Austria is famous all over the world for composers, beer and schnitzes. But no less important fame for this small country is given by the stunning alpine ski resorts, the rumor about which flies across the globe. Alpine climate, snow-white slopes, amazing service - all this can be seen in Austria.
In total, there are a little less than 400 resorts in Austria. Most skiers choose alpine places, since prices in this country are relatively lower than in neighboring countries - France, Switzerland, Germany. And the quality of some is even better than expensive settlements.
But before choosing a resort, it is worth remembering that the alpine slopes are not for beginners, and there are no “green trails” on most of them. Of course, there are ski schools, but if you want to roll your experience, it is better to choose easier mountains.
Ski resorts in Austria on the map (TOP-5):
Ischgl
Now this resort is considered one of the most visited. And the statistics don't lie. They love it for its excellent slopes, because even during the thaw, skiers will not be disappointed - snow cannons are placed everywhere.
A variety of trails are suitable for amateurs and professionals: for cross-country skiing you can find wide plains, but for thrill-seekers, there will be bright “red” and “black” slopes.
The line ratio is:
- "Greens" - 0
- "Blue" - 40
- "Reds" - 80
- "Black" - 15
The total length of the tracks is 230 kilometers.
Photo of the ski resort Ischgl:
Modern lifts convey athletes in a matter of minutes. Here you can see the world's first double deck lift where up to 180 people can fit.
Other types of lifts:
- 23 chairlifts
- 3 cabin
- 2 funiculars
The ski pass has the same price in both "high" and "low" season - 45 euros per day.
Read the full article about the Ischgl ski resort.
Hotels in Ischgl:
Sölden
This resort is known for the fact that since 2002 the first stage of the Alpine Skiing World Cup has been held here. And Sölden itself attracts tourists with a large selection of slopes and trails, of which there are 146.
In addition, there are two glaciers - Rettenbach and Tiefenbach. On cable cars you can climb to a height of 3300 meters. And for a relaxing rest of the soul and body, the Aquadom wellness center is located not far from the resort.
Photo resort Selden:
In the "high" season, a ski pass for a day will cost 50 euro, and in "low" 46 euros.
Prices for hotels in Solden:
St. Anton
We can say that it is here that the origins of the Austrian ski holiday begin. Back in the 30s of the last century, Hannes Schneider opened the first ski school on the site of today's resort. A little later, the neighboring village of Zürs became famous for the country's first ski lift.
Snow-covered St. Anton is a very diverse place - 100 pistes, 96 lifts, and some of them have warm seats. Local schools have smart and educated instructors who will teach you how to ride even from scratch. And in the settlement itself there are always types of evening and night rest.
The price of a ski pass for both seasons is 50 euro/day.
Photo resort St. Anton:
Hotels in Sankt Anton:
Saalbach-Hinterglemm
When asked which is the largest mountain arena in Austria, it is no doubt worth answering about the resort, which includes Saalbach, Hinterglemm and Leogang. They say about him that you can travel all day on the slopes and never ride the same lift.
200 kilometers of tracks are divided into:
- 29 "blue"
- 26 "red"
- 5 "black".
There are no “greens” here, but professionals will love the difficult track 4 kilometers long. If the skier is still unsure of his skills, then it is advised to try easy slopes below the forest level.
Resort photo Saalbach-Hinterglemm:
Ski pass in the "high" season will cost 47 euro/day, and in "low" 40 euro.
Hotels in Saalbach:
Kirchberg and Kitzbühel
Both resorts are located next to each other - the distance between them is only 6 kilometers. It is here that you can feel the real Tyrolean atmosphere. It is sometimes said that its name is inseparable from the concept of "skiing". But in the small Kirchberg there is the famous Streif track.
There are practically no queues for the lifts here - each has about 70 lifts of various types.
Photos of the resorts of Kirchberg and Kitzbühel:
A ski pass bought in one of these resorts is valid throughout Tyrol. It will cost 47 euro during high season, and 42 euro to "low".
Hotels in Kitzbühel:
Climate, weather and seasons in Austria
The climate of the country is primarily affected by the Alps - they do not allow more precipitation to pass inland. But on the outskirts of the mountains falls up to 3000 mm per year. But it is also not cold in the country - in winter in the capital, on average +3, and in ski resorts it drops to a maximum of -5 degrees and slightly lower at higher points.
The Austrian summer is warm, sometimes even hot, but the scorching sun is still not observed there. Dry weather helps to survive the heat. If in winter most of the tourists rush to the mountains, then in spring and early summer it is best to visit the sights and tourist places of the country. Often people come here to relax on the warm lakes of Carinthia.
