This alpine country, considered by many as the birthplace of modern alpine skiing, offers more than 400 ski resorts.
The following ten skiing areas will leave visitors fascinated by their landscapes, infrastructure, and world-class ski slopes, as well as the amazing après-ski scene.
1- Kitzbühel, Tirol.
This town located in the Austrian Alps is renowned for its beautiful scenery, typical Tirolean infrastructure, and the ski resort Kitzbühel, worldwide famous for the Hahnenkamm area that hosts an annual World Cup Alpine Ski race, the Hahnenkammrennen. The most famous slope on the Hahnenkamm is the classic Streif, which is regarded as the most demanding downhill race course on the world cup circuit. Kitzbühel and its ski culture are steeped in tradition and famous for their Gemütlichkeit, a particular Austrian hospitality that guarantees a warm welcome to visitors.
Reasons to visit:
- – 233 km of slopes.
- – Excellent hotel accommodations.
- – Vibrant après-ski entertainment and nightlife.
- – Cosmopolitan atmosphere.
2- Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn, SalzburgerLand and Tirol.
The Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn extends across two regions, Salzburgerland and Tirol, and is rightfully recognized as one of the world’s largest ski areas. Every winter, Fieberbrunn hosts the Freeride World Tour, showcasing some of the world’s best freeriders. Saalbach is home to Rave on Snow, the largest winter festival of electronic music, while Saalfelden Leogang hosts an annual cross-country ski marathon that attracts both professionals and amateurs. With 270 km of slopes, 71 modern lifts, and 60 chalets, bars, and pubs, there’s plenty to explore.
Reasons to visit:
- – Huge variety of slopes suited for all skiing levels.
- – The Ski Alpin Card in cooperation with Zell am See & Kitzsteinhorn glacier, boasts 408 km of pistes and 121 lifts.
- – Extensive options for freeride.
3- Voralberg.
Austria’s westernmost province is known for its excellent snow conditions in the Alps. You can choose from a variety of areas for your winter vacation:
–Arlberg is a popular destination among celebrities, royalty, and foodies. It’s also one of the largest ski areas in Austria with contiguous slopes.
–Brandnertal has received recognition for its family-friendly atmosphere and provides 65 km of well-groomed pistes, gentle slopes, and activities for children.
-The Damüls-Mellau resort in Bregenzerwald is connected by the Gipfelbahn gondola, allowing for quick and easy travel between the north-facing slopes and sunny south-facing slopes.
-The Montafon Valley includes 11 villages surrounded by majestic peaks that are over 3,312 m or 10,000 ft tall.
4- Zell am See-Kaprun, Salzburgerland.
An hour from Salzburg Airport lies the charming lakeside town of Zell am See, which shares a lift pass with the equally picturesque Kaprun. From Zell am See’s center, take gondolas and chairlifts straight to the Schmittenhöhe mountain, which sits at an altitude of 2,000 meters (6,562 ft). The Kitzsteinhorn Glacier in Kaprun, which rises to 3,030 meters (9,941 ft), guarantees snow-sure skiing. With 11 ski schools, chic shops along Zell am See’s cobblestoned high street, and the impressive Tauern Spa just outside Kaprun, this destination offers much to do.
Reasons to visit:
- – Unique blend of mountains, lakes, and glaciers.
- – Extra-long skiing season from October to June.
- – Access to pistes on three mountains via a single ski pass.
- – Wide variety of skiing options, including glacier skiing, freeride, and family-friendly slopes.
5- Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau, Tirol.
The Ski Juwel is a winter sports destination comprising two Tirolean ski resorts – Alpbach (known as Austria’s most picturesque village) and Wildschönau. Located just 45 km away from Innsbruck, this place boasts an impressive 113 km of ski runs, providing ample opportunities for visitors to have a fantastic time. Families can take advantage of the beginner’s area on Schatzberg Mountain, while freestylers and boarders can enjoy the park. In addition, off the slopes, visitors can indulge in horse-drawn sleigh rides or visit farmers’ museums. To cap off the day, one can try the local specialty, Krautinger, a schnapps made from turnips.
