Leslie Massey
If you're looking for a late-season ski trip to Austria in May, you're in luck! While the typical ski season in Austria runs from December to April, with the peak season ending in early March, there are several ski resorts that offer skiing well into the spring and even summer months. These include the Stubai Glacier ski area, which remains open year-round, and the Kitzsteinhorn glacier resort, which is accessible from early autumn to late spring. The Hintertux Glacier in Tyrol also offers an impressive 365 days of skiing a year, with slopes suitable for all skill levels.
For those seeking a lively atmosphere, resorts like St. Anton, Ischgl, and Mayrhofen are known for their vibrant bars and nightlife. If you prefer a more relaxed vibe, Lech and Söll offer cosy pubs and traditional Austrian restaurants.
Additionally, the province of Salzburg boasts the high-altitude non-glacier resort of Obertauern, which typically stays open through to May 1st. The glaciers above Kaprun can also stay open well into the spring, depending on snow conditions.
So, if you're planning a ski trip to Austria in May, these extended-season resorts are your best bet for hitting the slopes and enjoying the country's renowned après-ski scene.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Resorts open in May | Ischgl, Kaprun, Kitzbühel, Mayrhofen, Nassfeld, Niederau, Obergurgl, Ramsau im Zillertal, St. Anton, St. Johann in Tyrol, Sölden, Söll, Wagrain, Zell am See |
| Resorts open in late April | Lech, Sölden, Kitzsteinhorn, Stubai |
| Resorts with glaciers | Sölden, Hintertux, Mölltal, Kitzsteinhorn, Dachstein, Stubai |
| Resorts with year-round skiing | Hintertux, Kitzsteinhorn, Stubai |
| Resort with the highest altitude | Hintertux (3,250 m) |
| Resort with the most pistes | Ski Circus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrenn (270 km) |
| Resort with the highest number of lifts | Ski Circus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrenn (70) |
| Resort with the highest altitude non-glacier slope | Obertauern (1,750 m) |
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What You'll Learn
The Stubai and Kitzsteinhorn ski resorts are open all year
If you're looking to ski in Austria in May, you'll be limited to a few high-altitude resorts. Most Austrian ski resorts close by the end of April, with higher resorts sometimes staying open until early May.
Stubai glacier ski area is located in the province of Tyrol and is one of the largest glacier ski areas in Austria. It features 35 runs for all skill levels, from wide, easy slopes to challenging mogul runs and tough ski routes. The snowboard fun park, race track, speed measurement track, skating trail, and ice climbing tower add to the variety of winter sports on offer.
Kitzsteinhorn, Austria's first glacier resort, offers an unrivalled range of winter sports. It features wide glacial slopes covered in natural snow, diverse freeride routes, three snow parks, and Austria's largest super-pipe for freestylers. Gipfelwelt 3000 and the stylish ICE CAMP presented by Audi are also must-visits. Kitzsteinhorn is located in the province of Salzburg and sits at an altitude of 3,000 m (9,843 ft).
In addition to Stubai and Kitzsteinhorn, there are a few other resorts that sometimes offer late-season skiing in May, depending on snow conditions. These include:
- Ischgl: Known for its vibrant après-ski scene, with lively bars and nightclubs.
- Kaprun: The official end of the winter season is in April, but the lift passes then move into a spring period that lasts until July.
- Sölden: One of the main glacier resorts in Tyrol, known for its lively atmosphere and the Electric Mountain Festival in early April. The resort offers reduced ski areas and tickets until May 4.
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The Hintertux Glacier offers 365 days of skiing a year
While most Austrian ski resorts close by late March or April, the Hintertux Glacier in Tyrol offers skiing 365 days a year. The glacier ski area features slopes of all levels of difficulty, from wide, easy slopes to challenging mogul runs and tough ski routes. Snowboarders will also love the wide slopes, the spectacular altitude, and the legendary après-ski.
The Hintertux Glacier offers over 60 km (37 miles) of guaranteed natural snow runs for all levels of difficulty. The selection ranges from powder and spring snow slopes to challenging mogul runs and winter sports at altitudes of up to 3,250 m (10,663 ft). The snowboard fun park, race track, speed measurement track, skating trail, and ice climbing tower add to the variety of winter sports on offer.
The Hintertux Glacier is not the only ski resort in Austria that offers year-round skiing. Kitzsteinhorn, located at 3,000 m (9,843 ft), offers skiing pretty much all year round. The Stubai Glacier ski area also carries on through the summer, with snow conditions permitting on some of the highest slopes in the country.
If you're looking for a quick weekend ski trip in May, there are plenty of options in Austria. The end of the season is generally late March or April, with higher resorts staying open later. Some resorts, like Sölden, offer summer skiing later in the year. Ischgl, for example, usually gets a superstar to perform at its Top Of The Mountain Concert, which takes place around the time the resort closes for the season. The official last day of skiing is scheduled for May 4.
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Sölden is livelier with an Electric Mountain Festival in April
Sölden is one of the main glacier resorts in the Tyrol, offering summer skiing later in the year. The resort takes pride in being livelier than its neighbour Obergurgl, with its two-day Electric Mountain Festival in April. The festival takes place from 31 March to 4 April 2025, with top international DJs and live acts performing against a breathtaking mountain backdrop. Previous performers include David Guetta, Robin Schulz and Klingande. The ski ticket also doubles as an entry ticket to the festival.