In autumn, you can enjoy the nature of Austria and feel a real influx of inspiration to the music of Mozart. Mild weather will allow you to walk along the streets of ancient cities and not be afraid of a sudden downpour.
Cost of living and meals
Housing prices primarily depend on the season - from December to February and from July to August they are the highest, since the influx of tourists these days is the largest. Of course, you can find an inexpensive apartment for 35 euros per day, but there is an option to relax on a grand scale in a spacious cottage, the cost, accordingly, will rise several times.
In addition, the list of popular places to stay includes excellent hotels and hotels at an affordable price. In resort villages, you can always stay close to the center and have access to all entertainment within walking distance.
You don’t have to worry about food - grocery stores, cafes, restaurants and bars are everywhere. The quality is great, but you have to pay for it. For lunch, you can pay 10-20 euros. Most hotels offer free breakfast.
Other leisure activities in the resorts
Experienced skiers can get bored skiing all day long, and then they want change and new sensations. Then there is the option to try out a snowboard by renting it; ride with the breeze on a snowmobile; experience the beauty of the Alps at night while skiing after sunset.
In the villages and nearby cities there are cafes, bars, nightclubs. Austrian resorts are also good because there is always a decent spa. The shops have a huge assortment of souvenirs and gifts for relatives for every taste. Sometimes there are skating rinks, and playgrounds are arranged for the little ones.
It is very difficult to get bored in Austria - this is a diverse amazing country. Ski resorts will satisfy even the most sophisticated skier, and he will definitely want to come back here, because the Alps are simply impossible to forget!
The European Sports Region (Europa-Sportregion), which includes the resorts of Zell am See, Piesendorf and Kaprun, is located in the northern part of the Austrian Alps. In terms of popularity and opportunities for outdoor activities, it has no equal in Austria. Here, at an altitude of 800 to 3000 meters above sea level, they do not talk about snow - it is guaranteed. The winter season in the region lasts from November to the end of April. But thanks to the proximity of the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, skiing is possible all year round.
The ski pass of the region is valid in three ski areas: on the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, in the ski area near the village of Kaprun Maiskogel and on the "home" mountain Zell am See Schmitten. The Zell am See-Kaprun region offers more than 60 ski lifts; over 130 km of ski slopes of all difficulty levels - from training and simple "blue" to interesting "red" and "black"; 200 km of flat skiing; toboggan runs, more than 10 ski schools, including for children.
There are all conditions for practicing 30 sports. This is a true paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. At the disposal of vacationers are indoor tennis courts, squash and horseback riding, bowling, gyms, indoor pools, saunas, a large SPA complex with pools with mineralized water TAUERN SPA, parachuting and paragliding and much more. Zell am See (757 m) and Kaprun (786 m) - you can enjoy your vacation in any weather and at any time of the year.
The Pitztal is a ski resort famous for its glaciers and excellent skiing conditions. Here skiers will find about 129 km. trails of different difficulty levels, and you can ride on the glaciers from September to May.
The region includes three ski areas - Hochzeiger (1450-2450 m), Rifflsee (1680-2880 m) and Pitztaler-Gletscher (1740-3440 m), the last two have a single ski pass. You can also purchase a PitzRegioCard ski pass, which is valid in all ski areas of the Pitztal valley and on the lifts of the High Imst. The free shuttle takes guests anywhere in the Pitztal.
At the beginning of the valley, above the village of Jerzens, there is the largest ski area in the region - Hochzeiger. This is 40 km of various slopes, 9 lifts, a height difference of 1000 m. Trails of medium difficulty prevail here. There are opportunities for freestyle, extreme and off-piste skiing. There is a snowpark for snowboarders. There is also a 6 km illuminated toboggan run.
The lifts to the glacier and to the Rifflsee ski area are located at the very end of the valley, near the village of Mandarfen (1675 m), which is administratively part of the village of St. Leonhard. The total length of the slopes of these ski areas is 41 km, they are served by 12 lifts. There are many difficult beautiful red slopes (40 km) and a snow park with various obstacles and time measurements. There are suitable trails for beginners. The Rifflsee ski area is equipped with a special children's chair lift.
In the Pitztal ski resort, travelers are given the opportunity to try a variety of entertainment. You can watch the mountain panorama from the highest cafe in Austria (3440 meters), climbers can master 17 interesting icefalls at once, there is also the opportunity to go paragliding, curling, ice fishing or visit museums, hiking trails and temples of the valley.
