20 best ski resorts in Austria
Austria is one of the leading countries in the world, attracting tourists with excellent opportunities for active winter sports. This favors the ideal geographical position. Most of the country is mountainous. First-class infrastructure, excellent conditions for recreation and a rich entertainment program – all these advantages are famous for ski resorts in Austria.
Zelden
In the picturesque alpine valley of the Ötztal, protected from all sides by majestic mountain ranges, there is one of the most popular ski centers in Austria – Sölden. This is a magnificent corner where tourists can enjoy skiing on modern slopes of different difficulty levels. The city harmoniously combines traditional Tyrolean buildings with modern cottages.
Numerous bars, restaurants and nightclubs create excellent conditions for recreation. On the territory of Sölden there is a sports and entertainment complex with swimming pools, gyms, saunas and spas. The sports skiing area amazes tourists with a variety of natural landscapes. Here, flat areas are replaced by steep gorges and the tops of three glaciers, whose height reaches more than 3,000 meters. Long trails are ideal for intermediate skiers.
At the disposal of tourists there are blue, red and black slopes. Experienced athletes are given the opportunity to conquer the high-speed slope of Mount Gaislachkogl. A specialized park is provided for snowboarders, equipped with jumps, rails and other sports facilities. The most convenient way to get to Sölden is by bus, which runs regularly from Innsbruck Airport. The distance between the air harbor and the ski resort is 260 kilometers.
Book a private transfer from Innsbruck Airport to your hotel in Sölden for 11,805 RUB
Obergurgl
Obergurgl is one of the high Alpine villages in Austria. A cozy corner is literally lost among the majestic mountain peaks at an altitude of 1,900 meters above sea level. Well-groomed first-class tracks of varying difficulty are covered with sparkling snow-white dense snow. Hotels offer their guests luxury apartments and excellent expensive service.
A bus from Innsbruck Airport runs regularly to this wonderful settlement. Travel time takes about 2 hours. The ski area is ideal for both beginner skiers and professional skiers. At the disposal of tourists there are a large number of gentle blue sections and red-black winding difficult slopes with a variety of terrain.
Vacationers can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowboarding and rock climbing. A three-kilometer toboggan run with breathtaking turns deserves attention. Obergurgl pleases its guests with an abundance of entertainment and gastronomic establishments for every taste. Bars and restaurants, fitness centers and spas await their visitors.
Book a private transfer from Innsbruck Airport to your hotel in Obergurgl for 13,772 RUB
Ishgl
The popular town of Ischgl attracts many winter sports enthusiasts with its magnificent mountain scenery and excellent conditions for outdoor activities. This alpine place will satisfy even the most demanding guests. A considerable number of luxurious hotel complexes have been erected here. Guests are offered comfortable apartments and a wide range of services (spas, swimming pools, gyms). The city has day and night restaurants and bars.
The sports skiing area is mainly aimed at experienced skiers. It represents more than 200 kilometers of quality trails. Wide and long gentle sections alternate with narrow bends, ravines and passes. Snow-white mountains with sharp peaks, forests and vast snow-covered expanses give the region a special charm. From a height of 2,864 meters, red and black routes stretched. Thrill-seekers can expect dizzying steep descents.
Ischgl is 100 kilometers from the nearest airport (Innsbruck). You can get there by regular bus. Travel time takes about two hours.
🏨 🚕 Individual transfer from the airport to the hotel and more
Kitzbühel
The pearl of East Tyrol is the ski village of Kitzbühel. Picturesque alpine landscapes, impeccably equipped slopes, excellent service and affordable prices for accommodation – all this creates ideal conditions for a memorable vacation. In a city with a long history, medieval cobbled streets have been preserved.
Numerous old buildings have been converted into budget guesthouses and luxury hotels. You can get to Kitzbühel by train from the airports of Salzburg (80 km), Innsbruck (100 km) and Munich (160 km). The railway station is located at a distance of one kilometer from the city center. The mountain slopes are equipped with blue, red and black slopes. Their total length is about 170 kilometers. Thrill-seekers will love the Streif speed section, where professionals test their skiing skills at speeds of up to 150 km/h.
