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Dreaming of a white Christmas? Austria's ski resorts are famed for their pretty, traditional villages, classic Alpine architecture, and Christmas markets. For a festive family ski trip, try the high Alpine resort of Katschberg, which suits all abilities, or head to the Obergurgl resort, which is known for its amazing conditions. For a livelier après-ski scene, book a chalet in Mayrhofen or try the popular resort of Obertauern, which boasts 100km of pistes. If you're looking for a challenge, the Gamsleiten 2 could be for you, or, for a more tranquil experience, the resort of Wald im Pinzgau offers romantic activities such as the Kristallbad, a public pool with a spa.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Christmas markets | Zell am See, Kitzbühel, Ischgl, Livigno |
| Christmas tree diving | Zell am See |
| 'Living advent calendar' | Kitzbühel |
| 'Christmas in the Mountain' concerts | Ischgl |
| Snow-sure resorts | Obergurgl, Kaprun, Solden, Livigno, Damüls, Obertauern, Stubai |
| Family-friendly resorts | Obergurgl, Niederau, Mayrhofen, Obertauern, Katschberg, Valmeinier |
| High-altitude resorts | St Anton, Lech, Obergurgl, Obertauern, Katschberg |
| Luxury resorts | Lech, St Anton, Zell am See |
| Resorts with spas and swimming pools | St Anton, Katschberg |
| Resorts with natural thermal spas | Bad Gastein |
| Resorts with wide pistes | Livigno |
| Resorts with varied ski areas | Wald im Pinzgau |
| Resorts with authentic Christmas markets | Heiligenblut am Großglockner |
| Resorts with amazing views | Anton am Arlberg |
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What You'll Learn
Christmas markets and festive traditions in Austrian ski resorts
Christmas in Austrian ski resorts is generally less commercial and more focused on honouring traditions. Villages are decorated festively throughout advent and many have Christmas markets. Glühwein, roasted chestnuts, and regional Christmas delicacies like homemade bread with various spreads serve as welcome winter warmers. You’re also likely to experience some ancient customs; Christmas tree diving in Zell am See, Kitzbühel’s 'living advent calendar', and Ischgl’s ‘Christmas in the Mountain’ concerts are highlights.
Innsbruck’s Old Town, with its ancient cobblestones and famed Goldenes Dachl (golden roof), hosts the largest and most impressive Christmas market of the city's six Christkindlmarkts (Christmas markets). The market truly comes to life at night under the stars, with the sweet, spicy scent of cinnamon and mulled wine in the chilly air, and a playlist of holiday hits from a brass band.
The medieval village centre of Kitzbuehel is transformed to resemble a festive scene from an old-fashioned Christmas card. The month-long market features daily events, weekly concerts, and parades, including a free choral concert at St. Andreas Cathedral and the St. Nicholas and Krampus procession.
The Bolzano Christmas Market in South Tyrol, Italy, is also easily accessible from Austrian ski resorts. The beautiful Piazza Walther is decorated in Advent splendour from late November through the first week of January.
For a more low-key Christmas market experience, the tranquil resort of Wald im Pinzgau in the Hohe Tauern National Park offers romantic leisure activities such as the Kristallbad, a public pool with a spa area, as well as excursion destinations such as the waterfalls in Krimml.
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High-altitude resorts with a good snow record
If you're looking for high-altitude resorts with a good snow record, there are several options to choose from in Austria. Here are some top recommendations:
Obergurgl is renowned for its excellent snow conditions and is a popular choice for families. The resort offers ski-in/ski-out accommodations, making it convenient to access the pistes. With an altitude ranging from 1,640 to 2,220 meters, Obergurgl provides a snow guarantee and is known for its picturesque and traditional Alpine architecture.
Katschberg, located in the Austrian Alps, offers a high mountain pass with altitudes between 1,640 and 2,220 meters, ensuring generally excellent snow conditions. The resort features gentle "blue" slopes suitable for beginners and experienced skiers alike. Katschberg is a great option for families with mixed abilities and offers a festive atmosphere with a December lantern-lit advent trail.
Obertauern, situated at an altitude of 1,600 meters, is known for its reliable snowfall. The resort boasts up to 178 cm of snow on its 100 km of pistes, making it one of the most snow-sure ski areas in Salzburger Land. Obertauern also offers a lively après-ski scene while remaining family-friendly.
Damüls, located in the Damüls-Mellau ski area, is renowned for its abundant snowfall. With an altitude of 1,431 meters, Damüls is considered the snowiest village in Austria, sometimes receiving up to 9 meters of snow in a single winter. The 75 km of pistes in the area provide a picturesque and varied skiing experience.
Livigno, located in the Lombardy Alps, sits at an altitude of 1,816 meters, making it an ideal destination for skiing in December. The ski area offers 115 km of wonderfully wide pistes on both sides of the valley. In addition to skiing, Livigno is known for its duty-free shopping and cosy cafés, bars, and wine bars.
These high-altitude resorts in Austria offer excellent snow records and are great choices for a Christmas ski holiday, ensuring that you'll be able to ski in powder conditions and create lasting memories.
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Glacial resorts with snow guarantees
If you're looking for a snow-sure ski holiday in Austria at Christmas, you might want to consider a glacial resort. These resorts usually open from early November, so you can be sure the slopes will be ready for you come December.
One such resort is Stubai in Austria, which is known for its pretty and traditional architecture in a classic alpine style. The resort of Obergurgl is also a good option, with amazing conditions and ski-in/ski-out properties, such as the Gamper Apartments, making it easy to get on the piste. It's also great for families, with family-oriented chalets like Chalet Verwall.
