Austrian skis. The best ski resorts in Austria - where a skier and snowboarder should go

Active tourists often associate this small and cozy country with Viennese palace complexes, ancient parks, excellent slopes and the best ski resorts in Austria. In winter, the magnificence of the natural landscapes of the republic becomes even more impressive, which attracts both connoisseurs of snow-covered mountain slopes and ordinary tourists, who are still skiing uncertainly, but ready to go on an exciting journey for the sake of adrenaline and fabulous landscapes. Of all the famous resort areas of their hospitable country, the Austrians often recommend a few of their favorite places. Here, foreigners are waiting for various opportunities for an exciting and useful winter pastime.

Bad Gastein

The best ski resorts in Austria are extremely diverse, among them there are several places that are available primarily to wealthy vacationers due to the rather high prices for all kinds of services. One of them is Bad Gastein, also well known for thermal springs and health centers. Winter gives its guests a unique opportunity to combine pleasant skiing with beneficial radon baths. And for tourists with a limited budget, they are well suited.

All 220 km of snow-covered slopes are filled with skiers prepared in different ways to conquer the mountain slopes. The city cannot boast of a wide variety of entertainment venues, but everyone knows the local casino and Gatz, a democratic bar where young fans of snowboarding and skiing prefer to have fun.

Zell am See

Thanks to the picturesque lake, the surroundings around Zell am See, a quiet old town, amaze travelers with fabulous beauty. Most of the 77 km of local pistes are filled with beginners or experienced skiers.

From this city you can quite easily and quickly get to a glacier that does not melt even in summer. As a result, skiers in these places appear not only in the winter months, but also in the off-season, as well as in summer. Among the frequent visitors to Zell am See, you can meet beginner snowboarders and fans of cross-country skiing. More than 150 restaurants, bars and cafes are open for vacationers to relax after many hours of skiing.

Leh

Despite the many drinking establishments, Lech - a small resort village - is unlikely to appeal to lovers of noisy discos and carefree fun. This is one of . First of all, people come here for skiing and snowboarding. Of the 55 well-equipped trails, each guest will definitely be able to find exactly the one that will satisfy his desires. Young travelers will not be left without work. Separately from their parents, they have fun on a 1.2-kilometer track specially equipped for them.

Many passionate gourmets who are not indifferent to excellent Austrian wine and national dishes also visit the village. In the evenings, in order to taste cheese fondue and drink a glass of fine wine, visitors gather at cozy tables in the stylish Krone Stuben, the more democratic Angelika Kauffmann, or in some other restaurant. For tourists considering the best ski resorts in Austria, the rating of the village of Lech is far from the last.

Mayrhofen

Half of the 136 km of great pistes around Mayrhofen - a small Austrian village - is for those who already feel confident enough to ski, but have not yet become professionals. There are many slopes here for those who are just starting to show themselves in this winter entertainment. However, experts also look at this resort, which is considered a youth resort.

Mayrhofen is also famous for the White Lounge, an unusual igloo hotel where thrill-seekers seek to spend the night in ice-cold rooms. But most vacationers prefer to have fun at night in the Ice Bar, famous for its relaxed atmosphere, or in some other club. During the day, establishments such as the White Lounge and Freiraum become great observation platforms due to their location on the mountain slopes.

St. Anton

If one of the curious tourists wants to know where the first ski cubes appeared on the European continent, then it is believed that St. Anton was this place. Now this ski resort in Austria is known for its challenging slopes and excellent training centers for beginners and children. Most of the 305 km of local slopes have long been chosen by professionals demonstrating unusually virtuoso skiing. If desired, everyone can drive around St. Anton and its environs on a sleigh pulled by fast horses.

The village also has a rather large ice skating rink, which was "occupied" by teenagers and young people. After active participation in winter entertainment, vacationers are happy to get acquainted with the taste of Austrian dishes in one of the 80 restaurants. Young people dance almost until morning in the Underground, a democratic English club. The hall of the cozy Mooserwirt, one of the most famous bars not only in St. Anton, but in the whole of Tyrol, is always crowded with a cheerful audience. Lunch or dinner at Galzig Verwall, an alpine restaurant, is a treat for those looking for a vantage point to appreciate the beauty of the snow-capped peaks.

