive than Italy. Prices in Austria's ski resorts are typically lower than in France or Switzerland, especially if you opt for a location that is less popular or off the beaten track. For example, Söll in the SkiWelt area is recommended for cost-conscious skiers.
The cost of your ski pass will depend on the duration of your pass and the resort. An adult can expect to pay between €350 and €420 for a 6-day ski pass in Austria.
Accommodation options in Austria cater to a range of budgets. From luxury resorts like Kitzbühel, which was chosen as the world's best ski resort in 2024, to budget-friendly options in traditional villages such as Westendorf and St. Johann in Tirol. Family-friendly options include Alpbach, which offers dedicated learner areas and a high proportion of gentle blue pistes, and Lech, which features nursery slopes and long, wide blue pistes. Livigno is another popular choice, offering seamless and cost-effective ski holidays.
In addition to the cost of accommodation and ski passes, there are other expenses to consider. Credit cards are not as widely accepted in Austria as in some other countries, so it is recommended to carry cash. A post-ski pint in an Austrian ski resort will likely cost around £4.80. Austrian cuisine is hearty and delicious, with favourites like wiener schnitzel, käsespätzle, and goulash soup. Austria is also famous for its Glühwein (mulled wine), Austrian beers, and schnapps, which are après-ski favourites.
When booking a ski holiday in Austria, it is worth considering early booking offers, which can include free group places, ski-all-in deals, and lift pass offers.
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The best time to go
Snow Conditions and Weather
If you're looking for the best snow conditions, the months of January and February tend to see the most snowfall. However, keep in mind that these months are also the busiest and most expensive due to the school holidays. For quieter slopes and potentially milder weather, consider early or late season, such as December or March. The Hintertux glacier in Tirol offers skiing 365 days a year, making it a reliable option for early or late-season skiing.
Resort Choice and Availability
The time of year you choose to go can also impact your resort options. Some resorts, like Obergurgl, one of Austria's highest ski resorts, may be more appealing in the colder months due to their high altitude and reliable snow conditions. If you're looking for a lively atmosphere and vibrant après-ski, resorts like Mayrhofen and Ischgl are popular choices, but they tend to be busiest during the peak season.
Your Skill Level
Consider your skiing ability when deciding on the best time to go. If you're a beginner, you may prefer quieter slopes to learn at your own pace. Early and late seasons tend to be less crowded, making them ideal for beginners. Resorts like Alpbach, Lech, and Zell am See offer gentle nursery slopes and blue runs perfect for beginners.
Group Dynamics and Preferences
Think about who you're travelling with and what they might enjoy. If you're travelling with a group of friends looking for a lively atmosphere, resorts like Mayrhofen and Ischgl, known for their nightlife and après-ski, could be ideal. For families, resorts like Bad Gastein, Bad Hofgastein, and Zell am See offer a welcoming atmosphere, scenic slopes, and thermal spas.
Budget
Prices for ski holidays in Austria can vary depending on the time of year. Generally, the peak season, including school holidays, tends to be the most expensive. If you're looking for better value, consider travelling during the early or late season, as prices may be lower, and you'll have more accommodation options available.
In summary, the best time to go on a ski holiday in Austria depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors such as snow conditions, resort choices, your skill level, group dynamics, and budget to determine the ideal time for your Austrian ski adventure.
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Frequently asked questions
The best time to book a ski holiday in Austria depends on your preferences. The ski season in Austria typically runs from late November to April, with some ski resorts offering skiing all year round. The most popular months to ski are December and January, so booking in advance is recommended to secure your preferred accommodation and take advantage of early booking offers.
Austria has several great ski resorts for beginners, including Alpbach, with its dedicated learner areas and gentle blue pistes, and Mayrhofen, which offers a diverse range of slopes for all levels. Lech is also a good option, with its nursery slopes and long, wide blue runs.
There is a wide range of accommodation options available for a ski holiday in Austria, including hotels, chalets, apartments, and resorts. Chalets are a popular choice, as they offer a cosy and social atmosphere, with meals included. Apartments, on the other hand, provide more independence and flexibility, allowing you to set your own schedule and explore local cuisine.
Austria has numerous family-friendly ski resorts to choose from. Zell am See, for example, offers breathtaking lake views and a variety of pistes suitable for all abilities. Bad Gastein and Bad Hofgastein are also great options, known for their welcoming atmosphere, thermal spas, and scenic slopes.
Besides skiing, Austria offers a range of other winter activities such as snowboarding, cross-country skiing, tobogganing, ice skating, and snow hiking. Many resorts also offer relaxing spa treatments, and the opportunity to explore traditional Alpine villages and experience the famous Austrian après-ski scene.
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