The 5 best ski resorts in Austria to discover
Austria is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most popular ski destinations. With its breathtaking Alpine scenery, modern infrastructure and unspoilt authenticity, the country attracts millions of skiers from all over the world every year. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, a fan of groomed slopes or off-piste, Austria’s ski resorts offer an incomparable experience. Discover our selection of the 5 best ski resorts in Austria to plan your next stay in the mountains.
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1. St. Anton am Arlberg: the birthplace of alpine skiing
St. Anton am Arlberg is much more than just a ski resort: it’s a veritable winter sports legend. Located in the Tyrol region, this iconic resort is part of the gigantic Ski Arlberg area, considered to be the largest linked ski area in Austria, with 300 kilometres of pistes and 85 ski lifts.
Founded at the beginning of the 20th century, St. Anton is the birthplace of modern alpine skiing. It was here that Hannes Schneider developed the Arlberg technique, revolutionising skiing throughout the world. Today, the resort continues this tradition of excellence, attracting the most demanding skiers.
The ski area stretches from 1,304 to 2,811 metres above sea level, with an impressive vertical drop of 1,507 metres. Off-piste enthusiasts will be delighted with 200 kilometres of secure open terrain, while skiers of all abilities will appreciate the variety of groomed runs. The resort benefits from exceptional snow cover, with an average of 9 metres of snow per season, guaranteeing optimal conditions from December to the end of April.
The après-ski in St. Anton is just as legendary as its slopes. The village comes alive from 3pm with its legendary bars such as the Mooserwirt and Krazy Kanguruh, offering a festive atmosphere that is unique in the Alps.
2. Ischgl: the Ibiza of the Austrian Alps
Ischgl, nicknamed the “Ibiza of the Alps”, is a top-of-the-range ski resort that perfectly combines quality skiing with a lively nightlife. Located in Tyrol’s Paznaun valley, around 90 minutes from Innsbruck, the resort is part of the cross-border Silvretta Arena ski area, which extends as far as the Swiss resort of Samnaun.
With 239 kilometres of pistes spread over 78 runs, Ischgl offers an exceptional playground for all levels. The ski area lies mainly between 2,000 and 2,872 metres above sea level, guaranteeing optimum snow cover from late November to early May. The resort has 45 ultra-modern lifts, including several detachable gondolas for fast, comfortable ascents.
What sets Ischgl apart is its unique atmosphere. The resort is famous for its season-opening and closing concerts, which attract international stars. Skiers also appreciate the exceptional quality of the après-ski with renowned establishments such as the Kuhstall and the Trofana Alm. The village itself, at an altitude of 1,377 metres, has preserved its Tyrolean charm while offering modern, luxurious facilities.
Freeriders will be delighted with the numerous off-piste itineraries, particularly in the Palinkopf and Greitspitz sectors. The resort also has two snow parks with over 30 modules and a permanent half-pipe for freestyle fans. Don’t forget to take advantage of duty-free in Samnaun, the Swiss tax-free zone accessible directly from the slopes!
3. Sölden: the kingdom of glaciers
Sölden, in Tyrol’s magnificent Ötztal valley, is one of Austria’s most impressive ski resorts. Renowned for hosting the Alpine Skiing World Cup every autumn, Sölden offers an exceptional ski area with 144 kilometres of pistes at altitudes of between 1,350 and 3,340 metres.
What makes Sölden unique is its “BIG 3” label: it’s the only resort in Austria where three peaks over 3,000 metres are accessible by ski lift. Gaislachkogl (3,058 m), Tiefenbachkogl (3,250 m) and Schwarze Schneide (3,340 m) offer spectacular panoramic views of the Ötztal Alps. Observation platforms have been set up at each summit, allowing visitors to admire more than 250 peaks over 3,000 metres.
The resort has two glacier areas, Rettenbach and Tiefenbach, which guarantee skiing from late September to early May. The 31 ultra-modern ski lifts serve 40 varied runs: half are blue runs, ideal for beginners and intermediate skiers, while the other half are split between red (60%) and black (40%) runs, offering challenges for all abilities.
Sölden also offers 3.8 kilometres of night skiing runs and two fully-equipped snow parks. Speed enthusiasts will love the Stanton Arlberg, a technical black run, while families will enjoy the wide blue runs of the Giggijoch sector. The resort also gained international fame thanks to the James Bond film ‘Spectre’, some spectacular scenes of which were filmed on the Sölden glacier.
After a day on the slopes, Sölden offers a lively après-ski with typical Tyrolean bars and restaurants. The village, although modern, has retained its Alpine authenticity.
4. Kitzbühel: elegance and prestige
Kitzbühel is the epitome of luxury and tradition in the world of Austrian skiing. Founded over 750 years ago, this legendary Tyrolean resort has become one of the most prestigious winter sports destinations in the world. Its famous KitzSki area, voted Austria’s best ski area with 4.9 out of 5 stars, extends over 233 kilometres of pistes served by 58 ski lifts.
