Top 5 most beautiful Austrian ski resorts
December 7, 2021 Waste no time in getting your ski and snowboard equipment ready because Austria is waiting for you to unleash the adrenaline! Here are the top 5 Austrian skiing resorts which welcome you with premium slopes, as well as with hotels that value comfort and quality services.
Austria is a dream land of the winter sports lover! The total of 435 ski resorts on Austrian territory guarantee unforgettable experiences on the snow-sure ski runs. Luxurious accommodation conditions, high quality services, fast connections in between resorts, off-the-slope activities and the après-ski hospitality are all the reasons why you should choose Austria for your winter holiday. In addition, the affordable rates compared to the alpine resorts in Switzerland and France place Austria among the top destinations for winter sports around the world.
Regardless of your level of experience, Austria offers both gentle slopes for beginners, but also some of the steepest pistes in the world for advanced practitioners. In addition, premier world-class ski schools, ideal snowy conditions, combined with fairy-tale landscapes, are all reasons why Austria is our recommendation for this winter.
Here are some of the most beautiful ski resorts in Austria:
St. Anton am Arlberg
Internationally recognized for its challenging slopes, the resort plays a central role in the history of skiing. In fact, here was founded the first ski club in 1901. If your level of skiing is advanced and you like to experience new sensations, then this is the ideal place for skiing.
With an elevation ranging between 1300 and 2811 meters above sea level, this region offers over 280 km of ski slopes, consisting of 112 km of blue slopes, 134 km of red slopes, and numerous black slopes.
Fast access to the slopes, without endless queues, is guaranteed by quality services and an impressive network of lifts and gondolas. Tickets are availbale at several offices, even in hotels.
The region was awarded in 2012 by Skiresort.info, the world’s largest evaluation and test portal for ski resorts, as “The best ski region in the world”.
Ischgl
The capital of winter parties, Ischgl, located on the border with Switzerland, has one of the liveliest après-ski vibes in Europe – if not in the world! In addition, the high ski slopes where snow is guaranteed, an excellent ski lift system makes Ischgl an attractive destination for a complete ski holiday experience.
Located in the Paznauntal Valley, Ischgl is the gateway to the most famous ski region of Tyrol area, which stretches beyond the borders of Switzerland. Situated between 2000- and 2872-meters above sea level, you have access to three more neighbouring resorts such as Galtür, Kappl and See.
Along with its outstanding skiing conditions, Ischgl boasts the most 4- and 5-star hotels in all of Austria’s alpine areas and 10 award-winning toque restaurants, sports clubs for children and young people, a ski safari, and many other facilities.
Kitzbühel
It is said that skiing was invented in Kitzbühel. True or not, one thing is certain: the world’s most famous ski run, the renowned Hahnenkamm, has brought the resort international reputation. Kitzbühel has been hosting regular ski races since the 19th century. In 1893, Franz Reisch became the first Austrian to win a ski race on Mount Kitzbüheler Horn, which brought fame to this alpine resort.
Today, the prestige of this region is due to the well-known Streif slope, considered one of the most challenging downhill slopes in the world. Apart from this, international ski competitions take place here, cosy hotels meet the best standards, and the nightlife is not to be missed.
Moreover, the chic village hosts many exclusive boutiques, fine restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. With slopes ranging between 800 and 2000 meters above sea level, Kitzbühel is an excellent option for both beginners and more experienced ones.
Zell am See
Set on the shores of a freshwater lake, Zell am See is stunningly beautiful all year round, but in wintertime, the glacial peak of the Kitzsteinhorn and the surrounding Hohe Tauern mountain range create an incredible panorama. The village itself is also charming, being developed around a Gothic church. Here you can find fine boutiques, restaurants serving traditional food and, inevitably, some excellent après-ski bars.
Snow in this region is guaranteed from October to June, and the 408 kilometres of slopes offer you the chance to ski in three resorts, including the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier. What more beautiful scenery do you wish, than skiing in between a glacier and a lake down the valley? Besides, the Zell am See ski pass offers access to Kaprun region, making it one of the largest ski areas in the country, offering amazing slopes for winter sports.
Mayrhofen
Located at the end of the Zillertal valley, the Mayrhofen resort is one of the most popular regions for both skiing and snowboarding. The Möslbahn Gondola, having a 10 people capacity, connects to the Horbergbahn cable car. The slope here is a Ski Movie Run, equipped with video cameras, so you can record your run and analyse your riding style.
The six snowboarding areas in Vans Penken Park have their own four-seater chairlift, as well as a children’s park. The Zillertaler Superskipass covers 489 kilometres of slopes across the valley, accompanied by 177 ski lifts.
Here if you can gather enough courage, go for a ski run on the steepest ski slope in Austria called Harakiri, with a gradient up to 78%, vertical drop of 375 metres and a length of about 1500 metres. The quieter the day, the more hectic the evening, especially during the longest winter music festival, Snowbombing, which keeps the resort cheerful and active.
Apart from skiing, Austria offers plenty of activities off the slope to complement a well-deserved holiday. We mention the Christmas markets in Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, or Graz, and also cultural activities or shopping sessions in artisanal areas, or, why not, moments of relaxation in luxurious spas.
Beautiful, picturesque hotels offer excellent services for all tastes. Comfortable rooms and cosy ambiance inspire you a feeling of homeliness.
For more details on activities and updates about the Austrian current situation, we invite you to consult the official travel guide of Austria where you are informed about everything you need to know while visiting this winter wonderland.
For hotel offers and stay at the best prices of the moment, please see our offer for Austria and get in touch with us at office@alisterstravel. com. We help you choose the place that best suits your needs for an authentic Alpine experience.
Contact details:
Mail: [email protected]
Phone: +40724354016
Raluca Masud
Latest posts