Nearest railway station: Imst-Pitztal: 11 km / 24 km / 36 km
Innsbruck is a unique symbiosis of a first-class resort and a beautiful museum city with a history of about 800 years. Innsbruck is located in the heart of the Eastern Alps, at the foot of the Karwendel ridge. The height of the mountain ranges surrounding it exceeds 2500 m, which guarantees stunning views from almost anywhere in Innsbruck.
Above the city rises Mount Patscherkofel (Patscherkofel), on the slopes of which the Winter Olympic Games were held in 1964 and 1976. From them, the city inherited an excellent ski infrastructure: stadiums, jumps, skating rinks, various tracks and much more. Impeccably groomed slopes, which attract skiers from all over the world, offer slopes of varying degrees of difficulty and for all tastes, as well as trails illuminated at night twice a week. There are also family trails, and the smallest is waiting for the Sunny Kids Park.
The Patcherkofel ski area is located 20 km from Stubai with its numerous ski slopes. At the foot of the mountain are charmingly picturesque Tyrolean villages: Igls, Lans, Ville, Natters, Mutters, Patch.
Video: Mayrhofen , Zillertal(links to youtube)
Lake Wörth is the largest lake in the Carinthian region. On its banks there are several resort towns connected by water tram routes. In summer, the water temperature in the lake reaches +25 +27 degrees Celsius. Tourists come to the Wörthsee to swim, play golf, and also see the Cheppaslucht waterfalls, the Hochosterwitz castle, the capital of the region - Klagenfurt and the Kartti abbeys with monasteries.
The Wildschenau Valley, which brings together four picturesque villages, is located in Tyrol, 75 km from Innsbruck, 115 km from Munich, 130 km from Salzburg and 360 km from Zurich. The peculiarity of this ski resort is its idyllic seclusion, as well as wide, not crowded ski slopes, which will delight both experienced skiers who want to enjoy nature away from the noise and test themselves in the Race`n`Sport Arena professional training area, as well as beginner ski lovers and, first of all, young guests. Fan park on Schatzberg Mountain awaits snowboarders (freeride, jumps, quarter pipes, wave rides, snake, rails, Half Pipe – 90 m). A bus service is organized between the ski areas, from Thursday to Saturday there is also a night bus (from 20:00 to 03:00). Here you can also take snowshoe walks along well-groomed winter routes with a total length of 40 km, visit swimming pools and saunas, and go sledding (three tracks plus one illuminated).
In Wildschenau there is the Tyrolean Wood Museum, the Museum of Mountain Farming, and a half-hour drive in the town of Wörgl is the water park and sauna world WAVE.
Since December 16, 2012, the Wildschönau ski area has been connected to the Alpbachtal ski area in the new Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau ski area.
Wildschönau is above all an ideal place for a family skiing holiday. The name of the valley, which combines the words wild, schön and Au, in translation “beautiful pristine valley”, speaks for itself. Guests will enjoy not only the pristine beauty of nature, but also a combination of reasonable prices and high quality.
The Telfs ski resort is located just 25 kilometers from Innsbruck in a small Tyrolean valley. It has everything for outdoor activities: an indoor pool, a sauna, a large skating rink, a toboggan run, a sports center with a large climbing wall and even a real sauna. Nearby is the large ski resort Seefeld, one of the most famous sports centers in Tyrol. Seefeld, one of the most famous sports centers in Tyrol, is located on a sunny plateau at an altitude of 1200 m, surrounded by the Karlwendel and Wetterstein mountain ranges. The proximity of Innsbruck (20 km) and the famous German resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen (20 km) only adds to the treasury of this ski area.
| Salzburg | Munich | Innsbruck | Vein | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distance to | 206 km | 127 km | 24 km | 500 km |
| 2 hours | 1 hour 40 minutes | 25 min. | 4 hours 50 minutes | |
| 2 hours 50 minutes | 3 hours 10 minutes | 40 min. | 5 hours 55 minutes |
In the very south of Austria, in the Carnic Alps, there is one of the ten most popular ski resorts in the country - Nassfeld. This is the sunniest ski area in Austria, with an average of 100 more hours of sunshine during the winter season than in other regions. The resort is located on the border with Italy, and some slopes lead straight to the border. The elevation difference here is 1300–2020 m. Trails of varying degrees of difficulty with a total length of 110 km are served by 30 modern lifts, including the longest gondola lift in Europe, the Millennium Express. And in children's ski schools, mini-clubs and gardens, they will take care to teach skiing to the youngest guests of the resort.