The Electric Mountain Festival offers the perfect combination of piste adventures and first-class music. During the day, skiers can enjoy perfect slopes and sunny skiing in the world-famous resort. The Grünwald Resort Sölden offers accommodation right on the slopes, with a pool and a relaxing wellness area. The resort is the perfect place to chill out after the festival, with breathtaking mountain views.
The festival itself is an unforgettable ski and music adventure, with pulsating beats and a party atmosphere. The main stage lineup features international electronic dance music stars, transforming the fun zone on the Giggijoch into a dance club. The side event in the Panorama Alm offers a more relaxed vibe with delicious snacks.
Sölden is the perfect choice for those looking for a late-season ski holiday in Austria. The resort offers a unique experience with snow-sure skiing and a vibrant festival atmosphere. The final winter date is 28 April, after which the resort switches to spring season mode with reduced ski areas until 4 May. For those looking to continue their skiing holiday into the summer, the Stubai Glacier ski area stays open year-round, with the highest slopes in the country.
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Lech is a relaxed option with cosy pubs and restaurants
While it's unclear whether skiing in Lech, Austria, is possible in May, it's certainly a relaxed option for skiers, with its cosy pubs and restaurants.
Lech is known for its traditional Austrian hospitality, with several restaurants serving classic Austrian dishes like Wiener Schnitzel, Kaiserschmarrn, and Knödel. The Krazy Kanguruh is a popular spot for diverse international cuisine and traditional Austrian dishes. It's also a sports bar, so you can catch the latest games and races on large TV screens while you dine.
For a more upscale experience, the Hotel Arlberg Lech offers a unique culinary experience at its restaurant, Le Fenice, which combines Mediterranean flavours with local delicacies. The hotel itself is a luxurious ski-in/ski-out property with refined rooms and suites, an elegant spa, and two pools. The indoor spa and outdoor pool make for a relaxing afternoon after a morning of skiing.
If you're looking for a more casual atmosphere, the Schneggarei offers a unique, uncomplicated experience with a sun terrace and an ice bar. They serve classic Austrian cuisine and are known for having the best pizza in Lech, cooked in a wood-fired oven.
For a cosy pub experience, s'Pfefferkörndl welcomes locals and holidaymakers alike. You can enjoy Italian coffee specialties, salads, kitchen classics like pizza and pasta, and sweet desserts. They also serve "hot classics" for those who enjoy a late-night bite.
Lech also has several other notable restaurants, including Rud-Alpe Gastronomie, Fux Restaurant, and Krone-Stuben. With its mix of cosy pubs, traditional restaurants, and upscale dining options, Lech offers a varied and relaxing culinary experience to complement a day on the slopes.
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Saalbach is one of Austria's prettiest ski villages
While there is limited information on where to ski in Austria in May, Saalbach is definitely worth considering a visit. Saalbach, officially known as Saalbach-Hinterglemm, is a municipality in the district of Zell am See in the Pinzgau region of the Austrian state of Salzburg. It is known for its skiing and other winter sports facilities, offering 270 kilometres of ski slopes. Saalbach is one of Austria's prettiest ski villages, with its picturesque landscape and charming architecture. The village is nestled in the Saalbach Valley, surrounded by majestic mountains and lush greenery, creating a stunning backdrop for skiers and visitors alike.
The Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn offers a diverse range of skiing experiences, catering to beginners, families, and experts with its extensive network of slopes and lifts. The region boasts 140 km of blue slopes, 112 km of red slopes, and 18 km of black slopes, ensuring there is something for every skill level. In addition to the variety of pistes, Saalbach also offers a range of off-piste activities and attractions, contributing to its reputation as a premier ski resort in Austria.
The village of Saalbach itself exudes a unique charm, with traditional Austrian architecture and a vibrant atmosphere. The municipality consists of two small towns, Saalbach and Hinterglemm, each contributing to the overall allure of the destination. The town of Saalbach has a strong focus on tourism, with many inhabitants' livelihoods directly or indirectly linked to the industry. The village offers a range of accommodation options, from cosy ski huts to luxurious resorts, ensuring visitors can find the perfect place to rest after a day on the slopes.
Adding to its beauty, Saalbach is known for its friendly and hospitable community, with a strong sense of dependence on the tourism industry. The village has a rich history, having welcomed tourists since 1945, and has a distinctive coat of arms featuring crossed golden skis, a silver snowflake, and three silver balls, symbolic of its winter sports heritage. Saalbach has also played host to prestigious events, including the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in 1991, further solidifying its reputation as one of Austria's premier ski destinations.
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Frequently asked questions
The Stubai glacier ski area is open all year round, and the Hintertux glacier offers 365 days of skiing a year. The Kitzsteinhorn ski area is also open all year round.
The Stubai glacier ski area has slopes of all levels of difficulty, from wide, easy slopes to challenging mogul runs and tough ski routes. There is also a snowboard fun park, race track, speed measurement track, skating trail, and ice climbing tower.
The Hintertux glacier offers over 60 km of guaranteed natural snow runs for all levels of difficulty, from powder and spring snow slopes to challenging mogul runs. Snowboarders will enjoy the wide slopes, the spectacular altitude, and the fun slope.
