Austria is the premium class in the world of ski holidays. And this is not surprising: the inhabitants of the Austrian Tyrol and Salzburg thought of skimming the legendary alpine meadows not only in the emerald summer, but also in the frosty snowy winter before anyone else in the world - more than 100 years ago. The first downhill competition took place in the Austrian Alps in 1904, in 1922 the first ski school was opened, in 1928 the first ski lift was launched and, in fact, the ski tourism business in general.
Over a century, hardworking, neat, stubborn Austrians have managed to build a real snow empire on the slopes of their native Alps, which includes more than 800 ski resorts and about 50 ski areas, almost 20% of which are open all year round.
Today Austria is the leader in the reception of skiers and snowboarders. A short flight, a variety of well-equipped slopes - for children and beginners, as well as for severe off-piste skiing, a wide selection of accommodation - from 5-star hotels to more than budget apartments that can be rented "in a joint" all this attracts tens of thousands of tourists “armed” with skis and snowboards to the Austrian slopes of the Alps every year.
Thanks to visa-free travel, Austria has become much more accessible than before. We have compiled for you a list of the most interesting Austrian ski resorts, which will delight you with a variety of slopes and high-quality service.
Attention! The ski regions of Austria have their own rules, which are somewhat different from the worldwide ones. Therefore, consider:
* There are no traditional amateur “green” tracks on the local slopes. Their place is taken by the "blue" - they are intended for training beginners;
* most of the lifts are open between 8:30 and 16:00. Only a few tracks provide an opportunity for evening skiing. So it makes sense to think about evening leisure in advance;
* It is customary to book a room in hotels and apartments here from Saturday to Saturday: it can be difficult to check in in the middle of the week.
Ischgl
The most fashionable and pretentious ski resort in the Tyrol region. Ischgl is often called “Austrian Courchevel” - for the same focus on expensive, high-quality service and active social life outside the pistes. It regularly hosts concerts of world-famous stars - Madonna, Sting, Elton John were "celebrated" in Ischgl ... Another feature of Ischgl is the abundance of places for shopping: the resort features official stores of many of the world's most famous brands. As for the skiing opportunities, they are also excellent here: 90% of Ischgl's trails are located above 2000 m above sea level, and therefore winters with little snow do not threaten them, snow - real, alpine, sparkling - is always here. The resort is suitable for families with children: there is a ski school with more than a hundred instructors, "sharpened" for work, including with kids, and a kindergarten.
Trails: the total length of the slopes reaches 238 km. More than half of the slopes are categorized as "red" - designed for experienced skiers. There are also cross-country skiing trails. Special freedom for snowboarders: Ischgl ranks among the top best snowboarding resorts in Europe. The boarders have a half-pipe, four jumps and ample opportunities for off-piste skiing.
Ski season: mid November - early May.
Ski pass cost: from 210 to 240 euros depending on the season (in the periods from November 24 to December 23, from January 7 to January 20, from April 18 to May 1, the cost of the ski pass is reduced). Children's subscriptions are cheaper - about 150 euros.
Bad Gastein
If Ischgl is “Austrian Courchevel”, then located near Salzburg, Bad Gastein is called “Austrian Monte Carlo” - thanks to the oldest mountain casino, the classic European architecture of the town and a wide range of après-ski opportunities. The ski resort has several thermal springs and the corresponding infrastructure (salons for spa and beauty treatments, radon baths, salt tunnels), thanks to which tourists can combine ski holidays with relaxation in a sauna and general health improvement.
Trails: up to 220 kilometers of perfectly prepared slopes at altitudes up to 2700 m. More than 60% are red runs (medium difficulty). The resort also has cross-country skiing trails, a fan park and two half-pipes for snowboarders. There are opportunities for virgin skiing.
Ski season: December - March.
Ski pass cost: about 200 euros for six days. For children (under 15) and youth (under 19) prices are one and a half to two times lower.
Kitzbuehel
One of the most famous and popular ski resorts not only in Austria but throughout the world. The old town of Kitzbühel began to welcome skiers back in the 1920s and is now considered the cradle of skiing in Austria. You can ski not only in the most (very expensive) Kitzbühel, but also in the adjacent regions, connected with the “cradle” of the general system of tracks.
For example, Kitzbühel is just a stone's throw from the Zell region, which unites several small ski villages with more than humane living costs and an abundance of simple “family” slopes.
Trails: up to 200 km of well-equipped and well-groomed trails, more than a third of which are intended for beginner skiers, including children. However, this does not mean that the professional in Kitzbühel has nowhere to turn around: here is the steepest slalom track in the Alps Streif, which hosts the world's most serious downhill competitions: an 85-degree slope angle ensures a descent speed of up to 140 km / h.
Ski season: December - March.
