Austria is one of the world's most popular winter sports destinations, known for its stunning Alps, cozy mountain villages and well-groomed ski facilities. The country boasts some of the highest and most snow-sure ski areas in Europe, making it a great choice for skiers of all levels. The Austrian Alps not only offer spectacular mountains and long-lasting snow conditions, but also luxurious facilities and a unique Alpine atmosphere that make ski holidays an unforgettable experience.
Why choose the highest ski areas in Austria?
The highest ski areas in Austria have a number of advantages that make them an excellent choice for skiers:
- Snow safety: The highest ski resorts in Austria are known for their long seasons and snow conditions, which means you can count on good snow from early winter to late spring.
- Long seasons: Many of the highest areas have seasons that start as early as November and extend until May. Some of them even offer glacier skiing all year round.
- Great views: Due to their high altitude, these areas offer magnificent views of the Austrian Alps, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
- Varied terrain: Austria's highest ski areas have a wide variety of slopes for skiers of all levels, from easy green slopes for beginners to steep and challenging black slopes for experts.
1. Stubai Glacier
Stubai Glacier is the largest glacier ski area in Austria and offers skiing at altitudes up to 3,210 meters. Located in the Tyrol region, the area is known for its long seasons, stretching from October to May. With over 110 km of slopes, the Stubai Glacier is ideal for beginners and experienced skiers alike. In addition, the glacier is known for its excellent off-piste options and family-friendly facilities.
- Height: 1,750 - 3,210 meters
- Season: October to May
- Trail length: Approximately 110 km
- Luxury facilities: Stubaier Gletscher offers modern ski-in/ski-out hotels, spa facilities and a wide range of restaurants.
- Lift pass price: Approximately 280 EUR for a one-week lift pass.
- Highlights: Glacier skiing, snow safety and long descents.
Why choose Stubaier Gletscher?
Stubaier Gletscher is the ideal choice for those looking for a high-altitude ski area with guaranteed snow and modern facilities. The area is known for its wide slopes, making it particularly suitable for families and beginners. In addition, the off-piste opportunities and varied terrain attract many experienced skiers and freeriders. With its long season and guaranteed snow, Stubaier Gletscher is also a popular choice for those who want to start the ski season early.
Read more about: Stubai Glacier
2. Hintertuxer Glacier
Hintertuxer Gletscher is one of the few ski areas in the world where you can ski all year round. Located in the Zillertal region, the area offers skiing at altitudes of up to 3,250 meters. Hintertuxer Gletscher is known for its snow guarantees, as skiing is possible 365 days a year. With over 60 km of slopes and modern lift systems, the area is popular with experienced skiers and beginners alike.
- Height: 1,500 - 3,250 meters
- Season: All year round (glacier skiing)
- Trail length: Approximately 60 km
- Luxury amenities: Hintertuxer Gletscher offers luxury hotels, private chalets, wellness centers and a wide range of restaurants.
- Lift pass price: Approximately 280 EUR for a one-week lift pass.
- Highlights: Year-round glacier skiing, guaranteed snow and modern lift systems.
Why choose Hintertuxer Gletscher?
Hintertuxer Gletscher is perfect for those who want to ski all year round. The area is known for its snow guarantees and modern facilities, making it a great choice for families and experienced skiers alike. With its many slopes and glacier skiing opportunities, Hintertuxer Gletscher is a popular destination for freeriders and adventurous skiers who want to explore the off-piste possibilities.
Read more about: Hintertux
3. Pitztal Glacier
Pitztaler Gletscher is Austria's highest ski area with slopes reaching up to 3,440 meters altitude. The area is known for its long seasons, stretching from September to May, and offers more than 40 km of slopes. Pitztaler Gletscher is popular with experienced skiers due to its steep slopes and large off-piste areas, but it also offers a good selection of slopes for beginners and intermediates.
- Altitude: 1,700 - 3,440 meters
- Season: September to May
- Trail length: Approximately 40 km
- Luxury amenities: Pitztaler Gletscher offers modern hotels, ski-in/ski-out chalets, gourmet restaurants and spa facilities.
- Lift pass price: Approximately 260 EUR for a one-week lift pass.
- Highlights: Austria's highest ski area, snow safety and off-piste opportunities.
