Austrians like to say: "We don't talk about snow, we guarantee it!" Find out about the most popular ski resorts in Austria, climate features, ski season, pistes, ski pass prices, equipment rental and tourist reviews.
Most of Austria is covered by the spurs of the Alps. Winter sports are so popular in the country that there are about 1,000 ski centers here. There are plenty to choose from! The Austrians prefer to develop not large ski centers, but small traditional resort villages. Most of them are located in the middle mountains. The best ski resorts in Austria are located in Tyrol.
Exchange rate: 1 euro ≈ 84 RUB.
Climate and weather
The country lies in the continental climate zone, so in winter it is cool in the ski resorts of Austria. The higher, the colder: for every 100 m, the thermometer drops by 0.5 ° C. In winter, the average air temperature is −10°C. The highlands are characterized by heavy snowfalls.
Skiing season. The ski season in the winter resorts of Austria lasts from December to the end of March - mid-April when the snow begins to melt on the slopes. High-lying glaciers such as the Dachstein Glacier (2700 m) are ridden all year round. Most tourists try to come to winter resorts around Christmas in order to combine holidays in the mountains with trips to bright Christmas markets.
Ski resorts on the map of Austria
The best ski resorts in Austria
Even a sophisticated expert will not undertake to identify the leader among the Austrian winter recreation centers. All of them are located in picturesque places and are famous for their comfort. Ski resorts in Austria have first-class hotels, a professional slope maintenance system and training centers for beginners. The point is small - to find what you like!
Schladming
The list of the most popular ski resorts in Austria includes a winter recreation center in the Dachstein mountains. The resort, 90 km from Salzburg, began to develop at the end of the 19th century, and today it has become a pleasant place for youth parties and off-piste skiing. There is a lot of snow in the mountains, so the season lasts until mid-April.
Tracks. Of the 190 km of slopes, 60 km are easy routes, and 110 km are intermediate routes. There are 12 trails on the Dachstein Glacier. There is a snow park and a large area for lovers of virgin lands. Most skiers ride on the elephants of Hochwurzen and Planai. In these places, there is the most difficult black track in the region, where the stages of the World Cup and night slalom are held. The toboggan route is 7 km long.
Prices. A day pass for an adult costs 53.5€, for a student 40€ and for a child 27€. Renting a ski or snowboard kit for a day costs 21.5-32.4€ for adults and 10.8-16.2€ for a child. Sledge rental - 7€.
Reviews. Fans of mountain skiing like that the resort has many slopes through the forest and long trails that lead from the top to the foot of the mountains. Near the ski areas there are great opportunities for après-ski: bars, discos, restaurants, branded shopping, massages, saunas and spas.
Mayrhofen
The best ski resorts in Austria include a large winter recreation center located 65 km from Innsbruck. This is a prestigious resort, the hallmark of which is the famous narrow-gauge railway. There are a lot of après-ski activities for young people and there is the steepest slope in the country "Harakiri", the slope of which is 78%.
Tracks. The total length is 136 km, and in the area surrounding the resort - 550 km. The ski area occupies slopes from 630 to 2500 m, and it is served by 57 lifts. Trails for beginners stretch for 40 km. The longest route is 10 km.
Prices. A day ski pass for adults costs 53.5€, for youth - 42.5€, for children - 24€. Renting a ski kit for an adult for a day costs 32€, for a child - 18€. Hire of a helmet costs 4€ and a snowboard kit costs 26€.
Reviews. Mayrhofen is considered perhaps the best ski resort in Austria for beginners. Beginners have a lot of fun on soft slopes and can always be trained by experienced instructors. Tourists enjoy the opportunity to engage in outdoor activities - for example, snowmobiling and snowshoeing are popular. A spacious skating rink is open on the Waldbadstraße. The resort also has a 7.5 km long toboggan run.
Sölden
Sölden, one of the famous ski resorts in Austria, is located in the largest Otztal valley in the Eastern Alps. On its territory there are immediately three peaks above 3000 m with magnificent viewing platforms. The resort has two snow parks, a halfpipe, nightclubs, restaurants and a large sports center Freizeit Arena Sölden.
Tracks stretched for 145.5 km. The longest of them is 15 km, and the illuminated one is 4 km. Beginner trails stretch for 69.5 km, red and black trails for 29.2 km. The slopes are served by 34 lifts.