Ski pass cost: about 200 euros for six days. For children (under 15) and youth (under 19), the resort offers a discount. Ski passes for 12 days are also available for about 320 euros.
Mayrhofen
Located in the Zillertal Valley (also called the Tyrolean Valley), the resort is considered a real ski mecca of the Alps. Mayrhofen connects four narrow mountain valleys, each of which offers a variety of skiing opportunities. But, of course, the most famous is the Tuxertal valley, leading to the largest glacier in Austria - Hintertux, thanks to which year-round skiing is possible in Mayrhofen. In general, the Tyrolean Valley unites ten ski regions at altitudes from 550 m to 3286 m, connected by both common routes and excellent bus links. Therefore, in order to ride the legendary Hintertux or relax in the water park in the evenings, you do not need to live in Mayrhofen itself: you can find inexpensive apartments in one of the villages nearby.
Trails: up to 150 km of groomed trails, most of which belong to the blue (initial difficulty level) or red (medium) categories. The length of the black slopes is up to 20 km: this also includes the slope under the eloquent name “Harakiri”, the slope on which reaches 78 degrees.
Ski season: all year round.
Ski pass cost: 205 euros for 6 days or 377 euros for 13. Children (up to 15 years old) and young people (up to 19 years old) are provided with substantial discounts: prices for a children's ski pass start at 92 euros for 6 days of skiing.
Kaprun
A truly fabulous place for those who want not only to have a great ride, but also to breathe in the atmosphere of the real, original Alps. A touching provincial town is located at the foot of the Kitzsteinhorn Mountain 3203 m high, from which stretches the “tongue” of the Kaprun Glacier, which makes it possible to ski all year round.
Kaprun itself looks more like a classic alpine village framed by a mountain wall: there is no snobbery, noise, fuss, and therefore it is ideal for a family vacation. The local medieval castle and prepared trails for mountain walks in any season will give tourists a special atmosphere. For many years, the mountain train was considered a trademark of the ski resort, on which it was possible to climb the glacier region, but it was replaced by a cable car - which is also not bad.
Trails: about 50 km of prepared blue and red slopes as well as over 30 km of cross-country skiing trails. If you wish, enjoying the Alpine atmosphere of Kaprun, you can easily and quickly get from the town by bus to Zell am See - a more modern and noisy resort with an abundance of various trails, including black ones.
Ski season: all year round.
Ski pass cost: € 209 for 6 days. For children (up to 15 years old) and young people (up to 19 years old), prices are reduced by about one and a half to two times.
Where to go if you ...
… Just learn to ski and snowboard: Mayrhofen, Zell am See, Kaprun, Lech, Serfaus, Obertauern;
… Ride confidently and love speed: Ischgl, Bad Gastein, Kitzbühel, Mayrhofen, Zell am See, St. Anton, Serfaus, Saalbach;
... love off-piste skiing and freeriding: Ischgl, Kitzbühel, Zell am See, Mayrhofen, Lech, Serfaus, Saalbach, Obertauern;
… You prefer snowboarding: Ischgl, Mayrhofen and the entire Zillertal, Bad Gastein, Sölden region;
… Appreciate not only downhill skiing, but also cross-country skiing: Mayrhofen, Kaprun, Zell am See, Innsbruck;
... love to slide down the slope right to the hotel door: Hochgurl, Obergurgl, Obertauern, Zürs;
… Crave a varied holiday with a daily change of activities: Ischgl, Sölden, Lech, St. Anton, Saalbach-Hinterglemm;
... you want to relax in peace with your family and children: Kitzbühel, Kaprun, Mayrhofen, Zell am See, Serfaus;
... do not ride, but want to feel the atmosphere of a ski resort and not get bored: Kitzbühel, Kaprun, Bad Gastein, Seefeld, Innsbruck;
… You like to eat well: Ischgl, Kitzbühel, Bad Gastein, Mayrhofen, Seefeld, Innsbruck, Kirchberg, Seefeld;
... need a variety of evening entertainment, parties and shopping: Ischgl, Mayrhofen, St. Anton, Obertaurn, Bad Gastein, Innsbruck, Seefeld.
Austria is the recognized queen of the Alps, and this is not surprising - the Alps cover most of it, and the abundance of lakes gives an additional charm to this amazing country. Austria is famous for its picturesque resorts and excellent service and quality of service.
This country is one of the leading skiing destinations in Europe. Austria is home to many renowned ski resorts and whatever your level of skiing, you will be pleasantly surprised by the variety on offer.
Ski resorts in Austria, as a rule, are slightly lower than French and Swiss, but this does not prevent excellent skiing in season, and out of season the famous Austrian glaciers are at your service.
The most famous and popular ski resorts are located in the federal states of Tyrol, Salzburgerland, Styria, Carinthia.
