Lexi Webster
The Austrian Alps offer a plethora of skiing opportunities, with 402 ski resorts to choose from. The provinces of Vorarlberg, Tyrol and Salzburg offer one or more ski resorts in almost every Alpine valley, with numerous lifts and cable cars. The Ski amadé network in Salzburg boasts 860 kilometres of pistes and 270 lifts, spread over 25 villages. The Western Austrian Alps, including Tyrol and Vorarlberg, are famous for top-notch ski resorts like Kaltenbach and Ischgl, with impressive peaks such as Wildspitze and Arlberg. The Northern Limestone Alps include regions like the Salzburg Alps and the Lower Austrian Alps, with renowned ski areas such as Zell am See, Kitzbühel and Saalbach-Hinterglemm. The Central Eastern Alps, spanning Styria and Carinthia, offer acclaimed destinations like Bad Gastein, Kaprun, Sölden, and Mayrhofen.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Provinces with ski resorts | Vorarlberg, Tyrol, and Salzburg |
| Number of ski resorts in Austrian Alps | 402 |
| Resorts with 50 or more lifts and 100km+ of groomed slopes | Ski amadé network in Salzburg province, Ski Circus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrenn, Arlberg region, St. Anton, Kitzbühel |
| Resorts with fewer lifts and shorter pistes | Eastern provinces |
| Best for families | Schmittenhohe peak in Zell, Tauplitz, Obertauern, Kitzsteinhorn |
| Best for beginners | Obergurgl, St. Anton, Flachau |
| Best for advanced skiers | St. Anton, Arlberg region |
| Best for après-ski | St. Anton, Arlberg region |
| Best for nightlife | Mooserwirt, Krazy Kanguruh |
| Best for panoramic summit viewing | Tyrol, Zinsberg cable-car in Brixen |
| Best for off-piste adventure | Arlberg region |
| Best for bookworms | Vorarlberg |
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What You'll Learn
- Kitzbühel: medieval Tyrolean town, home to 233km of pistes and the world's longest ski circuit
- Obertauern: great for intermediates, families and party animals, with 100km of pistes
- St. Johann-Alpendorf: part of Snow Space Salzburg, with 120km of pistes
- St. Jakob im Defereggental: new 8-seater chairlift for added comfort
- Sölden: host of the Electric Mountain Festival, with James Bond theatrics
Kitzbühel: medieval Tyrolean town, home to 233km of pistes and the world's longest ski circuit
Kitzbühel, a medieval Tyrolean town nestled in the Austrian Alps, is a skier's paradise. With 233km of pristine pistes, 58 lifts, and the world's longest ski circuit, it's no wonder that this resort town has earned the moniker of the "Crown Jewel of the Alps".
The town's medieval architecture and cobblestone streets contrast with its modern ski infrastructure. Kitzbühel boasts a state-of-the-art lift system, including cable cars and ski lifts, making it easy for skiers of all levels to access the slopes. The resort's excellent snow security is ensured by KitzSki's sustainably operated snow-making network, guaranteeing great skiing conditions throughout the season.
The KitzSkiWelt Tour, the world's longest ski circuit, is the star attraction. Skiers can embark on a 34.7-km round trip, gliding through the breathtaking Kitzbühel Alps and never skiing the same slope twice. The circuit is accessible with just one lift pass, making it a seamless and unforgettable experience.
Kitzbühel offers a diverse range of slopes to cater to all skill levels. Beginners can find their feet in the designated beginner's area, with free practice lifts in the valley, while advanced skiers can test their skills on the infamous Streif, known for its demanding descent and legendary Hahnenkamm Races. The Mausefalle (Mouse Trap), with its 80-metre jump, the Steilhang (Steep Section) with a 62% gradient, and the Hausbergkante, with its final off-camber jump, are marked as "extreme" and are not for the faint-hearted.
In addition to the thrilling ski slopes, Kitzbühel also offers 70km of cross-country trails and endless ski touring options. The resort town has a range of accommodation options, from luxury five-star suites to more affordable lodgings, ensuring that skiers of all budgets can experience the magic of Kitzbühel.
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Obertauern: great for intermediates, families and party animals, with 100km of pistes
Obertauern is a fantastic ski resort in the Austrian Alps, offering 100km of pistes to suit intermediates, families, and party animals alike. Located in the province of Salzburg, Obertauern is known for its reliable snowfall and picturesque snow-covered landscapes. The resort boasts a wide range of well-maintained slopes, modern infrastructure, and a vibrant atmosphere, making it a popular choice for skiers and snowboarders.
For intermediates, Obertauern provides a perfect balance of challenging and enjoyable pistes. With 100km of groomed slopes, skiers can explore a variety of runs and improve their skills. The resort's high altitude also ensures a long season, with plenty of snow coverage.
Families will find Obertauern particularly appealing, as it offers a range of activities and facilities tailored to all ages. From beginner slopes for those new to the sport, to floodlit tobogganing and glacier skiing for more experienced family members, there is something for everyone. The resort also provides a safe and friendly environment, with a charming village atmosphere.
Party animals and music enthusiasts will also find Obertauern a great choice. The resort is known for its lively apres-ski scene, with bars, clubs, and festivals that keep the fun going long after the slopes close. The Beatles even filmed part of their movie 'Help!' here in 1965, adding to the resort's musical allure.