Reasons to visit:
- – Family friendly destination and provides excellent value for money.
- – Variety of charming villages to explore.
- – 109 km of ski runs to suit different skiing levels.
- – Convenient location just 45 minutes from Innsbruck.
6- Kitzbühel Alps, Tirol.
This location is an excellent destination for winter sports enthusiasts. It offers a variety of activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing. The Kitzbühel Alps, one of Austria’s largest and most diverse ski areas, boasts over 930 cable cars and lifts, 2,780 km of runs, and 800 ski lodges. With natural snow and snowmaking facilities, the slopes are perfect for a long skiing season. Additionally, St. Johann in Tirol Resort provides gentle slopes ideal for family fun. Visitors can also find several charming rustic huts to rest and refuel during their adventure.
Reasons to visit:
- – One of the world’s most expansive ski pass areas, with 2,780 km of slopes.
- – Over 600 km of cross-country skiing trails.
- – Picturesque villages and traditional alpine huts with plenty of character.
7- Innsbruck, Tirol.
Innsbruck, also known as the “capital of the Alps,” has been the host of the Winter Olympics three times. If you’re planning a trip to Innsbruck, consider getting the Ski Plus city pass, which grants you access to 22 city sights, 13 ski areas, 3 pools, and public transport. The free ski bus is also available to take you to your desired location quickly. In addition to skiing, Innsbruck offers a variety of activities, such as browsing through boutiques, visiting museums, exploring local restaurants, and shopping at Christmas markets. Adventure seekers and metropolitan travelers will both find something to love in Innsbruck. If you’re seeking more slopes or year-round skiing, the Stubai Glacier is only 45 minutes away.
Reasons to visit:
- – Blend of city excursions and skiing vacations.
- – 307 km of snow-covered slopes and 111 lifts.
- – Convenient access through Innsbruck Airport.
- – The perfect hub for a holiday in Tirol.
8- Tiroler Zugspitz Arena, Tirol.
At an elevation of 2,962 meters (9,718 feet), the Zugspitze mountain stands as the highest peak in the region. The area boasts seven ski resorts, which together offer 142 kilometers of ski slopes suitable for all skill levels, and 56 lifts that are easily accessible via free buses. The Top Snow Card covers access to all resorts. Families with young children can take advantage of various packages that include free childcare services, ski courses, and camps designed for children as young as two years old. Additionally, children under the age of six can enjoy free ski passes. For those seeking a break from skiing, there are plenty of opportunities to indulge in the après-ski experience, unwind at the hotel spa, or explore the charming local towns.
Reasons to visit:
- – Great family holiday.
- – One ski pass, multiple resorts.
- – Snow-sure skiing at almost 3,000 m / 9,800 ft.
- – Panoramic views.
9- Obertauern, Salzburgerland.
Obertauern, situated at an elevation of 1,740 m / 5,708 ft, is renowned for its consistent snow conditions, making it one of Austria’s most reliable ski resorts. From late November to early May, this resort offers excellent skiing opportunities. It is equipped with an Olympic center and high-altitude training facility, providing winter sports athletes with everything they need.
Reasons to visit:
- – Unmatched snow depths in Austria.
- – 100 km of ski runs.
- – Ski-in ski-out hotels located directly on the slopes.
- – Guaranteed snow from November until May.
10- Sölden / Ötztal, Tirol.
The Ötztal Arena offers skiing opportunities from 1,400 m (4,593 ft) above sea level to 3,249 m (10,660 ft) in elevation. The “Golden Gate to the Glacier,” a ski link to the glacier skiing area, provides access to almost 150 km of ski runs, with a stunning panorama of 3,000 m peaks visible from every angle. The FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup and the FIS Snowboard World Cup, which mark the beginning of the season in mid-October, are just two of many exciting glacier events.
Reasons to visit:
- – One of the most distinguished skiing destinations in the Alps.
- – Modern infrastructure and facilities.
- – Austria’s only ski area with three peaks higher than 3,000 m / 9,843 ft.
- – Excellent après-ski and cultural activities.
Sources:
www.globalskier.com research team.