Tyrol rightfully leads this worthy list with its star capital Innsbruck (twice the capital of the Winter Olympic Games).
The main resorts of Tyrol: Innsbruck and surroundings (Igls, Akzamer-Lizum, Fulpmes, Neustift, Tulfes, Imst) Arlberg (St. Anton, Lech) Ski Circus with the famous White Circle, which includes St. Anton, St. Christoph, Lech and Zürs and offers excellent and memorable skiing. Zillertal valley (Mayrhofen, Zell am Ziller, Fuegen, Kaltenbach) with the famous Hinterhuks glacier Seefeld Kitzbühel and Kirchberg Otztal valley (Sölden, Obergurgl, Hochgurgl) Sölden, one of the most popular resorts in Austria, where thousands of white fans flock every year; Ischgl, practically a mecca for skiers, Pitztal Serfaus
The ski center of Styria, the second largest state in Austria, was and remains Dachstein-Tauern with its largest spa center, Schladming.
Salzburg is famous for its European sports region, which includes the villages of Zell am See and Kaprun with the glacier of the same name. To the south are the thermal and ski resorts Bad Gastein and Bad Hofgastein (Gasteinertal Valley). Whichever resort you choose for your vacation, you will receive an equal Austrian quality service and very reasonable prices.
As a rule, resorts in Austria offer not only ski holidays, there are many thermal complexes in resorts, sports centers, entertainment centers, including children's ones. Often at the resort you can get a guest card, which provides discounts on services, including ski pass.
The après-ski of Austria deserves a special mention - here they know and want to have fun. The renowned bars and nightclubs of St. Anton are practically the hallmark of Austrian après ski. However, this does not mean at all that for an excellent evening entertainment, you must definitely choose a large resort - even in the smallest village there is always an excellent bar with music and dancing.
Choosing Austria, you are choosing excellent service in the mountainous Alps at a reasonable price.
The European Sports Region (Europa-Sportregion), which includes the resorts of Zell am See, Piesendorf and Kaprun, is located in the northern part of the Austrian Alps. In terms of popularity and opportunities for active recreation, it has no equal in Austria. Here, at an altitude of 800 to 3000 m above sea level, they don't talk about snow - they guarantee it. The winter season in the region lasts from November to the end of April. But thanks to the proximity of the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, skiing is possible all year round.
The ski pass of the region operates in three ski areas: on the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, in the ski area near the village of Kaprun Maiskogel and on the "home" mountain of Zell am See Schmitten. At the service of holidaymakers, the Zell am See - Kaprun region offers more than 60 lifts; over 130 km of ski slopes of all difficulty levels - from educational and simple "blue" to interesting "red" and "black"; 200 km of flat trails; toboggan runs, more than 10 ski schools, including for children.
All conditions for practicing 30 kinds of sports are created here. This is a real paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. At the disposal of vacationers are indoor tennis courts, squash and horse riding, bowling, gyms, indoor pools, saunas, a large SPA complex with pools with mineralized water TAUERN SPA, parachute and paragliding and much more. Zell am See (757 m) and Kaprun (786 m) - you can enjoy your holiday in any weather and at any time of the year.
The Pitztal Valley is a ski resort famous for its glaciers and excellent skiing conditions. Here skiers will find about 129 km. slopes of different difficulty levels, and you can ski on the glaciers from September to May.
The region includes three ski areas - Hochzeiger (1450-2450 m), Rifflsee (1680-2880 m) and Pitzthaler Glacier (1740-3440 m), the latter two have a single ski pass. You can also buy the PitzRegioCard ski pass, it will be valid in all ski areas of the Pitztal valley and on the ski lifts of the High Imst. A free shuttle bus takes guests to anywhere in Pitztal.
At the beginning of the valley, above the town of Erzens, there is the largest ski area in the region - Hochzeiger. It is 40 km of various slopes, 9 lifts, elevation difference of 1000 m. The slopes of average difficulty prevail here. There are opportunities for freestyle, extreme and off-piste skiing. There is a snow park for snowboarders. There is also a 6 km lit toboggan run.
Lifts to the glacier and to the Rifflsee ski area are located at the very end of the valley, near the village of Mandarfen (1675 m), which is administratively part of the village of St. Leonhard. The total length of the tracks of these ski areas is 41 km, they are served by 12 lifts. There are many difficult beautiful red slopes (40 km) and a snow park with various obstacles and time measurements. There are also suitable tracks for beginners. A special children's chair lift is equipped in the Rifflsee ski area.
In the ski resort of Pitztal, travelers have the opportunity to try a variety of entertainment. You can watch the mountain panorama from the highest cafe in Austria (3440 meters), climbers can master 17 interesting icefalls at once, there is also the opportunity to go paragliding, curling, winter fishing or visit museums, hiking trails and temples of the valley.
