ULTIMATE guide to skiing in Austria ✔️ iconic resorts + tips (2024)
Your comprehensive guide to finding the perfect resort for your ability.
Looking for a comprehensive guide to skiing in Austria? You’re in the right place!
I’ve been skiing with my family since I was 4 years old, and we ski every year – invariably in Austria!
Austria is the TOP place to ski in Europe, so as an expert in all things ski-worthy, let me make planning your trip an easy ride.
Don’t miss my awesome tips on how to make skiing more affordable for the whole family.
Here’s a quick rundown – click the links to take you straight down to the heading:
Top resort in Austria for total beginners – Saalbach
Best place to ski for intermediates – Kitzbuhel
Most advanced slopes – St Anton
Cheapest Austrian ski resort – Zell am See
Top luxury destination for skiing – St Anton
Best ski resort for families – Wildkogel
Most romantic place to ski – Kitzbuhel
The TOP resort to ski in Austria is Kitzbuhel. It’s so beautiful, romantic for couples, great for families, and a good mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced slopes.
1. Best resorts in Austria for beginner skiers
Saalbach-Hinterglemm
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The best resort for beginners is Saalbach – over 50% of the runs here are blue (which means nice, easy-breezy ski runs) and only a small percentage are tough reds and blacks, so if you’ve never skied before, Saalbach should be your first stop.
Some of the runs in Saalbach-Hinterglemm can get busy, especially around peak season – around Christmas and Easter time. Avoid the crowds by going off-season!
Every time I’ve been to Saalbach the snow has been excellent. It’s pretty reliable in the winter months and the town itself is super magical.
Although it’s not the cheapest place, it’s pretty fun. Don’t miss the legendary nightclub Castello underneath Hotel Saabacherhof!
PRO TIP: Organize your ski hire in advance to get the best deals!
Wildkogel
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Considered a paradise for a family ski holiday, Wildkogel has a relaxed, laid-back vibe and over 75 km (46 miles) of stunning pistes. Over 85% of the ski runs here are chilled blue or relatively easy reds, so it’s great for beginners.
Wildkogel is famous for its groomed slopes, so you’ll never have to worry about a bumpy ride as you traverse the pistes!
The kids will LOVE the toboggan run here! It’s so much fun, and it’s the longest toboggan run in the world!
Wildkogel is ideal for those not looking to ski tough pistes. Instead, it’s largely popular for wide, cruise-worthy slopes without the crowds.
Obergurgl-Hochgurgl
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From November to April, Obergurgl is a beginner’s ski holiday haven. It’s an everyman resort, though, so even intermediates and experienced skiers (including my dad) love it for the miles of skiing!
Wide, open slopes, tons of blue runs, and a range of free and discount beginner lifts for those easy slopes.
The village itself is calm and beautiful, without the crazy seasonal crowds. That means never queuing for a lift! Be aware that there isn’t much going on in the town, so head there only if you know you’ll be skiing every day.
The village is at a pretty high altitude itself, so once you reach the top of the slopes, the views of the region’s majestic peaks are epic!
Although it’s perfect for those who haven’t skied before, Obergurgl is also good for intermediate skiers who prefer a cheaper, less touristy destination in Austria.
PRO TIP: I recommend staying on the eastern side of Obergurgl’s ski area, as you can ski in and out of the village on wide blue runs without the need to walk through the village at the end of the day.
Bad Gastein & Bad Hofgastein
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Gastein (encompassing Bad Gastein, Bad Hofgastein, and Dorfgastein) is one of my all-time favorite places to ski in Austria. The towns are SO enchanting, and Bad Gastein in particular has castle-like structures and onion domed churches built right into the mountain.
The area around Bad Gastein is not just known for skiing – it’s also known for hiking and beloved by cross country skiers! There’s a pretty steep hill to get to the ski lifts from the main town, so take shoes with good grip for the slog!
Bad Gastein has 2 beginner areas with easy nursery slopes, and finding a good ski instructor here is a piece of cake. I highly recommend going at Christmastime for the ULTIMATE alpine skiing vibes.
PRO TIP: Don’t miss the thermal hot springs here in Bad Gastein!
2. Best resorts in Austria for intermediate skiers
Kitzbühel
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Kitzbühel is one of my dad’s favorite places to ski. He LOVES the resort, it has so many nice restaurants and bars, an adorable Christmas market, and the skiing is varied enough for beginners, intermediates, and advanced pros.
When I was a kid, we went to Kitzbühel all the time. I have so many memories there, so it’s definitely one of my most treasured ski resorts. The restaurants on the slopes are also incredible, some of the best in the region!
The resort is actually pretty romantic, so it’s one of the best ski resorts for those on a honeymoon! It’s also not as expensive as other honeymoon ski resorts in Europe, so you’ll be saving a pretty penny in this beautiful town.
My parents come here a lot since there are so many alternative activities to do in the main town. Great for my mum, who loves to shop!
FUN FACT: The Kitzbühel Spring Games (kind of like a local winter Olympics) happens every year here, and there’s a party atmosphere and a nail-biting downhill event!
