Europe

The Ultimate Guide to Austria’s 20 Best Ski Resorts

Austria is one of the world’s leading countries attracting tourists with excellent opportunities for active winter sports. This is facilitated by its ideal geographical location, with much of the country being mountainous. Top-notch infrastructure, excellent conditions for recreation, and a rich entertainment program — all these advantages are renowned at the ski resorts of Austria.

Sölden

In the picturesque Ötztal Alpine valley, protected on all sides by majestic mountain ranges, lies one of Austria’s popular ski resorts — Sölden. This magnificent spot offers tourists the chance to enjoy skiing on modern slopes of varying difficulty levels.

The town harmoniously combines traditional Tyrolean buildings with modern cottages. Numerous bars, restaurants, and nightclubs create excellent conditions for relaxation. Sölden boasts a sports and entertainment complex with pools, gyms, saunas, and spas.

The sports area amazes tourists with its diverse natural landscapes. Here, gentle slopes give way to steep gorges and the peaks of three glaciers, reaching over 3,000 meters in height. Extensive routes are perfect for intermediate skiers.

Tourists have access to blue, red, and black runs. Experienced athletes can tackle the fast slope of Gaislachkogl Mountain. For snowboarders, there is a specialized park equipped with jumps, rails, and other sports facilities. The easiest way to reach Sölden is by bus, which regularly runs from Innsbruck Airport. The distance between the airport and the resort is 260 kilometers.

Obergurgl

Obergurgl is one of Austria’s high-altitude Alpine villages. This cozy corner is nestled among majestic mountain peaks at an altitude of 1,900 meters above sea level. Pristine, well-maintained slopes of varying difficulty levels are covered with sparkling white snow. Hotels offer luxurious apartments and excellent high-end service.

A bus regularly runs from Innsbruck Airport to this wonderful village, taking about 2 hours. The skiing area is perfect for both beginners and professional athletes. Tourists have access to many gentle blue sections and red-black winding challenging slopes with diverse terrain.

Visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and rock climbing. The three-kilometer sledding road with breathtaking turns is noteworthy. Obergurgl delights its guests with an abundance of entertainment and dining establishments to suit all tastes. Bars and restaurants, fitness centers, and spas await visitors.

Ischgl

The popular town of Ischgl attracts numerous winter sports enthusiasts with its magnificent mountain landscapes and excellent conditions for active recreation. This Alpine spot will satisfy even the most discerning guests.

Numerous luxury hotel complexes have been built here. Guests are offered comfortable apartments and a wide range of services (spas, pools, gyms). The town has daytime and nighttime restaurants and bars. The sports area is primarily oriented towards experienced skiers, with over 200 kilometers of quality slopes.

Wide and extensive gentle sections alternate with narrow turns, ravines, and passes. Snow-white mountains with sharp peaks, forested areas, and vast snowy expanses give the area a special charm. From an altitude of 2,864 meters, red and black routes stretch out. Thrill-seekers can enjoy dizzying steep descents.

Ischgl is located 100 kilometers from the nearest airport (Innsbruck). It can be reached by bus, taking about two hours.

Kitzbühel

The jewel of Eastern Tyrol is the ski village of Kitzbühel. Picturesque Alpine landscapes, impeccably equipped slopes, excellent service, and affordable accommodation prices create ideal conditions for a memorable vacation. The town, with its centuries-old history, has preserved medieval cobblestone streets.

Numerous old buildings have been transformed into budget pensions and luxurious hotels. Kitzbühel can be reached by train from Salzburg (80 km), Innsbruck (100 km), and Munich (160 km) airports. The railway station is one kilometer from the town center.

The mountain slopes are equipped with blue, red, and black runs, totaling about 170 kilometers. Thrill-seekers will enjoy the high-speed section of Streif, where professionals test their skiing skills, reaching speeds of up to 150 km/h.

Beginners are offered gentle wide slopes in the Kitzbüheler Horn sector. The resort has a four-kilometer sledding path, an off-piste route for cross-country skiing, and a grand snow park.

Mayrhofen

The popular Austrian town of Mayrhofen invites tourists to enjoy a vacation amidst pristine Alpine nature. It is located at an altitude of 600 meters above sea level, surrounded by evergreen forests, steep mountain slopes, and massive glaciers glistening under the bright sun.

Mayrhofen offers comfortable accommodations in three and four-star hotels. Numerous bars, restaurants, and snack bars are decorated in traditional Tyrolean style.

This resort spot offers extensive opportunities for both professional and amateur skiing. A modern network of cable cars provides access to numerous blue, red, and black routes. Beginners are recommended to master the well-maintained wide and gentle slopes of Ahorn Mountain. The Penken massif features intermediate-level mogul slopes and children’s training stations. Adrenaline lovers are attracted to the famous “Harakiri” descent.