On the border of the two Austrian federal states - Carinthia and Salzburg, on a sunny pass at an altitude of 1640 m above sea level, is Katschberg, ideal for a family holiday. The skiing area starts here at 2220 m, climatic conditions guarantee high-quality snow cover (all slopes are equipped with snow cannons for safety), wide pistes with a total length of 70 km provide interesting skiing for both beginners and experienced skiers. Athletes will find here 10 km of "black" slopes and the Aineck fun park. Restaurants, bars open until late in the evening and discos provide great leisure after skiing.
| Innsbruck | Salzburg | Vein | Munich | Klagenfurt | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distance to | 284 km | 116 km | 320 km | 243 km | 115 km |
| Travel time by car (approx.) | 2 hours 55 minutes | 1 hour 25 minutes | 4 h. 00 min. | 2 hours 30 minutes | |
| Travel time by train (approx.) | 1 hour | 4 hours 50 minutes | |||
| Distance from Rennweg | 116 km | 110 km |
East Tyrol is one of the largest resort regions of Tyrol with excellent conditions for family skiing, training for beginner skiers and snowboarders. Lienz, the capital of East Tyrol, is considered the sunniest place in Austria, and the picturesque view of the Dolomites will enchant even seasoned travelers. Here is one of the highest peaks in Austria - Grossglockner (3798 m) and the Moelltal glacier (3122 m).
Well-equipped slopes, excellent infrastructure, hotels and pensions for every taste and budget make your stay here pleasant and memorable. Cross-country skiers will find excellent conditions in East Tyrol to practice their favorite sport. The region is part of Dolomiti Nordic Ski, a system of 1,300 kilometers of cross-country skiing trails in Austria and Italy.
Heiligenblut is a small village in Carinthia, at the foot of the highest mountain in Austria, Grossglockner. Its symbol is the Gothic church of St. Vinzenz, which contains a sacred relic - the blood of Christ, brought from Constantinople by a crusader knight. Hence the name of the village, which in German means "holy blood".
Gold was mined in the mountains around Heiligenblut in the Middle Ages, and now the area thrives on ski tourism and mountaineering. A unique railway tunnel to Mount Flyisalm was built here, which operates only in winter, delivering tourists to the ski slopes.
The romantic and charming spa town of Baden bei Wien, surrounded by fields and vineyards, is located right next to Vienna, only 26 km away. The excellent climate with moderate heat in summer and comfortable temperatures in winter allows you to relax here at any time of the year. First of all, Baden is famous for its sulphurous springs. Even the city coat of arms, bestowed by Emperor Frederick III, depicts a man and a woman in a bath tub. The healing power of the Baden mineral waters was known to the ancient Romans. The place where warm sulphurous springs rise from crevices in the rocks, they called "aquae" - "water". At one time, the Baden baths were chosen by the crowned persons. For centuries, emperors have come here for rest and treatment. And still Baden is considered a prestigious suburb of Vienna and one of the best thermal resorts in Austria.
The balneological resort Bad Tatzmannsdorf is an ideal place for those who want to improve their health and have a good rest. It is located 116 km from Vienna, on the territory of the federal state of Burgenland. This region has long earned the love of the Austrians for its unusually beautiful nature, mild sunny climate, clean air, gastronomic traditions and excellent entertainment infrastructure.
Hydrotherapy at the resort has centuries-old traditions. The hallmark of Bad Tatzmannsdorf are mineral waters of various compositions, hot springs and peat mud. Here, such medical procedures with the use of mineral waters as baths and drinking courses are successfully applied.
Austrians like to say: "We don't talk about snow, we guarantee it!" Find out about the most popular ski resorts in Austria, climate features, ski season, pistes, ski pass prices, equipment rentals and tourist reviews.
Most of Austria is covered by the spurs of the Alps. Winter sports are so popular in the country that there are about 1,000 ski centers here. There are plenty to choose from! The Austrians prefer to develop not large ski centers, but small traditional resort villages. Most of them are located in the middle mountains. The best ski resorts in Austria are located in Tyrol.
Exchange rate: 1 euro ≈ 68 RUB.
Climate and weather
The country lies in the continental climate zone, so in winter it is cool in the ski resorts of Austria. The higher, the colder: for every 100 m, the thermometer drops by 0.5 ° C. In winter, the average air temperature is −10°C. The highlands are characterized by heavy snowfalls.
