10 Best Skiing Resorts in Austria: Discover the Alpine Paradise in 2025

Last Updated on 22 January 2025

Austria, nestled in the heart of Europe, is a winter wonderland with a wide range of ski resorts catering to various tastes and budgets. From exhilarating high-altitude skiing to family-friendly slopes, and from luxury escapes to budget-friendly destinations, the best skiing resorts in Austria offer a ski experience for everyone.

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Are you ready to explore the Alpine paradise? Read on to find out what the best ski resorts in Austria are and how you can enjoy the ski areas from gentle slopes to more challenging runs.

Best Skiing Resorts in Austria: Key Takeaways

• Discover Austria’s Alpine paradise with thrilling slopes, unbeatable après ski scenes & stunning views!

• Enjoy the perfect family or romantic getaway with endless activities on and off the slopes.

• Easily plan an amazing ski holiday in Austria to suit all budgets and preferences!

St. Anton – The Alpine Gem

Austria is home to numerous ski resorts, yet St. Anton distinguishes itself as a beloved alpine retreat, drawing in thousands of skiers annually.

With 305km of challenging pistes and a modern lift system, this ski region is perfect for intermediate skiers to advanced skiers seeking adventure and nightlife. The vibrant après-ski scene in St. Anton includes popular bars like the Krazy Kangaruh and Mooserwirt, where you can unwind after a day of thrilling downhill skiing. This world-renowned resort in the Austrian Alps is a must-visit for snow enthusiasts!

Snow-sure, wide-open pistes, and its proximity to other top ski resorts like Lech make St. Anton a sought-after destination for Austrian skiing holidays. The resort is known for its challenging off-piste terrain, providing excitement for advanced skiers looking to push their limits. For a memorable skiing trip, St. Anton should be on your list.

Ischgl – High-Altitude Haven

Ischgl, among Austria’s most extensive ski resorts, provides a high-altitude sanctuary for both skiers and snowboarders. With 238km of groomed pistes and a lift system that effortlessly transports you to the top, Ischgl promises snow-sure skiing and breathtaking views of the Austrian Alps.

The off-piste skiing opportunities at this Austrian resort are superb, especially off the Piz Val Gronda cable car, making it an ideal destination for ski experts and thrill-seekers. Don’t forget to grab your lift pass to fully enjoy this amazing experience.

Beyond its challenging terrain, Ischgl is famed for its vibrant après ski scene, appealing to a mixed group of people. The Trofana Alm, the number one après ski bar in the world, is located here, ensuring unforgettable nights after a day on the slopes. From high-altitude skiing to entertaining nightlife, Ischgl provides a well-rounded ski holiday experience for all levels of skiers.

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Lech – Luxury and Romance

For a luxurious and romantic ski retreat, Lech is a perfect choice. This charming resort combines elegance and romance, offering elegant hotels, fine dining, and a sophisticated atmosphere that attracts couples from around the world.

Lech’s ski area is perfect for beginner and intermediate skiers, with plentiful red and blue runs, multiple snow parks, and over 200km of marked backcountry ski routes.

The picturesque town of Lech maintains its charm, with cosy fondue Stüblis and a warm welcome from the locals. Don’t miss out on the White Ring, a half-day tour that takes you through neighbouring Zürs, Zug, and Oberlech while showcasing some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Arlberg region.

Lech is truly a luxurious, romantic ski area for ski enthusiasts and their loved ones.

Obergurgl – Family-Friendly Skiing

For a family ski vacation, Obergurgl is the ideal choice. This family-friendly resort offers 110km of pistes, suitable for beginners and intermediates, ensuring a memorable experience for the whole family. Obergurgl’s high altitude and high-tech snow generation system make it one of the most snow-sure resorts in Austria, so you can enjoy skiing without worrying about snow quality.

Apart from skiing, Obergurgl offers a wide range of non-skiing activities for the whole family, such as hiking and indoor golf. The après-ski scene is great as well, with over 20 bars offering a variety of options for both adults and children, making it an ideal destination for a family skiing holiday in the Austrian Alps.

Mayrhofen – Freestyle Paradise

Freestyle skiers, celebrate! Mayrhofen is your haven and is one of the largest ski resorts offering 540km of pistes, an impressive snow park, and a lively après scene that caters to all abilities and attracts a young, energetic crowd. The ski area in Mayrhofen boasts almost every kind of slope the Alps have to offer, from the smooth, fast glacier runs of the Hintertux to the thrilling off-piste of Hochfugen.

With such an extensive ski area and an energetic après scene, Mayrhofen is an ideal destination for those seeking freestyle skiing and a lively atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned freestyle skier or just starting, Mayrhofen offers a wide range of options to keep you entertained on and off the slopes.

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Zell am See – Romantic Escapes

For a romantic retreat, Zell am See is an idyllic destination. This charming resort is situated by a stunning lake, offering breathtaking views and a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for couples seeking a romantic ski getaway. With 138km of pistes and access to the nearby Kaprun ski area, Zell am See caters to all levels of skiers, making it an ideal destination for couples and families alike.

The charming town of Zell am See offers a variety of activities for non-skiers, such as horse-drawn sleigh rides, guided hikes, and hot air balloon rides. Combined with its charming atmosphere and breathtaking lakeside views, Zell am See is an unforgettable romantic escape for couples and families.

Saalbach-Hinterglemm – Group Getaways

Saalbach-Hinterglemm is an excellent choice for ski holidays, with 270km of pistes and a lively après-ski scene that caters to a diverse crowd. The resort offers a range of activities on and off the slopes, ensuring a memorable trip for everyone in your group.