The angle of this extremely challenging section is 78 degrees, requiring excellent physical fitness to conquer it. Experienced skiers can enjoy unforgettable skiing on the Hintertux Glacier, over 3,000 meters high.

Tourists have access to pools, fitness centers, tennis courts, an ice rink, and other modern infrastructure amenities. The nearest airports to Mayrhofen are Innsbruck (75 km) and Munich (170 km). Trains run to the ski resort, with several transfers, making the average travel time about three hours.

Serfaus

On a high plateau lies the small Alpine village of Serfaus. This modern settlement guarantees its guests excellent conditions for a vacation at an altitude of 1,400 meters. Winter enthusiasts will find a stunning natural landscape, developed infrastructure, and impeccable service in numerous hotels (3-5 stars).

Cozy restaurants offer traditional Tyrolean dishes. Serfaus leads Austrian ski resorts in the number of children’s activities. Snow parks, playgrounds, ice rinks, and simple training slopes are perfect for entertaining young tourists.

Adults have a wide range of varied routes with altitude differences of up to 1,520 meters. The extensive skiing area consists of zones with blue, red, and black sections.

Professionals will find challenging winding descents from Komperdell (2,000 meters) and Plansegg (2,370 meters). The slopes of Schöngamp (2,436 meters) fill skiers’ souls with thrilling experiences. Snowboarders have specialized areas with plenty of jumps and obstacles.

Cross-country skiers will appreciate the 140 kilometers of flat trails through dense forests. Tourists can reach Serfaus from Innsbruck Airport, 100 kilometers away. First, take a train to the “Landeck” station, then transfer to a bus.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck is the heart and capital of the Austrian region of Tyrol. This magnificent old city, surrounded by picturesque mountain ranges, combines the elegance of architectural ensembles with the charms of modern infrastructure. It attracts winter sports enthusiasts with quality slopes and numerous entertainment options. Travelers have access to many hotels, restaurants, and fitness complexes of various price ranges.

Ancient palaces, cathedrals, and museums reflect the city’s centuries-old history. Five kilometers from the center of Innsbruck is the airport, where most tourists arrive. During the winter season, various airlines offer regular direct flights to many European capitals. The sports area consists of eight full zones equipped for skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and snowmobiling.

A unified skipass allows guests to use the slopes of all resort areas. The total length of the routes is about 300 kilometers, ranging in altitude from 900 to 3,200 meters. Most slopes are recommended for experienced skiers, with scenic red trails organized for them.

Beginners can use gentle green slopes. Thrill-seekers can showcase their skills on black sections. Tourists have access to an Olympic bobsleigh track and an ice rink for figure skating.

Seefeld

Surrounded by picturesque snowy mountain ranges at an altitude of 1,200 meters lies the cozy town of Seefeld. It occupies a wooded plateau bathed in bright sunlight. This place is especially popular among affluent people, as evidenced by the relatively high prices for accommodation and food.

It is ideal for beginner athletes and cross-country skiing enthusiasts. Endless Alpine plains stretch out here. Seefeld can be reached by bus from Innsbruck Airport, with a travel time of 30 minutes. The main skiing areas, with a maximum lift height of 2,100 meters, feature simple wide blue and red winding trails.

Those seeking challenging slopes may be disappointed, as the most difficult sections are only five kilometers long with altitude differences of up to 870 meters. In addition to ski slopes, there is a sledding descent, a bobsleigh track, and an ice rink.

Igls

In the vicinity of Tyrol’s capital, Innsbruck, lies the peaceful village of Igls at the foot of a majestic mountain. This is a fine example of rural charm and beauty. Guests have access to various activities, from first-class ski slopes to restaurants, museums, casinos, and discos.

Two-story buildings built in the national Tyrolean style create a special atmosphere. Tourists can stay in budget and high-end hotels with corresponding accommodation costs. A funicular lifts tourists to an altitude of about 2,000 meters. Here, tourists seeking solitude from urban hustle can find ski slopes of varying difficulty.

The area features well-maintained slopes for both beginners and professionals, with a total length of no more than 20 kilometers. Most are marked with blue and green colors. Visitors have access to a sports center with pools, gyms, spas, and playgrounds. Igls can be reached from Innsbruck by car or tram in 15 minutes.

St. Anton am Arlberg

One of the gems of Austria’s ski resorts is the popular St. Anton. This high-altitude cradle of winter sports will satisfy even the most discerning tourists. The easiest way to reach it is by train from Innsbruck Airport, located 100 kilometers from St. Anton.

The resort is famous for its impeccable slopes, most of which are suitable for intermediate and professional skiers. The slopes of the Schindler and Valluga mountain ranges, reaching over 2,500 meters, feature gentle blue and fairly steep red sections.