Prices. A day pass for adults costs 54.5€, for students 43.5€, for seniors 46.5€ and for children 30€. You can take a set of ski equipment or a set for snowboarding for a day for 33-58 €.
Reviews. Due to the variety of infrastructure, the resort receives flattering reviews. Vacationers love the opportunity to relax in the thermal springs, swim in the indoor pool and attend trendy nightly parties.
Sankt Anton am Arlberg
The rating of ski resorts in Austria is often headed by a recreation center located in West Tyrol, 100 km from Innsbruck. St. Anton is called the sparkling diamond on the country's winter crown. This is a one-stop resort for beginners, experienced skiers, freeride fans, cross-country skiers and luge lovers.
Tracks. The ski area starts from 1300 m and has a height difference of more than 1.5 km. Freeride routes stretch for 200 km. Slopes for beginners - 130 km, slopes of medium difficulty - 123 km, and routes for professional skiers - 51 km. The slopes are served by 90 lifts.
Prices. A full day ski pass costs €54.5 for an adult, €49.5 for youth and seniors and €32.5 for a child. A daily rental of skis, poles, boots and a helmet, depending on the model, costs 46-68.4 €. The same amount you need to pay for the use of a complete snowboard kit.
Reviews. Vacationers are happy with the après-ski resort. There are 80 cafes and restaurants, a couple of dozen shops and nightclubs. There are saunas, jacuzzis and indoor pools. Outdoor enthusiasts can go ice skating and paragliding.
Infrastructure, lifts and slopes in the resort of St. Anton
Leh
The popular ski resorts in Austria include the winter recreation center, which is part of the famous Arlberg ski area. Lech is considered the most expensive and snowy resort, as well as the cradle of the country's skiing. Celebrities and the rich are accustomed to spending their free time on the local slopes.
Tracks. The ski area has a height difference of 1 km. Approximately one third of all pistes are green. Difficult routes occupy 24%, and the off-piste area covers 200 km of slopes. Snowboarders use the halfpipe and two fun parks.
Prices. A full day ski pass costs €54.5 for an adult, €49.5 for youth and senior citizens and €32.5 for a child. Rent for 6 days of skiing costs 110-213 €, snowboard - 46-132 €, helmet - 35 €, snowshoes - 64.8 €.
Reviews. Vacationers note the incredibly high level of service and delicious Austrian food in local restaurants. The resort is recommended for skiers of all skill levels and is considered a great place for a family vacation.
Bad Gastein
The prestigious year-round resort is located 100 km from Salzburg at an altitude of 1600 m. For the high cost, pretentiousness and the oldest mountain casino in the country, Bad Gastein is often called the "mountain Monte Carlo". One of its symbols was a picturesque waterfall. In addition to skiing, here you can get wellness treatments in spa centers, hot radon springs and salt galleries.
Tracks. There are few easy slopes, so Bad Gadschein is not classified as a ski resort in Austria for beginners. The slopes are dominated by red and blue runs, which are more suitable for advanced skiers. The quality of the infrastructure is so high that the resort hosts World Cup stages. There is a boardercross track, a halfpipe and a modern snow park.
Prices. The cost of a ski pass for an adult in the low season is 41.5 €, in the high season - 44.5 €. A children's ski pass costs 14-22.5 €. Children under 6 years old are allowed on the lifts for free. Renting a ski kit for adults for a day costs 21-40 €, and for a child - 7-17 €. Snowboard rental costs 24€, helmet 6€, toboggan 5€, ski poles 2€, snowshoes 8€. Every year the collection of equipment for hire is updated with models of the new season.
Most of the Austrian territory is occupied by the Alps, so the country's specialization in winter recreation was predetermined. Ski areas in Austria are dotted with small ski villages, where the atmosphere of comfort reigns and ancient traditions are maintained. Thousands of small and large resorts amaze the tourist imagination.
This article opens a rubric dedicated to ski resorts in Austria. We will tell you about the most popular ski areas, look for thermal springs and places for high-quality family vacations. Particular attention will be paid to the weather and prices.
Popular ski resorts in Austria
Austria is dominated by medium-altitude ski centers 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 host guests all year round - these are Bad Gastein and Zell am See. We will devote separate articles to the following regions:
- . The pearl of the Stubai Valley, the slopes of which are mainly aimed at beginners. Nearby is a major transport hub - Innsbruck. It is through him that you have to get.
