Lexi Webster
Austria is a popular destination for skiers, with 435 ski resorts to choose from. The country is known for its friendly, welcoming atmosphere, and its ski resorts cater to all levels, from beginners to experts. Austria's ski resorts are as big, snow-sure, and well-groomed as any in France or Switzerland, but tend to be cheaper. The country also has a strong reputation for its après-ski, with foot-stomping, boot-thumping nightlife. So, if you're looking for a place to ski in January, where are the best spots in Austria?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best ski resorts in Austria | St. Anton, Kitzbühel, Zell am See-Kaprun, Damüls, Obertauern, Sölden, Obergurgl, Schladming, Ischgl, Neustift, Hintertux, Lech, Zürs, Zug, Mayrhofen/Hippach |
| Best for expert skiers | St. Anton |
| Best for beginners | Zell am See-Kaprun, Damüls, Kitzbühel, Schladming |
| Best for intermediate skiers | Mayrhofen/Hippach |
| Best for families | Kitzbühel, Lech, Zug, Schladming |
| Best for luxury | Kitzbühel, Lech, Zürs |
| Best for budget | Lech |
| Best for après-ski | St. Anton, Kitzbühel |
| Best for snow | Damüls, Sölden, Obergurgl, Hintertux, Neustift, Ischgl |
| Best for glacier skiing | Sölden, Kitzsteinhorn, Dachstein, Stubai |
| Best for ski lifts | St. Anton, Saalbach, Zillertal, Scheffau, Rohrmoos, Saalbach |
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What You'll Learn
St. Anton am Arlberg for serious skiers
St. Anton am Arlberg is widely regarded as one of the best ski resorts in Austria for serious skiers. It is known for its challenging runs, off-piste opportunities, and mega-moguls. With 280 kilometres of terrain reaching heights of 2,800 meters, St. Anton is not a place for beginners but strong intermediates will still find plenty of skiing options.
The resort is home to "The White Thrill", the longest downhill piste in the Arlberg, as well as the legendary "The White Ring" circuit. In addition, the "Run of Fame" offers an even longer and more spectacular route. St. Anton's reputation as one of the top resorts in the world is further enhanced by its rich history as the site of the first ski club in the Alps, established in 1901.
The ski resort offers excellent snow conditions and state-of-the-art cable cars and lifts, attracting skiers from around the globe. The Galzigbahn cable car takes skiers directly from the village to the heart of the resort, while the Vallugabahn cable car ascends to a peak of 2,811 meters. The ski area includes 85 lifts and cable cars, more than 300 kilometres of slopes, and 200 kilometres of open terrain.
St. Anton am Arlberg is also known for its vibrant après-ski scene, with world-famous venues like the Mooservirt. The resort combines extensive slopes, modern snowmaking capabilities, and high-speed lifts, making skiing in Austria accessible and enjoyable. Additionally, the nearby slopes of Lech and Zürs offer alternative options for less accomplished skiers, with the regional Arlberg lift pass covering a total of 340 kilometres of slopes and pistes.
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Kitzbühel for luxury and family-friendly skiing
Kitzbühel is a top choice for skiers of all abilities, with a mix of challenging and gentler slopes. The former medieval mining town, set against the beautiful backdrop of the Wilder Kaiser mountains, is one of the softer options in the Alpine world. Its slopes are, in general, more flattering than frightening.
The town, located in the Alps between Salzburg and Innsbruck, is indisputably one of Austria's loveliest, and it's closest to the glamour of the high-end Swiss resorts. Kitzbühel has luxury hotels, smart boutiques, and fine dining, as well as a traditional town that appeals to family members who don't ski.
Kitzbühel is also a skier's dream, with easy accessibility, long winters, guaranteed snow, and numerous top ski events. The Hahnenkamm race, held in January, is a highlight, with the toughest of all World Cup downhill ski races, the annual Hahnenkamm, taking place on the notorious Streif racecourse. Once the circus leaves town, however, the Streif becomes a Familienabfahrt – a family-friendly run.
For beginners, there's the Mini-Streif, a skill course at the foot of the Hahnenkamm ski run, and the Kitz Mini-Streif slope, which is tailor-made for beginners, offering a gentle introduction to skiing. Attractions like the mini mouse trap, the chamois, the 'steep slope', and the Kids-Hausbergkante provide thrilling experiences and skill development opportunities. Another highlight is Bear Land, featuring life-size hand-carved bears and exciting challenges such as slalom courses and mini gates, perfect for learning fun.
There are also plenty of family-friendly activities away from the pistes, including weekly children's themed hikes, rides on the cable cars, or a visit to the swimming pool in the “Aquarena”. Horse carriage rides, tobogganing, and ice skating are also on offer, making a holiday in Kitzbühel an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
For accommodation, there are plenty of luxury and family-friendly options, including ski-in/ski-out hotels, such as Relais & Châteaux Hotel Tennerhof, Kaiserhof, and A-ROSA Resort Kitzbuehel.
