Austria is a premium class in the world of ski holidays. And this is not surprising: the inhabitants of the Austrian Tyrol and Salzburg thought of skimming the cream from the legendary alpine meadows not only in the emerald summer, but also in the frosty snowy winter - more than 100 years ago. The first downhill competitions took place in the Austrian Alps in 1904, in 1922 the first ski school was opened, in 1928 the first ski lift and, in fact, the ski tourism business in general were launched.
Over the course of a century, hardworking, careful, stubborn Austrians managed to build a real snow empire on the slopes of their native Alps, including more than 800 ski resorts and about 50 ski areas, almost 20% of which operate all year round.
Today, Austria is a leader in receiving skiers and snowboarders. A short flight, well-equipped, varied slopes - both for children and beginners, as well as for severe off-piste skiing, a wide choice of accommodation - from 5-star hotels to more than budget apartments that can be rented “shared”, the best apre-ski in the world - all this attracts tens of thousands of tourists “armed” with skis and snowboards to the Austrian slopes of the Alps every year.
Express information on the country
Austria (Republic of Austria)- a state in Central Europe.
Capital – Vein
Largest cities: Vienna, Graz, Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck
Form of government- Federal Republic
Territory– 83,871 km 2 (112th in the world)
Population– 8.4 million people. (94th in the world)
Official language- German
Religion– Catholicism
HDI– 0.885 (23rd in the world)
GDP– $436.88 billion (27th in the world)
Currency– euro
Borders with: Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Germany
Thanks to visa-free travel, Austria has become much more accessible than before. We have compiled for you a list of the most interesting Austrian ski resorts, which will delight you with a variety of slopes and high-quality service.
Attention! The ski regions of Austria have their own rules, which are somewhat different from the global ones. Therefore, please note:
*there are no traditional amateur “green” trails on the local slopes. Their place is taken by “blue” ones - they are intended for training beginners;
*most lifts operate between 8:30 and 16:00. Only some slopes provide the opportunity for evening skiing. So it makes sense to think about evening leisure in advance;
*booking a room in hotels and apartments here is accepted from Saturday to Saturday: checking in mid-week can be difficult.
Ischgl
The most fashionable and pretentious ski resort in the Tyrol region. Ischgl is often called the “Austrian Courchevel” - for the same focus on expensive, high-quality service and an active social life off the piste. Concerts of world-famous stars regularly take place here - Madonna, Sting, Elton John “celebrated” in Ischgl... Another feature of Ischgl is the abundance of shopping places: the resort has official stores of many of the world's most famous brands. As for the skiing opportunities, they are also excellent here: 90% of Ischgl’s pistes are located above 2000 m above sea level, and therefore they are not threatened by winters with little snow, snow - real, alpine, sparkling - is always here. The resort is suitable for families with children: there is a ski school with more than a hundred instructors, “tailored” to work with children, and a kindergarten.
Trails: the total length of the descents reaches 238 km. More than half of the slopes are classified as “red” - intended for experienced skiers. There are also cross-country ski trails. A special treat for snowboarders: Ischgl is one of the top snowboarding resorts in Europe. It offers boarders a half-pipe, four jumps and ample opportunities for off-piste skiing.
Ski season: mid-November - early May.
Ski pass cost: from 210 to 240 euros depending on the season (during the periods from November 24 to December 23, from January 7 to 20, from April 18 to May 1, the cost of the ski pass is reduced). Children's passes are cheaper - about 150 euros.
Bad Gastein
If Ischgl is the “Austrian Courchevel”, then Bad Gastein, located near Salzburg, is called the “Austrian Monte Carlo” - thanks to the oldest mountain casino, the town’s classic European architecture and a wide range of après-ski options. The ski resort has several thermal springs and the corresponding infrastructure (salons for spas and beauty treatments, radon baths, salt adits), thanks to which tourists can combine a ski holiday with relaxation in the sauna and general wellness.
Trails: up to 220 kilometers of perfectly prepared slopes at altitudes up to 2700 m. More than 60% are red slopes (of medium difficulty). The resort also has cross-country ski trails, a fan park and two half-pipes for snowboarders. There are opportunities for virgin skiing.
Ski season: December - March.
Ski pass cost: about 200 euros for six days. For children (under 15 years old) and youth (under 19 years old) prices are one and a half to two times lower.
Kitzbühel
One of the most famous and popular ski resorts not only in Austria, but throughout the world. The ancient town of Kitzbühel began welcoming skiers back in the 1920s and is now considered the cradle of alpine skiing in Austria. You can ride not only in the (very expensive) Kitzbühel itself, but also in the surrounding regions connected to the “cradle” by a common trail system.