- . 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 enjoy the abundance of nightclubs, restaurants, bars, modern discos and theatrical performances. - . This popular resort is located in the picturesque Otzal Valley. Snowboarders and skiers are thrilled with Sölden - the town's reputation has been built on its two-kilometer drops that form steep slopes for the pros.
The most extensive ski area in Austria is Tyrol.
Tyrol is remarkable not only for its picturesque landscapes, but also for a number of elite ski resorts. We note the following:
- Seefeld;
- Innsbruck (plus its surroundings);
- Kirchberg;
- Pitztal;
- St. Anton;
- Ischgl;
- Serfaus;
- Valley of the Zillertal.
The six best resorts in the country
Among the thousands of ski resorts in Austria, it is very problematic to single out the “most-most”. The reason lies in the fact that the towns and villages in the ski areas are scattered very densely, and the general infrastructure of the Austrians is well thought out. Thus, our review will be reduced to a description of the most popular and revered places for skiers. Let's get started.
Leh. This resort belongs to the Arlberg region. You need to go here in winter, because in March the skiing season ends. You can get to Lech by bus running through Innsbruck.
The level of service is extremely high, and the tracks are in perfect condition. The slopes equipped for skiers stretch for 260 kilometers. There are gentle children's slopes.
Snowboarders will love the halfpipe. Swimming pool, skating rink, discos, bars and restaurants - there is enough entertainment in Leh.- Ischgl. You will have to fly here in the usual way - through 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. High-quality and rather difficult slopes prevail in Ischgl, so experienced skiers flock here. Trails and lifts have connected Ischgl with the general infrastructure of the region.
By the way, the local routes stretch for 238 kilometers. Altitude range - 1400-2860 meters. The complexity of the descents is also indicated by the fact that half of the slopes are “red”, another 18% are “black”. Beginners can also try their hand here - there are specially equipped "soft" zones for them. Ischgl is well-deservedly respected by snowboarders and is a state-of-the-art platform for board fans.
The weather rarely fails, but when it does, snow groomers and cannons come into play. 
Kaprun. This commune, located in the state of Salzburg, is considered the center of youth fun and glamorous entertainment. On the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, there are quite steep slopes that attract snowboarders and skiers of all categories. Three picturesque lakes, a museum of hydroelectric power plants, a national park with trails for ecotourists - all this will appeal to connoisseurs of sights. , or at any other time of the year, truly unforgettable.
You can get to the dams of power plants with the help of funiculars and buses. The main feature of Kaprun is a mountain train that runs between the city and the glacier.
It is warm in Kaprun in summer (up to 24 degrees), so the ski season ends in March.- Salzburg. This is a vast region that includes many popular ski resorts. We have already written about Kaprun. The second most popular is the town of Saalbach. Also in the land of Salzburg, the resorts of Zell am See, Maiskogel, Bad Gastein, Obertauern, Bad Hofgastein are localized. All of this is part of the ESR, the European Sports Region.
- Schladming. One of the most prestigious European resorts (top 10 of the world ski rating). The slopes there are equipped for both regular skiing and downhill/slalom skiing. The four peaks included in 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 real snow in its original form (although not everywhere).
You can ski in Saalbach from December until the end of March.
Looking for Austrian ski resorts on the map
The listed ski resorts can be found on the map of Austria. The villages and towns are arranged tightly, so it will be easy to find the right place.
Ski resort for every taste
The life of the Austrians is closely connected with skiing, so the resorts are designed for everyone who is interested in quality winter recreation.
We list the key areas and levels of training for skiers, linking them to specific resorts:
- Beginners. Feel free to go to Obertauern, Serfaus, Mayrhofen, Kaprun, Saalbach.
- Confidently riding. You will enjoy Ischgl, Bad Gastein, St. Anton, Saalbach, Kitzbühel, Obergurgl and Galthur.
- Wealthy people. The most elite resorts are Ischgl, Lech, Seefeld, St. Anton.
- Family holiday. Feel free to take your children to Lech, Serfaus, Kitzbühel, Mayrhofen, Zell am See, Saalbach-Hinterglemm.
- snowboarders. Solden, Ischgl, Hintertux, Zillertal, Saalbach are suitable for you.
