Austria has some of the best ski resorts in Europe, if not the whole world. With slopes suitable for every kind of skier from complete beginners to off-piste adventurers and everything in between, plus some of the best aprés ski parties, you can’t go wrong with a ski trip to Austria.
Read on for my pick of some of the best ski resorts in the country.
Most Instagrammable: Kitzbuhel
When you think of the quintessential alpine ski resort, it’s probably Kitzbuhel that you’re picturing. Kitzbuhel is one of the largest ski resorts in Austria with an extensive range of blue and red runs and over 200 square kilometers of off-piste skiing.
I visited Kitzbuhel in summer and fell in love with the resort, it’s perfect for skiing and summer hiking. The town is so charming with its colourful buildings, high-end shops, and horse and carriages.
It’s also home to the notorious Hahnenkamm Downhill course, one of the most challenging downhill courses in the world. If you’re a very advanced skier, you can try this for yourself.
How to get to Kitzbuhel
Kitzbuhel is well-served with three airports nearby. The closest is Salzburg, with regular flights from the UK, however, Munich and Innsbruck airports are also within a couple of hours’ drive.
Where to stay in Kitzbuhel
I stayed in the centre of town in the Das Reisch, a hotel that’s a perfect mix of traditional and modern. It has an incredible location just 350 yards from the ski lift and offers a delicious buffet breakfast included in the price – everything you need to set you up for a day on the slopes.
Most affordable: Zell am See
For an affordable ski holiday in Austria, try the lakeside resort of Zell am See. With buildings dating all the way back to the Middle Ages and set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you’ll be surprised how cost-effective a ski trip here can be.
If you’re skiing on a budget, the Alpin Card lift pass offers superb value for money. With this pass, skiers and snowboarders have access to three skiing areas: Zell am See, Kitzsteinhorn Glacier in Kaprun and the Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn.
In winter, the lake freezes over entirely, offering you access to even more winter sports including ice skating and curling.
How to get to Zell am See
Salzburg is the closest airport and Zell am See is easy to get to from most places in Europe. It is well connected by public transport with a train journey from Salzburg to Zell am See taking just over an hour.
Where to stay in Zell am See
If you’re really looking to save money on your ski trip then you could opt for a hostel or guesthouse. The Gästehäuser Saalbach-Hinterglemm – Wallegghof Christianhof offers ski-in ski-out accommodation with basic but comfortable private and family rooms.
Best for luxury: Lech
Lech am Arlberg, one of the classic ski resorts, is perfect for those who enjoy the finer things in life. One of the most exclusive ski resorts in Austria, Lech is home to a beautiful, traditional village and retains its historic charm and authenticity while offering some of the best skiing in the country.
Lech is situated in Arlberg which has over 300km of pistes. Beginners will find plenty to do with a dedicated learn to ski zone and lots of beautiful blue runs.
More advanced skiers will love the White Ring ski circuit with its truly epic views. The apres ski here is understated and chic with a Veuve Cliquot terrace and Johnnie Walker whisky lounge at the Schlegelkopf bar and restaurant.
How to get to Lech
Lech isn’t one of the easiest resorts to get to, so it requires a little bit of planning in advance. The closest airports are Innsbruck, which concentrates on ski charter flights, and Zurich, where you’ll be able to get a commercial flight from multiple UK airports.
Where to stay in Lech
For pure luxury, book a stay at the 5-star SEVERIN*S – The Alpine Retreat. This stunning Alpine lodge offers accommodation in suites with terraces or balconies so you can enjoy the views of the mountains and valley.
Most reliable snow conditions: Obergurgl
Obergurgl is one of the most snow sure, non-glacial resorts in the Alps with a long season, so it’s perfect for early or later ski breaks. The Tyrolean village is one of the highest in the Alps and has plenty of high altitude slopes.
For families there are gentle nursery slopes, an excellent local ski school, and a snow park with mini jumps. More experienced skiers will love the tree-lined trails and wide-open pistes.
The authentic village is packed full of traditional wooden buildings and it has an 18th century church. In addition to skiing, you can chill out at one of the many spa hotels, or saddle up for a horse ride in the indoor arena.
How to get to Obergurgl
Obergurgl is an easy resort to get to with Innsbruck being the nearest airport. Driving from the airport will take around 90 minutes and you can book a private transfer or hire a car.
Where to stay in Obergurgl
The Hotel Edelweiss & Gurgl is a gorgeous spa hotel with ski-in-ski-out access. You can hire your ski equipment here too.
The wildest apres ski: St Anton
If you like to work hard on the slopes and play hard afterwards, then St Anton offers some of the best apres ski in Austria. There are lots of bars and clubs here where you can party until the early hours.
On the slopes you’ll find some legendary apres ski bars with live music, drinks, and dancefloors. The most famous apres ski bar here is Mooserwirt. With an incredible atmosphere and epic live events, it’s one not to be missed during your trip to St Anton.
How to get to St Anton
Innsbruck, Munich, and Zurich airports are all within reach of St Anton, so you’ll have plenty of choice when it comes to getting to this party ski report.
Where to stay in St Anton
The Himmlhof Hotel offers cosy cabin vibes in the centre of St Anton, within easy reach of the train station and the ski lifts. It’s also close to the bars and clubs, so you can wander back when you’re all partied out.
Most picturesque: Alpbach
Alpbach has been named the most beautiful village in Austria and it’s not difficult to see why. It’s home to gorgeous wooden buildings and colourful flowers, and there are guidelines which mean that new buildings must adhere to the town’s traditional charm and style.
Add to this a thick blanket of snow and a car-free village centre and you’ve got a picturesque ski holiday destination in Alpbach.
And the skiing’s not bad either. There are 113 kilometres of pristine slopes and the main lift is just a four-minute bus ride from the village.
How to get to Alpbach
You’ve got a choice of four international airports near Alpbach, with Innsbruck being the closest, followed by Salzburg, Munich, and Bolzano. From Innsbruck, it’s around 50 minutes by car to the village.
Where to stay in Alpbach
Keeping with the traditional vibes of the village, Gasthaus Jakober offers comfortable accommodation right in the centre of Alpbach.
Best for beginners: Niederau
If you’re about to embark on your first ski holiday, then Niederau is an excellent option. The resort has wide, well-groomed slopes that are easily accessible.
There’s plenty of space for practising basic skills and building confidence. Plus, the slopes aren’t too crowded so you can build your confidence without worrying about getting in someone’s way.
With stunning views surrounding you at every angle, Niederau is the perfect spot for your first ski adventures.
How to get to Niederau
Innsbruck Aiport is the nearest to Niederau, at around 70 kilometres away. The driving time is around 45 minutes, so it’s ideal if you are taking a short ski break.
Where to stay in Niederau
Hotel Christoffel offers everything beginners will need on their first ski trip. It has ski-to-door access, a ski pass salespoint, and a bar for relaxing when you get back from the slopes.
