Those looking for the best ski resorts in Austria will be spoilt for choice! The Austrian Alps are renowned for their picturesque peaks and charming villages. There is no shortage of world-class skiing within easy reach of international airports.
The best ski resorts in Austria
We have selected just a few of our favourite Austrian resorts that appeal to all levels of skier. Whether it’s lively apres-ski or deep powder you’re after, there’s something for everyone in our list.
St. Anton am Arlberg
Deep powder and lively apres-ski
Known for its challenging slopes and vibrant après-ski scene, St. Anton is well deserving of its place on our ‘best ski resorts in Austria’ list. The resort is part of the extensive Arlberg ski area – the largest ski area in the world – with 300km of runs and vast off-piste area. St. Anton is connected to neighbouring Lech-Zuers. The Arlberg ski areas offers reliable snow conditions between December and April thanks to it high-altitude slopes and extensive snowmaking. Advanced skiers can explore the deep powder and challenging off-piste. When the sun goes down, St. Anton’s lively apres-ski scene kicks into gear at the numerous bars, clubs and mountain huts.
Kitzbühel
Medieval centre and the Hahnenkamm downhill
Stylish Kitzbühel has a big reputation, both for its world-class skiing – most notably the Hahnenkamm downhill race – as well as its charming, medieval town centre. Its picturesque streets are enough to earn it a place on our ‘best ski resorts in Austira’ list, but there is so much more besides! Boutique hotels and tradional shops create an idyllic alpine scene. However, don’t let that fool you – it also has a pretty lively apres-ski scene with plenty of feet-stomping bars. Skiers can re-energise with a hot meal in one of the many traditional mountain huts on the slopes. Kitzbuehel’s terrain is suited to all levels, particularly intermediates. It is home to challenging black runs, which include the legendary Streif on the Hahnenkamm and the unpisted descents.
Saalbach-Hinterglemm
Powder bowls and woodland runs
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 and attractive woodland runs. The ski area has a good choice of lively mountain bars and restaurants to get you stomping on the slopes.
Lech-Zürs am Arlberg
Reliable snow conditions and cosy mountain huts
Lech and Zürs are two neighbouring villages in the Arlberg ski area, both of which qualify for our best ski resorts in Austria. This ski area is one of the largest and most diverse ski areas in Austria. It is known for its substantial snowfall and also includes the interconnected resorts of St. Anton and St. Christoph. Lech-Zuers’ local ski area caters to all levels of skiers, from beginners to advanced. The resort is known for its reliable snow conditions, with a long winter season. The high-altitude location contributes to a good amount of natural snowfall, and there is also a sophisticated snowmaking system in place. You can enjoy traditional Austrian cuisine in cosy mountain huts or experience the vibrant après-ski scene in the villages.
Schladming
World-cup skiing and nearby glacier
Schladming has played host to the World Cup Downhill and the Alpine Skiing World Championships. Its lively town has a good choice of bars, shops, restaurants and accommodation. Schladming’s north-facing slopes means it holds the snow well. There has also been significant investment in snowmaking here. A bus ride away skiers can reach the year-round Dachstein Glacier. The village of Schladming is particularly well suited to intermediates skiers with its plentiful red runs through the forest.
Ellmau
Family vibe both on and off the slopes
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 an altitude of 1,267m so this isn’t the place if you’re in search of powder. But Ellmau is well-deserving of its place on our ‘best ski resorts in Austria’ list, namely for its low-key, friendly vibe which make it a hit with families.
Obertauern
Snow-sure skiing between November and May
Known as the ‘snow bowl’, Obertauern is a very popular resort with all levels. It is also one of the most snow-sure 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 this resort a hit with beginners. Intermediate skiers can also 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. Obertauern’s highlights include state-of-the-art lifts, with hardly ever any lift queues, and plenty of ski-in/ski-out accommodation.
Obergurgl-Hochgurgl
High-altitude skiing up to 3030m
Obergurgl-Hochgurgl (1800-3030m) is a popular ski resort and is known for its high-altitude skiing and reliable snow conditions. Located 97km from Innsbruck Airport, you will find diverse terrain for all levels of skier and the high altitude means an excellent snow record throughout the long winter season. The ski slopes reach up to a lofty 3,030m and are served by modern ski lifts. There are also snow parks and plenty of challenging off-piste skiing, ideal for the more advanced skiers and snowboarders. The resort has a lively apres-ski scene with numerous bars and restaurants.
More info on the best ski resorts in Austria
For more information on the best ski resorts in Austria, visit individual ski resorts ‘Open Austrian ski resorts‘
You can also visit the Austrian Tourist Board.
November 10, 2024