Beginners are offered gentle wide slopes in the Kitzbühel Horn sector. On the territory of the resort there is a four-kilometer toboggan run, an off-piste route for cross-country skiing, as well as a grandiose snow park. The sports and entertainment center with swimming pools, saunas, playgrounds and a fitness room invites tourists to relax after an exciting day. Cozy bars and restaurants allow visitors to diversify a pleasant stay and feel the gastronomic flavor of the local Tyrolean cuisine.
Mayrhofen
The popular Austrian city of Mayrhofen invites tourists to spend an entertaining holiday in the bosom of pristine alpine nature. It is located at an altitude of 600 meters above sea level, surrounded by evergreen forests, steep mountain slopes and huge glaciers sparkling under the rays of the bright sun. Mayrhofen offers vacationers accommodation in comfortable hotels of three and four stars. Numerous bars, restaurants and eateries are decorated in a traditional Tyrolean style.
This resort place offers great opportunities for professional and amateur skiing. A modern cable car network provides access to numerous blue, red and black routes. Beginners are encouraged to master the well-groomed wide and gentle slopes of Mount Ahorn. The Penken massif is equipped with hilly medium-level slopes, as well as children's training stations. Adrenaline lovers are attracted by the famous Harakiri descent.
The angle of inclination of this extremely difficult section is 78 degrees. To conquer it, you will need excellent physical preparation. Experienced skiers can get a lasting impression from skiing on the Hintertux Glacier, which reaches a height of more than 3,000 meters. Among the attractions for tourists are swimming pools, fitness centers, tennis courts, an ice rink and other delights of modern infrastructure. The nearest airports to Mayrhofen are Innsbruck (75 km) and Munich (170 km). Trains run to the ski area. The journey involves several transfers, which is why the average travel time is three hours.
Serfaus
On a high plateau there is a small alpine village of Serfaus. The modern settlement guarantees its guests excellent conditions for relaxation at an altitude of 1,400 meters. Fans of winter pastime will find an amazing natural landscape, developed infrastructure and an impeccable level of service in numerous hotels (3-5 stars).
Cozy restaurants offer traditional Tyrolean dishes. Serfaus occupies a leading position among the Austrian ski resorts in terms of the number of children‘s entertainment. Snowy amusement parks, playgrounds, ice skating rinks and simple training tracks are ideal for entertaining young tourists. Adult vacationers are offered a wide choice of various routes with a height difference of up to 1,520 meters. The extensive skiing area consists of zones where blue, red and black areas extend.
Professionals will be interested in difficult winding descents from Comperdell (2,000 meters) and Planzegg (2,370 meters). Shenyohl slope (2436 meters) fills the soul of skiers with thrills. For snowboarders, there are specialized areas with an abundance of jumps and various obstacles. Cross-country skiers will appreciate the 140 kilometers of flat trails that run through dense forests. Tourists can get to Serfaus from Innsbruck Airport, located 100 kilometers away. First, you have to overcome the path by rail to the station “Landek”, then you should transfer to a regular bus.
Innsbruck
Innsbruck is the heart and capital of the Austrian region of Tyrol. The magnificent ancient city was founded surrounded by picturesque mountain ranges. It combines the sophistication of the architectural ensemble with the delights of modern infrastructure. This place attracts connoisseurs of winter outdoor activities with high-quality tracks and a variety of entertainment for every taste. At the disposal of travelers there are a lot of hotels, restaurants and fitness complexes of various price categories.
Ancient palaces, cathedrals and museums reflect the centuries-old history of the city. Five kilometers from the center of Innsbruck is the airport where most tourists arrive. During the winter season, various airlines operate regular direct flights to many European capitals. The sports area consists of eight full-fledged zones equipped for skiing, snowboarding, sledding and snowmobiling.
For the convenience of guests, a single skipass has been developed that allows you to use the slopes of all areas of the resort corner. The total length of the routes reaches about 300 kilometers. They are laid at altitudes from 900 to 3,200 meters. Most of the slopes are recommended for experienced skiers, for whom red scenic runs are organized. Beginners can take advantage of the gentle green slopes. Thrill-seekers will have the opportunity to show their skills in black areas. Tourists have access to the Olympic bobsleigh track and an ice rink for figure skating.