Skiing season. The ski season in the winter resorts of Austria lasts from December to the end of March - mid-April when the snow begins to melt on the slopes. High-lying glaciers such as the Dachstein Glacier (2700 m) are ridden all year round. Most tourists try to come to winter resorts around Christmas in order to combine holidays in the mountains with trips to bright Christmas markets.
(Photo © skiarlberg.at)
Ski resorts on the map of Austria
The best ski resorts in Austria
Even a sophisticated expert will not undertake to identify the leader among the 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, a professional slope maintenance system and training centers for beginners. The point is small - to find what 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 it has become a pleasant place for youth parties and off-piste skiing. There is a lot of snow in the mountains, so the season lasts until mid-April.
Tracks. Of the 190 km of slopes, 60 km are easy routes, and 110 km are intermediate routes. There are 12 trails on the Dachstein Glacier. There is a snow park and a large area for lovers of virgin lands. Most skiers ride on the elephants of Hochwurzen and Planai. In these places, there is the most difficult black track in the region, where the stages of the World Cup and night slalom are held. The toboggan route is 7 km long.
Prices. A day 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. Sledge rental - 7€.
Reviews. Fans of mountain skiing like that the resort has many slopes 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, branded shopping, massages, 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 are a lot of après-ski activities for young people and there is the steepest slope in the country "Harakiri", the slope of which is 78%.
Tracks. The total length is 136 km, and in the area surrounding the resort - 550 km. The ski area occupies slopes from 630 to 2500 m, and it 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 kit for an adult for a day costs 32€, for a child - 18€. Hire of a helmet 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 soft slopes and can always be trained by experienced instructors. Tourists enjoy the opportunity to engage in outdoor activities - for example, snowmobiling and snowshoeing are popular. A spacious skating rink is open on the 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 immediately three peaks above 3000 m with magnificent viewing platforms. The resort has two snow parks, a halfpipe, nightclubs, restaurants and a large sports center Freizeit Arena Sölden.
Tracks stretched for 145.5 km. The longest of them is 15 km, and the illuminated one is 4 km. Beginner trails stretch for 69.5 km, red and black trails for 29.2 km. The slopes are served by 34 lifts.
Prices. A day pass for adults costs 54.5€, for students 43.5€, for seniors 46.5€ and for children 30€. You can take a set of ski equipment or a set for snowboarding for a day for 33-58 €.
Reviews. Due to the variety of infrastructure, the resort receives flattering reviews. Vacationers love the opportunity to relax in the thermal springs, swim in the indoor pool and attend trendy nightly parties.
(Photo © oetztal.com)
Sankt Anton am Arlberg
The rating of ski resorts in Austria is often headed by a recreation center located in West Tyrol, 100 km from Innsbruck. St. Anton is called the sparkling diamond on the country's winter crown. This is a one-stop resort for beginners, experienced skiers, freeride fans, cross-country skiers and luge lovers.
Tracks. The ski area starts from 1300 m and has a height difference of more than 1.5 km. Freeride routes stretch for 200 km. Slopes for beginners - 130 km, slopes of medium difficulty - 123 km, and routes for professional skiers - 51 km. The slopes are served by 90 lifts.
Prices. A full day ski pass costs €54.5 for an adult, €49.5 for youth and seniors and €32.5 for a child. A daily rental of skis, poles, boots and a helmet, depending on the model, costs 46-68.4 €. The same amount you need to pay for the use of a complete snowboard kit.
Reviews. Vacationers are happy with the après-ski resort. There are 80 cafes and restaurants, a couple of dozen shops and nightclubs. There are saunas, jacuzzis and indoor pools. Outdoor enthusiasts can go ice skating and paragliding.
Infrastructure, lifts and slopes in the resort of St. Anton
Leh
The popular ski resorts in Austria include the 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 the country's skiing. Celebrities and the rich are accustomed to spending their free time on the local slopes.
Tracks. The ski area has a height difference of 1 km. Approximately one third of all pistes are green. Difficult routes occupy 24%, and the off-piste area covers 200 km of slopes. Snowboarders use the halfpipe and two fun parks.
Prices. A full day ski pass costs €54.5 for an adult, €49.5 for youth and senior citizens and €32.5 for a child. Rent for 6 days of skiing 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 all skill levels and is considered a great 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. For the 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 get wellness treatments in spa centers, hot radon springs and salt galleries.
