Ski resorts in Austria open their doors to tourists from late autumn to late spring. The cost of a ski pass is influenced by details: for example, the presence of elite hotels nearby, the length of the slopes, the qualifications of instructors, etc. However, the basic set for a comfortable stay is offered by all resorts without exception.
Usually, alpine tourist zones are adjacent, some of them are even united by a common ski pass and ski buses run between them. The close location of the resorts helps vacationers to choose a more suitable one. For example, Galtür is quieter and cheaper than Ischgl, but there is a very small distance between them, and only an experienced skier will feel the difference.
The most popular ski resorts in Austria
List, photo with names and descriptions of the main ski resorts in the country.
Kitzbuehel
The most famous ski resort in Austria. The town is called elite, and rest here corresponds to this concept both in price and in comfort. The inimitable nature and eventful off-piste life is the perfect complement to skiing on the snowy slopes. The length of the tracks is about 180 kilometers. The longest of them is 8 kilometers long. There are places for snowboarding, cross-country skiing and other winter sports and leisure activities.
Ischgl
A popular holiday destination on the border of Austria and Switzerland. On the Swiss side, there is also a full-fledged resort Samnaun. The difference in elevation is one and a half kilometers. The total length of the tracks is 235 kilometers. There is a sufficient amount of snow in the high season, but about 10% more artificial snow cover is added for better skiing. Due to the peculiarities of the climate, the tracks are not covered with ice.
Sölden
Located in the Ötztal Valley along with several other resorts. The region is considered the most visited in Austria. The total length of Sölden's trails is almost 165 kilometers. The highest points of the resort are the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach glaciers. Toboggan, mogul and cross-country skiing trails, as well as a snowboard park and freeride and night skiing opportunities, provide a variety of activities. You can take classes in the area of interest in one of four schools.
Mayrhofen
The sports and resort center is suitable for both beginner skiers and seasoned pros. Of the 142 kilometers of pistes, 28 are classified as the most difficult. 123 snow cannons are ready to cover the entire ski area with artificial snow cover if necessary. Several parks for snowboarders are scattered throughout the valley. Instructors teach both adults and children to stand on the board or ski.
Seefeld
Local tracks are intended both for resort recreation and for international sports competitions. Beginners will like it in Seefeld: there is almost no extreme, even the most difficult track will be conquered after a couple of lessons with instructors. The length of the tracks is modest - only 23 kilometers. Snowboarders will also find something to do, but a real expanse at the resort for cross-country skiers.
Bad Gastein
Alpine Monte Carlo is located next to the more budget-friendly ski resort Bad Hofgastein. There are 200 kilometers of trails in the valley, most of which are in Bad Gastein. Experienced skiers often rest here, since the slopes have their own characteristics, and you need to get used to them. A snowboard arena, a separate halfpipe, a fun park and flat tracks will diversify the rest of extreme lovers.
Zell am See
The town stands on the shores of a picturesque lake. Tourists can enjoy not only skiing on the slopes of the Schmittenhoe mountain, but a variety of shopping. To save money on accommodation, it is better to stay in the nearby Schuttdorf. The total length of the tracks is 75 kilometers, the ski area is at a relatively low altitude. A wide range of equipment for rent is offered in more than 20 locations.
Saalbach-Hinterglemm
Two villages of the same name are almost close to each other, so they formed one ski resort. 124 tracks are divided by difficulty levels. The southern slope is considered shady, the northern one is usually flooded with sunlight. All conditions have been created for mountain slalom, snowboarding and mogul. The use of lifts and ski buses is included in the price of a single ski pass. Prices vary insignificantly depending on the peak of the season.
Wilder Kaiser
This area is characterized by an abundance of snow. Therefore, the area around is so picturesque, and tourists come not only to conquer the slopes, but also to go hiking in the mountains. The length of the tracks is 279 kilometers, almost half of them are blue. Restaurants, bars, sauna, massage services are available to guests. There is an ice rink, a curling room is open, there is an indoor tennis court.
Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis
Located among the Tyrolean mountains on a high plateau. The region is sunny, which makes skiing aesthetically pleasing. The total length of the tracks is 215 kilometers. Separate recreation and entertainment areas for children. There are two ski schools. In the summer, the resort continues to operate, changing specialization. On its territory there is a zoo, a climbing wall, attractions, a huge sandbox, a jumping tower.
Zillertal Arena
It is located on the territory of two Austrian regions at once. The number of lifts has exceeded 50 and continues to increase from season to season. The length of the tracks is more than 140 kilometers. The pride of the Zillertal Arena is the country's steepest black track. 10 schools offer snowboarding or alpine skiing lessons. The villages and towns of the area are famous for their national cuisine and hospitality.
Alpbach-Wildschönau
Two small villages have merged into one prosperous resort. The ski area is located at an altitude of 1500 - 1900 meters. Some trails lead directly through the picturesque Tyrolean forest. The area is ideal for couples with children. For kids, there are separate classes in ski schools, they can be left in kindergarten or arrange a family trip along one of the simple routes.
Lech-Zurs
United skiing region. Lech is one of the oldest, most expensive and comfortable resorts in Austria. Zürs is located higher and can boast of involvement in the history of alpine skiing in the country: the first Austrian ski lift was built here. The southern sunny slopes are suitable for beginners. On the northern ones, more difficult routes are laid. Off-road skiing is another terrain advantage. A well-developed transport system allows you to quickly get to other resorts.
St. Anton am Arlberg
The center of a large spa area in the Tyrolean Alps. The total length of the tracks is over 300 kilometers. A separate park has been built for freeriders and snowboarders. Tourists should visit the local museum, which houses exhibits related to the emergence of alpine skiing and the development of this sport. The city is a starting point for hiking: the developed route networks entwine the entire district.
Obertauern
The steepest and most challenging ski slopes in the state of Salzburg are located here. However, the resort is also suitable for beginners: there are training opportunities and easy descents. The total length of the tracks is about 100 kilometers. Popular entertainment - night and off-piste skiing. There are separate areas for snowboarding. Prices for the main and intermediate seasons differ within the margin of error.
Zell
It is part of an impressive ski area in the Tyrolean lands. Easy and medium tracks stretch for 228 kilometers, difficult ones for 22 kilometers. The village of Zell is connected to the ski area by a ski-bass system. They often come here with children to get on skis for the first time. Instructors help to master not only skiing, but also snowboarding. All necessary equipment is rented, including snowmobiles.
Kyutai
Respectable Trypillian resort.The slopes of average difficulty occupy more than half of the 43 kilometers of the total length of the slopes. A 3 km night trail is available twice a week. There are cross-country skiing trails and hiking trails, both on foot and snowmobiles. Kyutai is certified as a family resort. Open for children: hobby club, training ground, play area.
Nassfeld
Partially located in Italian territory. The elevation changes are about 1.5 thousand meters, the hotels are also built in the highlands. The total length is 113 kilometers, they differ in complexity. The resort has the longest ski lift in the Alps: it covers 6 kilometers in 20 minutes. The ice-covered surface of the Presseggersee lake has been turned into a skating rink. A park with trampolines has been built for snowboarders.
Obergurgl
The highest mountain village in Austria. In other resorts, at around 1800 meters, the cable cars are already ending, and here the skiing zone is just beginning. The night trail is 8 kilometers long and is accessible according to the season schedule. The total length of ski routes is 113 kilometers. There is a ski school and equipment rental. Free Wi-Fi covers the entire area of Obergurgl.
Schladming
Off-piste skiing on the slopes of the Dachstein mountains is the main reason for visiting the resort. There are also many ordinary tracks of varying difficulty, and their length is 191 kilometers. Night skiing is allowed on weekdays. The number of lifts has exceeded 80. Snowboarders received a whole complex for leisure. In addition to a full-fledged snowboard park, there are tracks for boardercross and freeride.