Seefeld
Surrounded by picturesque snow-capped mountains at an altitude of 1,200 meters, there is a cozy town of Seefeld. It occupies the territory of a wooded plateau, flooded with bright sunshine. This place is especially popular among wealthy people, as evidenced by the relatively high level of prices for accommodation and food. Ideal for beginners and cross-country skiers. There are endless alpine plains here. You can get to Seefeld by bus from Innsbruck Airport. Travel time is 30 minutes.
The main ski areas with a maximum height of 2,100 meters are simple wide blue and red winding slopes. Those looking for a variety of super-difficult slopes may be disappointed. The length of the most difficult sections is five kilometers with a height difference of up to 870 meters. In addition to the ski slopes, there is a toboggan run, a bobsleigh chute and an ice skating rink.
Eagles
In the vicinity of the Tyrolean capital Innsbruck, the calm settlement of Igls is located at the foot of the majestic mountain. This is a wonderful example of rural comfort and beauty. At the service of vacationers there are all kinds of entertainment – from first-class ski slopes to restaurants, museums, casinos and discos. Two-story buildings, built in the national Tyrolean style, create a special entourage. Tourists can be accommodated in budget and high-class hotels with an appropriate cost of living.
The funicular lifts tourists to a height of about 2,000 meters. Tourists flock here looking for solitude from the bustle of the city on the ski slopes of varying degrees of difficulty. There are excellent groomed trails for both beginners and professionals. The total length of the routes does not exceed 20 kilometers. Most of them are marked with blue and green colors. At the disposal of vacationers there is a sports center with swimming pools, gyms, spas and playgrounds. Igls can be reached from Innsbruck by car or tram in 15 minutes.
🏨 🚕 Individual transfer from the airport to the hotel and more
St. Anton
One of the pearls of the Austrian ski areas is the popular St. Anton. It is the alpine cradle of winter sports, which will satisfy the requirements of even the most demanding tourists. The most convenient way to get here is by train from Innsbruck Airport, located 100 kilometers from St. Anton. The resort area is famous for its impeccable slopes. Most of the routes will suit confident skiers and intermediate skiers. The slopes of the Schindler and Valluga mountain ranges, whose height reaches more than 2,500 meters, are equipped with gentle blue and rather steep red sections.
From the mark of 2,320 meters, the famous high-speed black descent Karl Schranz originates. The longest route reaches 9 kilometers with a height difference of 1,300 meters. A snowpark with ski jumps, rails and a half-pipe is open on Rendl Mountain. Tourists can enjoy cross-country skiing, rock climbing and paragliding. Along the central street of St. Anton stretches a strip of hotels, restaurants and shops. The doors of a multifunctional sports complex with swimming pools, a fitness room, a spa, a bowling alley and tennis courts are open for guests.
Leh
Lech is one of the prestigious ski towns in Austria. Its popularity is due to the first-class level of hotel service and the amazing skiing area. The vast expanses of snowy fields, forests and mountain peaks directed upwards give the resort a unique look. Classic chalets create the image of a traditional alpine village. The city has a significant number of hotels (4-5 stars), restaurants, bars and shops. Lech provides a wide range of winter activities for both beginners and experienced athletes.
Superbly prepared routes of various difficulty levels deserve attention. On the slopes of the Rufikopf (2,400 m), Zuger Hochlit (2,300 m) and Salober Kopf (2,043 m) mountains, there are flawless blue-red pistes with wide sections, winding turns and a stepped profile. For fans of the freerider, spacious virgin areas are provided. After an exciting ride, tourists can relax in the sports center, visit a cinema or a concert hall. You can get to Lech from Innsbruck Airport by bus or train. The journey takes over one hour.
Bad Gastein
The picturesque village of Bad Gastein is located in the shape of a horseshoe, encircling majestic mountain ranges at an altitude of 1,600 meters. The Austrian corner is known for its thermal springs and opportunities for skiing. Here, the ancient architectural ensemble is combined with modern multi-storey buildings. There is a railway connection through Bad Gastein, so you can get here by high-speed train from any Austrian city.