For example, it’s a stone’s throw from Kitzbühel to the Söll region, which unites several small ski villages with more than humane costs of living and an abundance of easy “family” slopes.
Trails: up to 200 km of well-equipped and groomed trails, more than a third of which are intended for beginner skiers, including children. However, this does not mean that a professional in Kitzbühel has no place to turn around: here is the steepest slalom track in the Alps, Streif, which hosts the world's most serious downhill competitions: a slope angle of 85 degrees ensures a descent speed of up to 140 km/h.
Ski season: December - March.
Ski pass cost: about 200 euros for six days. The resort offers a discount for children (up to 15 years old) and youth (up to 19 years old). Ski passes for 12 days are also available for around 320 euros.
Mayrhofen
Located in the Ziller Valley (also called the Tyrolean Valley), the resort is considered a real ski mecca of the Alps. Mayrhofen connects four narrow mountain valleys, each of which offers varied skiing opportunities. But, of course, the most famous is the Tuxertal valley, leading to the largest glacier in Austria - Hintertux, thanks to which skiing is possible all year round in Mayrhofen. In general, the Tyrolean Valley unites ten ski regions at altitudes from 550 m to 3286 m, connected by both common trails and excellent bus service. Therefore, to ride the legendary Hintertux or relax in the water park in the evenings, you don’t have to live in Mayrhofen itself: you can find inexpensive apartments in one of the villages nearby.
Trails:up to 150 km of groomed trails, most of which belong to the blue (entry level of difficulty) or red (intermediate) categories. The length of the black slopes is up to 20 km: this also includes a slope with the eloquent name “Harakiri”, the slope of which reaches 78 degrees.
Ski season: all year round.
Ski pass cost: 205 euros for 6 days or 377 euros for 13. Children (under 15 years old) and youth (under 19 years old) are provided with significant discounts: prices for a children's ski pass start from 92 euros for 6 days of skiing.
Kaprun
A truly fabulous place for those who want not only to have a great ride, but also to breathe in the atmosphere of the real, original Alps. The touching provincial town is located at the foot of the 3203 m high Kitzsteinhorn mountain, from which the “tongue” of the Kaprun glacier stretches, providing the opportunity for year-round skiing.
Kaprun itself is more like a classic alpine village framed by a mountain wall: there is no snobbery, noise, or fuss, and therefore it is ideal for a family holiday. The local medieval castle and prepared trails for mountain walks in any season will give tourists a special atmosphere. For many years, the signature attraction of the ski resort was the mountain train, which could take you to the glacier area, but it was replaced by a cable car - which is also good.
Trails: about 50 km of prepared blue and red slopes, as well as over 30 km of cross-country ski trails. If you wish, after enjoying the alpine atmosphere of Kaprun, you can easily and quickly get from the town by bus to Zell am See - a more modern and noisy resort with an abundance of different trails, including black ones.
Ski season: all year round.
Ski pass cost: 209 euros for 6 days. For children (under 15 years old) and youth (under 19 years old) prices are reduced by approximately one and a half to two times.
Where to go if you...
…just learn how to ski and snowboard: Mayrhofen, Zell am See, Kaprun, Lech, Serfaus, Obertauern;
…you ride confidently and love speed: Ischgl, Bad Gastein, Kitzbühel, Mayrhofen, Zell am See, St. Anton, Serfaus, Saalbach;
…love off-piste skiing and freeride: Ischgl, Kitzbühel, Zell am See, Mayrhofen, Lech, Serfaus, Saalbach, Obertauern;
...prefer snowboarding: Ischgl, Mayrhofen and the entire Zillertal region, Bad Gastein, Sölden;
...appreciate not only alpine skiing, but also cross-country skiing: Mayrhofen, Kaprun, Zell am See, Innsbruck;
…love to roll down the slope straight to the hotel door: Hochgurl, Obergurgl, Obertauern, Zürs;
...craving a varied holiday with a daily change of activities: Ischgl, Sölden, Lech, St. Anton, Saalbach-Hinterglemm;
…would like to have a peaceful holiday with your family and children: Kitzbühel, Kaprun, Mayrhofen, Zell am See, Serfaus;
...don’t ski, but want to feel the atmosphere of a ski resort and not get bored: Kitzbühel, Kaprun, Bad Gastein, Seefeld, Innsbruck;
…love to eat delicious food: Ischgl, Kitzbühel, Bad Gastein, Mayrhofen, Seefeld, Innsbruck, Kirchberg, Seefeld;
...need a variety of evening entertainment, parties and shopping: Ischgl, Mayrhofen, St. Anton, Obertaurn, Bad Gastein, Innsbruck, Seefeld.
