With sweeping pistes and technical terrain, full-throttle après and Tyrolean charm, Austria’s diverse ski areas promise some of the most exciting and varied ski-trips that the Alps have to offer. Skiing in Austria you’ll find ten resorts that are up there with the very best in the world.
And the views? Well, see for yourself.
Saalbach Hinterglemm
Just an hour and a half from Salzburg airport, Saalbach is home to one of Austria’s top 10 ski resorts and the country’s most sophisticated lift system, where 200km of pistes are served by more than 55 lifts. A lively resort with a legendary après-ski scene, Saalbach’s pistes stay open until 9:30 every evening, allowing you to shuush under the stars.
St Anton
Après and off-piste define this pretty valley, which attracts powder-hounds and ski bums season after season. With challenging runs, technical backcountry and bars galore, adrenaline runs high in St Anton.
Mayrhofen
Host to the annual Snowbombing festival, this sprawling village is set in the steep-sided Zillertal Valley and offers skiing on two separate plateaux. With a huge variety of terrain, internationally acclaimed snow-park and stacks of non-skiing activities, Mayrhofen is popular with all abilities. Alternatively you can stay in Gerlos which accesses the same ski area.
Kitzbühel
This glam yet traditional resort – often referred to as the “Pearl of the Alps”- is renowned for its lively après-ski, spectacular skiing and authentic charm. Best visited in high season, when its lower altitude slopes enjoy the best snow coverage.
Sölden
Tucked between 3000-metre peaks, this energetic resort offers skiing on two high-altitude glaciers, with good snow conditions throughout the season. Sölden tends to attract a young crowd and is renowned for its ski-hard, party-hard attitude in the Otzal Valley.
Westendorf
Forming part of Austria’s immense Ski Welt area, the un-crowded pistes of this peaceful Tyrolean village are ideal for beginners. Linking to more than 600 slopes, and popular with cross-country skiers, there’s also plenty for the more adventurous.
Alpbach
Breathtakingly beautiful, this atmospheric village-resort is a long-standing favourite of British skiers. With excellent conditions for beginners, as well as enticing off-piste and great snow conditions, its idea for all levels and is particularly popular with families.
Ischgl and Galtur
Linked by a ski-bus, these neighbouring resorts give access to some of the highest and most adventurous terrain in Austria. A superb area for ski-touring, there are plenty of adventurous routes here, and the Alp Trida valley trail will take you all the way to Switzerland. An ideal ski-area for intermediates and experts, stay in cosy Galtur for authentic village appeal, or opt for Ischgl for its lively nightlife.
Filzmoos
This unspoilt village oozes charm and is ideal for peaceful skiing in Austria. Its gentle slopes are more suited to families and beginners, but its authentic ambience and scenic trails will appeal to all.
Lech
Austria’s most glamorous resort retains its traditional village appeal, with its charming wooden chalets and winding streets, which are home to some of the smartest – and most expensive – hotels for skiing in Austria. Linked with Zurs Lech has plenty of beginner terrain, and advanced skiers can venture off-piste or tour over to St Anton; come here for celeb-spotting and champagne swigging, as well as superb skiing. Check out our review of Lech ski holiday.