Nearest Railway Station: Imst-Pitztal: 11 km / 24 km / 36 km
Innsbruck is a unique symbiosis of a first-class resort and a beautiful museum city, which has a history of about 800 years. Innsbruck is located in the heart of the Eastern Alps, at the foot of the Karwendel mountain range. The surrounding mountain ranges are over 2,500 meters high, guaranteeing stunning views from virtually anywhere in Innsbruck.
The city is dominated by the Patscherkofel Mountain, on the slopes of which the Winter Olympic Games were held in 1964 and 1976. From them the city inherited an excellent ski infrastructure: stadiums, jumps, ice rinks, various tracks and much more. The impeccably groomed slopes, attracting skiers from all over the world, offer slopes of varying degrees of difficulty and for all tastes, as well as slopes that are illuminated twice a week at night. There are also family trails, and the smallest ones are waiting for the Sunny Kids Park.
The Patcherkofel Ski Area is located 20 km from Stubai with its many ski slopes. At the foot of the mountain are charmingly picturesque Tyrolean villages: Igls, Lance, Ville, Nutters, Mutters, Patch.
Video: Mayrhofen , Zillertal (youtube links)
Lake Wörth is the largest lake in the Carinthia region. On its banks there are several resort towns connected by water tram routes. In summer, the water temperature in the lake reaches +25 +27 degrees Celsius. Tourists come to the Wörthsee to swim, play golf, as well as explore the Cheppashlucht waterfalls, the Hochosterwitz castle, the capital of the region - Klagenfurt, and the karting abbeys with monasteries.
The Wildschönau Valley, which unites four picturesque villages, is located in Tyrol, 75 km from Innsbruck, 115 km from Munich, 130 km from Salzburg and 360 km from Zurich. A feature of this ski resort is its idyllic seclusion, as well as wide, not overcrowded ski slopes, which will delight both experienced skiers who want to enjoy nature away from noise and test themselves in the Race`n`Sport Arena professional training area, as well as beginners alpine skiing enthusiasts. and, first of all, young guests. For snowboard lovers, there is a fun park on Mount Schatzberg (freeride, jumps, quarter pipes, wave rides, snake, rails, Half Pipe - 90 m). There is a bus service between the ski areas, from Thursday to Saturday there is also a night bus (from 20:00 to 03:00). Here you can also go snowshoeing on well-groomed winter trails with a total length of 40 km, visit the pools and saunas, and go sledding (three trails plus one illuminated).
In Wildschönau, there is the Tyrolean Wood Museum, the Museum of Mountain Farming, and half an hour by car in Wörgl, the water park and the WAVE sauna world.
The Wildschönau ski area has been linked to the Alpbachtal ski area in the new Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau ski area from 16 December 2012.
Wildschönau is above all an ideal place for family ski holidays. The name of the valley, which combines the words wild, schön and Au, in translation "beautiful pristine valley", speaks for itself. Guests will be delighted not only by the pristine beauty of nature, but also by the combination of reasonable prices and high quality.
The Telfs ski resort is located just 25 kilometers from Innsbruck in a small Tyrolean valley. There is everything for active recreation: an indoor pool, a sauna, a large skating rink, a toboggan run, a sports center with a large climbing wall and even a real bathhouse. Nearby is the large Seefeld ski resort, one of Tyrol's most famous sports centers. Seefeld, one of the most famous sports centers in Tyrol, is located on a sunny plateau at an altitude of 1200 m, surrounded by the Karlwendel and Wetterstein mountains. The proximity of Innsbruck (20 km) and the famous German resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen (20 km) only adds advantages to the treasury of this ski area.
| Salzburg | Munich | Innsbruck | Vein | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distance to | 206 km | 127 km | 24 km | 500 km |
| 2 hours | 1 hour 40 minutes | 25 minutes | 4 h. 50 min. | |
| 2 h. 50 min. | 3 hours 10 minutes | 40 minutes | 5 h. 55 min. |
In the very south of Austria, in the Carnic Alps, there is one of the ten most popular ski resorts in the country - Nassfeld. This is the sunniest ski area in Austria, with an average of 100 hours of sunshine during the winter season than in other regions. The resort is located on the border with Italy, and some of the slopes lead directly abroad. The difference in altitude here is 1300–2020 m. Trails of varying degrees of difficulty with a total length of 110 km are served by 30 modern lifts, including the longest gondola lift in Europe - Millennium Express. And in children's ski schools, mini-clubs and gardens, they will take care of teaching the youngest guests of the resort to ski.
