Austria may be best known for its capital, but this Central European country is above all a land of breathtaking scenery. Austria boasts numerous mountains and ski resorts. Sports enthusiasts will be familiar with the Tyrol region, renowned for its mythical downhill runs and guaranteed thrills. With its snow-capped mountains, lakes and alpine forests, Austria is the perfect destination for combining sport and scenic enjoyment. So where can you ski in Austria? Discover our list of the 12 biggest resorts.
1- Skiing in Sölden
Sölden is Austria's best-known ski resort. Located in the Tyrol region of westernAustria, it has hosted the 2019-2020 Alpine Skiing World Cup. The area's highest peak is the Schwarzer Schneid, culminating at 3340m. Sölden is one of the country's biggest ski resorts, with over 140km of pistes in total. There are 31 lifts to explore the area, as well as a Snow Park for snowboarders. And don't miss a visit to the Ötzal glacier.
The article to read 1- Austria: if your ski holiday is part of your first visit to Austria, read our article on the 19 most beautiful places to visit in the country.
2- Kitzbühel
Located in the town of Kitzbühel, this resort has a reputation for luxury. Also in the Tyrol region, the Kitzbühel ski area is an international alpine ski circuit. The ascent of the Kitzbüheler Horn is one of the most famous climbs to be made by bike. It comprises a total of 60 ski runs, offering almost 180km of skiing. These include the Streif, known to skiers as the world's most difficult slope, historically reserved for men since 1961. In 2023, American champion Lindsey Vonn became the first woman to descend it, a feat she achieved at night and with peak speeds of over 100 km/h.
The activity to book: if you're looking for your own dose of thrills, opt for tandem paragliding above Kitzbühel rather than trying your hand at the Streif. You can book this activity here.
3- Where to ski in Austria? Skiwelt ski area
Skiwelt is Tyrol's largest ski area, and one of the biggest in Europe! Its 240km of pistes stretch between the Wilder Kaiser and Brixental valleys. There are 90 lifts, children's areas and snowparks for freestylers. This popular Austrian ski area is easily accessible from a number of villages, including Brixen im Thale and Söll.
4- Ischgl
This fairly recent resort was opened around fifty years ago around the village ofIschgl, in the Silvretta Alps. It's one of the country's trendiest resorts. Experienced skiers are particularly fond of this destination. It boasts over 230km of pistes, including 40 red and 25 black runs. There's also a 7km toboggan run and two snowparks with obstacles. Ischgl is one of the best destinations to go to in January.
Activities to book: if you're in Ischgl and want to take a break from skiing, why not book a Fatbike ride in the Silvretta Alps in the Silvretta Alps.
5- Ski Arlberg
Still in Tyrol, the Ski Arlberg ski area is located in the magnificent Bregenzerwald massif. With over 300km of pistes, it's the country's largest continuous ski area. It is considered the cradle of winter sports in Austria. With a variety of slopes to suit all abilities, it's one of the most popular ski areas in the country. You can reach it from the resort villages of Sankt Anton, Lech and Schröcken.
6- Where to ski in Austria? Mayrhofen
To the east ofInnsbruck, the Mayrhofen ski area covers almost 139km of pistes in two zones. The Penken zone is more sporty and is ideal for ambitious skiers. If you feel like it, the black descent n°34, nicknamed Harakiri, is the steepest in the country with a 78% gradient. The highest point of the Penken massif is at 2250m, where you can ski on the glacier. The second zone, Ahorn, is popular with families. It offers wide slopes of all difficulties and a Funslope.
The article to read: visit Innsbruck's Christmas market. It's one of the 19 most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe.
7- Zillertal Arena
The Zillertal Arena is a large family ski area. It is built primarily for amateur skiers and families on vacation. There are 150km of pistes and a maximum altitude of around 2,500m. There are kindergartens for the little ones, ski lessons for the older ones and the "Arena Champion" snowpark, ideal for teenagers. In the meantime, you can go sliding down Austria's longest mountain run. You can reach the area via the villages of Zell am Ziller or Königsleiten.