No country in the world is so strongly associated with skiing as Austria. This phenomenon has its reasons: dozens of winter resorts with high service and excellent infrastructure, a wide selection of slopes, which you can ski on for a maximum of months a year. Tochka-mira continues to talk about the best resorts in the world for winter holidays, with ski Austria next in line.
Bad Gastein
The resort of Bad Gastein is the best place in Austria if you want to combine an active ski holiday with wellness. There are hot healing springs, mud and clay pits, and spa centers. The total length of pistes at the resort is 208 km, which seems incredible by domestic standards. More than 50 lifts, dozens of trails, a fan park and downhill trails are simply a paradise for lovers of active winter recreation.
Zell am See
The Salzburg region is a favorite skiing destination for European tourists. The resort is full of ski schools, the infrastructure is well developed, and the slopes are isolated from each other. Zell am See is a great place for intermediate skiers and beginner snowboarders. The resort has an excellent choice of places to stay: from luxury 5-star hotels to budget three rubles and chalets.
Sölden
The ski town of Sölden is located in the Otztal Valley, which is famous throughout the world for its abundance of alpine slopes. Sölden is the second most popular holiday destination among residents of Austria and neighboring countries. Resort characteristics: total length of slopes - 145 km, 34 ski lifts, 2 snow parks, 16 km for cross-country skiing, more than 20 mountain restaurants and dozens of hotel complexes. Due to the high popularity and large influx of tourists, the cost of skiing here is lower than at other Austrian resorts.
Saalbach-Hinterglemm
In Austria there are places for skiing that are difficult to classify as resorts; rather, they are large mountain areas. Saalbach-Hinterglemm is one such area with a huge variety of trails, training slopes, snow parks, cross-country ski trails and ice skating rinks. The resort has excellent conditions for skiing, regardless of the level of training and skills of skiers.
Ischgl
The most fashionable resort in Austria, which is often compared to the pretentious and expensive Courchevel. The ski season at the resort begins in mid-November and lasts until the end of April. World-famous stars, millionaires and simply wealthy people love to visit Ischgl. The nature of the resort is mesmerizing: during the day the snow-capped peaks of the Alps delight the eyes, and at night the sky is strewn with millions of stars - beauty, in a word.
Kaprun
Another popular resort in the Salzburg region, where tourists are offered a wonderful holiday in a price-quality ratio. Snowboarders will especially like this place; international snowboarding competitions are even held here. However, Kaprun is an excellent place for beginner skiers. The resort has a large number of ski schools, including for children, and more than 60 km of “green” slopes for beginners.
Lech
The resort gained its popularity back in the last century, when annual biathlon competitions were held in these places. Lech is the cradle of ski holidays in the Alps, the resort is constantly being modernized with the best European equipment, the slopes are increasing, new slopes are appearing, snow parks and tubing slopes are being formed. Do you want to experience the classics of alpine skiing? Then welcome to Leh!
Nassfeld
An incredibly beautiful alpine resort - the pearl of Austrian skiing. Nassfeld has an excellent climate: plenty of sunshine, absence of severe frosts and winds, dense and elastic snow cover. All these factors contribute to a successful ski season, which lasts from November to April. The resort offers skiing, snowboarding, freeride, downhill, cross-country skiing, speed skating and many other winter sports.
Obergurgl
Obergurgl is one of the high mountain towns of the Otztal Valley, located among the peaks of the Alps. At first glance, it may seem that Obergurgl is a typical Alpine village, lost in the mountains. But in fact, the resort has a well-developed infrastructure, there are high-level hotels, and there are also more budget accommodations. Despite the city's distance from the highway, during the ski season the resort's throughput exceeds 30 thousand people per day.
St. Anton
St. Anton is called everything: the diamond of the Alps, the Austrian mountain pearl, and the kingdom of extreme sports... All these epithets are quite suitable for a modern resort with the longest pistes in all the Alps. The total length of marked routes is 304 km, and unmarked routes are 185 km. St. Anton is Europe's largest venue for alpine skiing, freeride, snowboarding and cross-country skiing.
Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis
Compared to other resorts in Austria, Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis is a very new region, having opened in 1999. Previously, this place had three different ski areas: Serfaus, Fiss and Ladis. The villages were connected by ski lifts and cable cars, and a new modern ski resort was formed. Characteristics of the resort: total length of slopes - 214 km, 68 ski lifts, 52 km of cross-country ski trails, capacity - 90 thousand people per hour.