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Hintertux for Tyrolean charm and glacier skiing
Hintertux is a charming ski resort in the Tyrol region of Austria. It is home to Austria's longest ski season, with skiers able to enjoy 64 kilometres of slopes at altitudes ranging from 630 to 3,250 metres above sea level. The resort offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding three-thousand-metre peaks and the Olperer summit. Hintertux is known for its year-round skiing, with slopes that are accessible even in June, October, and December.
The Hintertux Glacier is a world-renowned ski area, offering a unique combination of ski and glacier fun. The ski area merges with Eggalm, Rastkogel, Finkenberg, Penken/Mayrhofen, and Ahorn to form the Ski- & Glacier World Zillertal 3000, providing 204 kilometres of groomed pistes for all ability levels. The resort is served by 65 state-of-the-art lift systems, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience for winter sports enthusiasts.
Hintertux also boasts Betterpark Hintertux, Austria's highest and most reliable freestyle hotspot. Located at over 3,000 metres above sea level, Betterpark offers an extended season, operating from late September to December and again from April through June. The resort caters to skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels, with courses designed for everyone from beginners to professionals. The Funslope and Kidsslope Hintertux on Sommerberg provide additional entertainment and a unique experience for all ages.
In addition to skiing, Hintertux offers a range of other attractions. Nature's Ice Palace invites visitors to explore a wondrous world of ice, delving into the depths of the glacier. The Spannagel Cave, the only marble cave in the Central Alps, can be toured all year round. Hintertux also embodies the cosy hospitality of Gemütlichkeit, with friendly après-ski and traditional villages that have grown around historic farming communities. With its combination of Tyrolean charm, world-class skiing, and natural wonders, Hintertux is a unique and captivating destination for a winter getaway.
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Zell am See-Kaprun for beginners
Zell am See-Kaprun is a hidden gem in Austria, located at the edge of the Hohe Tauern National Park, the most significant nature reserve area in the Alps. The town of Zell am See is situated by a blue lake, and the nearby town of Kaprun offers access to the Kitzsteinhorn glacier region, with hundreds of trails for hiking and biking.
For beginners, the Areitbahn II and III lifts are ideal, with comfortable and easy slopes. The wide and gentle glacier slopes on the Kitzsteinhorn are also perfect for those new to skiing, with stunning panoramic views over the surrounding mountains. The local Schmittenhöhe mountain is another great option, offering a mix of walking trails and unbelievable views.
The region has a 240km-long cycling network, catering to both casual and experienced cyclists. The Kitzsteinhorn also has three designated freeride trails for mountain bikers, while the Maiskogel is perfect for uphill cyclists and freestylers can enjoy the bike park in Kaprun.
The area has a vibrant atmosphere, with cosy chalets and quaint mountain guesthouses serving regional specialties. The town of Zell am See also has a lively aprés-ski scene, with friendly bar staff and a variety of drinks, making it a great choice for beginners looking for a fun and social skiing experience.
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Damüls for a charming, traditional village
Damüls is a charming, traditional village that is a great choice for a ski holiday in Austria in January. The village sits at 1,400m above sea level, with the top lifts reaching just above 2,000m. Despite its relatively low altitude, Damüls is one of the snowiest places in the Alps, receiving an average of 9.39m to 9.6m of snow each winter. This has earned it the title of the "Snow Richest Village in the World".
The ski area in Damüls offers 80km of piste served by 21 lifts, or 28 lifts according to another source. The slopes cater to all ability levels, with broad slopes ranging from easy to difficult, excellent beginner areas, and challenging descents that are easily accessible from the lifts. The ski area is also well known for its high snow safety.
The ski resort of Damüls-Mellau-Faschina is the largest in the Bregenzerwald and one of the three largest skiing areas in Vorarlberg. It offers over 100km of groomed pistes of all levels of difficulty, as well as a unique Snowpark. The resort provides direct access to the piste from accommodation, allowing for a "ski-in & ski-out" experience. The ski resort also boasts numerous restaurants, ranging from cosy eateries to lively après-ski bars and quaint huts.
Damüls is a great choice for a ski holiday in Austria in January, offering a charming, traditional village atmosphere, excellent skiing for all levels, and a vibrant après-ski scene.
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Frequently asked questions
St. Anton in the Arlberg is one of the world's top resorts for serious skiers, with challenging runs in the Alps.
Zell am See-Kaprun is a hidden gem for beginners. Kitzbühel is also a good choice for beginners, with flattering slopes.
The village of Lech is a favourite for royalty and celebrities. Zürs is considered Austria's most exclusive ski resort, favoured by off-piste skiers.
St. Anton, Saalbach, Sölden, Kitzbühel, Zell am See-Kaprun, Damüls, Neustift, Obergurgl, and Schladming.
Austria has well-maintained slopes, sustainable cable cars, and modern infrastructure. It is also relatively cheap compared to other world-class skiing destinations.
