Ski Resorts in Austria

Choosing ski resorts in Austria or where to go skiing? If you decide to go skiing in Europe, then first of all, you should definitely choose Austria. It is in this country that the real skiing spirit reigns, here this sport has gained national fame and honor. By the way, Austrian skiers usually collect the largest number of medals at the World and European Championships.

The result of such love is the highest level of service, equipment and slopes in Europe in the ski resorts of Austria. Therefore, to visit here is a matter of honor for a true fan of skiing or snowboarding.

The easiest trails in the Austrian ski resorts are “blue”, they are designed for beginners. There are no green trails here.

The lifts are open from 8:30 to 16:00, but on some slopes there is the possibility of evening skiing.

Please note that most ski resort hotels only accept bookings from Saturday to Saturday.

The best and most popular ski resorts in Austria

The most popular ski resorts in Austria are located in the federal states of Salzburg and Tyrol.

Salzburg is also called the mountainous and alpine heart of Austria. It is here that the world-famous resorts are located, which attract people of all levels of skiing from all over the world. Couples, young people, and experienced athletes come here. Of course, they are attracted not only by the level of resorts, but also by the unique alpine atmosphere.

The most popular resorts of the Salzburg Pinzgau region are Zell am See and Kaprun. Ironically, the prices in these areas are quite affordable, while the quality of the tracks and equipment remains very good. Here is the Kitzsteinhorn glacier. Snowboarders are especially fond of these places (it is not for nothing that every year in December Apres Ski snowboarding competitions are held in Kaprun), as well as fans of extreme tricks and jumps. However, they are well suited for beginners, as well as for families with children. There are children’s ski schools, winter playgrounds, and it will be interesting for both teenagers and kids.

More than 130 km of groomed trails;

These places are also famous for the Kitzsteinhorn area, where you can ride all year round;

The best time for skiing is from late December to early January;

A definite plus is the absence of queues, thanks to the developed system of lifts;

The advantage of the region is the abundance of natural attractions and national parks (for example, the Hohe Tauern nature reserve – the largest in the Alps and the oldest in Austria).

Another well-known resort far beyond the borders of Austria united two small villages of Saalbach and Hinterglemm. They belong to another famous sports region – the Ski Circus. This area deserved such an unusual name due to its location: it is located in a valley surrounded by mountains. Despite their size, Saalbach and Hinterglemm have a reputation as a serious respectable resort, because it is here that prestigious international competitions and World Cup stages are held.

The lift system covers absolutely all ski areas;

The ski circus is also famous for its extensive cultural program. Each season begins with the Endless Pleasure Celebration, where you can try new skis and snowboards, dance and have fun. The best DJs also come to the legendary show Rave on Snow, which runs for two days non-stop.

No less popular ski resorts are located in the Gastein Valley, in the Gasteinertal region, among which Bad Gastein deserves special attention. This is not only a ski resort, but also a wonderful sanatorium where you can improve your health and undergo treatment at the famous radon galleries. The resort is recommended for those who want to combine skiing and visiting thermal springs, as well as for advanced skiers, since the slopes here are quite difficult.

The main competitors of Salzburg in terms of ski resorts are, of course, Tyrol and Voralberg. Even the most demanding ski and snowboard fans will appreciate these places. Here, in the Arlberg area, perhaps the most elite and prestigious resorts of St. Anton and Lech are located, considered the birthplace of the Austrian ski school and included in the “Best in the Alps” rating among 11 resorts in five Alpine countries. It was in Arlberg that Nordic Planks were brought, the first ski school was organized and the first Austrian ski lift was opened.

On a note:

There is a single ski pass for the entire Arlberg region;

Beginners need to be careful: sometimes the tracks can be more difficult than marked;

The total length of marked trails is 278 km;

Here you can also go cross-country skiing, climb Mount Rendl or visit the museum of the history of skiing.

The most fashionable, expensive and pretentious is considered to be another Tyrol resort – Ischgl, also known as the “Austrian Courchevel“. Along with the Swiss Samnaum, it is part of the sports region of the Silvretta Arena.

On a note:

Ischgl has one of the largest ski areas, where you can drive around all the slopes;

Skiing season – from mid-November to mid-April;

Concerts of world-famous stars (Madonna, Elton John, Sting, etc.) are regularly held here;

The resort has underground escalators that connect some of the hotels to the ski lifts.

But skiers especially fell in love with the resort of Selden. And this is no coincidence: However, people come here not only for hospitality, but for the sake of luxurious trails with a total length of more than 150 km. By the way, you can ride here all year round. Another feature of the resort is the excellent Apres Ski. Sölden is known for its cozy cafes, restaurants and bars scattered along the slopes and streets of the city.

And, finally, it is difficult to imagine Austria without another region – the Zillertal valley, where the resort of Mayrhofen is located. This is an ideal place for young people who love parties, fun and vibrant nightlife, as well as for families with children, since there are wonderful conditions for children’s skiing here, there are special schools. In addition, due to the low altitude (just over 600 m), Mayrhofen boasts a comfortable mild climate.

Prices for ski resorts in Austria. How much does it cost to ski?

If you are going to relax in a ski resort in Austria, please note that the prices for accommodation and food here can be slightly higher than in ordinary cities. In addition, it is necessary to include additional costs in advance in the budget – the cost of a ski-pass, equipment rental and skiing with an instructor (if, of course, you need one).

The price of a ski-pass varies depending on the season and the level of the resort, but on average it starts from 40 euros per day for an adult. It is more profitable to take subscriptions not for one day, but for several (even better – for a whole week), you can save a lot (up to 8 euros per day).

Experienced skiers and snowboarders prefer to bring their equipment to the resorts, however, if you still need a rental, then keep in mind that a ski kit (skis, poles, boots) will cost you 70-220 euros for six days, a snowboard – from 60 to 160 euros.

The cost of living will also depend on the season, as well as whether you will live in a hotel, rent a cottage or apartment. You can find apartments from 25 euro per day, or you can stay in a spacious three-room villa from 400 euro.

Meals in an inexpensive cafe will cost at least 10 euros per person. Add to this also possible entertainment and flights from 150 euro, and in total it turns out that for one week in an Austrian ski resort you will need at least 480-500 euro per person (provided that you save on everything and bring equipment with yourself). In this case, it is much more profitable to purchase full-fledged tours to ski resorts, which include accommodation, flights, and breakfasts.