It will be most convenient to depart from Salzburg Airport. Travel time is 1.5 hours. The ski area consists of such geographical areas as Stubnerkogel (2,246 m), Schlossalm (2,050 m), Glaukogel (2,000 m) and Sporgastein (2,686 m). Easy blue slopes interspersed with long, high-speed red and black sections, ideal for experienced skiers and snowboarders. A significant part of the routes runs through dense forests.
Bad Gastein offers tourists an extensive entertainment program for every taste. The health-improving complex with pools filled with thermal waters is popular. The fitness center invites guests who do not want to interrupt the training process even during their holidays. Bars and restaurants, boutiques and discos await visitors.
Bad Hofgastein
Bad Hofgastein is located in the sunniest part of the Gasteiner Valley. It is an alpine gem where tourists can enjoy bathing in thermal springs and winter sports. The narrow cobbled streets combine rustic simplicity with secular sophistication. Low-rise examples of ancient Austrian architecture, pedestrian zone alleys and cozy parks create a special charm for the region.
Traditional Alpine chalets side by side with luxurious hotels, restaurants and boutiques. Moderate prices for accommodation and meals make Bad Hofgastein an attractive place for active and relaxing holidays. The ski area has prepared for its guests a huge selection of first-class slopes of various difficulty levels. There are several ski areas at the disposal of inexperienced and professional skiers: Sporstein, Graukogel, Stubnerkogel – Schlossalm.
Fascinating routes spread at altitudes from 860 to 2600 meters. Fans of winding and safe turns are offered blue-red tracks, the total length of which reaches 79 kilometers. Among other attractions, it is worth noting pools with thermal healing waters, hiking along mountain trails, snowmobile and sledge rides. Tourists can get to Bad Hofgastein by train from Salzburg Airport. The distance between the air harbor and the resort is 96 kilometers. The journey takes about one and a half hours.
Zaalbach
The Alpine village of Saalbach stretches for five kilometers in the high mountain valley of the Glemmtal. Due to the wide variety of slopes, this fabulously picturesque settlement is called the “ski circus of Austria”. Saalbach impresses its guests with magnificent sunny and shady snowy slopes that form a whole amphitheater of routes. Saalbach is located 90 kilometers from the air harbor of Salzburg, from where you can transfer by public transport. Buses run regularly. The trip takes about three hours.
Beginners and advanced skiers can choose the slopes of the Spielekkogel (1,998 m) and Schattberg West (2,096 m) mountain ranges that suit their level of skiing. At the disposal of tourists there are 270 kilometers of flat and wide, winding and dizzying, long and short sections. All of them are interconnected by a modern cable car network. Vacationers have access to hotels, sports and entertainment complexes with swimming pools, saunas, gyms, as well as numerous restaurants and taverns.
Zell am See
On the shores of Lake Ziller at the foot of the mountain ranges is the provincial town of Zell am See. Stunning alpine scenery, forested valleys, majestic glaciers and varied ski slopes are the epitome of the perfect winter getaway. The resort offers guests a wide choice of hotels – from luxurious five-star complexes to budget guesthouses.
Old houses, cobbled streets, cozy pedestrian alleys give the city a special flavor. Zell am See is ideal for athletes of all skill levels. From the top of Mount Schmittenhöhe (2,000 m), simple blue and rather complex red-black runs diverge in rays. Most of them run along interesting routes with sharp elevation changes, winding transitions and soft exits to the valleys.
Skiers are advised to climb the Kaprun glacier (3,028 m), where there are many flat, wide and serpentine sections. After a busy day of sports, tourists can relax in the wellness center with water activities. Zell am See has its own train station, where direct trains arrive from Salzburg Airport. Travel time is approximately 4 hours.
Kaprun
10 kilometers from Zell am See is the traditional Tyrolean settlement of Kaprun, surrounded by a majestic glacier (3,200 m) and the equally powerful Maiskogel mountain range (1,670 m). This is a cozy town, where the atmosphere of rural color prevails. Compact in size, the skiing area consists of well-prepared slopes of various difficulty levels.
Beginning skiers are interested in wide blue and green areas with a fairly gentle, safe terrain. More prepared athletes are offered hilly downhills. For fans of snowboarding, there is a specialized area equipped with springboards and a natural half-pipe.