What the best ski resorts in Austria have in common

Although small towns and quiet villages in mountainous Austria are distinctive, and their inhabitants always try to emphasize this, there are still many common features between them. This is especially true of the named places that have become leaders in winter recreation:

in almost every of the places mentioned, December is considered the beginning of the season;
often they stop receiving guests at the end of March;
in every town or village, tourists are sure to find many places of entertainment, bars and restaurants;
the cost of a weekly ski pass, which is available everywhere for purchase, is 295 €.

The main thing that can be found in every town or village is the friendliness of both the locals and the staff. The high rating of Austrian ski resorts determines the popularity of the country among multinational travelers.

Austria is a premium class in the world of ski holidays. And this is not surprising: the inhabitants of the Austrian Tyrol and Salzburg thought of it before anyone else in the world - more than 100 years ago - to skim the cream from the legendary alpine meadows not only in the emerald summer, but also in the frosty snowy winter. The first downhill competitions took place in the Austrian Alps in 1904, in 1922 the first ski school was opened, in 1928 the first lift was launched and, in fact, the ski tourism business as a whole.

For a century, hardworking, neat, stubborn Austrians have managed to build a real snow empire on the slopes of their native Alps, which includes more than 800 ski resorts and about 50 ski areas, almost 20% of which are open all year round.

Today, Austria is a leader in the reception of skiers and snowboarders. Short flights, well-equipped and diverse slopes - both for children and beginners, and for severe off-piste skiing, a wide choice of accommodation - from 5-star hotels to more than budget apartments that can be rented “purchased”, the best apre-ski in the world - all this attracts tens of thousands of tourists “armed” with skis and snowboards to the Austrian slopes of the Alps every year.

Thanks to the visa-free travel, Austria has become much more accessible than before. We have compiled for you a list of the most interesting Austrian ski resorts that will please you with a variety of slopes and high-class service.

Attention! The ski regions of Austria have their own rules, which are somewhat different from the global ones. So keep in mind:

*traditional amateur "green" trails on the local slopes do not exist. Their place is occupied by “blue” ones - they are intended for training beginners;

*most lifts operate between 8:30 and 16:00. Only a few trails provide the opportunity for evening skiing. So it makes sense to think about evening leisure in advance;

*reservations in hotels and apartments are usually made from Saturday to Saturday: it can be difficult to check in in the middle of the week.

Ischgl

The most fashionable and pretentious ski resort in the Tyrol region. Ischgl is often called the "Austrian Courchevel" - for the same focus on expensive high-class service and an active social life off the slopes. Concerts of world-famous stars are regularly held here - Madonna, Sting, Elton John “celebrated” in Ischgl ... Another feature of Ischgl is the abundance of places for shopping: the resort has official stores of many of the world's most famous brands. As for the opportunities for skiing, they are also excellent here: 90% of the Ischgl pistes are located above 2000 m above sea level, and therefore winters with little snow do not threaten them, snow - real, alpine, sparkling - is always here. The resort is suitable for families with children: there is a ski school with more than a hundred instructors, “sharpened” for work, including with kids, and a kindergarten.

Tracks: the total length of the slopes reaches 238 km. More than half of the slopes are classified as "red" - designed for experienced skiers. There are also trails for cross-country skiing. Special expanse for snowboarders: Ischgl is one of the top snowboarding resorts in Europe. The boarders offer a half-pipe, four ski jumps and ample opportunities for off-piste skiing.

ski season: mid-November - early May.

Ski pass price: from 210 to 240 euros depending on the season (from November 24 to December 23, from January 7 to 20, from April 18 to May 1, the price of the ski pass is reduced). Children's subscriptions are cheaper - about 150 euros.

Bad Gastein

If Ischgl is the “Austrian Courchevel”, then Bad Gastein, located near Salzburg, is called the “Austrian Monte Carlo” - thanks to the oldest mountain casino, the town's classic European architecture and a wide range of après-ski options. The ski resort has several thermal springs and the corresponding infrastructure (spa and beauty salons, radon baths, salt galleries), thanks to which tourists can combine ski holidays with relaxation in the sauna and general health improvement.

Tracks: up to 220 kilometers of well-prepared slopes at altitudes up to 2700 m. More than 60% are red slopes (of medium difficulty). The resort also has cross-country skiing trails, a fun park and two half-pipes for snowboarders. There are opportunities for virgin skiing.

ski season: December - March.

Ski pass priceA: about 200 euros for six days. For children (under 15 years old) and youth (under 19 years old) prices are one and a half to two times lower.