Kitzbühel
Every year tourists from more than 40 countries come to Kitzbühel to experience the “Alpine ski fairy tale”. At one time, the resort claimed to host the Winter Olympic Games, and now it is a major international center for winter sports. In total, Kitzbühel has 60 trails of varying difficulty, which stretch for 170 km, and 54 lifts are installed, which ensures uninterrupted access of tourists to the slopes even at the height of the season.
Mayrhofen
If you decide to go on holiday to the resort of Mayrhofen, then you have excellent taste. Especially if the vacation coincided with the New Year celebration. The resort is incredibly beautiful: a picturesque panorama, high mountain slopes, pine forests and frozen lakes. The highlight of the resort is an old steam locomotive that travels around the Mayrhofen valley twice a day. By the way, here is one of the longest routes in all the Alps - a 12-kilometer route from Mayrhofen to the Hintertux glacier.
Obertauern
The cool youth resort of Obertauern is located in the Salzburg region. The resort constantly hosts parties, open airs, music festivals and other events that young people go crazy about. In addition, the resort has excellent skiing: of the 42 slopes, half are intended for beginners and only 8 for technically trained skiers.
Hintertux
A small resort in the Tyrol region. The resort has good service, there are 6 hotels, a spa center, gyms, bars, clubs and restaurants. As for the sports component, the total length of the slopes in Hintertux is 60 km, and they are mainly intended for professional skiers. It has its own snow park, 32 ski lifts, and artificially created space for cross-country skiing. I would like to recommend Hintertux to tourists who like a calm and secluded ski holiday.
Active tourists often associate this small and cozy country with Viennese palace complexes, ancient parks, excellent slopes and the best ski resorts in Austria. In winter, the splendor of the republic’s natural landscapes becomes even more impressive, which attracts both connoisseurs of snow-capped mountain slopes and ordinary tourists who are still unsure on skis, but are ready to go on an exciting journey for the sake of adrenaline and fabulous landscapes. Of all the famous resort areas of their hospitable country, Austrians often recommend several of their favorite places. Here, foreigners will find various opportunities for an exciting and useful winter pastime.
Bad Gastein
The best ski resorts in Austria are extremely diverse, among them there are several places that are accessible primarily to wealthy vacationers due to the fairly high prices for all kinds of services. One of them is Bad Gastein, which is also well known for its thermal springs and wellness centers. Winter gives its guests a unique opportunity to combine pleasant skiing with beneficial radon baths. And for tourists on a limited budget they are well suited.
All 220 km of snow-covered slopes are filled with skiers who are differently prepared to conquer the mountain slopes. The city cannot boast of a wide variety of entertainment venues, but everyone is well aware of the local casino and Gatz, a democratic bar where young fans of snowboarding and alpine skiing prefer to have fun.
Zell am See
Thanks to the picturesque lake, the surroundings around Zell am See, a quiet old town, amaze travelers with fabulous beauty. Most of the 77 km of local pistes are filled with beginners or confident skiers.
From this city you can quite easily and quickly get to the glacier, which does not melt even in summer. As a result, skiers appear in these places not only in the winter months, but also in the off-season and also in the summer. Among the frequent guests of Zell am See you can meet beginner snowboarders and cross-country skiing fans. To help vacationers relax after hours of skiing, more than 150 restaurants, bars and cafes are open to them.
Lech
Despite the many drinking establishments, Lech, a small resort village, is unlikely to appeal to lovers of noisy discos and carefree fun. This is one of . First of all, people come here for skiing and snowboarding. Of the 55 well-equipped trails, each guest will definitely be able to find exactly the one that will satisfy his desires. Young travelers will not be left idle either. Separated from their parents, they have fun on a 1.2-kilometer track specially equipped for them.
Many passionate gourmets, partial to excellent Austrian wine and national dishes, also visit the village. In the evenings, to taste cheese fondue and drink a glass of fine wine, visitors gather at cozy tables in the stylish Krone Stuben, the more democratic Angelika Kauffmann or some other restaurant. Among tourists considering the best ski resorts in Austria, the rating of the village of Lech is far from last.
Mayrhofen
Half of the 136 km of superb pistes around Mayrhofen, a small Austrian village, are intended for those who are already quite confident in skiing, but have not yet become professionals. There are a lot of slopes here for those who are just beginning to express themselves in this winter entertainment. However, experts also look at this resort, which is considered a youth resort.