Tracks. There are few easy slopes, so Bad Gadschein is not classified as a ski resort in Austria 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 children's ski pass costs 14-22.5 €. Children under 6 years old are allowed on the lifts for free. Renting a ski kit for adults for a day costs 21-40 €, and for a child - 7-17 €. Snowboard rental costs 24€, helmet 6€, toboggan 5€, ski poles 2€, snowshoes 8€. Every year the collection of equipment for hire is updated with models of the new season.
Most of the Austrian territory is occupied by the Alps, so the country's specialization in winter recreation was predetermined. Ski areas in Austria are dotted with small ski villages, where the atmosphere of comfort reigns and ancient traditions are maintained. Thousands of small and large resorts amaze the tourist imagination.
This article opens a rubric dedicated to ski resorts in Austria. We will tell you about the most popular ski areas, look for thermal springs and places for high-quality family vacations. Particular attention will be paid to the weather and prices.
Popular ski resorts in Austria
Austria is dominated by medium-altitude ski centers suitable for professionals and beginners. The highest slopes are located in the famous province of Tyrol - it is there that the “main” ski resorts of the country are concentrated.
Austria also boasts unique areas that host guests all year round - these are Bad Gastein and Zell am See. We will devote separate articles to the following regions:
- . The pearl of the Stubai Valley, the slopes of which are mainly aimed at beginners. Nearby is a major transport hub - Innsbruck. It is through him that you have to get.
- . The capital of the Winter Olympics has an excellent ski infrastructure, ideally suited for professional skiers. Snowboarders will also like this picturesque place.
An important advantage is the presence of an international airport. we posted in a previous article. - . The slopes of this largest ski center in Austria occupied the slopes of two mountain peaks at once. For beginners, this is an ideal place - professional ski schools, soft slopes, an abundance of equipment rental offices.
Young people will enjoy the abundance of nightclubs, restaurants, bars, modern discos and theatrical performances. - . This popular resort is located in the picturesque Otzal Valley. Snowboarders and skiers are thrilled with Sölden - the town's reputation is built on two-kilometer drops that form steep slopes for the pros.
The most extensive ski area in Austria is Tyrol.
Tyrol is remarkable not only for its picturesque landscapes, but also for a number of elite ski resorts. We note the following:
- Seefeld;
- Innsbruck (plus its surroundings);
- Kirchberg;
- Pitztal;
- St. Anton;
- Ischgl;
- Serfaus;
- Valley of the Zillertal.
The six best resorts in the country
Among the thousands of ski resorts in Austria, it is very problematic to single out the “most-most”. The reason lies in the fact that the towns and villages in the ski areas are scattered very densely, and the general infrastructure of the Austrians is well thought out. Thus, our review will be reduced to a description of the most popular and revered places for skiers. Let's get started.
Leh. This resort belongs to the Arlberg region. You need to go here in winter, because in March the skiing season ends. You can get to Lech by bus running through Innsbruck.
The level of service is extremely high, and the tracks are in perfect condition. The slopes equipped for skiers stretch for 260 kilometers. There are gentle children's slopes.
Snowboarders will love the halfpipe. Swimming pool, skating rink, discos, bars and restaurants - there is enough entertainment in Leh.- Ischgl. You will have to fly here in the usual way - through Innsbruck. Then - 100 km by bus (options can be a train or a rented car, you can look for a cheap car rental). Skiing in Ischgl starts in December, and the season ends in May. High-quality and rather difficult slopes prevail in Ischgl, so experienced skiers flock here. Trails and lifts have connected Ischgl with the general infrastructure of the region.
By the way, the local routes stretch for 238 kilometers. Altitude range - 1400-2860 meters. The complexity of the descents is also indicated by the fact that half of the slopes are “red”, another 18% are “black”. Beginners can also try their hand here - there are specially equipped "soft" zones for them. Ischgl is well-deservedly respected by snowboarders and is a state-of-the-art platform for board fans.
The weather rarely fails, but when it does, snow groomers and cannons come into play. 
Kaprun. This commune, located in the state of Salzburg, is considered the center of youth fun and glamorous entertainment. On the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, there are quite steep slopes that attract snowboarders and skiers of all categories. Three picturesque lakes, a museum of hydroelectric power plants, a national park with trails for ecotourists - all this will appeal to connoisseurs of sights. , or at any other time of the year, truly unforgettable.
You can get to the dams of power plants with the help of funiculars and buses. The main feature of Kaprun is a mountain train that runs between the city and the glacier.
It is warm in Kaprun in summer (up to 24 degrees), so the ski season ends in March.- Salzburg. This is a vast region that includes many popular ski resorts. We have already written about Kaprun. The second most popular is the town of Saalbach. Also in the land of Salzburg, the resorts of Zell am See, Maiskogel, Bad Gastein, Obertauern, Bad Hofgastein are localized. All of this is part of the ESR, the European Sports Region.