Kitzbühel

One of the most famous and popular ski resorts not only in Austria, but throughout the world. The ancient town of Kitzbühel began to welcome skiers back in the 1920s and is now considered the cradle of Austrian skiing. You can ride not only in the (very expensive) Kitzbühel itself, but also in the regions adjacent to it, connected with the “cradle” of a common system of tracks.

For example, Kitzbühel is a stone's throw from the Söll region, which combines several small ski villages with more than humane living costs and an abundance of uncomplicated “family” slopes.

Tracks: up to 200 km of well-equipped and well-groomed slopes, more than a third of which are intended for beginner skiers, including children. However, this does not mean that a professional in Kitzbühel has nowhere to turn around: here is the steepest Streif slalom track in the Alps, which hosts the most serious world competitions in downhill: an 85-degree slope ensures a descent speed of up to 140 km / h.

ski season: December - March.

Ski pass price: about 200 euros for six days. For children (under 15 years old) and youth (under 19 years old) the resort makes a discount. Ski passes for 12 days are also available for about 320 euros.

Mayrhofen

Located in the Ziller Valley (also called the Tyrolean Valley), the resort is considered a real ski mecca of the Alps. Four narrow mountain valleys join together at Mayrhofen, each providing a variety of skiing opportunities. But, of course, the most famous is the Tuxertal valley, leading to the largest glacier in Austria - Hintertux, thanks to which Mayrhofen is possible year-round skiing. In general, the Tyrolean Valley unites ten skiing regions at altitudes from 550 m to 3286 m, interconnected both by common routes and by excellent bus links. Therefore, in order to ride the legendary Hintertux or relax in the water park in the evenings, it is not necessary to live in Mayrhofen itself: you can find inexpensive apartments in one of the nearby villages.

Tracks:up to 150 km of groomed pistes, most of which belong to the blue (beginner) or red (intermediate) categories. The length of the black slopes is up to 20 km: this also includes a slope under the eloquent name "Harakiri", the slope of which reaches 78 degrees.

ski season: year-round.

Ski pass price: 205 euros for 6 days or 377 euros for 13. Children (under 15 years old) and youth (under 19 years old) are provided with significant discounts: prices for a children's ski pass start at 92 euros for 6 days of skiing.

Kaprun

A truly fabulous place for those who want not only to have a great ride, but also to breathe in the atmosphere of the real, primordial Alps. The touching provincial town is located at the foot of the 3203 m high Kitzsteinhorn mountain, from which the “tongue” of the Kaprun glacier stretches, which makes it possible to ski all year round.

Kaprun itself is more like a classic alpine village framed by a mountain wall: there is no snobbery, noise, fuss, and therefore it is ideal for a family vacation. The local medieval castle and prepared trails for mountain walks in any season will give tourists a special atmosphere. For many years, the mountain train, which could take you to the glacier area, was considered the signature attraction of the ski resort, but it was replaced with a cable car - which is also not bad.

Tracks: about 50 km of prepared blue and red slopes, as well as over 30 km of cross-country skiing trails. If desired, enjoying the alpine atmosphere of Kaprun, from the town you can easily and quickly get by bus to Zell am See - a more modern and noisy resort with an abundance of various slopes, including black ones.

ski season: all year round.

Ski pass price: 209 euros for 6 days. For children (under 15 years old) and youth (under 19 years old) prices are reduced by about one and a half to two times.

Where to go if you…

... just learn to ski and snowboard: Mayrhofen, Zell am See, Kaprun, Lech, Serfaus, Obertauern;

… you ride confidently and love speed: Ischgl, Bad Gastein, Kitzbühel, Mayrhofen, Zell am See, St. Anton, Serfaus, Saalbach;

… love off-piste and freeride: Ischgl, Kitzbühel, Zell am See, Mayrhofen, Lech, Serfaus, Saalbach, Obertauern;

…prefer snowboarding: Ischgl, Mayrhofen and the entire Zillertal region, Bad Gastein, Sölden;

... appreciate not only mountain, but also cross-country skiing: Mayrhofen, Kaprun, Zell am See, Innsbruck;

... love to slide down the slope right to the door of the hotel: Hochgurl, Obergurgl, Obertauern, Zürs;

…thirsty for a varied holiday with a daily change of activities: Ischgl, Sölden, Lech, St. Anton, Saalbach-Hinterglemm;

…want to relax with your family and children: Kitzbühel, Kaprun, Mayrhofen, Zell am See, Serfaus;

… do not ski, but want to feel the atmosphere of a ski resort and not get bored: Kitzbühel, Kaprun, Bad Gastein, Seefeld, Innsbruck;

… love delicious food: Ischgl, Kitzbühel, Bad Gastein, Mayrhofen, Seefeld, Innsbruck, Kirchberg, Seefeld;

… you need a variety of evening entertainment, parties and shopping: Ischgl, Mayrhofen, St. Anton, Obertaurn, Bad Gastein, Innsbruck, Seefeld.