Mayrhofen is also known for the White Lounge, an unusual igloo hotel where thrill-seekers seek to spend the night in its icy rooms. But most vacationers prefer to have fun at night in the Ice Bar, famous for its relaxed atmosphere, or in some other club. During the day, establishments such as the White Lounge and Freiraum become excellent viewing platforms due to their location on the mountain slopes.
St. Anton
If any curious tourists want to know where the first ski cubes appeared on the European continent, then it is believed that St. Anton was this place. Now this ski resort in Austria is famous for its challenging slopes and excellent training centers for beginners and children. Most of the 305 km of local slopes have long been chosen by professionals who demonstrate unusually virtuoso skating. If desired, everyone can travel throughout St. Anton and its surroundings on a sleigh drawn by fast horses.
The village also has a fairly large ice skating rink, which is “occupied” by teenagers and young people. After active participation in winter activities, vacationers enjoy the taste of Austrian dishes in one of 80 restaurants. Young people dance almost until the morning in the Underground, a democratic English club. The hall of the cozy Mooserwirt, one of the most famous bars not only in St. Anton, but throughout Tyrol, is always crowded with cheerful people. Lunch or dinner at Galzig Verwall, a high-altitude restaurant, is a treat for those looking for a vantage point to appreciate the beauty of the snow-capped peaks.
What do the best ski resorts in Austria have in common?
Although the small towns and quiet villages in mountainous Austria are distinctive, and their inhabitants always try to emphasize this, many common features can be found between them. This is especially true for the named places that have become leaders in winter recreation:
- in almost each of the mentioned places, December is considered the beginning of the season;
- they often stop accepting guests at the end of March;
- in every town or village, tourists are sure to find many entertainment venues, bars and restaurants;
- the cost of a weekly ski pass, which is available for purchase everywhere, is 295 €.
The main thing that can be found in every town or village is the friendliness of both local residents and staff. The high rating of ski resorts in Austria determines the country's popularity among multinational travelers.
Austrians like to say: “We don’t talk about snow, we guarantee it!” Find out about the most popular ski resorts in Austria, climate characteristics, ski season, pistes, prices for ski passes, equipment rentals and reviews from tourists.
Most of Austria is covered by spurs of the Alps. Winter sports are so popular in the country that there are about 1,000 ski centers. There are plenty to choose from! The Austrians prefer to develop small traditional resort villages rather than large ski centers. Most of them are located in the middle mountains. The best ski resorts in Austria are located in Tyrol.
Exchange rate: 1 euro ≈ 73 RUB.
Climate and weather
The country lies in the continental climate zone, so in winter the ski resorts in Austria are cool. The higher it is, the colder it is: for every 100 m the thermometer drops by 0.5°C. In winter, the average air temperature is −10°C. Mountainous areas are characterized by heavy snowfalls.
Skiing season. The ski season continues in the winter resorts of Austria from December to late March - mid-April when the snow on the slopes begins to actively melt. Highly located glaciers, such as the Dachstein Glacier (2700 m), are skied all year round. Most tourists try to come to winter resorts around Christmas in order to combine a holiday in the mountains with trips to the bright Christmas markets.
(Photo © skiarlberg.at)
Ski resorts on the map of Austria
The best ski resorts in Austria
Even a seasoned expert would not be able to identify the leader among Austrian winter recreation centers. All of them are located in picturesque places and are famous for their comfort. Ski resorts in Austria have first-class hotels, professional slope maintenance and training centers for beginners. All you have to do is find something you like!
Schladming
The list of the most popular ski resorts in Austria includes a winter recreation center in the Dachstein mountains. The resort, 90 km from Salzburg, began to develop at the end of the 19th century, and today has turned into a pleasant place for youth hangouts and off-piste skiing. There is a lot of snow in the mountains, so the season lasts until mid-April.
Trails. Of the 190 km of descents, 60 km are easy routes, and 110 km are moderate routes. There are 12 trails on the Dachstein Glacier. There is a snow park and a large area for virgin snow lovers. Most skiers ride on the Hochwurzen and Planai elephants. In these places there is the most difficult black track in the region, where World Cup stages and night slalom are held. The toboggan route is 7 km long.
Prices. A day ski pass for an adult costs 53.5€, for a student - 40€, and for a child - 27€. Renting a ski or snowboard kit for a day costs 21.5-32.4 € for adults and 10.8-16.2 € for a child. Sled rental - 7€.
Reviews. Fans of alpine skiing like that the resort has many slopes laid through the forest, and long trails that lead from the top to the foot of the mountains. Near the ski areas there are great opportunities for après-ski: bars, discos, restaurants, brand shopping, massage, saunas and spas.