- Cross-country skiing. The best areas 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 slopes of Kaprun and Mayrhofen. Now we have to go to the border region between Vorarlberg and Tyrol - it is here that the magnificent Saalbach is located. 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 snowboarding and ski schools;
- availability of entertainment venues with live music;
- bowling alley;
- swimming pool;
- excellent weather conditions.
You should also pay attention to Obertauern. "Upper Tower" - this is how the Austrians called the resort, covered up to the ears with fluffy snow. The weather allows skiing here until April. Excellent service is combined with moderate (for an elite resort) prices.
Thermal springs and holidays with children
For those who want 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 the rest in the thermal baths, and at the same time visit the spas. The most popular resort in these lands is Gastein.
Lech and Zell am See are ideal for families. You need to go to Lech through Innsbruck. This is a prestigious resort that not everyone can afford.
Among the undeniable advantages are a wide choice 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 an instructor.
Additional benefits of the resort include:
- kindergartens;
- torchlight processions;
- carnivals;
- medieval architecture;
- natural halfpipe;
- four snowboard parks.
Price panorama
It is quite difficult to calculate the cost of traveling to each of the resorts we have described. The budget will depend on the chosen hotel, room, mode of transportation (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;
- Kitzbühel - from 42;
- Kirchberg - from 42;
- Innsbruck - from 30;
- Montafon - from 27.
On average, it takes about a thousand dollars per person per week (if you choose a package tour). The cost will include accommodation, airfare, insurance and visa.
Here are specific examples of ski package tours:
- Leh - 950 dollars / week (a six-day ski pass will pull on 214 "green");
- St. Anton - 1000 (plus 193 bucks for a six-day ski pass);
- Saalbach-Hinterglemm - 700 (plus $ 164 for a ski pass);
- Mayrhofen - 900 (for a six-day ski pass you will give another 164);
- Kitzbühel - 700-900 (and 180 for a ski pass).
By the way, you can go to the same Mayrhofen on your own, pick up a tiny inexpensive hotel and decently relax 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 beginner skiers. Many resorts are adapted for children, so it’s quite possible to “break away” with the whole family. The main thing is to know what you want and how much you are willing to spend.
Here you can ride until you lose strength, without repeating the same descent in one day, there are slopes of different difficulty levels, and after-ski parties are for every taste and budget. None of the resorts is like the other, each has its own characteristics, its own charm and charm. We present you the ten biggest ski resorts in Austria for the 2013/2014 season.
The Mayrhofen ski resort, so beloved and popular among Russian tourists, offers action & fun to the full: the famous après-ski in Brück´n Stadl, where four mugs of beer are poured in a record 11 seconds, and discos in Snowbombing. If we count only the ski area above Mayrhofen, then in terms of size and length of slopes, it will take 10th place in Austria. Meanwhile, the elevation difference here is the largest in the surveyed ten: the tracks are located between 620 m and 2,250 m above sea level. The length of slopes prepared by snowcats is 133 km - from the simplest "blue" to the legendary "anthracite-black" Harakiri, the steepest slope in Austria, the slope of which reaches 78%. The one who went down the "Harakiri" is happy to buy a T-shirt in the nearest shop with the inscription "I survived Harakiri".
Mayrhofen
Facts:
– length of tracks: 133 km;
– the resort will appeal to après-ski fans, outdoor enthusiasts and extreme lovers.
Peculiarities:
– the steepest track in Austria and a 10-kilometer descent into the valley;
– new high-speed chair lifts with wind hoods and heated seats;
– VansPenkenPark in Mayrhofen;
– après-ski until 2 am.
Bare numbers:
- height difference - 1,880 m;
- especially for those who go to the mountain early in the morning: on certain days, the lifts start working at seven in the morning.
How to get there:
By car: Autobahn A12, exit Zillertal, 30 km on the B169 to Mayrhofen.
By train: any international train with a stop in Jenbach, where you need to change to the Zillertal train, which will take you to Mayrhofen for € 7.
The most important thing in Sölden is guaranteed snow. Of all the ten largest ski regions in Austria, the ski area in Sölden is the highest - up to 3,330 m above sea level. However, going down will not cause any problems either - snow cannons will take care of this. Some trails end right at the après ski bars - you can relax after skiing in Sölden until the morning.
Facts:
– length of tracks: 150 km;
– ski pass price: €48 per day;
– the resort will appeal to lovers of noisy après-ski.
