Austria as a ski holiday destination
Austria is probably the Danes’ favorite if you head south to go skiing. The reason why many choose Austria is – good après-ski, the cozy towns and the large ski areas. So if you haven’t been to Austria for skiing yet, maybe that’s where you should go next time you go on a ski vacation.
Ski holidays to Austria, can be purchased at: Skilink, Højmark, Skiferie.dk, Sunweb, Alltime Travel, OnlineSki, SnowTrex
Where to ski in Austria?
Austria offers a wide range of ski resorts to suit every taste, from lively Aprés-ski destinations to family-friendly areas and the best places for beginners. Here are some of the best places to ski in Austria:
St. Anton
Located in the Arlberg region, St. Anton is one of Austria’s most famous ski resorts, known for its lively Aprés-ski scene and fantastic terrain.
- Lively Aprés-ski and social events: St. Anton is known for its Aprés-ski, which starts as early as the afternoon on the slopes and continues well into the night in the many bars and clubs.
- Great skiing conditions and modern lift systems: The area offers a wide range of slopes and some of the most advanced lift systems in Austria.
Kitzbühel
Kitzbühel, located in Tyrol, is known for its cosmopolitan environment, medieval charm and the annual Hahnenkamm ski competition.
- Large and varied ski terrain: The area has over 179 km of continuous slopes to suit all levels, from beginners to experts.
- Unique atmosphere and traditions: Kitzbühel combines a historic town center with a vibrant ski scene and gourmet restaurants.
Saalbach-Hinterglemm
Saalbach-Hinterglemm is part of the Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn, Austria’s largest ski area in the east.
- 408 km of ski areas with one lift pass: The area offers access to one of Austria’s largest connected ski areas, with varied slopes and modern lift systems.
- Lively villages and family-friendly facilities: Saalbach and Hinterglemm offer cozy villages with plenty of bars, restaurants, and facilities for families with children.
Best ski areas in Austria for families
Austria is known for its family-friendly ski resorts with plenty of child-friendly slopes and facilities. Here are some of the best choices for families:
Obergurgl-Hochgurgl
Obergurgl and Hochgurgl are located in the beautiful Ötztal Valley and are among the most snow-sure areas in Austria.
- Great snow conditions from November to May: The area has a snow guarantee and offers perfect conditions for families and beginners.
- Child-friendly hotels and great ski schools: Many hotels offer activities and childcare, while the ski schools have courses specially tailored for children.
Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis
Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis is one of Austria’s most family-friendly ski areas, offering a wide range of child-friendly activities.
- Plenty of children’s slopes and ski schools: The area has dedicated kids’ zones and ski schools that make it easy for children to learn to ski.
- Family-friendly facilities and attractions: Kids’ clubs, toboggan runs, and adventure parks make this a paradise for families with children.
Maria Alm
Maria Alm is a cozy village that is part of the Hochkönig ski area and is known for its child-friendly facilities and atmosphere.
- Easy-to-access slopes and peaceful surroundings: The area has wide, easy slopes that are perfect for beginners and children.
- Plenty of activities beyond skiing: The area offers everything from sledding to snowshoeing and family-friendly restaurants.
WHERE TO BUY YOUR SKI VACATION TO AUSTRIA
Aprés-ski destinations in Austria
Austria is known for its fantastic Aprés-ski culture, where you’ll often see ski enthusiasts partying in their ski boots as the sun sets over the Alps. Here are some of the best places to experience Aprés-ski:
St. Anton
St. Anton is the heart of Austria’s Aprés-ski scene, where the party starts early in the day at the mountain huts.
- Lively bars and nightclubs: Visit legendary spots like MooserWirt and Krazy Kanguruh, where you can party with international guests.
- Aprés-ski both on and off the slopes: The party starts on the slopes and continues in the many bars and clubs down in town.
Ischgl
Ischgl is famous for its big international concerts and a vibrant après ski life that attracts visitors from all over the world.
- Big outdoor concerts and famous DJs: Ischgl attracts well-known artists and DJs to its annual events, which blend music and skiing.
- Luxury hotels and exclusive bars: Enjoy stylish Aprés-ski in one of the many luxury bars and hotels.
Mayrhofen
Mayrhofen is known for its annual festivals and relaxed après-ski atmosphere, attracting a young and energetic crowd.
- Altitude Comedy Festival and Snowbombing: Two annual events featuring comedy and live music, attracting thousands of guests.