(Photo © piste-maps.co.uk)
Mayrhofen
The best ski resorts in Austria include a large winter recreation center located 65 km from Innsbruck. This is a prestigious resort, the hallmark of which is the famous narrow-gauge railway. There is a lot of après-ski entertainment for young people and the country's steepest slope, Harakiri, with an incline of 78%.
Trails. The total length is 136 km, and in the area surrounding the resort - 550 km. The ski area covers slopes from 630 to 2500 m, and is served by 57 lifts. Trails for beginners stretch for 40 km. The longest route is 10 km.
Prices. A day ski pass for adults costs 53.5 €, for youth - 42.5 €, for children - 24 €. Renting a ski set for an adult for a day costs 32 €, for a child - 18 €. Helmet rental costs 4€, and a snowboard kit costs 26€.
Reviews. Mayrhofen is considered perhaps the best ski resort in Austria for beginners. Beginners have a lot of fun on the soft slopes and can always get training from experienced instructors. Tourists enjoy the opportunity to engage in outdoor activities - for example, snowmobiling and snowshoeing are popular. There is a spacious ice skating rink on Waldbadstraße. The resort also has a 7.5 km long toboggan run.
(Photo © mayrhofenonline.com)
Sölden
Sölden, one of the famous ski resorts in Austria, is located in the largest Otztal valley in the Eastern Alps. On its territory there are three peaks above 3000 m with magnificent viewing platforms. The resort has two snowparks, a halfpipe, nightclubs, restaurants and a large sports center, the Freizeit Arena Sölden.
Trails stretched for 145.5 km. The longest of them is 15 km, and the illuminated one is 4 km. The routes for beginners stretch for 69.5 km, the red and black routes for 29.2 km. The slopes are served by 34 lifts.
Prices. A day ski pass for adults costs 54.5€, for students - 43.5€, for seniors - 46.5€, and for children - 30€. You can rent a set of ski equipment or a snowboarding kit for the day for 33-58 €.
Reviews. Thanks to the variety of infrastructure, the resort receives flattering reviews. Vacationers enjoy the opportunity to relax in the thermal springs, swim in the indoor pool and attend fashionable night parties.
(Photo © oetztal.com)
The rating of ski resorts in Austria is often topped by a recreation center located in West Tyrol, 100 km from Innsbruck. St. Anton is called the sparkling diamond in the country's winter crown. This is a universal recreation center for beginners, experienced skiers, fans of freeride, cross-country skiing and tobogganing.
Trails. The ski area starts at 1300 m and has an elevation difference of more than 1.5 km. Freeride routes stretch for 200 km. There are 130 km of slopes for beginners, 123 km of intermediate slopes, and 51 km of routes for professional skiers. The slopes are served by 90 lifts.
Prices. A full day ski pass for an adult costs 54.5€, for youth and seniors 49.5€ and for a child 32.5€. Renting alpine skis, poles, boots and a helmet for the day, depending on the model, costs 46-68.4 €. You need to pay the same amount to use a complete snowboard kit.
Reviews. Vacationers are satisfied with the après-ski resort. There are 80 cafes and restaurants, a couple of dozen shops and nightclubs here. There are saunas, jacuzzi and indoor pools. Connoisseurs of active recreation can go ice skating and paragliding.
Infrastructure, lifts and slopes at the resort of St. Anton
Lech
Popular ski resorts in Austria include a winter recreation center, which is part of the famous Arlberg ski area. Lech is considered the most expensive and snowy resort, as well as the cradle of skiing in the country. Celebrities and the rich are used to spending their free time on the local slopes.
Trails. The ski area has an elevation difference of 1 km. About a third of all trails are green. Difficult routes occupy 24%, and the off-piste area covers 200 km of slopes. Snowboarders use a halfpipe and two fan parks.
Prices. A full-day ski pass for an adult costs 54.5€, for youth and pensioners - 49.5€, and for a child - 32.5€. Renting mountain skis for 6 days costs 110-213 €, snowboard - 46-132 €, helmet - 35 €, snowshoes - 64.8 €.
Reviews. Vacationers note the incredibly high level of service and delicious Austrian food in local restaurants. The resort is recommended for skiers of any skill level and is considered an excellent place for a family vacation.
(Photo © skiarlberg.at)
Bad Gastein
The prestigious year-round resort is located 100 km from Salzburg at an altitude of 1600 m. Due to its high cost, pretentiousness and the oldest mountain casino in the country, Bad Gastein is often called the “mountain Monte Carlo”. One of its symbols was a picturesque waterfall. In addition to skiing, here you can undergo wellness treatments in spa centers, hot radon springs and salt adits.