On the border of the two Austrian federal states - Carinthia and Salzburg, on a sunny pass at an altitude of 1640 m above sea level lies Katschberg, ideal for family holidays. The skiing area starts here at 2220 m, climatic conditions guarantee high-quality snow cover (for safety, all slopes are equipped with snow cannons), wide tracks with a total length of 70 km provide interesting skiing for both beginners and experienced skiers. Athletes will find 10 km of black slopes and the Aineck fan park here. Restaurants, bars open until late in the evening, and discos provide a great after-ski entertainment.
| Innsbruck | Salzburg | Vein | Munich | Klagenfurt | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distance to | 284 km | 115 km | 320 km | 243 km | 115 km |
| Travel time by car (approximately) | 2 h. 55 min. | 1 hour 25 minutes | 4 hours 00 minutes | 2 h. 30 min. | |
| Travel time by train (approximately) | 1 hour | 4 h. 50 min. | |||
| Distance from Rennweg | 115 km | 110 km |
East Tyrol is one of the largest resort regions in Tyrol with excellent conditions for family skiing, training for beginner skiers and snowboarders. Lienz, the capital of East Tyrol, is considered the sunniest place in Austria, and the picturesque view of the Dolomites will enchant even seasoned travelers. Here is one of the highest peaks in Austria - Grossglockner (3798 m) and the Moelltal glacier (3122 m).
Perfectly equipped slopes, excellent infrastructure, hotels and guesthouses for every taste and budget make your stay here pleasant and memorable. Cross-country skiers will find excellent conditions for their favorite sport in East Tyrol. The region is part of Dolomiti Nordic Ski, a system of 1,300 kilometers of cross-country skiing trails in Austria and Italy.
Heiligenblut is a small village in Carinthia, at the foot of the highest mountain in Austria, Großglockner. Its symbol is the Gothic Church of St. Vincenz, which contains a sacred relic - the blood of Christ, brought from Constantinople by a knight-crusader. Hence the name of the village, which in German means "holy blood".
In the Middle Ages, gold was mined in the mountains around Heiligenblut, and now the area thrives on ski tourism and mountaineering. A unique railway tunnel to Mount Fleisalm was built here, which functions only in winter, bringing tourists to the ski slopes.
The romantic and charming spa town of Baden bei Vin, surrounded by fields and vineyards, lies right next to Vienna, only 26 km away. The excellent climate with moderate heat in summer and comfortable temperatures in winter allows you to relax here at any time of the year. First of all, Baden is famous for its sulphurous springs. Even the city coat of arms, given by Emperor Frederick III, depicts a man and a woman in a bathing tub. The healing power of Baden's mineral waters was already known to the ancient Romans. The place where warm sulphurous springs rise from crevices in the rocks, they called "aquae" - "water". At one time, the Baden baths were chosen by the crowned heads. Emperors have come here for rest and treatment for centuries. Baden is still considered a prestigious suburb of Vienna and one of the best thermal spas in Austria.
The balneological resort Bad Tatzmannsdorf is the ideal place for those who want to improve their health and relax. It is located 116 km from Vienna, on the territory of the federal state of Burgenland. This region has long earned the love of the Austrians for its unusually beautiful nature, mild sunny climate, clean air, gastronomic traditions and excellent entertainment infrastructure.
Hydrotherapy at the resort has centuries-old traditions. The visiting card of Bad Tatzmannsdorf is mineral waters of different compositions, hot springs and peat mud. Here, such healing procedures using mineral waters as baths and drinking cures are successfully applied.
Most of the Austrian territory is occupied by the Alps, so the country's specialization in winter holidays was predetermined. Ski areas in Austria are dotted with small ski villages, in which a cozy atmosphere reigns and old traditions are maintained. Thousands of small and large resorts boggle the tourist imagination.
This article opens a heading dedicated to the ski resorts of Austria. We will tell you about the most popular ski areas, look for thermal springs and places for high-quality family holidays. Special attention will be paid to weather and prices.
Popular ski resorts in Austria
Austria is dominated by medium-altitude ski resorts suitable for professionals and beginners. The highest slopes are located in the famous province of Tyrol - it is there that the "main" ski resorts of the country are concentrated.
Austria also boasts unique areas that receive guests all year round - Bad Gastein and Zell am See. We will devote separate articles to the following regions:
- ... The jewel of the Stubai Valley, whose tracks are mainly aimed at beginners. Nearby is a large transport hub - Innsbruck. It is through it that you have to get there.
- ... The capital of the Winter Olympics has an excellent ski infrastructure, ideally suited for professional skiers. Snowboarders will also like this picturesque place.
An important advantage is the presence of an international airport. we posted in a previous article. - ... The slopes of this largest ski center in Austria occupied the slopes of two mountain peaks at once. For beginners, this is an ideal place - professional ski schools, soft slopes, an abundance of equipment rental offices.