To date, Austria is one of the leaders in the reception of skiers and snowboarders. The components of success are simple: a short flight, excellent slopes and a variety of accommodation options - from luxurious five-star hotels with spas and thermal springs to budget apartments. Thus, this alpine country can satisfy the needs of different categories of tourists who are in love with the mountains.

So what is the difference between ski resorts in Austria? Where is the best place for you to go? Where is it better to relax with the whole family, and where - with a noisy company? What are the prices for ski passes in Austrian resorts? In our material you can find answers to these questions and get information about popular and not very ski resorts in Austria. So let's start the ski season!

Bad Kleinkirchheim

Bad Kleinkirchheim is a small village in the north of Carinthia, which is an excellent mountain and thermal resort. This place, located at an altitude of 1100 meters on the border of the Norkberge National Park and known for its thermal springs since the Middle Ages, quickly gained popularity among winter sports enthusiasts due to the many slopes of various difficulty levels. There are also very steep slopes, and gentle slopes for "dummies". The ski season lasts from mid-December to April.

In addition to skiing, you can improve your health here at the Baths of St. Catherine (water temperature 24-33 degrees; 2 indoor pools and one outdoor) and Roman Baths (water temperature - 28-36 degrees; one indoor and one outdoor pool).

In the evening, there are many bars, discos, various shows are held, and a free Apres-Ski bus runs from 18-30 to 0-30.

Katchberg

Austrian ski resort in the land of Carinthia, which in summer turns into an excellent place for eco-tourism. Kutschberg is located very close to the A10 highway and includes two peaks - Tschanek and Ainek. Their ski areas are not connected to each other, so you will have to pass from one to another through the village of Katchberg.

Nasfeld

Nassfeld is one of the largest ski resorts in Austria in the land of Carinthia, but so far it is practically unknown to Russian tourists. It is partly located in Italy. Most hotels are located at an altitude of 1300-1500 meters, and the elevation difference is more than 1400 meters - from 615 to 2030 meters.

Bad Gastein and Bad Hofgastein

One of the most famous and visited ski and thermal resorts in Austria. Bad Gastein and Bad Hofgastein are located in the center of the Gastein Valley in the Salzburgerland. The first is at an altitude of 1002 meters above sea level, the second is slightly lower - 858 meters.

Bad Gastein is also called the “Alpine Monte Carlo”: holidays here are not cheap, but absolutely all winter sports fans will like the local slopes. Bad Hofgastein is considered a more democratic and less luxurious resort. The mountain villages themselves have been known since the Middle Ages and are perfect for pleasant walks in the fresh air.

Dachstein West and Lammertal

One of the most picturesque ski resorts in Austria, located just an hour from Salzburg. The region is united by a developed system of lifts connecting the villages of Abtenau, Annaberg, Gosau, Lungötz, Russbach, St. Martin am Tennengebirge, where tourists usually settle, with forest ski slopes. This region is well suited for family holidays and skiing.

Trails, lifts and prices of the resorts Dachstein West and Lammertal

Saalbach and Hinterglemm

This Austrian ski resort in the Glemmtal valley, thanks to the many interesting slopes, both steep and gentle, has gained popularity among many lovers of skiing of various skill levels. The villages of Saaalbach and Hintreglemm are located very close to each other, at an altitude of 1003 and 1050 meters respectively. At the same time, there are traditionally more tourists in Saalbach than in the less noisy Hinterglemm. Both villages are surrounded by beautiful landscapes.

Trails, lifts and prices of the resorts Saalbach and Hinterglemm

Kaprun

One of the ski resorts in Salzburg, located at an altitude of 786 meters in the Pinzgau region. Kaprun is quite popular among many ski lovers and confirms its reputation as an excellent resort not only with magnificent slopes, but also with chic nature.

This small town always has a cozy homely atmosphere and very little noise. The skiing region is usually divided into two parts: the Maiskogel with a maximum height of 1675 meters, suitable for beginners, and the three-kilometer Kitzsteinhorn glacier with very difficult slopes.