Peculiarities:
– guaranteed snow from October to May;
- après-ski parties at the Fire and Ice bar until 3 am;
- Alpine skiing World Cup track on the Rettenbach Glacier, tracks with speed measurement and automatic video recording;
- Hannibal Show on the Rettenbach Glacier in April.
Bare numbers:
– one 3S lift (with three carrying cables), 7 gondola, 16 chairlifts and 9 ski lifts;
– 80% of easy and medium difficulty tracks;
– 28 km of black pistes and a 2 km ski route.
How to get there:
By car: exit from the motorway A12 at the sign for Ötztal, 35 km on the B186 road to Sölden.
By train: you will have to make a lot of transfers to the Ötztal station. A regular bus departs from the station every hour and the journey to Sölden takes 90 minutes.
Kitzbühel is one of the legendary and famous ski resorts in the Alps. This year marks the 120th anniversary of the first skiing from the top of the Kitzbüheler Horn. No less legendary are the races from Hahnenkamm - Alpine skiing World Cup competitions on the downhill track "Streif", one of the most difficult and dangerous. Kitzbühel is only 125 km from Munich International Airport and 80 km from Salzburg Airport. The network of trails and ski lifts on the surrounding slopes starts from an altitude of about 2,000 m above sea level.
Kitzbühel
Facts:
– length of tracks: 170 km;
– ski pass price: €47 per day;
– the resort is most suitable for good skiers, lovers of delicious food.
Peculiarities:
- in January, during the World Cup stage (from January 21 to 26, 2014), not only the elite of skiing, but also the cream of society, and not only Austrian, meet here;
- downhill track "Streif" with a maximum slope of 85%;
- many après-ski points, as well as gourmet restaurants;
- for lovers of ski touring and off-piste descents - 230 km² of Kitzbühel mountain space.
Bare numbers:
- 51 lifts;
– 32 km of marked, but not prepared slopes (ski-route).
How to get there:
By car: Autobahn A8 in the direction of Salzburg, exit towards Kufstein, exit from the motorway at the signpost Kufstein Süd, highway B178 in the direction of St. Johann in Tirol, B161 towards Kitzbühel. From Munich - 2 hours, from Salzburg - 1 hour 40 minutes.
By train: a couple of changes from Munich, the lower station of the cable car to the Hahnenkamm is three minutes from the station.
Sports, shows, après-ski parties, concerts of the world's pop-rock stars: in Ischgl, of course, young people will be the most interesting. A huge expanse of sunny slopes, a wide network of groomed trails and endless opportunities for freeriding.
Facts:
– length of tracks: 238 km;
– ski pass price: €43.50 per day in high season.
Peculiarities:
- concerts of world rock stars;
– snow parks and mountain huts next to the slopes;
– good opportunities for freeriding and guaranteed snow throughout the season.
Bare numbers:
– the highest point of the resort is located at an altitude of 2,872 m;
- 43 lifts;
– 16% of the tracks are blue, 65% are red and 19% are black.
How to get there:
By car: from Innsbruck on the Arlbergstrasse, turn at the sign for Pians, then 20 km on the Silvrettastraße B188 in the direction of Ischgl.
Brixental
1. Wilder Kaiser/Brixental
And finally, the largest ski area in Austria is the ski world of Wilder Kaiser / Brixental. In terms of the total length of prepared pistes, this region ranks 9th in Europe. It is unlikely that anyone is able to go around all 279 km of the slopes of Brixental in one day. Despite the relatively small heights, it is still worth going here - especially since this is one of the best resorts in the Alps in terms of transport accessibility.
Facts:
– length of tracks: 279 km;
– ski pass price: €44 per day in high season;
- the resort is ideal for fans of the so-called cruise skiing, snowboarders and those who have not ridden all day.
Peculiarities:
– the largest area for day and night skiing in Austria;
- 48% of "blue" slopes and only 6% of "black" slopes;
- an ideal resort for snowboarders - there are practically no long gentle slopes and flat traverses, but there are several snow parks.
Naked numbers:
– 91 cable cars;
– more than 70 mountain restaurants, cafes and après-ski bars;
– Alpeniglu® Dorf - igloo village with igloo restaurant, bar, ice sculpture exhibition and ice chapel;
- three fan parks, one track with video recording, SkiWelt Chill Areas with free internet access;
– three night sledge tracks (until 2 a.m.);
– The 13 km illuminated ski track is the longest in Austria.