For a livelier scene, Mayrhofen offers legendary après ski. The resort of Niederau, with its cosy Almdorf Cabins, is another family-friendly option.
If you're looking for a quiet, romantic destination, the tranquil resort of Wald im Pinzgau is a good choice. Located in the Hohe Tauern National Park, it offers romantic activities such as the Kristallbad, a public pool with a spa area, as well as excursions to the waterfalls in Krimml. From here, you can easily access attractive ski areas such as the Zillertal Arena and Wildkogel Arena by ski bus.
Another resort famous for its snow conditions is Obertauern, which lies at an altitude of 1,600m in the Radstädter Tauern mountains. It is regarded as one of the most snow-sure ski areas in Salzburger Land, with up to 178cm of snow on its 100km of pistes.
For a high-altitude option, the resort of Katschberg is a 90-minute drive from Salzburg and sits at between 1,640 and 2,220m, so snow conditions are generally excellent. The resort also has snow cannons along most of its 40 miles of slopes, ensuring snow on the pistes.
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Family-friendly ski resorts
Austria is known for its picturesque towns and incredible snow records, making it a great choice for a family ski trip. Here are some of the best family-friendly ski resorts in Austria:
Obergurgl
Located at the end of the Otz Valley, Obergurgl is a fantastic option for families. The resort has maintained its traditional alpine charm and boasts a welcoming atmosphere. It offers 110km of slopes suitable for all skill levels, with excellent ski schools and childcare options. The Hotel Edelweiss & Gurgl is a standout choice for families, known for its ski-in ski-out location, play area, and family-friendly restaurant.
Niederau-Oberau
Nestled in the Wildschonau Valley, Niederau-Oberau is a magical ski village perfect for cosy Alpine family ski holidays. It offers 109km of beginner and intermediate-friendly pistes across the Ski Juwel area, as well as a variety of off-mountain activities. Families can enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, night tobogganing, and even igloo building courses.
Westendorf
Westendorf, part of the SkiWelt region, offers 284km of varied pistes suitable for all skill levels. It is highly family-friendly, with a practice area for beginners and children located in the village centre, providing easy access to the SkiWelt area. The relaxed atmosphere, picturesque landscape, and traditional buildings make it a popular choice for families.
Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis
The Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis ski resort is known for being extremely child-friendly and family-oriented. It offers a range of child-friendly ski courses, lifts, and childcare options. The Schmittenhöhe family ski area in Zell am See, part of the Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis resort, features 77 kilometres of slopes suitable for all ages and skill levels.
Obertauern
Obertauern is a popular ski resort located at an altitude of 1,600 meters, ensuring regular snowfall. It offers 100km of pistes and is considered one of the most snow-sure ski areas in Salzburger Land. Obertauern also boasts a lively après-ski scene and is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, with attractions like Bobby Land and Bobby's Monsterpark.
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Après-ski and nightlife
If you're looking for a Christmas ski holiday in Austria with a buzzing après-ski scene, then there are several resorts to consider.
Ischgl is a classic choice for après-ski, with its 'Christmas in the Mountain' concerts and a buzzing party scene. Another resort, Saalbach-Hinterglemm, is known for its lively après-ski scene, with a mix of rustic mountain huts and modern party venues. The village of Saalbach has numerous bars and clubs, and it also hosts the annual "Rave on Snow" event, attracting electronica fans with its DJs and live acts.
St. Anton is a luxury resort with a great après-ski scene, with chart-topping music and modern amenities. Obertauern is another resort with a reputation for its après-ski, offering something for everyone, and it's also family-friendly. Kitzbühel is a famous ski resort, attracting the rich and beautiful, with luxury offerings and a buzzing nightlife, albeit at a higher price point.
For a more low-key après-ski experience, the tranquil resort of Wald im Pinzgau is a good choice, with its romantic spa and pool, and easy access to other ski areas. The Damüls-Mellau ski area is known for its snow reliability, and the village of Damüls is considered the snowiest in Austria, with a fairy-tale-like landscape.
If you're looking for a resort with good snow conditions, then Obergurgl is a great option, known for its family-oriented chalets and lively nightlife. Mayrhofen is also known for its legendary après-ski scene, with Chalet House Tirol being a popular choice for groups.
So, depending on your preferences, these resorts offer a range of après-ski and nightlife options, from the lively and luxurious to the more low-key and romantic.
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Frequently asked questions
Austrian ski resorts are known for their Christmas markets, festive decorations, and lights. You can find Christmas markets in the villages of Zell am See, Kitzbühel, and Ischgl.
Some of the best ski resorts in Austria for families include Mayrhofen, Obergurgl, Niederau, and Katschberg. These resorts offer family-oriented chalets, gentle slopes, and other family-friendly activities.
If you're looking for high-altitude skiing in Austria, consider resorts such as St Anton, Lech, and Obergurgl. These resorts offer snow guarantees due to their high altitudes.
Christmas in Austrian ski resorts is generally less commercial and more focused on traditions. Some unique traditions include Christmas tree diving in Zell am See, Kitzbühel's 'living advent calendar', and Ischgl's 'Christmas in the Mountain' concerts.
Austria is known for its pretty and traditional resorts with classic alpine-style architecture. Some of the best ski resorts for Christmas in Austria include Stubai, Gaschurn, Damüls, Obertauern, and Wald im Pinzgau. These resorts offer snow reliability, festive activities, and picturesque locations.