Trails. There are few easy slopes, so Bad Gadschein is not considered an Austrian ski resort for beginners. The slopes are dominated by red and blue runs, which are more suitable for advanced skiers. The quality of the infrastructure is so high that the resort hosts World Cup stages. There is a boardercross track, a halfpipe and a modern snowpark.
Prices. The cost of a ski pass for an adult in the low season is 41.5 €, in the high season - 44.5 €. A child's ski pass costs 14-22.5 €. Children under 6 years old are allowed on the ski lifts free of charge. Renting a ski kit for adults for a day costs 21-40 €, and for a child - 7-17 €. Renting a snowboard costs 24€, a helmet - 6€, a toboggan - 5€, ski poles - 2€, snowshoes - 8€. Every year the collection of equipment for rental is updated with models of the new season.
They open their doors to millions of tourists from November to April, and on the top of the Alpine glaciers you can enjoy excellent skiing at any time of the year. The main ski area is located in the southwestern part of the country, in the federal states of Carinthia, Salzburg, Tyrol and Vorarlberg. Austrian ski centers are known throughout the world for the excellent quality of the slopes, modern infrastructure, excellent service and a huge selection of entertainment for every taste. The mesmerizing landscapes of mountain lakes, snowy slopes covered with fir trees and Tyrolean village houses add special charm to winter holidays in Austria. You can get acquainted with the best Austrian ski resorts by reading our article.
1. St. Anton (Vorarlberg)
St. Anton is rightfully one of the best ski resorts in Austria. This modern resort, with rich traditions and excellent infrastructure, is called the cradle of Austrian skiing - it was here that the first ski club in the Alps was opened at the very beginning of the 20th century. A holiday in St. Anton will bring true pleasure to experienced skiers and adrenaline junkies: the slopes here are interesting and quite challenging. The total length of St. Anton's routes is more than 300 km, most of them have a high level of difficulty. By the way, the longest 10-kilometer track in the Arlberg is also located in St. Anton. In addition, the resort has excellent opportunities for freeride thanks to spacious and steep slopes and excellent snow cover. Fans of active pastime after skiing will be pleased with the St. Anton ski resort with a huge selection of restaurants and noisy nightclubs.
2. Lech (Vorarlberg)
The ski resort of Lech is a real paradise for connoisseurs of luxury hotels, excellent restaurants, gourmet Austrian cuisine and, of course, beautiful slopes. Lech has long been a favorite winter holiday destination for European aristocrats, world celebrities and crowned heads. You definitely won’t be able to save money on your vacation here, but in return for the money spent, you will be able to enjoy the highest level of service and a huge variety of services offered. Of the 300 km of ski routes in Lech, slopes of medium difficulty level predominate. There are many convenient trails with a slight slope, suitable for lovers of leisurely and comfortable skiing. Skiers with impeccable physical fitness will certainly enjoy heli-skiing - off-piste descents with delivery to the top by helicopter. Lech is the only Austrian resort where this rare and exciting type of skiing is officially permitted. In addition, Lech and St. Anton are united by a common ski pass, which allows you to enjoy extreme skiing on the slopes of the neighboring resort.
3. Mayrhofen (Tyrol)
Mayrhofen is one of the most famous ski resorts in Austria. Its undeniable advantages are a large skiing area with a total length of more than 150 km, impeccable slopes of medium difficulty, affordable prices and lively nightlife. The resort of Mayrhofen is extremely popular among the European public, so it is not surprising that in the high season its slopes are often overloaded, and there are long queues at the lifts. The Hintertux glacier has excellent opportunities for skiing, the peak of which is at 3250 m. The snow cover here lasts all year round, making skiing on the upper zone of the glacier possible both in winter and summer. And finally, the main highlight of Mayrhofen is the most dangerous track in Austria with the eloquent name “Harakiri”: its incredibly steep gradient reaches 78%.
4. Sölden (Tyrol)
The ski resort of Sölden has become well known for its lively atmosphere and wide range of recreational opportunities. There are various accommodation options from budget hotels to luxury hotels. A huge number of restaurants, bars, discos and nightclubs makes a holiday in Sölden especially attractive for lovers of wild après ski: the noisiest and most incendiary parties in Tyrol take place here. As for skiing, among the 150 km of first-class ski slopes, everyone, from beginner to professional, will find a route according to their preferences. And thanks to the fact that the top of the Sölden glacier is covered with snow all year round, the ski season here begins earlier than usual, and the most impatient skiers come here already in October.