Obertauern

One of the most exciting Austrian resorts in terms of skiing - it is here that the steepest and most difficult slopes of the Salzburg land are located, although there is more than enough space for beginners. The village of Obertauern itself is quite small, but with its own Alpine flavor.

Zell am See and Schuttdorf

Located at an altitude of 760 meters on the shore of a beautiful lake, the town of Zell am See offers its visitors a wonderful holiday and skiing on the quality slopes of the Schmittenhöhe mountain. In addition, you can go shopping in the town.

The administrative part of Zell am See, the resort of Schuttdorf is less famous than its larger neighbor, but it is united with it by one ski area, and is also more suitable for those who would like to save a little on accommodation. There are many great cafes, shops and discos here, so there is plenty to do in Schuttdorf after skiing.

Trails, lifts and prices of the resorts of Zell am See and Schuttdorf

Schladming

Situated in the Dachstein Mountains in Styria, the resort is especially attractive for extreme riders and freeriders, as the area has several excellent off-piste slopes. However, nevertheless, most of the slopes of Schladming are red, so there is where to turn around even for not the most experienced skiers. The largest ski area is the Planai area. Schladming itself has long gained a reputation as one of the best ski resorts in the world.

Sportvelt Amade

The Sportvelt Amade is 10 ski areas at once, which are united by one ski pass. There are a huge number of slopes suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers. Among the towns and villages included in this region, there are old ones - St. Johan im Pongau, Altenmarkt and Radstadt, as well as the more modern small towns of Eben, Flachau, Filzmoos, Wagrain and Kleinarl. Especially worth highlighting is Flachau, which combines a wonderful ski resort and a place where you can have great fun. In addition, it was in Flachau that Hermann Mayer, nicknamed "Herminator", was born - one of the greatest skiers of all time.

Westendorf

Westendorf is located in the Kitzbühel region in the Wilder Kaiser-Brixental mountains and is considered not only an excellent ski resort, but also one of the most beautiful villages in Austria. Westendorf is best suited for families who prefer a quiet and relaxing holiday and comfortable skiing. It is also a good place for the first steps in the world of skiing.

Axamer Lycium

A ski resort in the land of Tyrol that has hosted the Olympic Games twice. Despite this, Axamer remained a quiet mountain village adjacent to Lycium, a beautiful basin ideal for skiing.

Galtyur

An ideal place for those who prefer silence, solitude and calm skiing to the noise of large ski resorts. Galtür is located near Ischgl, only a 15-minute drive, but here it is quieter and cheaper. This small alpine village, by the way, is located at a fairly high altitude - 1584 meters.

Gerlos

This beautiful ski resort is located near the border of the states of Tyrol and Salzburg and is considered the pearl of the region. There are not only many excellent slopes at a decent height and guaranteed to be covered in snow, but also great opportunities to relax after skiing - après-ski bars and restaurants, paragliding and much more.

Seefeld

One of the most famous sports resorts not only in Tyrol, but throughout Austria. Here are the best cross-country skiing tracks in the country, for which this place is first of all famous, by the way, which hosted two Olympics. One of the advantages of Seefeld is its proximity (about 20 kilometers) to Innsbruck. In the past, Seefeld attracted many intellectuals and artists, and one can say that it has not lost its charm.

Söll

A very popular ski resort, while maintaining its comfort and hospitality. Söll is located in the east of Tyrol and is part of a huge ski area called Brixental / Wilder Kaiser. Together with Söll, this region includes the resorts of Westendorf, Kelschau, Going, Scheffau, Brixen im Tal, Itter, Elmau and Hopfgarten.

Sölden

Sölden is located in the famous Otztal (Ötztal) valley and is adjacent to other popular resorts in this area - Ventem, Hochselden, Hochgurgl and Obergurgl. According to some reports, all together they form the most visited ski region in Austria.

Sölden is located at an altitude of 1350 meters, so snow is guaranteed. Plus, the Otztal valley itself is truly beautiful, although some may not like the fact that Sölden is elongated and runs along the main road of this ski region.

Eagles

The small, calm and cozy Tyrolean village of Igls is located just 7 kilometers from Innsbruck on a beautiful plateau. This place, like some others in the vicinity of Innsbruck, hosted the Olympics twice.

Ischgl

Ischgl is one of the resorts (together with Samnaun) of the Silvretta ski area, and its main difference from many others is its hyperactive life, many tourists, discos, parties, combined with stunning slopes for skiing (though not extreme). The resort gained popularity about 30 years ago and since then has the reputation of one of the most popular in all the country.