St Johann
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Fancy snow like Kitzbühel but at a better price?
St Johann, just a short distance from Kitzbühel in Tirol, is a small-scale resort – but it’s not lacking in facilities and fun!
About 40% of the slopes around here are nice and easy, and the après-ski here is EPIC! You’ve got over 50 bars and restaurants to choose from after a hard day of shoop-shooping.
Although the resort is relatively small and doesn’t offer the same large-scale ski opportunities as other places in Austria, it’s perfect for those who prefer to avoid the crowds. Plus, it’s a bit cheaper!
Zell am See
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With over 400 km (~250 miles) of gorgeous pistes and a ski pass that gives you access to 3 ski resorts, Zell am See has so much to offer both intermediate and advanced skiers. You can flit between ZAS, Kaprun, and Saalbach-Hinterglemm!
Feeling up to a challenge? Try to ski the infamous Black Mamba, the steepest piste in the area! It has a gradient of 63% and once you’re on it, the only way is down.
The views here are considered some of the BEST in the region – although the views pretty much everywhere you ski are beautiful, Zell am See takes it to a whole other level atop their steep slopes!
Obertauern
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Obertauern is a mecca for the intermediate skier, and over half of the terrain is graded for those mid-rangers.
It’s also an excellent spot for off-piste skiing, so if you prefer to draw outside the lines then you’ll love Obertauern! Although most of the runs are relatively short, there are tons to choose from – and SO many options for ski-in ski-out accommodation!
Obertauern is famed for being the resort where the Beatles filmed scenes for Help!
Every Monday and Thursday in Obertauern you can ski at night! It’s such a special experience, and super romantic for couples.
3. Best resorts in Austria for experienced skiers
Sölden
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Après-ski lovers unite! Sölden is famed for fun, buzzing atmospheres and exciting ski opportunities.
A traditional village setting with a BIG party scene and some of the highest altitude pistes in the region, Sölden is great for those who party hard and ski even harder!
Due to the high altitudes, you can ski here until May every year, so I recommend avoiding heavy tourist months like Christmas and Easter and coming around February instead.
Sölden has a huge number of tough-to-beat black runs, and the steep run from Gaislachkogl is a challenge I highly recommend taking. Bring your confidence to Sölden and you won’t be disappointed!
PRO TIP: If you fancy a day trip, check out the Stubai Glacier just a couple of hours from Sölden! It’s so beautiful and well worth the trip. Plus, you’ll drive through Innsbruck, which has the most incredible Christmas markets!
St Anton am Arlberg
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St Anton is a haven for confident, expert skiers who love a challenge – and a glühwein after a hard day in some of the most famous après-ski bars in the region!
200 km (124 miles) of perfect, ski-worthy pistes are busy most of the season here at St Anton. If you don’t like crowds it’s not the place for you, and although queueing for a lift is no fun, the vibes are absolutely EPIC.
I LOVED St Anton, it’s got a more upbeat, exciting atmosphere than other ski resorts in Austria! Although I found it pretty expensive, for a one-off trip it’s totally doable.
Linked to St Christoph, Stuben, and Rendl, St Anton has so many options in terms of runs and off-piste terrain for the more untamed ski bunnies out there.
Whatever you need, St Anton has GOT IT!
Lech am Arlberg
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Also located in Arlberg just 30 minutes’ drive from St Anton, Lech is the top ski resort for wealthy ski enthusiasts looking for the ultimate luxury. The ski pass prices are pretty much the same as St Anton, but accommodation and daily living are just a tad more expensive.
It’s not expensive for no reason – the snow here is exceptional, and the terrain offers truly world class skiing. Plus, the most modern lift systems and cable cars around!
Did you know that Princess Diana used to ski in Lech? The town is no stranger to royalty, and the list includes Princess Victoria of Sweden and King Juan of Spain!
Lech has super reliable snow cover, which means the amount of snowfall they experience every year is top notch!
The restaurants are also just incredible. I highly recommend Die Pfeffermühle if you love fine dining!
PRO TIP: My dad swears there are reasonably-priced restaurants and bars in Lech if you can find them. Just do some digging and you could probably stay here on a budget!
Mayrhofen
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My family and I LOVE Mayrhofen! Located in the Ziller Valley (Zillertal), Mayrhofen has plenty of repeat vacationers from all over – British skiers in particular seem to love it!
Super picturesque, with a free ski bus and home to the steepest piste in Austria (Harakiri, with a 78% gradient), Mayrhofen has so much to offer.
Although there aren’t a ton of tough black runs, there are plenty of challenging reds. However, the real reason those advanced skiers love Mayrhofen is the sheer volume of slopes available!
With a whopping 530 km (329 miles) of ski slopes, you’ll be spoilt for choice. One trip down the Harakiri piste will get the old adrenaline going!
PRO TIP: The top spot around here for the experts, aside from Harakiri, is Knorren mountain. That’ll get the blood pumping!
Tips to make skiing in Austria more affordable
Skiing can be an expensive endeavor. So let me help you make it cheaper!
