Damon Mcknight
While it's unlikely that there will be snow in most parts of Austria in May, it is possible to find some in higher altitude areas. Historical data from 1971 to 2000 shows that there was snow cover in certain regions during the month of May. In recent years, some skiers have reported snow in late May or early June in certain areas, such as Hintertux. However, it is important to note that snow depths tend to be below average at low altitudes, and the strong spring sun can quickly melt any snow that does fall. For those seeking snow sports activities, it is recommended to opt for higher altitudes, where conditions are more favourable for winter activities during this time of year.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Snow in May | Possible, but not guaranteed |
| Snow in mid-May | Unlikely |
| Snow in late May | Possible |
| Snow in June | Possible |
| Snowfall in Austria in May | 5-15cm of new snow expected above 1500m |
| Snowfall in Austria in April | More likely than in May |
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What You'll Learn
Skiing in Austria in May
Resort Options
Obertauern in the province of Salzburg is a non-glacier resort that sits at an altitude of 1750m. It usually plans to stay open through to the 1st of May. The official end of the winter season is the 8th of April, but the resort then moves into a spring period with lift passes available from April to July.
The Hintertux Glacier offers over 60km of natural snow runs for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. It is possible to ski here as late as June, and one source suggests that it is likely to be snowing in late May.
Sölden is a glacier resort in the Tyrol that offers summer skiing. It usually stays open until the end of April, but then switches to a spring season with a reduced ski area.
Obergurgl is a non-glacier resort that is usually the last to close, often staying open until the 27th of April.
What to Expect
While it is possible to ski in Austria in May, it is not the ideal time of year for it. The snow conditions will be slushy, and the weather is likely to be warm. You will also have far fewer options for resorts, and the ones that are open will be busy.
If you are set on skiing in May, it is recommended to leave booking until the last minute so that you can see what the snow conditions are like.
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Snowfall averages for Austria in May
While it is possible to ski in Austria in May, it is not typical. Most ski resorts close by early May, with only a few remaining open until May 4th.
The amount of snowfall in Austria varies across the country. The total amount of fresh snow for most places is an average of weather data collected from 1981 to 2010, while others use 1971 to 2000 averages. The number of days with snow cover is based on measurements made from 1971 to 2000, and only includes days when the snow depth reached at least one centimetre (0.4 inches).
Western Austria, including the regions of Tyrol (Tirol) and Vorarlberg, tends to have more snow in May than other parts of the country. Southern and Central Austria, covering Carinthia (Kärnten), Salzburg, and Styria (Steiermark), also experience snowfall in May, but the amounts can vary depending on the specific location. Northern and Eastern Austria, including Burgenland, Lower Austria (Niederösterreich), and Upper Austria (Oberösterreich), generally have lower snowfall amounts in May, with Vienna (Wien) being the least likely to see significant snowfall.
Skiers who have visited Austria in late May or early June have reported snow in some areas, such as Hintertux, and even dustings of snow in July in Les 2 Alpes. However, these instances are not typical, and most resorts close by early May.
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Snowfall in Austrian ski resorts in May
While it is possible to ski in Austria in May, it is not a typical skiing month. Most Austrian ski resorts are at a low altitude, ranging from 600 to 1000m above sea level, and their top lifts are below 2000m. This can be problematic for snow cover. However, some resorts, such as Kitzbühel, claim that their snow cover has remained relatively constant over the past 50 years.
In May, the valley floors in Austria are typically green, but the upper snow slopes can still be in good condition, especially after significant snowfalls in the preceding months. The Arlberg region around St Anton and Lech, for example, usually has a large number of runs open, with almost 90% of its slopes still skiable.
Fresh snow is forecast at 31 resorts in Austria, and 14 are reporting good piste conditions. However, no significant snow is currently forecast for most ski resorts, and valley temperatures can reach +15°C at 1000m, causing any remaining snow to thaw quickly.
If you are planning to ski in Austria in May, it is advisable to check the snow conditions and the Avalanche Risk Level before you go, as conditions can vary considerably from slope to slope. It is also recommended to opt for higher-altitude ski resorts or those with glaciers, such as Hintertux, where skiing is possible even into June.
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Snow conditions in Austria in May
In May 2025, skiers reported that most resorts in Austria will be closed, with the exception of Sölden and Ischgl, which will remain open until May 4th. Skiing conditions in mid-May are expected to be slushy, and it is recommended to check the snow conditions last minute. One skier reported skiing in Hintertux in late May or early June, experiencing snow and whiteout conditions.
In the Alps, snow conditions can be highly variable at this time of year. While there may be fresh snow in some areas, the strong spring sun can quickly melt it away. Generally, there is little snow at low altitudes, and it is important to aim for higher altitudes for better snow conditions. In the eastern Alps, which include Austria, the freezing levels are typically between 1000-1500m, while in the western Alps, they are closer to 2000m.
In April 2025, the eastern Alps experienced mostly cloudy weather, with the odd light flurry in the far east. The western Alps, on the other hand, had sunny spells, with freezing levels closer to 2000m.
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Snowfall in Austria in May 2025
While it is possible to experience snow in Austria in May, it is not guaranteed. Snow conditions in the Alps vary at this time of year, and snow depths are typically way below par at low altitudes. However, conditions are more typical for the time of year at higher altitudes, although snow depths may still be below average.
In late April 2025, it was predicted that skiing in most places in Austria would come to an end, with only Sölden and Ischgl expected to remain open until May 4th.
In April 2025, there were odd light flurries in the far east of Austria, with freezing levels typically between 1,000 and 1,500 meters in the eastern Alps. On April 18th, 2025, it was forecasted that on Wednesday, any showers would be confined to the eastern Alps, with between 5 and 15 cm of new snow expected above 1,500 meters.
On April 18th, 2025, it was also reported that snow conditions were generally poor at lower altitudes but improved at higher altitudes, where new snow was expected to freshen things up in the following days. The deepest snow at high altitudes was in the northern French Alps.
Overall, while there may be some snowfall in Austria in May 2025, it is challenging to predict, and the amount of snow is likely to be limited, especially at lower altitudes.
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Frequently asked questions
It is unlikely that it will snow in Austria in May. Most ski resorts close by early May. However, there is a chance of light snow in the higher altitudes.
In May 2025, the resorts of Sölden and Ischgl were open until the 4th of May.
The conditions in May are highly variable. There is very little snow at low altitudes, and the strong spring sun can quickly melt any snow that falls.
The best places to ski in May are at high altitudes. It is recommended to go somewhere with a glacier.