- Long Aprés-ski nights and great bars: Enjoy the relaxed vibe in the many cozy bars, or party late into the night in the town’s clubs.
Ski areas in Austria for beginners
Austria is also a great place for beginners and those who want to fine-tune their skiing skills. Here are some of the best destinations:
Maria Alm
Maria Alm is known for its easy, wide slopes, making it simple for beginners to learn to ski in safe surroundings.
- Child-friendly ski schools and instructors: The ski schools offer lessons at child level, so the little ones quickly learn the basic techniques.
- Quiet slopes with low traffic: The area has many easy runs that are ideal for those who want to learn to ski at their own pace.
Lofer
Lofer is a small and quiet ski area ideal for beginners and families looking for a relaxed ski vacation.
- Plenty of blue runs and great ski schools: The area offers a good selection of blue runs and skilled instructors.
- Relaxed atmosphere and great service: Enjoy a relaxed ski holidays without stress and hustle in a calm and friendly environment.
Kaprun
Kaprun, located close to Zell am See, has one of Austria’s best areas for beginners, thanks to its wide range of easy slopes and guaranteed snow.
- Snow-sure conditions and beginner areas: Kaprun has several beginner slopes and easy runs that ensure good conditions all season.
- Well-organized ski schools and children’s areas: The ski schools in Kaprun have a great reputation and offer lessons for both children and adults.
Ski areas in Austria for snowboarders
Austria is a dream destination for snowboarders and offers plenty of fantastic options for both beginners and experienced riders. Several of the country’s best ski areas have well-equipped snowparks, challenging off-piste routes, and outstanding terrain parks. Here are some of the best destinations for snowboarders in Austria:
Sölden
Sölden is one of the most popular destinations for snowboarders in Austria, thanks to its wide range of slopes, modern facilities, and exciting snowparks.
- Two snowparks with freestyle options: Sölden has two large snowparks – “Area 47” and “Giggi Line” – offering everything from rails and boxes to kickers and halfpipes. This makes the area ideal for both beginners and more experienced freestyle enthusiasts.
- Fantastic off-piste opportunities: Sölden is known for its off-piste routes and backcountry terrain, where snowboarders can explore untouched snow and find their own way down the mountain.
Mayrhofen
Mayrhofen is a paradise for snowboarders, with one of the best snowparks in Europe and varied terrain that delivers plenty of exciting experiences.
- Vans Penken Park: This snowpark is one of the largest and best in Europe, with different lines for both beginners and advanced snowboarders. The park has six different sections with everything from easy box lines to pro kickers and halfpipes.
- Varied terrain and challenging slopes: Mayrhofen has wide, open runs and steep descents that are perfect for freeriding and carving. The area is ideal for those looking for both freestyle and traditional skiing.
Flachauwinkl
Flachauwinkl is part of the Ski Amadé area and a true paradise for snowboarders and freestyle enthusiasts thanks to the well-known Absolut Park.
- Absolut Park – Austria’s largest snowpark: The park stretches over 1.5 km and features a wide range of features such as jumps, rails, halfpipes, and kickers, making it one of the best snowparks in Europe.
- Freestyle and jibbing for all levels: Absolut Park has sections for both beginners and professional snowboarders, and the venue hosts many international competitions.
Kitzsteinhorn
Kitzsteinhorn is one of the most popular glacier areas in Austria and attracts snowboarders looking for snow-sure conditions and big snowparks.
- Snowpark Kitzsteinhorn: The park offers a wide range of features such as kickers, rails, and boxes, as well as a large halfpipe, making it a dream destination for freestyle snowboarders.
- Snow-sure terrain year-round: As one of Austria’s highest ski areas, Kitzsteinhorn guarantees snow all season and makes it possible to snowboard even in summer.
FAQ – Questions about ski holidays in Austria
When we receive questions, we add the answers below. If you have a question, or something we’re missing on this page, please feel free to contact us so we can add it.
How long is the ski season in Austria?
The ski season in Austria typically runs from late November to mid-April, and the best conditions are usually between January and March. There are some areas that open earlier and close later, but generally. However, the exact length of the season can vary depending on the year.
If, for example, a lot of snow falls early in the season, the ski conditions will be good enough to extend the season into May. Conversely, the ski season may be shorter and end as early as early April if there is only little snowfall.
Ultimately, the length of the ski season in Austria depends on both the amount of snowfall and the temperatures.