Kappl

Kappl is a fairly small resort not far from Ischgl, and both have the same ski pass. Kappl is a calmer and more peaceful resort and is covered with snow all season due to its heights.

Kirchberg

A fairly well-known Tyrolean resort, located 6 kilometers from Kitzbühel and connected to it by ski lifts. In general, from Kirchberg you can easily get to other ski resorts in the Pengelstein and Hankenkamm areas. Kirchberg is considered not so quiet resort - there are enough après-ski bars, restaurants and noisy discos, so after skiing nothing will stop you from having great fun.

Kitzbühel

Kitzbühel has long been known as one of the most popular and famous ski resorts not only in Austria, but throughout the world. As a center for skiing, Kitzbühel declared itself back in the 20s of the last century. Today you can see both the “powerful of this world” skiing here, staying in luxurious hotels in the region, and many young people willingly hanging out after skiing in the old Kitzbühel. One of the pearls of the resort is the Streif slalom track, known far beyond the borders of Austria, which hosts the stages of the world championships.

Mayrhofen

Located in the famous "Tyrolean Valley", Mayrhofen is considered one of the best ski resorts - everything is connected with this sport here, and the local valleys and slopes will not leave indifferent any fan of speed skiing. In total, the region unites 4 valleys, of which the most famous is the Tuxertal with the Hintertux glacier. For dummies, the Ahorn area is suitable, for the more experienced - Penken, and Hintertux - for the "advanced".

Neustift

This is a small Tyrolean village in the Stubai Valley, just a couple of dozen kilometers from Innsbruck. One of the skiing centers of the region is the Stubai Glacier, to which a free ski bus runs from Innsbruck along the valley. The Neustift resort includes the tiny ski villages of Neustiftdorf, Kampl and Neder. Innsbruck Airport is only 26 kilometers from Neustift, so you can get there by taxi or bus.

Obergurgl and Hochgurgl

These are two fraternal villages at the end of the famous Otztal (Ötztal) ski valley, located at a decent height - about 2 kilometers above sea level. Actually, Obergurgl and Hochgurgl form one of the highest ski resorts in Austria. It is especially convenient that the Obergurgl ski lifts are located right next to the village. Hochgurgl is located at an altitude of 2150 meters and is a secluded expensive resort of 6 luxury hotels.

Trails, lifts and prices of the resorts Obergurgl and Hochgurgl

Saint Anton

This resort is a landmark for the world of skiing. It was here that in 1904 the first competitions in history took place, and in 1922 the first ski school in the world was opened. St. Anton, along with the resorts of St. Christoph, Zürs, Lech, Oberlech and Stuben, is part of the well-known and popular Arlberg ski region. Riding here is not so cheap, while the prices for accommodation are more or less reasonable.

Serfaus

A fairly new ski resort in the western part of Tyrol, not far from the headwaters of the Inn River. In addition to Serfaus itself, the region includes the neighboring ski villages of Fiss and Ladis. All three resorts are connected by lifts and slopes. In a fairly short time, Serfaus has become one of the best ski regions in the country.

Fulpmes

Fulpmes is one of the ski resorts in the Stubai Valley with excellent slopes, toboggan runs, skating rinks, etc. This is a beautiful alpine town with a wonderful atmosphere created by the historic center with its cozy bars and shops. The Fulpmes ski area is called Schlick 2000.

Fugen

The most beautiful resort town in the Zillertal valley, famous, among other things, for its Gothic architecture. Fügen consists of two parts - directly Fügen and Fügenberg. The main ski areas are Spieljoch and Hochfügen. The first is great for family skiing, the second will appeal more to skilful skiers and snowboarders. Innsbruck Airport is located 40 kilometers from Fügen, Munich - 130. From the airports you can get to the resort by shuttle buses or by train to Jenbach station and by bus to Fügen.

Most of the Austrian territory is occupied by the Alps, so the country's specialization in winter recreation was predetermined. Ski areas in Austria are dotted with small ski villages, where the atmosphere of comfort reigns and ancient traditions are maintained. Thousands of small and large resorts amaze the tourist imagination.

This article opens a rubric dedicated to ski resorts in Austria. We will tell you about the most popular ski areas, look for thermal springs and places for high-quality family vacations. Particular attention will be paid to the weather and prices.

