THE SKI RESORTS OF THE AUSTRIAN ALPS
There are over 400 ski resorts in the Austrian Alps, so you will definitely be spoilt for choice! Furthermore, so many ski resorts are only a stone’s throw away from some of the finest Austrian cities, so why not add an urban adventure to your ski trip?
Apart from the world class ski slopes and infrastructure, what I love about skiing in Austria is the traditional architecture and low rise timber construction for the newer additions to the historical, postcard pretty mountain villages. Moreover, I was very impressed by the Austrian hospitality and that jolly après atmosphere which is lovingly infused with local flavours and customs.
BEST AUSTRIAN SKI RESORTS FOR APRÈS SKI
Travelling with friends? Why not organise a ski trip in…
- St. Anton: It is said that a red run here would be a black anywhere else! Likewise, many blues are more towards the red end of the spectrum. Ski hard, party harder!
- Sölden: Ski the Big 3 -three skiable mountains with elevations higher than 3,000m / 9,840ft- and explore the world of James Bond in the 007 Elements exhibition.
- Ischgl: Traditional, upmarket town with exciting nightlife and some of Austria’s best intermediate skiing, all at high altitude.
- Mayrhofen: Try Austria’s steepest run, the Hara Kiri; with a name like that, what can go wrong? Après at the ice bar, a relaxed cocktail bar, a friendly Austrian pub or even a club.
- Saalbach: The charming village is perfectly placed to explore the 270km / 170miles Skicircus. With accessible nursery areas, gentle tree-lined blues and steeper north-facing runs, it’s perfect for mixed-ability groups and party lovers too.
BEST AUSTRIAN SKI RESORTS WITH A RELAXED VIBE
Travelling with your other half or with children? You should look into…
- Obergurgl – Hochgurgl (Gurgl): The ‘Diamond of the Alps’ may be keeping a low profile, but it is certainly world class ski resort material! Perfect for families and quiet nights in.
- Zell Am See: Even without your skis, you will have a blast in this beautiful lakeside town. However, there are 3 different ski areas included in the lift pass, so not skiing would be unwise!
BEST AUSTRIAN SKI RESORTS FOR AN UPSCALE TRIP
Luxury travel aficionado? I bet you have heard of these Austrian ski resorts…
- Kitzbühel: Old school glamour, beauty and a rich history, which takes in Ian Fleming and the terrifying Hahnenkamm ski race. This resort is a classic and while not the highest in the Alps, snow quality is guaranteed.
- Lech: The resort of choice for several royal families, including Princess Diana. Need I say more? One of the top spots for snowfall in Europe with speedy links to the huge Arlberg Ski area.
GETTING TO THE AUSTRIAN ALPS BY PLANE
Getting to the ski resorts in the Austrian Alps typically involves flying into one of the airports mentioned below followed by a 1-2h car / bus transfer.
– Salzburg Airport
– Innsbruck Airport
GETTING TO THE AUSTRIAN ALPS BY TRAIN
Austria has an extensive, reliable train network and many of the ski resorts can be reached by train or train and bus / shuttle. Routes, schedules and tickets can be found at OEBB.at.
In the western part of the country, the major train line along the Inn River Valley provides the link between Innsbruck & Switzerland. Important train stations include Landeck-Zams (for Ischgl), Ötztal (for Obergurgl – Hochgurgl & Sölden ) & St Anton Am Arlberg (for Lech & St Anton).
To the east of Innsbruck, train routes connect directly to ski resorts in many locations including stations at Kitzbühel & Zell am See.
Travelling from anywhere in the world via Vienna?
The Railjet connects Vienna International Airport to Salzburg’s Main Train Station in approx 3h. There is also a service from Vienna airport to St Anton am Arlberg in western Austria; the journey takes less than 6 hours. Similarly, with the Nightjet, you can comfortably travel while you sleep in comfy sleeper cars…
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: AUSTRIA
LANGUAGE: German; a lot of Austrian people also speak English very well
CURRENCY: Euro (€) (Austria is part of the EU & Eurozone)
PLUGS: Types C and F (230V supply voltage & 50Hz frequency)
VISA REQUIREMENTS: Citizens of EU countries and those from many non-EU countries, including Canada, UK and USA, among others, do not need a visa for short term travel. Check with your online government services or at your nearest Austrian embassy / consulate for more info.
EXPLORE THE AUSTRIAN ALPS SKI RESORT REVIEWS
Explore the blog for more skiing:
… or return to The Alps-Ski Resorts main page.