5. Ischgl (Tyrol)
The small mountain village of Ischgl has firmly established its reputation as the most expensive and most prestigious ski resort in Austria. From the end of October to the beginning of May, Ischgl turns into a place of a huge glamorous party, where, according to tradition, all Austrian bohemians gather to “see people and show themselves off”, and at the same time (as a pleasant addition to the holiday) to go skiing. The annual opening of the ski season in Ischgl is a grandiose show: in different years, Elton John, Tina Turner, Sting, Rihanna and other legendary world-famous performers took part in it. The quality of the trails and infrastructure here is, of course, at the highest level. The total length of the trails exceeds 200 km, most of them are quite difficult. The resort has all the conditions for extreme skiing, freeride and carving, and the famous local snowboard park is considered one of the best in Europe.
6. Zell am See (Salzburg)
The picturesque town of Zell am See, located on the shores of the mountain lake Zell, is rightfully one of the most beautiful ski resorts in Austria. With impeccably maintained pistes and the latest infrastructure, it has retained its unique natural charm. Zell am See, together with the high-mountain Kaprun glacier, form a single ski area with a total length of pistes of about 140 km, and the season on the glacier lasts all year round. Zell am See offers its guests a huge selection of opportunities for active pastime: alpine and classic skiing, snowboarding, sledding and skating, horse riding, sailing on the ice of Lake Zell, mountaineering, paragliding and parachute jumping. The health benefits of the resort are complemented by its excellent ecology, fresh mountain air and the presence of healing mineral springs.
7. Bad Gastein (Salzburg)
The expensive and prestigious Austrian ski resort of Bad Gastein is known primarily as a spa resort: back in the 19th century, European intelligentsia came here to improve their health “on the waters.” Thanks to the healing mountain air and numerous thermal springs, Bad Gastein is often called the “Alpine Monte Carlo”. The unique flavor of the town is given by ancient architectural ensembles, a picturesque waterfall in the heart of the resort, elite spa complexes, and the oldest mountain casino. For alpine skiing fans, Bad Gastein offers about 200 km of impeccable pistes, most of which are ideal for relaxed, comfortable skiing. There are few difficult trails here, but there are several ski schools for beginners, including children's ones. As for the après-ski holiday, it certainly cannot be called hectic and lively: in the territory of aristocratic Bad Gastein, the most popular entertainment after skiing is leisurely walks along the mountain paths or a visit to the spa.
8. Obertauern (Salzburg)
Obertauern rightfully enjoys the reputation of the snowiest ski resort in Austria. Skiing here is organized at an altitude of 1700 to 2300 m, so natural snow is always guaranteed on the upper sections of the slopes, and at the bottom there is a modern artificial snow cover support system. Of the 100 km of ski routes, more than half are blue slopes, designed for average skiers. There are interesting red trails with an increased level of difficulty. For lovers of extreme skiing, Obertauern can offer only 4 black slopes, but thanks to the abundant snow, there are excellent opportunities for freeride. This resort is not yet very well known to the Russian public, although it certainly deserves closer attention: it has the most modern hotel stock in Austria and excellent opportunities for après ski: many bars, restaurants and several nightclubs.
9. Nassfeld (Carinthia)
Nassfeld is another good ski resort in Austria, undeservedly deprived of the attention of Russian tourists. Therefore, if you prefer a holiday in Europe among Europeans, Nassfeld will be an excellent option for you. Among the main advantages of the Nassfeld resort are a guaranteed abundance of snow, excellent quality pistes and a very convenient location of hotels and apartments, allowing you to ski, as they say, “from your doorstep”. The Nassfeld slopes, with a total length of about 100 km, have enough space for both beginners and professionals. Interestingly, it is in Nassfeld that the longest gondola lift in the Alps operates, delivering skiers to the beginning of the slopes over a distance of more than 6 km. Another highlight of the resort is the mountain lake Presegger, which, after freezing, turns into a huge natural ice skating rink.
10. Serfaus – Fiss – Ladis (Tirol)
The ski resorts of Serfaus, Fiss and Ladis, united by a common 200-kilometer piste area, are an excellent option for an active family holiday in Austria. There are excellent conditions for intermediate skiers and children's skiing. At the Serfaus resort, everything is thought out to the smallest detail for the most comfortable holiday with children: a mountain kindergarten famous throughout Europe with exciting animation programs, children's restaurants, a puppet theater, a children's ski school, snow towns and even lifts specially adapted for loading strollers. Another unique feature of the resort is the only silent metro of its kind, consisting of one line and four stations, and transporting vacationers from the resort center to the ski lifts completely free of charge.