Young people will love the abundance of nightclubs, restaurants, bars, modern discos and theatrical performances. - ... This popular resort is nestled in the picturesque Otzal Valley. Snowboarders and skiers are thrilled with Sölden - the town's reputation has been built up by the two-kilometer drops that create steep slopes for the pros.
The largest ski area in Austria is Tyrol.
Tyrol is notable not only for its picturesque landscapes, but also for a number of elite ski resorts. Note the following:
- Seefeld;
- Innsbruck (plus its surroundings);
- Kirchberg;
- Pitztal;
- Sant Anton;
- Ischgl;
- Serfaus;
- Zillertal Valley.
Six of the best resorts in the country
Among the thousands of ski resorts in Austria, it is very problematic to single out the "best". The reason lies in the fact that the towns and villages in the ski areas are scattered very densely, and the general infrastructure is well thought out by the Austrians. Thus, our review will be reduced to a description of the most popular and revered places by skiers. Let's get started.
Lech... This resort belongs to the Arlberg region. You need to go here in winter, since in March the skiing season ends. You can get to Lech by bus running through Innsbruck.
The service is extremely high and the tracks are in perfect condition. The slopes, equipped for skiers, stretch for 260 kilometers. There are gentle slopes for children.
Snowboarders will love the halfpipe. Swimming pool, ice rink, discos, bars and restaurants - there is plenty of entertainment in Leh.- Ischgl... You will have to fly here in the usual way - via Innsbruck. Then - 100 km by bus (options can be a train or a rented car, you can look for a cheap car rental). Skiing in Ischgl starts in December, and the season ends in May. Ischgl is dominated by high-quality and rather difficult trails, so experienced skiers flock here. Trails and lifts have connected Ischgl with the general infrastructure of the region.
By the way, the local roads stretch for 238 kilometers. The range of heights is 1400-2860 meters. The difficulty of the slopes is also indicated by the fact that half of the runs are “red”, another 18% are “black”. Beginners can also try their hand here - there are specially equipped "soft" zones for them. Ischgl is well-respected by snowboarders and is a state-of-the-art platform for board fans.
Weather conditions rarely fail, but if this happens, snow machines and guns come into play. 
Kaprun... This commune, located in the state of Salzburg, is considered the center of youth fun and glamorous entertainment. The Kitzsteinhorn glacier has quite steep slopes that attract snowboarders and skiers of all categories. Three picturesque lakes, a museum of hydroelectric power stations, a national park with trails for ecotourists - all this will appeal to connoisseurs of attractions. , or at any other time of the year, truly unforgettable.
The power plant dams can be reached by funiculars and buses. The main feature of Kaprun is the mountain train, which runs between the city and the glacier.
Summer in Kaprun is warm (up to 24 degrees), so the ski season ends in March.- Salzburg... It is a vast region with many popular ski resorts. We have already written about Kaprun. The second most popular town is Saalbach. Also in the state of Salzburg are the resorts of Zell am See, Maiskogel, Bad Gastein, Obertauern, Bad Hofgastein. All this is part of the ECP, the European Sporting Region.
- Schladming... One of the most prestigious European resorts (top 10 in the world ski rating). The slopes there are equipped for both normal skiing and downhill / slalom downhill skiing. The four peaks entering the ski area are connected by lifts. There are few open areas, the slopes are mostly wooded. The "red" class is focused on basic board and ski skills, so it will be difficult for beginners here.
The wonderful landscapes of Schladming are complemented by excellent weather, which allows you to keep the real snow in its original form (though not everywhere).
You can ski in Saalbach from December to the end of March.
We are looking for Austrian ski resorts on the map
The listed ski resorts can be found on the map of Austria. Villages and towns are packed tightly, so finding the right place will be easy.
A ski resort for every taste
The life of Austrians is closely connected with skiing, therefore the resorts are intended for everyone who is interested in quality winter recreation.
We list the key areas and levels of skier training, linking them to specific resorts:
- Beginners... Feel free to go to Obertauern, Serfaus, Mayrhofen, Kaprun, Saalbach.
- Confident skiers... You will love Ischgl, Bad Gastein, St. Anton, Saalbach, Kitzbühel, Obergurgl and Galtur.
- Wealthy people... The most elite resorts are Ischgl, Lech, Seefeld, Sant Anton.
- Family holiday... Feel free to take your children to Lech, Serfaus, Kitzbühel, Mayrhofen, Zell am See, Saalbach-Hinterglemm.
- Snowboarders... Sölden, Ischgl, Hintertux, Zillertal, Saalbach will suit you.
- Cross-country skiing... The best sites for cross-country skiers are located in the vicinity of Kaprun, Innsbruck, Schladming, Mayrhofen, Zell am See, Saalbach.
