With its variety of slopes, landscapes, and cultures, Austria is a skier and snowboarder’s paradise. Austria has it all, whether you’re looking for difficult terrain, exciting après-ski, family-friendly amenities, or charming villages. This article will explore 10 of the best ski resorts in Austria to help you plan your next winter adventure.
1. St Anton
Known for: Powder and partying in the snowiest corner of the Alps in Ski Arlberg
For expert skiers and snowboarders, St Anton is a renowned resort with world-class off-piste terrain, challenging trails, and an exceptional snow record. It is a portion of the Ski Arlberg region, which has more than 125 miles of interconnected runs, including the illustrious Run of Fame circuit. St. Anton is renowned for having a thriving nightlife, and establishments like MooserWirt and Krazy Kanguruh regularly draw large crowds of partygoers.
2. Ischgl
Known for: Serving up tons of lift-accessible freeride terrain and supreme après-ski parties
Ischgl is a ski resort at a high altitude with snow-sure slopes and a sizable amount of uninhabited freeride terrain to discover. Due to the ski area’s spillover into Switzerland, which makes up half of the ski area, you can ski in two nations on the same day. Ischgl is renowned for having a bustling ski town with a variety of eateries, shops, and nightlife options. Don’t miss the opening and closing concerts, which will feature world-renowned performers like Rihanna and Elton John.
3. Saalbach Hinterglemm
Known for: Attractive village with Europe’s flashiest lift system
Saalbach Hinterglemm is the second-largest ski resort in Austria, offering 168 miles of slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. Getting around the resort is simple and quick thanks to the resort’s efficient lift system, which includes 20 gondolas and 20 high-speed chairlifts. With a pedestrian-only center and a wide selection of bars, restaurants, and clubs, the village is charming and vibrant. Throughout the season, Saalbach Hinterglemm also plays host to a number of events, including the Freeride World Tour and the Rave on Snow Festival.
4. Kitzbühel
Known for: Hosting the most famous downhill race in the world and offering a glamorous ski experience
Due to its unique combination of a modern ski area and a historic town, Kitzbühel is one of Austria’s most prestigious ski resorts. The resort regularly hosts the Hahnenkamm race, the most well-known downhill competition in the world. Thousands of fans and famous people travel to Kitzbühel to watch the world’s top skiers compete on the treacherous Streif course, which is renowned for its difficulty and steepness. Along with 119 miles of slopes for skiers of all levels, Kitzbühel also provides a variety of off-piste activities like ice skating, sleigh rides, and spa services. The town is full of upscale hotels, shops, and restaurants, where you can enjoy the finer things in life.
5. Mayrhofen
renowned for: Having one of Europe’s top terrain parks and a fun-loving atmosphere
The award-winning terrain park, Vans Penken Park, in Mayrhofen is a favorite among freestyle skiers and snowboarders. It has six areas with jumps, rails, and pipes for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. The resort also has 86 miles of slopes, including Austria’s steepest groomed slope, the Harakiri Run. Mayrhofen is renowned for having a vibrant après-ski scene, with establishments like Pilzbar and Ice Bar playing music until the wee hours. Seasonal events held at the resort include the Snowbombing Festival and the Altitude Comedy Festival.
6. Obergurgl
Known for: Being one of the highest and most snow-reliable resorts in Austria
Obergurgl is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a ski area where snow conditions are guaranteed from November to May. One of the highest in Austria, the resort is situated at a height of 6,398 feet. Additionally, the slopes offer a lot of vertical drop with a maximum elevation of 10,072 feet. The 68 miles of mostly intermediate terrain in the ski area offer breathtaking views of the Tztal Alps. In addition, Obergurgl is a family-friendly destination with first-rate lodging and ski schools, as well as a calm and laid-back atmosphere.
7. Alpbach
Known for: Being one of the most beautiful villages in Austria and offering a cozy ski experience
With its charming church, traditional wooden chalets, and picturesque mountain backdrop, the resort of Alpbach is picture-perfect. The resort is a portion of the Ski Juwel region, which has 67 miles of slopes for novice and intermediate skiers. Cross-country skiing, winter hiking, and tobogganing are all great activities that you can do in Alpbach. The village has a cozy and friendly vibe, with a handful of bars, restaurants, and shops.
8. Zell am See
Known for: Having a stunning lakeside location and a diverse ski area
Zell am See is a picturesque resort, situated on the shores of Lake Zell and surrounded by the Hohe Tauern mountains. The resort has access to 86 mi of slopes, which cater to all levels of skiers and snowboarders. You can also ski on the nearby Kitzsteinhorn glacier, which offers year-round skiing and snowboarding. Zell is See has a charming town center, with a medieval church, a pedestrianized zone, and a variety of bars, restaurants, and shops.
9. Lech
Known for: Being one of the most exclusive and elegant resorts in Austria
Lech is a chic resort, favored by royalty, celebrities, and wealthy skiers. The resort is part of the Ski Arlberg area, which offers over 125 mi of slopes for all abilities. Lech also has some of the best off-piste terrain in Austria, as well as heli-skiing options. The village is sophisticated and stylish, with luxurious hotels, gourmet restaurants, and designer boutiques. Lech also has a lively après-ski scene, with bars like Krone Ice Bar and Fux Jazz Bar.
10. Innsbruck
Known for: Being a vibrant city with access to nine ski areas
A cultural city break and a winter sports vacation can both be had in Innsbruck, making it a distinctive ski destination. Nine ski areas are accessible from the city, providing 186 miles of slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. Additionally, you can go to the Stubai Glacier, which offers year-round skiing and snowboarding, or the Olympic ski jump at Bergisel. With landmarks like the Golden Roof, the Imperial Palace, and the Alpine Zoo, Innsbruck has a rich cultural history. The city also has plenty of bars, restaurants, and clubs, where you can enjoy the nightlife.
Conclusion
Skiers and snowboarders of all abilities and tastes will love Austria as a destination. Whether you are looking for powder, parks, pistes, or parties, you will find it in one of the many ski resorts in Austria. From the legendary St Anton to the lovely Alpbach, from the glamorous Lech to the vibrant Innsbruck, there is a resort for everyone in Austria. So pack your skis or snowboard and get ready for an unforgettable winter holiday in Austria.