Ski resorts near Salzburg Airport

Salzburg Airport is the gateway to a number of leading ski resorts. 

Ski resorts near Salzburg Airport offer the winning combination of alpine charm and world-class skiing. Within just a 90-minute drive of the airport, you’ll find numerous resorts with slopes for all abilities. This means less time travelling and more time skiing!

Home to Mozart and Maria Vonn Trapp, Salzburg is definitely also worth a visit, with its rich history and Baroque architecture. Heading out of the city and into the Alps, you’ll find the surroundings equally as impressive.

We have rounded up our six favourite ski resorts near Salzburg Airport, all conveniently located within a 90-minute drive (hire care or ski transfer) from the airport.

Ski resorts near Salzburg Airport

Obertauern

Access: 75 minutes from Salzburg Airport

Known as the ‘snow bowl’, Obertauern is a very popular resort with all levels. It is also one of the most snowsure ski resorts with a season that stretches between November and May. Skiing reaches an altitude of 2,313m and covers 100km of slopes. Its reliable snowfall and wide nursery slopes make it a hit with beginners. Intermediates can stretch their legs on the miles of beautifully groomed slopes. At 1740m, Obertauern is the highest ski resort in Salzburg and is home to five challenging black pistes – one of which is among the steepest in the Alps. Highlights include state-of-the-art lifts, hardly ever any lift queues, and plenty of ski-in/ski-out accommodation.

Zell am See-Kaprun

Access: 80 minutes from Salzburg Airport

Zell am See has one of the most stunning settings next to Lake Zell, which draws the crowds in summer. The charming village as a pretty old town but is also known for its lively apres-ski. Combined with neighbouring Kaprun, the area offers a combined 138km of pistes and is best suited to beginners and intermediates. Alternatively more advanced skiers can opt for the Ski Alpine Card which covers three ski regions and a massive 408km of terrain. The Kitzsteinhorn glacier sits at the top of the mountain and there are numerous pretty runs through the forest.

Schladming

Access: 70 minutes

Schladming has played host to the World Cup Downhill and the Alpine Skiing World Championships. This lively town has a good choice of bars, shops, restaurants and accommodation. Schladming’s north-facing slopes hold the snow well and there has also been significant investment in snowmaking. A bus ride away is the year-round skiing on the Dachstein Glacier. Schladming is well suited to intermediates with its plentiful red runs through the forest.

Ellmau

Access: 75 minutes

Family-friendly Ellmau is ideal for beginners and intermediates. It is a quiet resort with a good choice of family facilities, including budget-friendly hotels and restaurants. The ski area makes up part of the huge SkiWelt area, but Ellmau’s local slopes are quiet and protected. The beginners’ zone is next to the village. The skiing reaches 1,267m so this isn’t the place if you’re in search of powder.  But its low-key, friendly vibe make it a hit with families.

Saalbach-Hinterglemm

Access: 90 minutes

Saalbach-Hinterglemm is a large ski area with a lively après-ski scene. The traditional ski village of Saalbach is linked to neighbouring Hinterglemm and Leogang. Together they offer an extensive Ski Circus ski area of 270km of runs. Saalbach’s local ski area has plenty of blue and red runs for all types of intermediate skier. Most of the slopes boast reliable snow cover thanks to the high-altitude position above the treeline. You’ll also find some powder bowls attractive, wooded runs. The ski area has a good choice of lively mountain bars and restaurants.

Kitzbühel

Access: 75 minutes

Stylish Kitzbuehel has a big reputation, both for its world-class skiing – most notably the Hahnenkamm downhill race – as well as its charming, medieval town centre. The streets are lined with boutique hotels and shops, but don’t let that fool you – it also has a pretty lively apres-ski scene. Mountain terrain is dotted with numerous traditional mountain huts. Skiing is well suited to all levels, particularly intermediates. Its challenging blacks include the Streif on the Hahnenkamm and the unpisted descents.

Visit Salzburg Airport to find out about ski transfers.