Where to go for a beginner skier
We have already written about the friendly tracks of Kaprun and Mayrhofen. Now we have to go to the border region between Vorarlberg and Tyrol - this is where the magnificent Saalbach is stretched. To get here, you need to travel through Salzburg, from which Saalbach is 90 kilometers away. Buses run regularly between the two cities.
Here are the main benefits of the resort:
- 200 tracks of all difficulty levels;
- an abundance of snowboard and ski schools;
- the presence of entertainment facilities with live music;
- bowling alley;
- swimming pool;
- excellent weather conditions.
Also worth paying attention to is Obertauern. "Upper Tower" - this is how the Austrians called the resort, covered with fluffy snow up to the ears. The weather allows skiing here until April. Excellent service combined with reasonable (for an elite resort) prices.
Thermal springs and recreation with children
For those looking to combine skiing with wellness treatments, we recommend visiting the thermal springs. They are concentrated in the following places:
- Burgenland;
- Tyrol;
- Styria;
- Salzburg.
Also pay attention to Upper Austria, where the imperial baths of Bad Ischl are located.
As for Salzburg, here you can enjoy relaxing in the thermal baths, and at the same time visit the spa. The most popular resort in these lands is Gastein.
Lech and Zell am See are ideal for families. You need to go to Lech via Innsbruck. This is a prestigious resort that not everyone can afford.
Among the undeniable advantages are a wide selection of slopes, "soft" slopes and respected ski schools.
The town of Zell am See, nestled on the coast of a picturesque mountain lake, deserves special mention. The abundance of short descents will allow children to hone the skills acquired in the classroom with the instructor.
Additional benefits of the resort include:
- kindergartens;
- torchlight processions;
- carnivals;
- medieval architecture;
- natural half-pipe;
- four snowboard parks.
Price panorama
It is rather difficult to calculate the cost of travel to each of the resorts we have described. The budget will depend on the chosen hotel, room, mode of travel (train, plane, personal / rented car) and the number of days of your vacation. Therefore, we will focus on prices related to package tours and ski passes:
- Sant Anton - from 50 euros (day ski pass);
- Ischgl - from 45;
- Serfaus - from 41;
- Saalbach-Hinterglemm - from 40;
- Kitzbuehel - from 42;
- Kirchberg - from 42;
- Innsbruck - from 30;
- Montafon - from 27.
On average, about a thousand dollars per person per week (if you choose a package tour). The price will include accommodation, airfare, insurance and visa.
Here are specific examples of package ski tours:
- Lech - 950 dollars / week (a six-day ski pass will cost 214 "green");
- Sant Anton - 1000 (plus $ 193 for a six-day ski pass);
- Saalbach-Hinterglemm - 700 (plus $ 164 for a ski pass);
- Mayerhofen - 900 (for a six-day ski pass you will pay another 164);
- Kitzbühel - 700-900 (and 180 for a ski pass).
By the way, you can go to the same Mayerhofen on your own, pick up a tiny inexpensive hotel and have a decent rest for a week for 400-500 euros. The resort is year-round - you can go there in the height of summer and enjoy skiing. But Ishtl is significantly more expensive - the minimum budget that you have to lay down for a week is 1000 euros.
Summing up, we note that Austria in winter is to the liking of both seasoned professionals and novice skiers. Many resorts are adapted for children, so it is quite possible to "come off" with the whole family. The main thing is to know what you want and how much you are willing to spend.
Austria is famous all over the world for composers, beer and schnitz. But no less important fame for this small country is given by the stunning alpine ski resorts, the rumor of which flies across the entire globe. Alpine climate, snow-white slopes, amazing service - all this can be seen in Austria.
There are a little less than 400 resorts in Austria. Most skiers choose alpine places, because in this country prices are relatively lower than those of neighboring countries - France, Switzerland, Germany. And the quality on some is even better than expensive settlements.
But before choosing a resort, it is worth remembering that the alpine slopes are not for beginners, and most of them do not have “green slopes”. Of course, ski schools are present, but if you want to dash off your experience, then it is better to choose easier mountains.
Ski resorts in Austria on the map (TOP-5):
Ischgl
Now this resort is considered one of the most visited. And the statistics don't lie. They love it for its excellent slopes, because even during the thaw, skiers will not be disappointed - there are snow cannons everywhere.
Various trails are suitable for amateurs and professionals: wide plains can be found for cross-country skiing, but thrill-seekers will find bright "red" and "black" trails.
The ratio of the tracks is as follows:
- "Green" - 0
- "Blue" - 40
- "Reds" - 80
- "Black" - 15
The total length of the tracks is 230 kilometers.
Photos of the ski resort Ischgl:
Modern lifts bring athletes in a matter of minutes. Here you can also see the first in the world two-story lift, which can accommodate up to 180 people.