Why choose Pitztaler Gletscher?
Pitztaler Gletscher is the ideal choice for skiers looking for challenging terrain and long seasons. With its high peaks and guaranteed snow, the area offers excellent conditions for early and late season skiers and snowboarders. The many off-piste options attract freeriders from all over the world, while the more relaxed slopes and modern facilities make it suitable for families.
Read more about: Pitztal
4. Obergurgl-Hochgurgl
Obergurgl-Hochgurgl is known as one of the most snow-sure ski areas in Austria, offering skiing at altitudes up to 3,080 meters. Located in Tyrol, the area has over 110 km of slopes suitable for skiers of all levels. Obergurgl-Hochgurgl is popular with families due to its many child-friendly facilities and wide slopes, but there are also plenty of challenges for experienced skiers. With its high altitude and modern lift systems, the area offers guaranteed snow from November to April.
- Height: 1,800 - 3,080 meters
- Season: November to April
- Trail length: Approximately 110 km
- Luxury facilities: Obergurgl-Hochgurgl offers luxurious hotels, chalets, gourmet restaurants and wellness facilities.
- Lift pass price: Approximately 300 EUR for a one-week lift pass.
- Highlights: Snow safety, family-friendly slopes and modern lift systems.
Why choose Obergurgl-Hochgurgl?
Obergurgl-Hochgurgl is a great choice for families and groups looking for a snow-sure, high-altitude ski area with modern facilities. The area offers a wide variety of slopes suitable for beginners and experienced skiers alike and has a relaxed atmosphere that makes it perfect for a quiet ski holiday. With guaranteed snow and a long season, Obergurgl-Hochgurgl is also ideal for those who want to be sure of good snow conditions.
Read more about: Obergurgl
5. Sölden
Sölden is one of the most famous and popular ski resorts in Austria, offering skiing at altitudes of up to 3,340 meters. The area is known for its two glaciers, Rettenbach and Tiefenbach, which ensure excellent snow conditions from October to May. Sölden has over 140 km of slopes and hosts a number of international skiing events, including World Cup races. The area is popular with beginners and experienced skiers alike and has a lively Aprés-ski scene.
- Altitude: 1,350 - 3,340 meters
- Season: October to May
- Trail length: Approximately 140 km
- Luxury amenities: Soelden offers luxury hotels, private chalets, gourmet restaurants and spa facilities.
- Lift pass price: Approximately 320 EUR for a one-week lift pass.
- Highlights: Two glaciers, World Cup races and lively Aprés-ski.
Why choose Sölden?
Sölden is the perfect choice for those looking to combine world-class skiing with a lively Aprés-ski scene. With its two glaciers and long seasons, Sölden is known for its reliable snow conditions and modern lift systems. The area offers a wide variety of slopes, from easy slopes for children to challenging black slopes for experts. Sölden is also known for its international skiing events and vibrant nightlife, making it a popular choice for groups and young skiers.
Read more about: Sölden
FAQ
Which is the highest ski area in Austria?
The highest ski area in Austria is the Pitztal Glacier, which reaches up to 3,440 meters above sea level.
When is the best time to go on ski holidays in the highest ski areas in Austria?
The best time to go on ski holidays in the highest ski areas in Austria is from December to March, but many of these areas have long seasons that stretch from October to May. Glacier areas like Hintertuxer Gletscher offer year-round skiing.
When is the best time to go on ski holidays in the highest ski areas in Austria?
The best time to go on ski holidays in the highest ski areas in Austria is from December to March, but many of these areas have long seasons that stretch from October to May. Glacier areas like Hintertuxer Gletscher offer year-round skiing.
Which ski area in Austria is best for beginners?
Obergurgl-Hochgurgl and Stubai Glacier are ideal for beginners as they offer many wide slopes and family-friendly facilities.
Which ski area in Austria is best for experienced skiers?
Pitztaler Gletscher and Sölden are perfect for experienced skiers as they offer challenging terrain and large off-piste areas.
Which ski area in Austria offers the best luxury experience?
Sölden and Obergurgl-Hochgurgl offer some of the best luxury experiences with exclusive hotels, private chalets, gourmet restaurants and spa facilities.