The famous fast black run Karl Schranz starts at 2,320 meters. The longest run reaches 9 kilometers with an altitude difference of 1,300 meters. Rendl Mountain has a snow park with jumps, rails, and a half-pipe. Tourists can enjoy cross-country skiing, rock climbing, and paragliding.

Along the main street of St. Anton stretches a row of hotels, restaurants, and shops. Guests can visit a multifunctional sports complex with pools, a gym, a spa, bowling, and tennis courts.

Lech

Lech is one of Austria’s prestigious ski towns. Its popularity is due to the first-class hotel service and the stunning skiing area. Vast snowy fields, forested areas, and towering mountain peaks give the resort a unique look.

Classic chalets create the image of a traditional Alpine village. The town is home to a significant number of hotels (4-5 stars), restaurants, bars, and shops. Lech offers a wide range of winter activities for both beginners and experienced athletes.

The perfectly prepared routes of varying difficulty levels are noteworthy. The slopes of Rüfikopf (2,400 m), Zuger Hochlicht (2,300 m), and Salober Kopf (2,043 m) feature impeccable blue-red trails with wide sections, winding turns, and stepped profiles.

Freeride enthusiasts will find spacious off-piste areas. After an exciting day of skiing, tourists can relax in the sports center, visit the cinema or concert hall. Lech can be reached from Innsbruck Airport by bus or train, taking just over an hour.

Bad Gastein

The picturesque village is shaped like a horseshoe, surrounding majestic mountain ranges at an altitude of 1,600 meters. This Austrian spot is known for its thermal springs and skiing opportunities. Here, ancient architectural ensembles blend with modern multi-story buildings. Bad Gastein is accessible by train from any Austrian city, with the most convenient departure from Salzburg Airport, taking 1.5 hours.

The skiing area consists of geographical zones such as Stubnerkogel (2,246 m), Schlossalm (2,050 m), Graukogel (2,000 m), and Sportgastein (2,686 m). Simple blue slopes alternate with extensive fast red-black sections, ideal for experienced skiers and snowboarders. A significant portion of the routes passes through dense forests.

Bad Gastein offers tourists a wide entertainment program to suit all tastes. The therapeutic wellness complex with pools filled with thermal waters is popular. The fitness center invites guests who do not want to interrupt their training even during their vacation. Bars, restaurants, boutiques, and discos await visitors.

Bad Hofgastein

In the sunniest part of the Gastein Valley lies the town of Bad Hofgastein. This Alpine gem allows tourists to enjoy bathing in thermal springs and engaging in winter sports. Narrow cobblestone streets combine rustic simplicity with urban sophistication.

Low-rise examples of ancient Austrian architecture, pedestrian alleyways, and cozy parks give the area a special charm. Traditional Alpine chalets stand alongside luxurious hotels, restaurants, and boutiques. Moderate prices for accommodation and food make Bad Hofgastein an attractive spot for active and relaxed vacations.

The ski area offers guests a huge selection of first-class slopes of varying difficulty levels. Inexperienced and professional skiers have access to several skiing areas: Sportgastein, Graukogel, Stubnerkogel — Schlossalm.

Exciting routes range from 860 to 2,600 meters in height, with blue-red trails totaling 79 kilometers for winding and safe turns.

Other activities include pools with thermal healing waters, hiking on mountain trails, snowmobile and sled rides. Tourists can reach Bad Hofgastein by train from Salzburg Airport, 96 kilometers away, with a travel time of about 1.5 hours.

Saalbach

The Alpine village of Saalbach stretches five kilometers in the high-altitude Glemmtal Valley. Thanks to its extensive variety of slopes, this fairytale-like village is known as the “skiing circus of Austria.”

Saalbach amazes its guests with magnificent sunny and shaded snowy slopes, forming an entire amphitheater of routes. Saalbach is located 90 kilometers from Salzburg Airport, with regular direct bus routes available, taking about three hours.

Beginner and experienced skiers can choose slopes suitable for their skill level on the Spielkogel (1,998 m) and Schattberg-West (2,096 m) mountains. Tourists have access to 270 kilometers of gentle and wide, winding and dizzying, long and short sections, all connected by a modern network of cable cars.

Visitors can also enjoy hotels, sports and entertainment complexes with pools, saunas, gyms, and numerous restaurants and taverns.

Zell am See

On the shores of Lake Zell at the foot of mountain ranges lies the provincial town of Zell am See. Stunning Alpine landscapes, forested valleys, majestic glaciers, and diverse ski slopes are the epitome of an ideal winter vacation. The resort offers guests a wide range of hotels, from luxurious five-star complexes to budget pensions.

Ancient houses, cobblestone streets, and cozy pedestrian alleys give the town a special charm. Zell am See is perfect for athletes of all skill levels. From the summit of Schmittenhöhe (2,000 m), simple blue and fairly challenging red-black trails fan out. Most of them run along interesting routes with sharp altitude changes, winding transitions, and gentle descents into valleys.