Other types of lifts:
- 23 chairlifts
- 3 cabins
- 2 funiculars
Lift pass has the same price in "high" and "low" seasons - 45 euros per day.
Read the full article about the Ischgl ski resort.
Hotels in Ischgl:
Sölden
This resort is known for hosting the first stage of the Alpine Skiing World Cup since 2002. Sölden itself attracts tourists with a large selection of slopes and trails, of which there are 146.
In addition, there are two glaciers here - Rettenbach and Tiefenbach. On cable cars you can climb to a height of 3300 meters. And also for a quiet rest of the soul and body, the Aquadom health center is located not far from the resort.
Photos of the Sölden resort:
In the "high" season a ski pass per day will cost 50 euros, and in "low" 46 euros.
Prices for hotels in Sölden:
St. Anton
We can say that this is where the origins of the Austrian ski holidays begin. Back in the 30s of the last century, Hannes Schneider opened the first ski school on the site of today's resort. A little later, the neighboring village of Zurs became famous for the country's first ski lift.
The eternally snowy St. Anton is a very diverse place - 100 runs, 96 lifts, and some of them have warm seats. Local schools have smart and educated instructors who will teach you how to ride even from scratch. And in the settlement itself there are always types of evening and night rest.
The price of a ski pass for both seasons is 50 euro / day.
Photos of the resort St. Anton:
Hotels in St. Anton:
Saalbach-Hinterglemm
When asked what is the largest mountain arena in Austria, it is worth answering about the resort, which includes Saalbach, Hinterglemm and Leogang. They say about him that you can travel all day along the slopes and never ride the same lift.
200 kilometers of trails are divided into:
- 29 blue
- 26 "red"
- 5 blacks.
There are no “greens” here, but professionals will fall in love with a difficult 4-kilometer track. If the skier is still not confident in his skills, then it is advised to try the easy slopes below the forest level.
Resort photos Saalbach-Hinterglemm:
Lift pass in the "high" season will cost 47 euro / day, and at "low" 40 euros.
Hotels in Saalbach:
Kirchberg and Kitzbühel
Both resorts are located next to each other - the distance between them is only 6 kilometers. It is here that you can feel the real Tyrolean atmosphere. It is sometimes said that its name is inseparable from the concept of "skiing". But in a small Kirchberg is the famous Streif track.
There are practically no queues for the lifts here - each has about 70 lifts of different types.
Photos of the resorts Kirchberg and Kitzbühel:
A lift pass purchased from one of these resorts is valid throughout Tyrol. It will cost 47 euros in the "high" season, and 42 euros to "low".
Hotels in Kitzbühel:
Climate, weather and seasons in Austria
The Alps primarily affect the country's climate - they do not let more precipitation into the interior of the country. But on the outskirts of the mountains falls up to 3000 mm per year. But it is also never cold in the country - in winter in the capital, on average, +3, and in ski resorts it drops to a maximum of -5 degrees and slightly lower at higher points.
Austrian summers are warm, sometimes even hot, but there is still no scorching sun there. Dry weather helps to weather the heat. If in winter most tourists rush to the mountains, then in spring and early summer it is best to visit the sights and tourist places of the country. People often come here to relax on the warm lakes of Carinthia.
In autumn, you can enjoy the nature of Austria and feel a real influx of inspiration to the music of Mozart. The mild weather will allow you to walk along the streets of ancient cities and not be afraid of a sudden downpour.
Accommodation and meals
Housing prices primarily depend on the season - from December to February and from July to August, they are the highest, since the influx of tourists these days is the largest. Of course, you can find an inexpensive apartment for 35 euros per day, but there is an option to relax in a big way in a spacious cottage, the cost, respectively, will rise several times.
In addition, the list of popular places to stay includes excellent hotels at an affordable price. In the villages of the resorts, you can always settle near the center and have access to all the entertainment within walking distance.
You don't have to worry about food - grocery stores, cafes, restaurants and bars are everywhere. The quality is great, but you have to pay for it. For lunch, you can pay 10–20 euros. The hotels most often offer a free breakfast.
Other leisure activities at the resorts
Experienced skiers can get bored with skiing all day in a row, and then they want changes and new sensations. Then there is the option to try out a snowboard by renting it; ride a snowmobile with a breeze; experience the beauty of the Alps at night while skiing after sunset.
There are cafes, bars and night clubs in villages and nearby towns. Another good thing about Austrian resorts is that they always have a decent spa. The shops have a huge assortment of souvenirs and gifts for relatives for every taste. Sometimes there are ice rinks, and playgrounds are arranged for the little ones.
It is very difficult to get bored in Austria - this is a diverse and amazing country. Ski resorts will satisfy even the most sophisticated skier, and he will definitely want to come back here, because it is simply impossible to forget the Alps!
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