- Schladming. One of the most prestigious European resorts (top 10 of the world ski rating). The slopes there are equipped for both regular skiing and downhill/slalom skiing. The four peaks included in the ski area are connected by lifts. There are few open areas, the slopes are mostly wooded. The "red" class is focused on basic board and ski skills, so it will be difficult for beginners here.
The wonderful landscapes of Schladming are complemented by excellent weather, which allows you to keep real snow in its original form (although not everywhere).
You can ski in Saalbach from December until the end of March.
Looking for Austrian ski resorts on the map
The listed ski resorts can be found on the map of Austria. The villages and towns are arranged tightly, so it will be easy to find the right place.
Ski resort for every taste
The life of the Austrians is closely connected with skiing, so the resorts are designed for everyone who is interested in quality winter recreation.
We list the key areas and levels of training for skiers, linking them to specific resorts:
- Beginners. Feel free to go to Obertauern, Serfaus, Mayrhofen, Kaprun, Saalbach.
- Confidently riding. You will enjoy Ischgl, Bad Gastein, St. Anton, Saalbach, Kitzbühel, Obergurgl and Galthur.
- Wealthy people. The most elite resorts are Ischgl, Lech, Seefeld, St. Anton.
- Family holiday. Feel free to take your children to Lech, Serfaus, Kitzbühel, Mayrhofen, Zell am See, Saalbach-Hinterglemm.
- snowboarders. Solden, Ischgl, Hintertux, Zillertal, Saalbach are suitable for you.
- Cross-country skiing. The best areas for cross-country skiers are located in the vicinity of Kaprun, Innsbruck, Schladming, Mayrhofen, Zell am See, Saalbach.
Where to go for a beginner skier
We have already written about the friendly slopes of Kaprun and Mayrhofen. Now we have to go to the border region between Vorarlberg and Tyrol - it is here that the magnificent Saalbach is located. To get here, you need to travel through Salzburg, from which Saalbach is 90 kilometers away. Buses run regularly between the two cities.
Here are the main benefits of the resort:
- 200 tracks of all difficulty levels;
- an abundance of snowboarding and ski schools;
- availability of entertainment venues with live music;
- bowling alley;
- pool;
- excellent weather conditions.
You should also pay attention to Obertauern. "Upper Tower" - this is how the Austrians called the resort, covered up to the ears with fluffy snow. The weather allows skiing here until April. Excellent service is combined with moderate (for an elite resort) prices.
Thermal springs and holidays with children
For those who want to combine skiing with wellness treatments, we recommend visiting the thermal springs. They are concentrated in the following places:
- Burgenland;
- Tyrol;
- Styria;
- Salzburg.
Also pay attention to Upper Austria, where the imperial baths of Bad Ischl are located.
As for Salzburg, here you can enjoy the rest in the thermal baths, and at the same time visit the spas. The most popular resort in these lands is Gastein.
Lech and Zell am See are ideal for families. You need to go to Lech through Innsbruck. This is a prestigious resort that not everyone can afford.
Among the undeniable advantages are a wide choice of slopes, "soft" slopes and respected ski schools.
The town of Zell am See, nestled on the coast of a picturesque mountain lake, deserves special mention. The abundance of short descents will allow children to hone the skills acquired in the classroom with an instructor.
Additional benefits of the resort include:
- kindergartens;
- torchlight processions;
- carnivals;
- medieval architecture;
- natural halfpipe;
- four snowboard parks.
Price panorama
It is quite difficult to calculate the cost of traveling to each of the resorts we have described. The budget will depend on the chosen hotel, room, mode of transportation (train, plane, personal / rented car) and the number of days of your vacation. Therefore, we will focus on prices related to package tours and ski passes:
- Sant Anton - from 50 euros (day ski pass);
- Ischgl - from 45;
- Serfaus - from 41;
- Saalbach-Hinterglemm - from 40;
- Kitzbühel - from 42;
- Kirchberg - from 42;
- Innsbruck - from 30;
- Montafon - from 27.
On average, it takes about a thousand dollars per person per week (if you choose a package tour). The cost will include accommodation, airfare, insurance and visa.