Popular ski resorts in Austria

Austria is dominated by medium-altitude ski centers suitable for professionals and beginners. The highest slopes are located in the famous province of Tyrol - it is there that the “main” ski resorts of the country are concentrated.

Austria also boasts unique areas that host guests all year round - these are Bad Gastein and Zell am See. We will devote separate articles to the following regions:

. The pearl of the Stubai Valley, the slopes of which are mainly aimed at beginners. Nearby is a major transport hub - Innsbruck. It is through him that you have to get.
. The capital of the Winter Olympics has an excellent ski infrastructure, ideally suited for professional skiers. Snowboarders will also like this picturesque place.
An important advantage is the presence of an international airport. we posted in a previous article.
. The slopes of this largest ski center in Austria occupied the slopes of two mountain peaks at once. For beginners, this is an ideal place - professional ski schools, soft slopes, an abundance of equipment rental offices.
Young people will enjoy the abundance of nightclubs, restaurants, bars, modern discos and theatrical performances.
. This popular resort is located in the picturesque Otzal Valley. Snowboarders and skiers are thrilled with Sölden - the town's reputation is built on two-kilometer drops that form steep slopes for the pros.

The most extensive ski area in Austria is Tyrol.

Tyrol is remarkable not only for its picturesque landscapes, but also for a number of elite ski resorts. We note the following:

Seefeld;
Innsbruck (plus its surroundings);
Kirchberg;
Pitztal;
St. Anton;
Ischgl;
Serfaus;
Valley of the Zillertal.

The six best resorts in the country

Among the thousands of ski resorts in Austria, it is very problematic to single out the “most-most”. The reason lies in the fact that the towns and villages in the ski areas are scattered very densely, and the general infrastructure of the Austrians is well thought out. Thus, our review will be reduced to a description of the most popular and revered places for skiers. Let's get started.

Leh. This resort belongs to the Arlberg region. You need to go here in winter, because in March the skiing season ends. You can get to Lech by bus running through Innsbruck.
The level of service is extremely high, and the tracks are in perfect condition. The slopes equipped for skiers stretch for 260 kilometers. There are gentle children's slopes.
Snowboarders will love the halfpipe. Swimming pool, skating rink, discos, bars and restaurants - there is enough entertainment in Leh.
Ischgl. You will have to fly here in the usual way - through Innsbruck. Then - 100 km by bus (options can be a train or a rented car, you can look for a cheap car rental). Skiing in Ischgl starts in December, and the season ends in May. High-quality and rather difficult slopes prevail in Ischgl, so experienced skiers flock here. Trails and lifts have connected Ischgl with the general infrastructure of the region.
By the way, the local routes stretch for 238 kilometers. Altitude range - 1400-2860 meters. The complexity of the descents is also indicated by the fact that half of the slopes are “red”, another 18% are “black”. Beginners can also try their hand here - there are specially equipped "soft" zones for them. Ischgl is well-deservedly respected by snowboarders and is a state-of-the-art platform for board fans.
The weather rarely fails, but when it does, snow groomers and cannons come into play.
Kaprun. This commune, located in the state of Salzburg, is considered the center of youth fun and glamorous entertainment. On the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, there are quite steep slopes that attract snowboarders and skiers of all categories. Three picturesque lakes, a museum of hydroelectric power plants, a national park with trails for ecotourists - all this will appeal to connoisseurs of sights. , or at any other time of the year, truly unforgettable.
You can get to the dams of power plants with the help of funiculars and buses. The main feature of Kaprun is a mountain train that runs between the city and the glacier.
It is warm in Kaprun in summer (up to 24 degrees), so the ski season ends in March.
Salzburg. This is a vast region that includes many popular ski resorts. We have already written about Kaprun. The second most popular is the town of Saalbach. Also in the land of Salzburg, the resorts of Zell am See, Maiskogel, Bad Gastein, Obertauern, Bad Hofgastein are localized. All of this is part of the ESR, the European Sports Region.
Schladming. One of the most prestigious European resorts (top 10 of the world ski rating). The slopes there are equipped for both regular skiing and downhill/slalom skiing. The four peaks included in the ski area are connected by lifts. There are few open areas, the slopes are mostly wooded. The "red" class is focused on basic board and ski skills, so it will be difficult for beginners here.
The wonderful landscapes of Schladming are complemented by excellent weather, which allows you to keep real snow in its original form (although not everywhere).

You can ski in Saalbach from December until the end of March.