Kitzbühel’s reputation is largely based on the legendary Hahnenkamm downhill run, particularly the Streif, considered to be one of the most difficult and dangerous in the world. Every year in January, this slope hosts a World Cup race that attracts tens of thousands of spectators who come to watch the world’s best skiers challenge this vertiginous slope with its 85% maximum vertical drop.
The ski area comprises four distinct sectors linked by free shuttle buses: the Hahnenkamm, the Kitzbüheler Horn, the Jochberg and the Pass Thurn. The 60 pistes are evenly distributed, with 25 blue, 27 red and 8 black runs, giving a total of 179 kilometres of skiing. In the event of poor snow conditions, 119 kilometres are covered by one of the most efficient artificial snow systems in the Alps.
Kitzbühel is also notable for its unspoilt medieval village, with its colourful facades and cobbled streets lined with luxury boutiques and gourmet restaurants. The resort has the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants in Tyrol. The après-ski scene is refined, with the famous Londoner and the Praxmair, meeting places for the international jet-set.
For night skiing fans, 4 kilometres of pistes are illuminated at night. The season lasts an average of 150 days, from late October to early May.
5. Zell am See-Kaprun: paradise by the lake
Zell am See-Kaprun offers a unique experience in Austria: skiing with a view over a majestic Alpine lake. This resort in the Salzburg region combines three complementary ski areas, with a total of 408 kilometres of pistes served by 121 modern lifts. A single ski pass gives access to the whole of this vast skiing area.
The first sector, Schmittenhöhe, directly overlooks Lake Zell and offers exceptional panoramic views of the Austrian Alps. With 77 kilometres of pistes, this family-friendly area is ideal for skiers of all abilities. The wide blue and red runs allow you to enjoy the view while skiing in excellent conditions.
The second sector, Kitzsteinhorn, is the region’s glacial jewel. Rising to 3,029 metres, this glacier guarantees quality skiing from October to June. The 61 kilometres of pistes on the Kitzsteinhorn are particularly popular with good skiers and freeriders, with five marked off-piste routes and four equipped snowparks. The glacier is also home to the Ice Arena, Austria’s highest snowpark, and Gipfelwelt 3000, a panoramic platform with a revolving restaurant.
The third sector, Maiskogel, is the family area par excellence, with its gentle slopes and child-friendly facilities. This smaller mountain is the perfect complement to the range, with safe beginners’ areas and fun zones for the very young.
What sets Zell am See-Kaprun apart from other Austrian resorts is its exceptional setting on the banks of Zeller See. In winter, the frozen lake is transformed into a natural ice rink, and the walk along the banks offers a relaxing moment after skiing. The old town of Zell am See, with its Romanesque church and traditional houses, has retained all its authentic charm.
The region also offers a host of complementary activities: snowshoe trekking, ice skating, paragliding, and even visits to the impressive Krimml waterfalls, the highest in Europe, which are accessible in winter. To discover the cultural wealth of the region, be sure to visit Salzburg, the city of Mozart, around an hour’s drive away. The Navaway itinerary allows you to explore this magnificent Baroque city at your own pace, making it the perfect complement to your skiing holiday.
In conclusion, Austria is a destination of choice for all winter sports enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for the authenticity of St. Anton am Arlberg, the festive atmosphere of Ischgl, the glacial landscapes of Sölden, the prestige of Kitzbühel or the enchanting setting of Zell am See-Kaprun, each resort offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Modern infrastructure, exceptional snow conditions and Tyrolean hospitality make Austria’s ski resorts a must for your next mountain holiday.
FAQ: everything you need to know about ski resorts in Austria
When is the best time to ski in Austria?
The ski season in Austria generally runs from the beginning of December to the end of April. Resorts with glaciers, such as Sölden and Zell am See-Kaprun, even offer skiing from October to June. For the best snow conditions, choose January and February. The Christmas and February school holidays are the busiest periods.
What is the average price of a ski pass in Austria?
The price of a day pass varies between €50 and €80, depending on the resort and the period. Significant savings can be made with multi-day passes and season passes. Major resorts such as St. Anton (Ski Arlberg) offer day passes at around €80, while more family-friendly resorts offer more affordable prices.
Are Austrian ski resorts suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! All the major Austrian resorts have renowned ski schools and safe beginners’ areas. Zell am See-Kaprun and Sölden are particularly recommended for beginners, with their many blue runs and specially adapted learning areas. Austrian instructors are renowned for their teaching skills, and most speak English and French.
How do I get to Austria’s ski resorts from France?
There are several options: fly to Innsbruck, Salzburg or Munich, followed by a transfer by shuttle or hire car (1 to 2 hours depending on the station), take the train to Innsbruck or Salzburg with local connections, or drive from France (allow 8 to 10 hours from Paris). Many companies offer direct bus services from major French cities during the winter season.
Which resort to choose for après-ski in Austria?
Ischgl and St. Anton am Arlberg are the undisputed queens of après-ski in Austria. Ischgl offers a festive atmosphere with live music and trendy bars, while St. Anton offers the most traditional and lively après-ski in the Austrian Alps. Kitzbühel offers a more chic and sophisticated atmosphere, with elegant bars and gourmet restaurants.
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