With a variety of skiing options and après-ski venues, Saalbach-Hinterglemm is an ideal destination for groups of friends looking to enjoy a skiing holiday together. If you’re looking for challenging slopes for all skill levels, legendary après-ski bars for socialising and celebrating, and beautiful mountain scenery for relaxation and enjoyment, then Saalbach-Hinterglemm is a great ski region to consider. This resort provides the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation for your group getaway.

Sölden – Glacier Adventures

For a distinct skiing experience, Sölden offers a comprehensive package. With breathtaking scenery and high-altitude skiing, Sölden is a must-visit destination for those seeking a one-of-a-kind ski holiday.

Sölden offers an unforgettable adventure for thrill-seekers, thanks to its two glaciers, providing a snow-sure skiing experience unlike any other. The challenging terrain and awe-inspiring views make this resort a top choice for adventure-seekers looking to push their limits on the slopes.

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Söll – Budget-Friendly Fun

If you seek a budget-friendly ski trip without sacrificing quality, Söll is the ideal choice. This budget-friendly ski resort offers varied terrain suitable for beginners and intermediates, along with legendary après-ski venues that will keep you entertained after a day on the slopes.

Söll’s local ski area provides great value for money, ensuring a memorable ski holiday that won’t break the bank. With its varied terrain, lively après-ski scene, and affordable pricing, Söll is an ideal destination for those seeking a budget-friendly ski holiday in Austria.

Söll also makes up part of the Skiwelt ski area in Austria. This is one of the largest interconnected ski areas in the world and is found in the stunning Wilderkaiser mountain range. It’s home to the villages of Ellmau, Scheffau, Söll, Hopfgarten, Westendorf, Brixen, Going and Itter.

Making up 279km of piste (the longest run is 10km) and 91 lifts, there is plenty to keep everyone happy. SkiWelt boasts 70 ski huts, restaurants, and après ski bars, with one located every 3.9km. Although the highest lift is at 1,825 metres and the lowest at 620 metres, the SkiWelt has a strong snow history. If needed, there are around 1,000 snow cannons that can cover 180km in three days.

Kaprun – Family-Friendly Skiing

Kaprun provides a family-oriented skiing adventure featuring 136km of pistes, glacier skiing, and spectacular views. It is an excellent choice for families desiring a more laid-back skiing experience, including cross-country skiing. The resort caters to all levels of skiers, from beginners to intermediates, ensuring an enjoyable skiing experience for everyone in the family.

The quieter atmosphere of Kaprun, combined with its family-friendly skiing options and off-slope activities, make it a perfect choice for families looking to create lasting memories on their ski holiday. For a truly unforgettable family-friendly ski experience head to Kaprun. Here, you’ll find easy slopes for beginners and children, breathtaking glacier skiing for more experienced skiers, and a variety of off-slope activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Austria’s Diverse Ski Holiday Options

Austria’s ski resorts accommodate all tastes and budgets, presenting various lodging options for a memorable ski trip. From family-run hotels and chalets to self-catering apartments, you’ll find the perfect place to stay while exploring Austria’s diverse ski offerings.

Austrian ski resorts have a ski resort that will make your holiday unforgettable regardless of your skiing preferences or budget. In fact, some of the best ski resorts can be found in this beautiful country.

Tips for Planning Your Austrian Ski Trip

Organising your Austrian ski trip is now more straightforward, thanks to expert guidance, insider suggestions, and abundant information on top ski resorts, lodging options, and activities for all preferences and budgets. Whether you’re looking for high-altitude skiing, a romantic getaway, or a budget-friendly ski holiday, Austria has it all.

When planning your ski trip, consider the type of ski experience you desire, your budget, and the time of year you wish to travel. Be sure to research and compare different ski resorts in Austria to find the perfect destination for your needs and budget. With some planning and research, you’ll be well on your way to an unforgettable Austrian ski holiday.

Final Thoughts

Austria’s diverse ski resorts offer a wealth of options for all types of skiers and budgets. Austria has something for everyone, from charming alpine towns to high-altitude ski resorts. With stunning scenery, a wide range of skiing options, and unforgettable après-ski experiences, it’s no wonder Austria is a top destination for ski enthusiasts.

So, pack your skis and get ready for an incredible ski adventure in the heart of the Austrian Alps!

Frequently Asked Questions

What airport do you fly to in Austria?

Innsbruck airport is a popular choice as is Salzburg airport if you’re travelling within Europe or the UK. For international flights, Zurich International Airport is a great choice with excellent train and road connections to many ski resorts in Austria.

What is the main ski resort in Austria?

The Arlberg is the biggest ski area in Austria and the birthplace of skiing. It has aerial tramways and chairlifts that go up to 2,811 m (9,222 ft) with a vertical drop of 1,507 m (4,944 ft), making it one of the most popular ski resorts in Austria.

Which Austrian ski resort has the most snow?

Experience a snow-sure ski season at Warth-Schröcken, Austria – the snowiest ski area in Europe with 10.5m of snow each season! The nearby village of Damüls even gets over 9m per season, making it the ‘snowiest village in the world’.

What is the best time to go skiing in Austria?

Experience the perfect slopes and great snow conditions in Austria by skiing from December to April, with January being a highly recommended month!

Are there any visa requirements for travelling to Austria for skiing?

You don’t need a visa to ski in Austria – stay for up to 90 days in a 180-day period and start enjoying the slopes!