Skiers are recommended to ascend the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier (3,028 m), with many gentle, wide, and serpentine sections. After an active day, tourists can relax in the wellness center with water activities. Zell am See has its own railway station, with direct trains from Salzburg Airport, taking around four hours.

Kaprun

Ten kilometers from Zell am See lies the traditional Tyrolean village of Kaprun, surrounded by the majestic Kitzsteinhorn Glacier (3,200 m) and the equally mighty Maiskogel Mountain (1,670 m). This cozy town exudes a rural charm. The compact skiing area consists of well-prepared slopes of varying difficulty levels.

Beginners will find wide blue and green sections with a fairly gentle and safe terrain. More experienced athletes can enjoy bumpy, fast descents. For snowboarders, there is a specialized area equipped with jumps and a natural half-pipe.

Sledding tracks, mountain hikes, and activities like rock climbing and snow rafting diversify active leisure. The village has an indoor pool, a ski school, a sports center with tennis and squash courts, and an ice rink. Guests can choose from a wide range of hotels to suit any budget, offering decent service levels. Kaprun can be reached in 30 minutes by bus from nearby Zell am See.

Obertauern

The high-altitude village of Obertauern offers marvelous Alpine scenery for an enjoyable vacation. Here, bright sunshine, white snow, majestic hills, and green forests form a single natural ensemble. The town is framed by mountain slopes, with a sports and entertainment area concentrated at altitudes of 1,600 to 2,300 meters.

Guests can stay in modern chalets and hotels. The town has restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and a sports complex.

The routes are suitable for intermediate-level skiers and snowboarders. Extensive blue gentle forested sections are adjacent to red trails with turns and significant slopes.

Speedy, steep, and bumpy black ski runs descending from Gamsleiten Hill evoke enthusiastic feelings in experienced thrill-seekers. Children’s parks with slides and playgrounds are organized for young travelers. Obertauern is located 90 kilometers from Salzburg, with shuttle buses taking skiers to the resort via the autobahn in 40 minutes.

Bad Kleinkirchheim

This small picturesque village is a mountain-thermal corner at an altitude of over 1,000 meters at the foot of forested and snowy hills. Tourists have an excellent opportunity to combine skiing on stunning mountain slopes with bathing in therapeutic thermal springs. Cozy wooden chalets and elegant cottages with pools provide comfortable lodging.

Bad Kleinkirchheim is famous for its numerous slopes of varying difficulty levels. Winding and gentle sections welcome both beginners and professional athletes. The fast route FIS K 70 Franz Klammer is particularly interesting, with a length of 4 km and an altitude difference of 900 meters.

Snowboarders and freestyle enthusiasts have a specialized area equipped with various sports equipment for performing stunts and jumps. Visitors have access to thermal centers, ski schools, restaurants, pubs, spas, and a children’s park with attractions. Bad Kleinkirchheim can be reached by bus from Salzburg without transfers, taking about four hours.

Schladming

Schladming is one of the top ten ski centers in the world. This prestigious resort offers tourists excellently equipped snowy wide and forested slopes. The main skiing area, with altitude differences from 750 to 2,700 meters, spans four mountain slopes connected by a single lift network.

The diversity of blue-green and red-black sections amazes beginners and experienced winter sports enthusiasts alike. Extensive wide and fast winding scenic routes are perfect for improving skiing and snowboarding skills. The slopes of Planai (1,894 m) and Hochwurzen (1,850 m) are particularly popular.

After active skiing, guests of Schladming can spend time on the ice rink, visit the pool and fitness center, play tennis, or relax in the spa. A pleasant evening is guaranteed by restaurants, taverns, and bars. Tourists stay in guesthouses and pensions. The most convenient way to reach Schladming is by train from Salzburg, taking about two hours.

Hippach

The authentic Tyrolean village of Hippach warmly welcomes guests. Many tourists come here to immerse themselves in the relaxed, leisurely atmosphere of rural life. This cozy Alpine corner, enchanting travelers with its mountain landscapes and snowy peaks, shares a common skiing area with the popular resort of Mayrhofen.

The valley is equipped with about 140 kilometers of top-notch trails, satisfying both beginners and ski masters. Gentle green and fast red-black routes are serviced by a modern extensive network of cable cars. For thrill-seeking skiers, the legendary “Harakiri” descent, with its steep 78-degree slopes, is available.

In Hippach, visitors can engage in rock climbing, hot air ballooning, sledding, and swimming in the pool. Young guests will enjoy the abundance of snow slides. Stunning views of mountain landscapes can be seen during walks on pristine snow. Accommodation is available in several mini-hotels offering excellent service.

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