Here are specific examples of ski package tours:
- Leh - 950 dollars / week (a six-day ski pass will pull on 214 "green");
- St. Anton - 1000 (plus 193 bucks for a six-day ski pass);
- Saalbach-Hinterglemm - 700 (plus $ 164 for a ski pass);
- Mayrhofen - 900 (for a six-day ski pass you will give another 164);
- Kitzbühel - 700-900 (and 180 for a ski pass).
By the way, you can go to the same Mayerhofen on your own, pick up a tiny inexpensive hotel and decently relax for a week for 400-500 euros. The resort is year-round - you can go there in the height of summer and enjoy skiing. But Ishtl is significantly more expensive - the minimum budget that you have to lay down for a week is 1000 euros.
Summing up, we note that Austria in winter is to the liking of both seasoned professionals and beginner skiers. Many resorts are adapted for children, so it’s quite possible to “break away” with the whole family. The main thing is to know what you want and how much you are willing to spend.
No country in the world is more strongly associated with skiing than Austria. This phenomenon has its reasons: dozens of winter resorts with high service and excellent infrastructure, a wide selection of slopes, which can be skied for a maximum of months of the year. Tochka-mira continues to talk about the best resorts in the world for winter holidays, skiing Austria is next in line.
Bad Gastein
The Bad Gastein resort 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, spa centers. The total length of the slopes in the resort is 208 km, which seems incredible by domestic standards. With over 50 ski lifts, dozens of pistes, a fun park and downhill runs, it's a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
Zell am See
The lands of Salzburg are a favorite place for skiing European tourists. The resort is full of ski schools, the infrastructure is well developed, the tracks are isolated from each other. Zell am See is a great place for intermediate skiers and beginner snowboarders. The resort has a great choice of places to stay: from luxurious 5-star hotels to budget "three rubles" and chalets.
Sölden
The ski town of Sölden is located in the Otztal valley, which is famous all over the world for its abundance of high-altitude slopes. Sölden is the second most popular holiday destination among residents of Austria and nearby countries. Features of the resort: 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 in other Austrian resorts.
Saalbach-Hinterglemm
In Austria, there are places for skiing that are difficult to classify as resorts, rather, these are large mountainous areas. Saalbach-Hinterglemm is one such area with a huge variety of pistes, training slopes, snow parks, cross-country ski runs and ice 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 with the pretentious and expensive Courchevel. The ski season at the resort begins in mid-November and lasts until the end of April. World stars, millionaires and simply wealthy people love to visit Ischgl. The nature of the resort is fascinating: 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 the price-quality ratio. Snowboarders will especially like this place; international snowboarding competitions are even held here. However, Kaprun is a great 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.
Leh
The resort gained its popularity 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 upgraded with the best European equipment, the tracks are increasing, new slopes are appearing, snow parks and tubing slopes are being formed. Do you want to experience the classics of skiing? Then welcome to Leh!
Nassfeld
Incredibly beautiful alpine resort - the pearl of Austrian skiing. Nassfeld has a wonderful climate: a lot of sunshine, no 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, there are also more budget accommodations. Despite the remoteness of the city from the highway, during the ski season the capacity of the resort exceeds 30 thousand people a day.
St. Anton
As soon as they don’t call St. Anton: the diamond of the Alps, and the Austrian mountain pearl, and the kingdom of extreme sports ... All these epithets are quite suitable for a modern resort with the longest slopes in all the Alps. The total length of marked routes is 304 km, and that of unmarked routes is 185 km. St. Anton is Europe's largest skiing, freeride, snowboarding and cross-country skiing area.
Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis
Compared to other resorts in Austria, Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis is a very new region, it was opened in 1999. Previously, there were three different ski areas in this place: Serfaus, Fiss and Ladis. The villages were connected by 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 skiing, capacity - 90 thousand people per hour.
Kitzbühel
Tourists from more than 40 countries of the world come to Kitzbühel every year to experience the "alpine skiing 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 slopes of varying difficulty, which stretch for 170 km, 54 lifts have been installed, which ensures uninterrupted lifting of tourists to the slopes even in the peak of the season.
Mayrhofen
If you decide to go on holiday to the resort of Mayrhofen, then you have great taste. Especially if the vacation coincided with the celebration of the New Year. The resort is incredibly beautiful: a picturesque panorama, high mountain slopes, coniferous forests and frozen lakes. The highlight of the resort is an old steam locomotive that circles the Mayrhofen valley twice a day. By the way, here is one of the longest runs 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 area. The resort constantly hosts parties, open airs, music festivals and other events that young people go crazy about. In addition, skiing is well developed in the resort: half of the 42 slopes are for beginners and only 8 for technically trained skiers.0