What is the best month to ski in Austria?
When it comes to skiing in Austria, there’s no bad time to go. However, the best time to hit the slopes depends on your preferences. If you like skiing in warm weather, you should plan your trip in February or March. April is also a good month for skiing, but temperatures can be more unpredictable.
If you prefer skiing in cold weather, December or January is your best bet. If you want to avoid the crowds on the slopes, you should check the options for visiting the destination in the low season (before Christmas, January, or around mid-March).
What are the top 6 ski areas in Austria?
Austria is a mecca for skiers and snowboarders from all over the world. But with over 300 ski resorts to choose from, it can be hard to decide where to head for the slopes. To help you narrow things down, here are five of the best ski resorts in Austria:
- St Anton am Arlberg: St Anton is one of the most popular ski resorts in Austria, and for good reason. The ski area boasts over 300 kilometers of slopes as well as several Aprés-ski bars to choose from.
- Ischgl: Ischgl is another top choice for skiers and snowboarders looking for a great time on and off the slopes. The resort offers over 200 kilometers of slopes as well as a selection of bars and clubs for Aprés-ski.
- Sölden: Sölden is a great choice for those who want to explore different areas while skiing or riding. The ski area has three different mountains above 3,000 meters, with slopes for all levels, as well as the Giggajoch gondola, which takes you to the top of the mountains for spectacular views.
- Kitzbühel: Kitzbühel is a paradise for beginners and experienced skiers alike with over 180 kilometers of slopes to explore. The town also has a number of great restaurants and bars, making it the perfect place to relax after a day on the slopes.
- Saalbach-Hinterglemm: Saalbach-Hinterglemm is another excellent resort for skiers of all levels with over 200 kilometers of slopes to explore. If you’re looking for après-ski options, it’s also a great choice if you want to party after a day on the slopes.
- Obertauern: Obertauern is a great choice if you’re looking for guaranteed snow conditions as the resort is located at an altitude of over 1,800 meters. It also has a good selection of easy, medium and difficult slopes, making it perfect for all types of skiers.
Why do people choose ski holidays in Austria?
Austrians are known for their love of skiing, and it’s no wonder the country is one of the most popular destinations for winter sports lovers from all over the world.
For many years, skiing has had a huge impact on Austria’s entire economy, with many jobs for locals, which is why tourism is a massive part of Austria’s economy.
Skiing in Austria offers a unique experience, with mountains across almost the entire country, well-groomed slopes, and a wide range of accommodation options and Aprés-ski options.
In addition, the Austrian ski resorts offer a high standard of service, making them ideal for families and beginners as well as experienced skiers.
With so much to offer, it’s no surprise that a ski holidays in Austria is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to enjoy the best that winter has to offer.
Which are the best ski areas for beginners in Austria?
Almost all ski areas in Austria are great for beginners on skis or snowboard. If you’re bringing some who have skied several times, we choose larger areas that have it all.
- Saalbach
- Kitzbühel
- Obertauern
- St. Anton
- Mayrhofen
- Bad Gastein
When are the prices for ski holidays in Austria cheapest?
Skiing is a popular winter activity in Austria, and the country is home to some of the best ski opportunities in the world. Prices for ski holidays in Austria can vary significantly depending on when you travel.
In general, the cheapest time to go on ski holidays in Austria is in the low season in March – April and November – December and the first 3 weeks of January. Prices are also typically lower midweek, as many skiers prefer to travel on weekends. If you’re flexible with your travel dates, you can often find great deals on ski holidays in Austria.
On the other hand, the most expensive time to go on ski holidays is during the Christmas and New Year period, week 7, week 8, or at Easter. So if you want to save money on your ski holidays, it’s best to avoid traveling during this peak season.
Which ski areas are best for experts in Austria?
- St. Anton
- Ischgl
- Sölden
- Kitzsteinhorn
- Kaunertal Glacier
- Mayrhofen
- Stubai Glacier
There are so many different ski areas to visit in Austria, and that’s why it’s hard to choose which areas are best for experienced skiers.
Where is the best après-ski in Austria?
Austria is known for its Aprés-ski, with dancing on the tables, friendly people in every bar, and their schlager music.
If we ask the Danes who have been on ski holidays in Austria, the majority will say:
- Saalbach
- Ischgl
- Kitzbühel
- Sölden
- Mayrhofen
- Obertaurern
- Zell am See