In addition to its skiing offerings, Obertauern provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Alps. With snow-covered peaks and historic villages, it embodies the quintessential charm of a winter getaway in the Austrian Alps. The resort also offers a range of accommodation options, from cosy chalets to luxury hotels, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay.
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St. Johann-Alpendorf: part of Snow Space Salzburg, with 120km of pistes
St. Johann-Alpendorf is a popular ski resort in the Austrian Alps, located in the district capital of St. Johann in the Pongau region. It is part of the Snow Space Salzburg ski area, which offers 120km of pistes and numerous highlights for skiers of all ages.
The resort is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, with more than 90% blue and red slopes suitable for beginners and leisure skiers. It also offers a variety of attractions for families, such as the alpine adventure park "Geisterberg". The Snowpark Alpendorf is a freestyle park that attracts freestylers from all over, with over 30 elements to jump and a chill-out platform with WiFi. For those looking for a challenge, the SkiMovie Alpendorf offers a parallel slalom course where you can film your run.
St. Johann-Alpendorf is conveniently located and easily accessible. It is the quickest entry point into the Snow Space Salzburg ski area, especially for those coming from the east. The resort is only a 50-minute drive from the city of Salzburg and about a two-hour drive from Munich. It can also be reached by train or plane, with shared bus transfers and airport taxis available from Salzburg and Munich airports.
The ski area boasts state-of-the-art cable car facilities, ensuring rapid progress up the mountain. There are also numerous cosy huts offering delicious Austrian delicacies to fuel your skiing adventures. With its powerful snow-making facilities down to the valley and connections to the Flachau and Wagrain ski areas, St. Johann-Alpendorf promises enjoyable days on the slopes for winter sports enthusiasts of all levels.
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St. Jakob im Defereggental: new 8-seater chairlift for added comfort
St. Jakob im Defereggental is a ski resort in the Austrian Alps, located 2.1 km from the town of St. Jakob in Defereggen. The resort is situated in the Defereggental Valley in East Tyrol, boasting a magnificent mountain panorama and a family-friendly atmosphere.
The ski area in St. Jakob i.D. has recently enhanced its offerings with the addition of a new 8-seater chairlift, providing added comfort and convenience for skiers. This new lift, known as the Teufeltal chairlift, complements the existing Duxer X-Press 6-seater chairlift in the Zillertal Arena, elevating the overall experience on the slopes.
The resort's ski infrastructure also includes a 6-person gondola lift, providing quick access to the ski resort from the town of St. Jakob in Defereggen. At the top, skiers can take advantage of modern 6-person chairlifts with weather protection covers, ensuring a comfortable journey regardless of the weather conditions. For those seeking a more intimate experience, the Mooserberg 3-person chairlift is also available.
The Leppleskofel 6-person chairlift is another notable feature of St. Jakob im Defereggental. As the highest lift in East Tyrol, it grants access to new slopes and boasts heated premium seats for a luxurious skiing experience. The ski area also caters to beginners with a dedicated area equipped with two tow lifts and a tow rope, while ski schools operate moving carpets to facilitate the learning process.
With its new 8-seater chairlift, modern infrastructure, and family-oriented amenities, St. Jakob im Defereggental is a compelling destination for skiers seeking a comfortable and enjoyable experience in the breathtaking Austrian Alps.
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Sölden: host of the Electric Mountain Festival, with James Bond theatrics
Austria is known for its excellent ski resorts, and the provinces of Vorarlberg, Tyrol and Salzburg offer one or more ski resorts in almost every Alpine valley. The Austrian Alps have a large number of ski areas, with 50 or more different lifts and over 100 km of groomed slopes.
One such resort is Sölden, which hosts the Electric Mountain Festival. The resort is also famous for its James Bond theatrics, with BondFanEvents offering tours of film locations from the 2015 Bond film, Spectre. The tour includes visits to buildings and art installations from the film, including the Night of the Dead Tour, which features the festival art installations and specially illuminated buildings from the film.
Sölden is located in the Ötztal Alps and is known for its modern infrastructure, well-maintained slopes and sustainable cable cars. The resort offers a variety of pistes for all skill levels, from beginners to experts, and has a range of accommodation options, from small, charming villages to large resorts.
The Electric Mountain Festival is a music event held in Sölden, featuring electronic music and DJs. The festival takes place across multiple stages, with past editions featuring over 50 DJs and live acts. The festival typically takes place in April, with the mountain slopes still open for skiing during the day, making it a unique combination of music and winter sports.
With its stunning scenery, excellent ski infrastructure, and unique cultural events, Sölden is a popular destination for skiers and James Bond fans alike. The resort offers a range of experiences, from the thrill of skiing on icy slopes to the excitement of world-class music festivals and immersive film tours.
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Frequently asked questions
The medieval Tyrolean town of Kitzbühel is one of Austria’s most exclusive resorts, with 233km of pistes and the world’s longest ski circuit. Flachau is also a great option, as it is in the heart of Snow Space Salzburg, where you can easily ski over to other villages via 120km of pistes.
The Ski Circus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrenn is a great option for beginners, with 70 lifts and 270km of pistes. Another good option is Obergurgl, which is known for being good for novices.
The Schmittenhohe peak in Zell has its own ski-loving dragon mascot, and offers floodlit tobogganing until 10pm and the reliable glacier at Kitzsteinhorn for spring skiing. The Tauplitz resort is also ideal for families, with up to 60 kilometres of slopes.
