Top-5 Ski Resorts in Austria

What are your first associations with Austria? Probably skiing, strudel and classical music. Exactly in this sequence, which is not surprising, as Austrians start skiing from a very young age.

It is not easy to choose a slope as Austria has more than 400 ski resorts, and they account for the majority of the world’s top ranking ski resorts.

The mountain slopes in Austria are ideal for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. In a fairly small area there are dozens of ski areas, hundreds of various hotels, thousands of kilometers of perfectly equipped slopes, views of extraordinary beauty, and places with a unique atmosphere and excellent service.

TOP 5 BEST SKI RESORTS IN AUSTRIA

If you are still planning to get a residence permit or already live in Austria, but are not familiar with the local resorts, you can get acquainted with the top ski resorts in this article, and whichever one you choose, you will have an unforgettable experience.

Sölden

Location: the central part of Tyrol in Austria, the Ötztal Valley
Nearest cities: Innsbruck, Munich
Season: end of November - beginning of May, on the glacier - all year round

Sölden is the most popular ski resort in Austria among skiers and snowboarders from across the globe. In the valley Ötztal, there are 3 peaks above 3,000 m with stunning viewing platforms. The resort houses 2 snow parks, a halfpipe, night clubs, restaurants and a large sports center called Freizeit Arena Sölden. Visitors are treated to modern ski elevators, excellent snow on the slopes and year-round skiing on the glaciers.

The tracks stretch for 145.5 km, while the longest is 15 km, and the illuminated track is 4 km. Novice skiers' routes are 69.5 kilometers long, and for more experienced skiers - 29.2 kilometers. The slopes are served by 34 ski elevators.

Ischgl

Location: the western part of Tyrol in the valley Paznaun.
Nearest cities: Innsbruck, Munich, Salzburg
Season: end of November - end of April

When it comes to the best ski slopes in Austria, many of us think of Tyrol, and the top resort in Tyrol is Ischgl, which is often called the Austrian Courchevel, thanks to its popularity among the rich and famous fans of skiing. The resort is full of nightlife, boutiques, gourmet restaurants and premium services. This ski resort is very highly valued by snowboarders. The altitude difference is more than 1,400 meters. You can start the descent on the top of the glacier; Greitspitz, 2,872 m above sea level, and unload the skis on the main street of Ischgl, among the restaurants and stores, sliding down the longest trail (11 km) in Austria - the famous "11". The resort is convenient in every way as there is a well-thought-out system of elevators, groomed slopes and tracks for skiers of all different levels. All in all, Ischgl is a paradise for a seasoned ski aficionado.

The slopes are 238 km long, served by 45 elevators and there is a great variety of entertainment options, concerts and bars.

Kitzbühel

Location: eastern Tyrol.
Nearest cities: Salzburg, Innsbruck
Season: early December to mid April

Kitzbühel is one of the oldest ski resorts in Austria and one of the 11 best alpine resorts in the 'Best of the Alps' club. The town itself and the surrounding scenery have a reputation as being the most beautiful in Tyrol. The magnificent pedestrian streets are decorated with stylish boutiques, cozy cafes and upscale hotels. At the same time, this resort is appreciated by families and individuals accustomed to high-end services. If you plan your visit in the middle of January, you can see the world-famous speed race Hahnenkamm (one of the stages of the World Cup). Freeriders consider Kitzbühel as one of the best ski areas in Austria.

The length of trails is 170 km, while the slopes are served by 57 elevators. Within a radius of 20 km, there are many other top-class ski resorts, among which is the newest and largest thermal resort in Austria named Tauern Spa – Kaprun.

Obertauern

Location: south-east of the land of Salzburg
Nearest cities: Salzburg, Munich.
Season: end of November - beginning of May

The name Obertauern literally translates as 'high tower'. And indeed, this is the highest resort in Salzburg. The quality of snow is guaranteed here from November to May, along with an elaborate system of modern ski elevators, which will certainly be appreciated by all fans of winter sports. The small size of the resort which is only 100 km of pistes and 26 elevators, means that you don't have to worry about transfers. In fact, all the apre-ski attractions, restaurants, concerts and discos are within walking distance of your hotel. You can choose from 25 Alpine restaurants which will delight you with delicious meals and tasty drinks. Obertauern also has a great choice of entertainment thanks to an abundance of parties, concerts, festivals and discos. There is even a ski kindergarten, where you can leave your kids in the capable hands of professional instructors.

Sankt Anton am Arlberg

Location: mountainous area in the west of the Austrian Tyrol
Nearest cities: Innsbruck, Zurich, Munich
Season: beginning of December - end of April

The ranking of ski resorts in Austria is often headed by the recreation center, which is located in West Tyrol, 100 km from Innsbruck. St. Anton is frequently called the sparkling diamond in the winter crown of the country. It is also the ancestor of the Austrian ski school and a member of the 'Best of the Alps' club, with 305 kilometers of pistes, 180 kilometers of free rides and lots of challenging and fun off-road adventures. This is a versatile recreation center for beginners, experienced skiers, freeride fans, cross-country skiers and downhill skiers. Vacationers are particularly fond of the après-ski resort. There are 80 cafes and restaurants, a couple of dozen stores and nightclubs, alongside saunas, jacuzzis and indoor pools. Connoisseurs of outdoor activities can also go ice skating and paragliding.

Prices for ski resorts in Austria range on average between EUR 44-56 euros a day for adults and EUR 26-33 euros for children.

You can also rent ski or snowboard equipment, take lessons from instructors on the slope, or spend your time otherwise - at the spa, shopping or any of the other facilities the area has to offer.

The ski resorts in Austria are perfect both for beginners and professionals, and will amaze you with their beauty, coziness, and special atmosphere.

How can we help?

The picturesque ski resorts of Austria will inspire you to stay longer in the country or might even influence you to move there altogether. Luxury Immobilien GmbH will help you to find an Austrian property for sale or to rent and guide you through all the steps of the transaction. We will provide you with legal and documentary support in the process of renting or buying property, which will best meet your wishes and preferences. Our experts can also help you find a suitable solution for property financing, obtaining a residence permit, registering a company or opening a bank account in Austria.