How to get there:
By car: from Munich on the autobahn via Rosenheim, turning to Kufstein Süd or Wörgl Ost, then almost all SkiWelt centers are accessible via the new highway.
By train: the nearest train station is in Hopfgarten. In one night, you can get here, for example, from Northern Germany on the Schnee-Express. From Munich or Vienna - by EuroCity trains to Wörgl, change to the local railway, which will take you to the lower cable car station in Hopfgarten in 10 minutes.
They open their doors to millions of tourists from November to April, and on the tops of the Alpine glaciers you can enjoy excellent skiing at any time of the year. The main ski area is located in the southwestern part of the country, in the federal states of Carinthia, Salzburg, Tyrol and Vorarlberg. Austrian ski centers are world famous for the excellent quality of the tracks, modern infrastructure, excellent service and a huge selection of entertainment for every taste. A special charm of winter holidays in Austria is given by the bewitching landscapes of mountain lakes, snowy slopes covered with fir trees and Tyrolean village houses. You can get acquainted with the best Austrian ski resorts by reading our article.
1. St. Anton (Vorarlberg)
St. Anton is rightfully one of the best ski resorts in Austria. This modern resort, rich in traditions and excellent infrastructure, is called the cradle of Austrian skiing - it was here that the first ski club in the Alps was opened at the very beginning of the 20th century. Holidays in St. Anton will bring real pleasure to experienced skiers and adrenaline lovers: the slopes here are interesting and quite difficult. The total length of the routes of St. Anton is more than 300 km, most of them have a high level of difficulty. By the way, the longest 10 km track in the Arlberg is also located in St. Anton. In addition, the resort offers excellent opportunities for freeriding due to the spacious and steep slopes and excellent snow cover. Fans of active pastime after skiing will enjoy the ski resort of St. Anton with a huge selection of restaurants and noisy nightclubs.
2. Lech (Vorarlberg)
Ski resort Lech is a true paradise for connoisseurs of luxury hotels, great restaurants, gourmet Austrian cuisine and, of course, beautiful slopes. Lech has long been a favorite winter holiday destination for European aristocrats, world celebrities and crowned heads. It’s definitely impossible to save on vacation here, but in return for the money spent, you can enjoy the highest level of service and a huge variety of services offered. Of the 300 km of ski slopes in Lech, slopes of an average level of difficulty prevail. There are many comfortable trails with a slight slope, suitable for lovers of leisurely and comfortable skiing. Skiers with impeccable physical fitness will surely like heli-skiing - off-piste descents with delivery to the top by helicopter. Lech is the only Austrian resort where this rare and exciting type of skiing is officially allowed. In addition, Lech and St. Anton are united by a common ski pass, which allows you to enjoy extreme skiing on the slopes of a neighboring resort.
3. Mayrhofen (Tyrol)
Mayrhofen is one of the most famous Austrian ski resorts. Its undeniable advantages are a large area for skiing with a total length of more than 150 km, flawless slopes of medium difficulty, affordable prices and a lively nightlife. The resort of Mayrhofen is very popular among the European public, so do not be surprised that in the high season its slopes are often overloaded, and long queues line up at the ski lifts. The Hintertux glacier, whose peak is at 3250 m, has excellent opportunities for descents. The snow cover here lasts all year round, thanks to which skiing on the upper zone of the glacier is possible both in winter and in summer. And, finally, the main highlight of Mayrhofen is the most dangerous track in Austria with the eloquent name "Harakiri": its incredibly steep slope reaches 78%.
4. Sölden (Tyrol)
The ski resort of Sölden has become famous for its lively atmosphere and wide range of recreational opportunities. Here you will find a variety of accommodation options from budget hotels to luxury hotels. A huge number of restaurants, bars, discos and nightclubs makes Sölden especially attractive for lovers of stormy après-ski: the most noisy and incendiary parties in Tyrol take place here. When it comes to skiing, among 150 km of first-class ski slopes, everyone, from beginner to professional, will find a route according to their preferences. And due to the fact that the top of the Sölden glacier is covered with snow all year round, the skiing season here begins earlier than usual, and the most impatient skiers come here as early as October.