Toboggan runs, mountain hikes, as well as rock climbing and snow rafting diversify active leisure. The village has an indoor swimming pool, a ski school, a sports center with tennis and squash courts, and an ice rink. Guests will find a large selection of hotels for every budget, offering a decent level of service. Karpun can be reached in 30 minutes by bus from the neighboring town of Zell am See.
Obertauern
The high-mountainous village of Obertauern offers opportunities for a wonderful holiday in the Alpine landscape. Here, the bright sun, snow-white snow, majestic hills and the green veil of forests form a single natural ensemble. The town is framed by mountain slopes, where a sports and entertainment area is concentrated at altitudes from 1,600 to 2,300 meters.
Guests of Obertauern can stay in modern chalets and hotels. The city has restaurants, bars and nightclubs, as well as a sports complex. The routes provided are recommended for intermediate skiers and snowboarders. Long blue gently sloping wooded areas are adjacent to red runs, which differ in turns and a significant level of inclination.
High-speed, steep and bumpy ski black roads descending from the Gamsleiten hill evoke enthusiastic feelings for experienced extreme sportsmen. For young travelers organized children's parks with slides and playgrounds. Obertauern is located 90 kilometers from Salzburg. Shuttle buses depart from the terminal to the resort and take skiers to their destination via the expressway in 40 minutes.
Bad Kleinkirchheim
The small picturesque village of Bad Kleinkirchheim is a mountain-thermal area located at an altitude of more than 1,000 meters at the foot of wooded and snow-covered hills. Tourists have an excellent opportunity to combine skiing on amazing mountain slopes with swimming in healing thermal springs. Cozy wooden chalets and elegant cottages with swimming pools create comfortable living conditions for guests.
Bad Kleinkirchheim has gained popularity thanks to the many trails of varying difficulty levels. Winding and gentle sections are suitable for beginners and professional athletes. Of particular interest is the FIS K 70 Franz Klammer high-speed route. Its length is 4 km with a vertical drop of 900 meters.
Snowboarders and freestylers will find a specialized area equipped with all kinds of sports equipment for performing virtuoso tricks and jumps. There are thermal centers, ski schools, restaurants, pubs, spas, as well as a children's amusement park at the service of vacationers. You can get to Bad Kleinkirchheim by bus from Salzburg without transfers. The journey takes about 4 hours.
Schladming
The list of the ten best ski resorts in the world includes the town of Schladming. The prestigious resort is ready to offer tourists superbly equipped snow wide and wooded trails. The main skiing area with a height difference from 750 to 2,700 meters is spread over four mountain slopes, interconnected by a single network of lifts.
Beginners and experienced winter sports enthusiasts are amazed by the variety of blue-green and red-black areas. Long, wide and fast winding scenic routes are ideal for improving skiing and snowboarding skills. Among them, the slopes of the Planai (1,894 m) and Hochwurzen (1,850 m) mountains are the most popular.
After active skiing, guests of Schladming can spend time on the ice rink, visit the swimming pool and fitness center, play tennis or relax in the spa. A pleasant evening is guaranteed by restaurants, taverns and bars. Tourists settle in guest houses and boarding houses. The most convenient way to get to Schladming is by train from Salzburg. Travel time takes about two hours.
hippach
The original Tyrolean village of Hippach welcomes guests. Many tourists flock here to feel the measured and unhurried atmosphere of rural life. A cozy alpine corner, captivating travelers with mountain landscapes and snow-capped peaks, has a single skiing area with the popular Mayerhofen resort.
The valley is equipped with about 140 kilometers of first-class slopes that can satisfy the desires of beginners and masters of skiing. The gently sloping green and high-speed red and black routes are served by a modern, extensive network of cable cars. For thrill-seeking skiers, the legendary Harakiri Downhill runs along the steep slopes of Mount Penken. Its slope level is 78 degrees.
In Hippy there is an opportunity to go rock climbing, fly in a hot air balloon, ride a sled, swim in the pool. Young guests will love the abundance of snow slides. Stunning views of mountain landscapes open up on a walk through the pristine snow. You can stay in one of several mini-hotels with excellent service.