8- Hochzeiger
This quintessential family resort is perfect for your children's first runs. The 40kms of pistes at Hochzeiger lie between 1450 and 2450m altitude, offering a wide variety of terrain. There are 9 lifts to take you all over the resort, located in the Tyrol region. For children, you'll find top-quality ski lessons and a variety of activities, including a 6km toboggan run and a snowpark.
9- Serfauss-Fiss-Ladis ski area
Well thought-out for younger skiers, the Serfauss-Fiss-Ladis ski area boasts a total of 214km of mostly blue and red runs. Don't get me wrong: while the area remains very family-friendly, there's plenty for winter sports enthusiasts too. Between ski schools and kindergartens, you'll find snowparks and several panoramic runs. As its name suggests, the area is accessible from the resorts of Serfaus, Fiss and Ladis.
10- Where to ski in Austria? The Skicircus ski area
Located between Innsbruck and Salzburg, the Skicircus ski area is the largest in the Salzburg federal state. After combining the Glemm and Pillersee valleys, the area now extends over 270km. There's plenty to do on site, and several ski tours are available. These include the 40km Skicircus circuit, which passes through all the major resorts. You can access the area from the resorts of Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Leogang or Fieberbrunn.
The article to read: take the opportunity to visit the beautiful city of Salzburg. We've listed the must-sees for you here .
11- Skiing in Warth-Schrocken
BetweenGermany, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, this resort puts off-piste in the spotlight. In Warth-Schröcken, you'll find 35km of pistes served by 15 lifts. The resort boasts Europe's highest snowfall rate, estimated at 11m of snow per year. For beginners and children, a snow garden and blue runs are available. Snowboard enthusiasts can take advantage of the area's snowpark.
12- Skiing at Walgrain in the Salzburg ski area
Walgrain is one of 28 resorts in the Salzburg Amade area, named after Amadeus Mozart. These 28 combined resorts form the country's largest ski area, with almost 212km of pistes, 79 of which are suitable for children and beginners. Just a few kilometers from the city of Salzburg, the Walgrain resort has a cable car that takes you directly to the highest point in the area: the Dachstein glacier.
Activities to book salzburg: if you're visiting Salzburg, don't miss a concert. Mozart's birthplace offers evenings of music by the great classical composers at the Palais Mirabelle. You can book your evening right here.
Discover also the most popular things to do around Innsbruck in the Austrian Alps:
Where can families ski in Austria?
Austria offers a multitude of family-friendly ski resorts. Here are a few suggestions for your stay:
- Sölden : famous for its varied slopes and modern infrastructure. This resort offers activities for the whole family, including ski schools and children's playgrounds.
- Ischgl : renowned for its extensive ski area. There's plenty of entertainment, children's activities and well-groomed slopes.
- Saalbach-Hinterglemm: with its ski schools and numerous blue runs, this resort is perfect for families. You can also enjoy ice skating and sleigh rides.
- Kitzbühel : this historic resort offers comfortable accommodation and a wide range of activities. There are slopes for all levels.
Where to ski in Austria for less?
Austria offers many options for more economical ski vacations. Here are a few suggestions for more affordable stays:
- Mayrhofen : this resort, renowned for its varied slopes, offers ski passes at reasonable prices. You'll find budget accommodation and off-ski activities to suit all budgets.
- St Anton am Arlberg: renowned for its impressive ski area, this resort also offers last-minute deals. Book early for discounted ski passes.
- Bad Gastein: this spa resort offers downhill skiing and wellness activities at competitive prices.
- Schladming : this family-friendly resort offers pistes for all levels and more affordable ski passes.
Which Austrian ski resort is the most luxurious?
Austria is home to world-renowned ski resorts, offering unforgettable luxury experiences. Here are just a few of them:
- Kitzbühel : considered the country's most luxurious resort, Kitzbühel is famous for its luxury hotels, gourmet restaurants and high-end boutiques. The Streif, one of the world's most challenging slopes, is a major draw for sports enthusiasts.
- Lech-Zürs am Arlberg: another luxury destination, this resort offers prestigious establishments, renowned spas and Michelin-starred restaurants. Its ski area is one of the largest in Austria.
- Ischgl : this modern, luxurious resort is known for its well-groomed slopes, luxury hotels and world-famous events. Nightlife is vibrant and lively.