Looking for Austrian ski resorts on the map

The listed ski resorts can be found on the map of Austria. The villages and towns are arranged tightly, so it will be easy to find the right place.

Ski resort for every taste

The life of the Austrians is closely connected with skiing, so the resorts are designed for everyone who is interested in quality winter recreation.

We list the key areas and levels of training for skiers, linking them to specific resorts:

Beginners. Feel free to go to Obertauern, Serfaus, Mayrhofen, Kaprun, Saalbach.
Confidently riding. You will enjoy Ischgl, Bad Gastein, St. Anton, Saalbach, Kitzbühel, Obergurgl and Galthur.
Wealthy people. The most elite resorts are Ischgl, Lech, Seefeld, St. Anton.
Family holiday. Feel free to take your children to Lech, Serfaus, Kitzbühel, Mayrhofen, Zell am See, Saalbach-Hinterglemm.
snowboarders. Solden, Ischgl, Hintertux, Zillertal, Saalbach are suitable for you.
Cross-country skiing. The best areas for cross-country skiers are located in the vicinity of Kaprun, Innsbruck, Schladming, Mayrhofen, Zell am See, Saalbach.

Where to go for a beginner skier

We have already written about the friendly slopes of Kaprun and Mayrhofen. Now we have to go to the border region between Vorarlberg and Tyrol - it is here that the magnificent Saalbach is located. To get here, you need to travel through Salzburg, from which Saalbach is 90 kilometers away. Buses run regularly between the two cities.

Here are the main benefits of the resort:

200 tracks of all difficulty levels;
an abundance of snowboarding and ski schools;
availability of entertainment venues with live music;
bowling alley;
pool;
excellent weather conditions.

You should also pay attention to Obertauern. "Upper Tower" - this is how the Austrians called the resort, covered up to the ears with fluffy snow. The weather allows skiing here until April. Excellent service is combined with moderate (for an elite resort) prices.

Thermal springs and holidays with children

For those who want to combine skiing with wellness treatments, we recommend visiting the thermal springs. They are concentrated in the following places:

Burgenland;
Tyrol;
Styria;
Salzburg.

Also pay attention to Upper Austria, where the imperial baths of Bad Ischl are located.

As for Salzburg, here you can enjoy the rest in the thermal baths, and at the same time visit the spas. The most popular resort in these lands is Gastein.

Lech and Zell am See are ideal for families. You need to go to Lech through Innsbruck. This is a prestigious resort that not everyone can afford.
Among the undeniable advantages are a wide choice of slopes, "soft" slopes and respected ski schools.

The town of Zell am See, nestled on the coast of a picturesque mountain lake, deserves special mention. The abundance of short descents will allow children to hone the skills acquired in the classroom with an instructor.

Additional benefits of the resort include:

kindergartens;
torchlight processions;
carnivals;
medieval architecture;
natural halfpipe;
four snowboard parks.

Price Panorama

It is quite difficult to calculate the cost of traveling to each of the resorts we have described. The budget will depend on the chosen hotel, room, mode of transportation (train, plane, personal / rented car) and the number of days of your vacation. Therefore, we will focus on prices related to package tours and ski passes:

Sant Anton - from 50 euros (day ski pass);
Ischgl - from 45;
Serfaus - from 41;
Saalbach-Hinterglemm - from 40;
Kitzbühel - from 42;
Kirchberg - from 42;
Innsbruck - from 30;
Montafon - from 27.

On average, it takes about a thousand dollars per person per week (if you select a package tour). The cost will include accommodation, airfare, insurance and visa.

Here are specific examples of ski package tours:

Leh - 950 dollars / week (a six-day ski pass will pull on 214 "green");
St. Anton - 1000 (plus 193 bucks for a six-day ski pass);
Saalbach-Hinterglemm - 700 (plus $ 164 for a ski pass);
Mayrhofen - 900 (for a six-day ski pass you will give another 164);
Kitzbühel - 700-900 (and 180 for a ski pass).

By the way, you can go to the same Mayrhofen on your own, pick up a tiny inexpensive hotel and decently relax for a week for 400-500 euros. The resort is year-round - you can go there in the height of summer and enjoy skiing. But Ishtl is significantly more expensive - the minimum budget that you have to lay down for a week is 1000 euros.

Summing up, we note that Austria in winter is to the liking of both seasoned professionals and beginner skiers. Many resorts are adapted for children, so it’s quite possible to “break away” with the whole family. The main thing is to know what you want and how much you are willing to spend.