Our family has been skiing together since circa 1996, so we get it. The tips below are from the expert himself, my dad!
- Travel off-peak – don’t go skiing at Christmas or Easter unless you want to pay peak prices. November, January, and February are the best for cheap ski passes!
- Avoid the most popular spots – the more popular a resort, the more expensive. Head to somewhere like St Johann for a more chilled experience.
- Invest in a good helmet – in many places in Austria you’re obligated to wear a helmet, but renting them out can be expensive. Buy yourself a good helmet like this SMITH Optics one that fits properly to avoid the extra cost!
- Choose a hotel with a ski pass deal – many hotels give discounted rates for ski passes, and some even come with the price of the room.
- If you intend to ski frequently, just buy your own skis – it will save you $$$ every single trip if you have and maintain your own skis. And buy them in the off season!!
- Don’t have lunch up the mountain every day – I LOVE the food in the mid-piste chalets, and they’re super cozy, but doing it on the daily can get expensive. My family makes pocket sandwiches during the hotel breakfast and wraps them up to go!
- Book your vacation well in advance – don’t book a few weeks before your trip. Instead, book 3-5 months in advance to get the best deals!
- Never travel solo skiing – it’s always safer to ski with a buddy anyway, but going solo means everything will be more expensive. Find a group to travel with to split the costs!
- Stay in self-catering accommodation – although I love hotels for their convenience, self-catering apartments and chalets are great if you’re on a budget. You can buy supplies to make your own food in local shops and life will be cheaper.
- Make the most of happy hour – après-ski is so much fun, but it can rack up your vacation costs. Head to places with a proper happy hour to double the fun and keep the cost down!
- Book your ski lessons in bulk – doing this means you’ll probably get 1 lesson for free!
The one thing I highly recommend is not to skimp out on ski gear. Ski equipment (skis, boots, poles) is essential in this high-impact sport, and having ski boots in particular that fit properly will save you out on the slopes. Save money elsewhere so you can have good ski gear!
- Don’t buy bottled water – in some resorts, bottled water is silly expensive. Instead, invest in a proper reusable water bottle. I always take this one from HydraPak as it’s collapsible!
- Always stay in the town – rule of thumb is that the higher you stay, the more you pay. Don’t bother staying up in the mountains or looking for ski-in ski-out accommodation if you’re on a budget. Instead, stay down in the valley. Most ski resorts have free buses if you have a ski pass anyway!
- Buy your ski passes in advance – as soon as they’re available, get your ski pass online before you go! They’ll often be cheaper and you might be able to find a discount for the kids as well.
- Scour the internet for deals – accommodation and flights go together, ski rental and passes go together! Buy things together from the same provider and you might just save a few bucks.
And Lastly, don’t skimp out on insurance! If you get injured on the slopes you may have to be airlifted out, which can cost up to €4,000 euros. Get the BEST nomad travel insurance at SafetyWing! There are add-ons for extreme sports like skiing and their customer service is unrivaled.
NOTE: SafetyWing doesn’t cover off-piste skiing.
FAQs about this guide to skiing in Austria
⛷️ What are the best Austrian ski resorts for beginners and intermediate skiers?
Zell am See, Saalbach-Hinterglemm, and Kitzbühel are all excellent ski resorts in Austria for beginners and intermediate skiers.
🛝 Which ski resorts in Austria are best for families?
My favorite ski resorts for a family vacation are Saalbach, Wildkogel, and Kitzbühel.
🎿 What is the top ski resort in western Austria?
The top ski resort in Western Austria is definitely St Anton am Arlberg! Its location, ski slopes, après-ski, and choice of hotels are all absolutely incredible – it’s more expensive than other resorts, but well worth the trip!
🚠 Is skiing in Austria expensive?
While the cost of a ski trip in Austria can vary somewhat, it’s definitely cheaper than other popular European destinations like France or Switzerland. If you’re on a budget, Austria is on the lower end of the scale, but more expensive than ski resorts in eastern Europe.
🏂🏻 What is the best month to ski in Austria?
The best month to ski in Austria is December! The traditional Christmas vibes and incredible snowfall makes a ski vacation totally worth it. Late December is best for snow-surety!
🥂 Which ski resorts in Austria are the best for adults?
St Anton, Lech, Ischgl, and Kitzbühel are all excellent spots for an adult-only ski trip. All known for amazing après-ski and good vibes, my personal favorite is Kitzbühel!
🪖 Is it illegal to ski without a helmet in Austria?
It’s not illegal to ski without a helmet in Austria, but it’s strongly advised. It is mandatory for kids and adolescents up to 15, though. One fall and you could hit your head and suffer permanent damage – or worse. I recommend getting a SMITH Optics helmet, they’re super reliable and won’t break the bank!
Conclusion
Phew! I hope this guide to skiing in Austria has been helpful – have I peaked your interest?
Now you know where to ski and how to make it more affordable. Simple!
If you have any questions, hit me up in the comments. I LOVE skiing so much, I’ll gladly help you out! And for anything I can’t answer, my dad will answer 😁
See you on the slopes, friend!
Lizzie
