Skiing In Austria: Best Easter Destinations

Planning an Easter ski trip to Austria? You're in luck, as there are plenty of ski resorts to choose from. While some skiers opt for high-altitude locations to ensure good snow conditions, there are other factors to consider, such as the popularity of the resort, the range of activities on offer, and the possibility of bad weather. Here's a round-up of some of the top spots for Easter skiing in Austria, so you can choose the perfect destination for your holiday.

Zell am See-Kaprun

The ski area of Zell am See-Kaprun in Austria consists of three individual ski areas, which are distributed around the villages of Zell am See and Kaprun in the Salzburger Land. The ski area on the Schmittenhöhe and on the Maiskogel is particularly family-friendly, with slopes to suit all abilities. The season here may end a little earlier than other resorts, depending on snow conditions.

Zell am See is a lakeside resort with a twist on the archetype of Austrian ski resorts. It is an attractive medieval town littered with historic buildings. This year-round resort offers a variety of skiing with access to three mountains, including the Schmittenhöhe area. The area offers guaranteed snow and slopes that are ideal for intermediate skiers. Skiing on the Kitzsteinhorn glacier is great for intermediates and beginners, with a good range of wide reds and blues, and a few black runs. The majority of Zell am See’s Schmittenhöhe are nice tree-lined runs, offering stunning views of the valley and Lake Zeller from below.

Kaprun is a spacious village with snowsure slopes on its Kitztenhorn glacier reaching 3,203 metres, ensuring a long season from October to May, with summer skiing possible even after the winter season. It has a family-friendly feel, with a variety of pistes to suit all abilities, making it a great choice for skiers and snowboarders of all ages. For beginners, the perfect area is Maiskogel, which is situated above Kaprun and has gentle, beginner-friendly runs, as well as being very picturesque. Kaprun is a pretty, traditional Alpine village and is just a short bus ride from the glacier.

There are several drag lifts, so it's not ideal for those learning to snowboard, although there is enough terrain accessible by chairlifts. The glacier also has a number of off-piste and freeride trails.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, there is a wide range of activities to enjoy in the area, such as ice skating, curling, tobogganing, snowshoeing, and even a city break to nearby Salzburg. Restaurants, shops and bars are in abundance, ranging from relaxed bars to those with a lively après ski vibe.

Innsbruck

There are six different ski resorts to discover in and around Innsbruck, each with a different focus. The Patscherkofel ski resort is easily accessible and offers separate areas for beginners and children, as well as a snow park at 1,900 meters above sea level. Axamer Lizum is ideal for freeride and freestyle enthusiasts, with 300 hectares of off-piste terrain and the "Golden Roofpark" snow park. The Nordkette ski resort is conveniently located in the city centre and offers a mix of slopes and relaxing sun loungers. Kühtai is snow-sure until April due to its high altitude, and the neighbouring Hochoetz ski area is family-friendly.

Obertauern

The ski area is served by modern lifts, including cable cars, which provide fast and comfortable transportation to the highest peaks. The ski pass options include points cards, half-day cards, and multi-day cards. There are also ski schools and ski rental shops, making it a great choice for families.

The resort is known for its friendly atmosphere and offers a unique experience with its privileged location in the "snow bowl". It is surrounded by the spectacular peaks of the Radstädter Tauern, providing a well-linked circuit above the treeline on both sides of the Tauern pass valley.

Kitzsteinhorn

The resort offers a variety of activities for skiers and non-skiers alike. For skiers, there are wide glacier slopes, snowparks, and marked routes for ski tourers. Non-skiers can enjoy the sun terraces of mountain restaurants and explore TOP OF SALZBURG, Salzburg's highest attraction. Kitzsteinhorn also offers special Easter bonuses, such as free ski passes for children when purchasing a four-day ski pass for an adult.

The ski resort is easily accessible with cable cars operating year-round for day-trippers. The ski operation at Kitzsteinhorn is expected to run until May 18, 2025, providing an extended season for skiers.

Sölden

The infrastructure is excellent, with a great selection of runs at various levels of difficulty. The reds and blacks seem relatively easier than at some other Austrian resorts. Sölden has great gondolas, trams, and lifts, as well as wonderful restaurants.

There is plenty to do away from the groomed ski slopes as well. You can try lift-assisted tobogganing, winter and snowshoe hiking, or visit the AQUA DOME – Tirol Therme Längenfeld, which has breathtaking bowl-shaped pools. Every year in mid-April, the ELECTRIC MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL takes place in the Sölden ski area.

The resort tends to be quieter than others, with one visitor commenting that the slopes were "not too busy". However, it is worth noting that the accommodation can be expensive, and there may be queues at the ski lifts.

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