Leslie Massey
Austria is famous for its winter sports, and its ski resorts are a favourite destination for skiers and snowboarders. The country offers over 600 ski resorts, from the famous mountainous regions of Tirol and Stiermark in the west to the rolling hills of Eastern Austria. For those looking to catch stunning views of snow in Austria, there are many spots to choose from, including lakes, Alpine towns, and ski resorts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of ski resorts | Over 600 |
| Annual average snowfall | 194cm |
| Snowpack levels | 105% of normal |
| Snow cover | Little changed in the past 50 years |
| Best snow conditions | Arrive with weather systems from the north and northwest |
| Snow resorts | Schönleitn, Alpbach, St Anton am Arlberg, Ischgl, Kitzbuehel, Kaprun, Stubai, Kuhtai, Galtur, Lech, Zurs, Obertauern, Neustift, Hintertux, Obergurgl, Pitztal, Sölden, Silvretta Arena Ischgl, Flachau, Mayrhofen, Zell am See, Kitzsteinhorn, Saalbach Hinterglemm, Stubaier Gletscher, Silvretta Montafon, Planai, Schladming, Warth, Kühtai |
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What You'll Learn
Ski resorts
Austria is famous for its winter sports, and its ski resorts are some of the best in the world. With over 400 ski resorts across the country, there is something for everyone.
One of the most famous resorts in Austria is Kitzbühel, which has been criticised for its low altitude, but it has published stats showing that their snow cover is little changed in the past 50 years. Kitzbühel is also known for its charming, old-world ski town architecture and its mix of high-end hotel restaurants, rambunctious piste-side après ski spots, and late-night underground dive bars. The sprawling Kitzbuehel ski area covers two provinces and seven municipalities, with 54 cable cars and lifts that will take you 2,000 metres above sea level, giving you stunning views of the snowy landscape below.
St. Anton am Arlberg is another well-known ski resort, attracting advanced skiers to its challenging slopes. The runs range from demanding to devilish, so it is only suitable for confident skiers and snowboarders. However, friendlier slopes can be found nearby in the towns of Lech and Zürs.
If you're looking for a resort with a quaint, antiquated atmosphere, Alpbach is a romantic resort perfect for beginners and amateur skiers. The village has nursery slopes located in the centre, and there is also an artificial snow machine on the slopes.
For those seeking a hidden gem, Zell am See-Kaprun is a charming cluster of wooden cabins arranged around the beautiful lake Faaker See. It is incredibly beautiful when snow falls, transforming the Alpine area into a winter wonderland.
Finally, Ischgl is a dreamy little village tucked away in the Paznaun Valley of Tyrol. It is a paradise for winter athletes, with snow guaranteed from May through to November, and the Ischgl Snowpark is one of the best snow parks in the country.
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Lakes
Austria is home to many lakes that offer stunning views of the snow during winter. Here are some of the best lakes to visit:
Lake Faaker See
The resort town of Schönleitn is nestled on the shores of Lake Faaker See, surrounded by the majestic Austrian Alps. During winter, the town transforms into a magical winter wonderland, with snow-covered cabins and icy lake shores. It is a perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful getaway, offering endless wonders in both summer and winter. Nearby Kaprun, famous for its glacier ice rinks, provides additional attractions for winter sports enthusiasts.
Lake Zell
Nestled between the shoreline of Lake Zell and the summit of Maurerkogel, Zell am See is a unique ski resort town with a rich history dating back to the 8th century. The old town centre, with its car-free cobblestone streets, Gothic church, and charming boutiques, is a delight to explore. The lake itself is stunning year-round, but during winter, the glacial peak of the Kitzsteinhorn and the Hohe Tauern range create an incredible ice-white backdrop. The lift pass for Zell am See also offers access to Kaprun, creating one of the largest ski areas in the country, with 400 km of pistes available for skiers and snowboarders.
Lake Konstanz
Damüls, a charming Austrian village, is located near Lake Konstanz. Its proximity to the lake results in abundant snowfall during storms, creating excellent conditions for skiing and snowboarding. The ski area in Damüls offers a variety of options for all skill levels, from beginner-friendly slopes to challenging descents accessible via lifts.
Lake Hallstatt
Hallstatt is a picturesque lakeside town in the Salzkammergut region of Austria. Nestled among the snow-capped mountains, it offers postcard-perfect views of the snowy landscape. The town's historic architecture, including the lakeside churches and charming houses, takes on a magical quality when dusted with snow.