5. Ischgl (Tyrol)
The reputation of the most expensive and most prestigious ski resort in Austria has firmly entrenched in the small mountain village of Ischgl. From the end of October to the beginning of May, Ischgl turns into a place of a huge glamorous party, where, according to tradition, all the Austrian bohemians gather to “see people and show themselves”, and at the same time (as a pleasant addition to the rest) go skiing. The annual opening of the ski season in Ischgl is a grand show: in different years Elton John, Tina Turner, Sting, Rihanna and other legendary world-famous performers took part in it. The quality of the tracks and infrastructure here, of course, is at the highest level. The total length of the tracks exceeds 200 km, most of them are quite difficult. The resort has all the conditions for extreme skiing, freeride and carving, and the famous local snowboard park is considered one of the best in Europe.
6. Zell am See (Salzburg)
The picturesque town of Zell am See, located on the shores of the mountain lake Zell, is rightfully one of the most beautiful ski resorts in Austria. With impeccable groomed trails and the latest infrastructure, it has retained its unique natural charm. Zell am See, together with the high mountain glacier Kaprun, forms a single ski area with a total length of about 140 km of slopes, and the season on the glacier lasts all year round. Zell am See offers its guests a huge range of opportunities for active pastime: alpine and classic skiing, snowboarding, sledding and skating, horseback riding, sailing on the ice of Lake Zell, climbing, paragliding and skydiving. The healing effect of the resort is complemented by its excellent ecology, fresh mountain air and the presence of healing mineral springs.
7. Bad Gastein (Salzburg)
The expensive and prestigious Austrian ski resort Bad Gastein is known primarily as a spa resort: back in the 19th century, European intellectuals came here to improve their health “on the waters”. Thanks to the healing mountain air and numerous thermal springs, Bad Gastein is often called the "Alpine Monte Carlo". The unique flavor of the town is given by ancient architectural ensembles, a picturesque waterfall in the heart of the resort, elite spa complexes, and the oldest mountain casino. For ski lovers, Bad Gastein offers about 200 km of impeccable slopes, most of which are ideal for measured comfortable skiing. There are few difficult slopes, but for beginners there are several ski schools, including children's ones. As for the après-ski vacation, you definitely cannot call it stormy and lively here: on the territory of the aristocratic Bad Gastein, the most popular entertainment after skiing is leisurely walks along the mountain paths or a visit to the spa.
8. Obertauern (Salzburg)
Obertauern rightfully enjoys the reputation of being the snowiest ski resort in Austria. Skiing here is organized at an altitude of 1700 to 2300 m, so natural snow is always guaranteed on the upper sections of the slopes, and a modern artificial snow support system works below. Of the 100 km of ski routes, more than half are blue slopes, designed for the average level of skiers. There are interesting red runs with an increased level of difficulty. For fans of extreme skiing, Obertauern has only 4 black slopes, but thanks to the abundant snow, there are excellent opportunities for freeriding. This resort is not yet well known to the Russian public, although it certainly deserves closer attention: it has the most modern hotel stock in Austria and excellent opportunities for après-ski: many bars, restaurants and several nightclubs.
9. Nassfeld (Carinthia)
Nassfeld is another good ski resort in Austria, undeservedly deprived of the attention of Russian tourists. Therefore, if you prefer a holiday in Europe among Europeans, Nassfeld will be an excellent option for you. Among the main advantages of the Nassfeld resort are the guaranteed abundance of snow, the excellent quality of the slopes and the very convenient location of hotels and apartments, which allows you to ski, as they say, “from the door”. On the slopes of Nassfeld with a total length of about 100 km, there is enough space for both beginners and professionals. Interestingly, it is in Nassfeld that the longest gondola lift in the Alps operates, delivering skiers to the beginning of the slopes for a distance of more than 6 km. Another highlight of the resort is the mountain lake Presegger, which, after freezing, turns into a huge natural ice rink.
10. Serfaus - Fiss - Ladis (Tyrol)
The ski resorts of Serfaus, Fiss and Ladis, united by a common 200-kilometer track area, are an excellent option for an active family holiday in Austria. There are excellent conditions for skiers of intermediate level and for children's skiing. In the Serfaus resort, everything is thought out to the smallest detail for the most comfortable stay with children: a mountain kindergarten famous throughout Europe with exciting animation programs, children's restaurants, a puppet theater, a children's ski school, snow towns and even lifts specially adapted for loading strollers. Another unique feature of the resort is the only silent metro of its kind, consisting of one line and four stations, and delivering vacationers from the resort center to the ski lifts for free.