Kaprun
Located in the state of Salzburg. The resort is conventionally divided into two parts. The Maiskogel is more suitable for inexperienced skiers, while the Kitzsteinhorn is characterized by difficult trails. The length of the tracks is not very long, but this is compensated by the impressive height difference. Two halfpipes and two snowboard parks are open, as well as a fun park and a superpipe. Accommodation is available in 3 and 4-star hotels and guesthouses.
Stubai
Family recreation center, marked with appropriate certificates. The resort is divided into 4 ski areas, including the glacier of the same name. 43 kilometers of the track are divided in difficulty with a predominance of blue. The longest track is 10 kilometers. There are opportunities for freeriding and hiking. Excursions, group and individual lessons with an instructor, and entertainment are organized for children.
Flachau
The resort hosts World Cup events and its slopes are suitable for professional training. Among the 111 kilometers of tracks, there are not only black ones: the red ones have the most length - 74 kilometers. Flachau has 130 snow cannons, and artificial snow cover is used on 70% of the territory. A separate park has been built for snowboarders. The hotels, guesthouses and apartments in the immediate vicinity of the ski area can accommodate 8 thousand people.
Montafon
The largest ski area in the Vorarlberg region. The length of the tracks is 220 kilometers. The valley is divided into 8 zones, which are united by a common ski pass. Traditionally, winters are snowy, although artificial snow is also added to create better conditions for sliding. The resort is mainly designed for beginners and intermediate skiers. Children's parks and activities for toddlers make Mantafon a suitable place for families.
Galtyur
Adjacent to Ischgl, but different from the more famous resort: there is less fuss and noise. The length of the 17 available tracks is 40 kilometers. A kindergarten, a half-pipe, a snowboard park, 4 off-road skiing areas, a ski school divided by age and skill are the hallmarks of Galtur. Avalanches do happen, but local services are quick to deal with the effects of snowfalls.
Bad Kleinkirchheim
A small village in the northern part of Carinthia is not only a ski resort, but also a thermal resort. Adjacent to the Norkberge National Park. The total length of the tracks is over 170 kilometers. In addition, there are cross-country trails, you can ride on virgin soil. 25 lifts cope with the workload even in the high season, which lasts from late December to late March. 4 schools teach beginners to conquer the slopes.
Langenfeld
A village in the Otztal valley. The resort of Sölden is only 10 kilometers away. The difference in height is within 1600 meters. 50 kilometers of trails are divided roughly equally in terms of difficulty levels. The longest track is only 2 kilometers long. Night skiing is available in a specially designated area. There are also toboggan and cross-country trails and 2 snow parks. Clubs open in the evening. Lovers of a quiet pastime can arrange a romantic evening in the apartment.
Hintertux
The distance to Mayrhofen is 18 kilometers. You can ride on the glacier of the same name even in summer. Impressive elevation differences are an excellent basis for creating tracks of increased difficulty. 21 lifts serve 42 kilometers of slopes. Snowboarders have a place to go: the halfpipe and fun park are impressive in terms of equipment and size. Ski-bass delivers vacationers straight from the hotels to the ski area.
Hippah
Stretches in the center of the Ziller Valley. The season runs from December to April, with the nearby Hintertux Glacier all year round. The total length of mountain trails exceeds 140 kilometers. Flat track - 20 kilometers. There are routes for hiking, skiing, snowmobiling and walking. Springboards, halfpipe, fun park - modern and timely serviced. Developed nightlife.
Elmau
Part of the largest winter sports region in the Alps. The city is crossed by two mountain ranges: Kitzbühel in the south and the Kaiserbirge in the north. The difference in height is up to 2 kilometers. Ellmau is developing rapidly, but it is not yet as crowded as in the more famous resorts of the country. Therefore, those who do not like unnecessary fuss come here. The seasons are long: from early December to mid-April.