Lake Hintertux
Hintertux, known as "nature's ice palace," is renowned for its magnificent glaciers and ski resort. The glaciers of the Gefrorene-Wand-Kee can be accessed via chairlifts, providing breathtaking views of the snowy landscape. The ski resort caters to visitors of all skill levels, with a variety of slopes and pistes to explore.
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Alpine towns
Austria is famous for winter sports and is a favourite European destination for skiers and snowboarders. The country has over 600 ski resorts of all sizes, from the famous mountainous regions of Tirol and Stiermark in the west to the rolling hills of Eastern Austria.
One of the most beautiful towns in Austria, Alpbach, has a quaint, antiquated atmosphere and a charming toy-village style, which looks particularly enchanting when dusted with snow. Skiers will also enjoy Alpbach, as the area is perfect for beginners and amateur skiers, who can practise on the nursery slopes located in the village centre.
The resort town of Schönleitn is a cluster of wooden cabins arranged around the beautiful lake Faaker See. It is incredibly beautiful when snow falls, transforming the Alpine area into a winter wonderland.
The Kitzbuehel ski area sprawls over two provinces and seven municipalities. Cable cars and lifts whisk skiers high above the world-famous ski resort to the summit, 2,000 metres (6,562 feet) above sea level, giving stunning views of the snowy landscape below.
St Anton am Arlberg attracts advanced skiers to its mountainous terrain. The runs range from demanding to devilish, so it is only suitable for confident skiers and snowboarders. However, you can find some easier slopes in the towns of Lech and Zürs.
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Mountainous regions
Austria is known for its mountainous regions, which offer stunning snowy landscapes and are a favourite destination for skiers and snowboarders. The country boasts over 600 ski resorts, with some of the most famous being in the mountainous regions of Tirol and Stiermark in the west.
One of the most well-known resorts in the Austrian Alps is Kitzbühel, which offers world-famous ski slopes and cable cars that take you up to 2,000 metres above sea level. The resort of Kaprun is also a popular choice, known for its glacier ice rinks and proximity to the picturesque town of Schönleitn, which transforms into a winter wonderland when the snow falls.
For those seeking more challenging terrain, St. Anton am Arlberg is a resort that attracts advanced skiers and snowboarders with its demanding slopes. Nearby towns like Lech and Zürs offer friendlier slopes for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed experience. The Paznaun Valley of Tyrol is home to the village of Ischgl, a paradise for winter athletes with guaranteed snow from May to November.
If you're looking for a quaint and romantic resort, Alpbach is a charming town with a toy village style that becomes even more enchanting under a layer of snow. The area offers slopes for beginners and amateurs, as well as more challenging mountainous strips for experienced skiers. Stubai, Austria's largest glacier ski resort, is another magical destination with 35 downhill runs catering to all skill levels.
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Rural areas
Austria is a top destination for skiing in Europe, with over 600 ski resorts of all sizes spread across the country. The Austrian Alps are particularly popular, with world-class ski resorts catering to skiers of all skill levels. The ski season in Austria typically runs from late November to early March, with the coldest months being December through February.
For those seeking a rural getaway, the resort of Schönleitn offers a cluster of wooden cabins by the lake Faaker See, providing a beautiful setting when snow falls. The Kitzbuehel ski area is another option, with 54 cable cars and lifts that take you high above the famous ski resort, offering stunning views of the snowy landscape below.
The village of Alpbach is known for its quaint, old-fashioned charm and is especially picturesque when covered in snow. The area is perfect for beginner and amateur skiers, with nursery slopes in the village centre and more challenging slopes in the surrounding mountains.
The province of Tyrol is renowned for its thick forests and rolling hills, which are transformed into a serene winter wonderland when covered in snow. The Paznaun Valley of Tyrol is home to the village of Ischgl, a favourite among winter athletes, with snow guaranteed from May through to November.
For those seeking luxurious accommodation, the Chalet village at the MONDI Resort am Grundlsee offers premium chalets with private spas, saunas, and hot tubs, as well as fireplaces in the living area. The Leutasch Valley is another option, with chalets boasting huge panoramic windows offering Alpine views and peace and relaxation.
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Frequently asked questions
There are over 600 ski resorts in Austria, so there are plenty of places to see snow. Some of the most popular places to see snow in Austria include:
- Kitzbuehel
- Alpbach
- St Anton am Arlberg
- Ischgl
- Kaprun
- Zurs
- Obertauern
- Hintertux
- Neustift
- Lech
- Pitztal
- Schönleitn
Austria has eight glacier ski areas that are open for seven months of the year, from May to November. During the summer, you can also find snow at the Pitztal Glacier, which has the country's highest ski lift at 3440m.
Snowpack levels across Austria are currently 105% of normal. The annual average snowfall total is 194cm.
