Skiing in Austria - 8 ski resorts to look forward to

Writer: Helena Bergström

Want to go skiing in Austria? We recommend eight Austrian ski resorts to look forward to. There's something for everyone, whether you're looking for peace and quiet, beautiful nature, cool after skiing, a child-friendly destination or perhaps a destination where you can combine skiing with other activities. We ourselves are a little hungry for number 6 ...

Skiing in Austria

How wonderful is it to have a real winter holiday, when you can pulse through the snow and the sun sparkles on the slopes? We have mostly been to Swedish ski resorts, but almost three years ago we tried skiing in Austria. It was the first time we skied in the Alps. Awesome! What we liked the most was that the slopes are so long and lovely. In addition, the slopes are full of cosy little Alpine huts where you can take a break with a beer and a hot soup.

Ski resort tips for skiing in Austria

Even if you know that you want to go skiing in Austria, it may not be so easy to know what to expect. which ski resort to choose. In cooperation with the Austrian Tourist Office, we present eight Austrian ski resorts, all of which are slightly different from each other. Which one are you most curious to visit? I have currently been very hungry at number 6. Because who doesn't want to go on a llama walk in the snow ...!?

1. Alpbachtal - cosy relaxation

Firstly, we have to tell you about Alpbach Valley, where we went skiing ourselves in January 2017, together with our friends Lennart and Beata. This is a quiet little valley, and we had a great time in the cosy little village of Reith am Alpbachtal. We experienced wonderful skiing in long fine slopes, ate well-cooked Austrian food and occasionally enjoyed a beer in the sun. A really good week!

2. Arlberg - Austria's largest ski area

Arlberg is the largest continuous ski area in Austria, and the fifth largest ski area. throughout the world. There are five different ski resorts: St. Anton, St. Christoph, Stuben, Lech and Zürs and there are fantastic opportunities for off-piste skiing. In the area you will find a total of 88 lifts, 305 kilometres of piste and 200 kilometres of powder skiing.

3. Zell am See & Kaprun - beautiful mountains and lakes

We have visited Zell am See in summer, which was an experience with the dramatic mountains and the beautiful lake. It would also be an experience to visit Zell an See-Kaprun in winter! The Kitzsteinhorn glacier gives the area a snow guarantee and it is possible to ski here from the beginning of October until May/June. This winter two new lifts will open connecting Kaprun and Familienberg Maiskogel with the glacier area of the Kitzsteinhorn, allowing you to ski directly to and from the centre.

4. St Johann in Tirol - family-friendly

We wrote a post this spring about experiencing the summer in St Johann in Tirolbut of course you can also travel to St Johann in Tirol in winter! This is a family-friendly ski resort, easily accessible from three different airports (Munich, Salzburg and Innsbruck). The area is known for its family-friendliness, with skiing at different levels, Swedish ski instructors and plenty of good restaurants.

5. Obertauern - skiing metropolis with hot After Ski

Located at an altitude of 2313 metres, Obertauern offers 100 kilometres of pistes and 26 state-of-the-art lifts. The ski resort is known for being exceptionally snow-sure, as well as for the Tauernrundan and the "Super Seven", which takes you to the seven highest peaks in the ski area. Obertauern is also known for the "Gamsleiten 2", one of the steepest mogul pistes in the Alps. You go to Obertauern for good skiing, but also for lively After Ski.

6. Vorarlberg - winter experiences

Vorarlberg is a snow-safe region where you can experience winter in many different ways. As well as skiing, you can try snowshoeing, sledding safaris or perhaps hiking in the company of llamas and huskies. You can move between cosy villages with traditional wooden houses and restaurants offering Austrian food made from local ingredients.

7. Schladming-Dachstein - varied skiing programme

Schladming-Dachstein is one of Austria's largest ski areas, with a total of 230 piste kilometres. It offers a wide and varied range of skiing options, including new and modern lifts to the four peaks Hauser Kaibling, Planai, Hochwurzens and Reiteralm. There are also family areas with a ski school and plenty of other activities, such as ski yoga or horse and sleigh rides.

8. Salzburg - city life and skiing in one

We have visited Salzburg in summerand became very fond of this city, which is beautifully situated on the river, surrounded by all the mountains. Maybe it will be even more beautiful when the snow settles? During a winter visit to Salzburg, you can visit Christmas markets and Christmas concerts, and if you wish, you can take the free ski bus to Snow Space Salzburg, which is just 70 kilometres south of the city. Here you'll find 120 kilometres of slopes, as well as lifts and charming alpine chalets.

More tips for skiing in Austria

Want to know more about skiing in Austria? You'll find lots of inspiration and useful information at skiing and Austrian ski resorts on the website of the Austrian Tourist Office. If you want to be able to ask questions and get tips from other travellers, you can also join the Facebook group "Holidays in Austria".

Will there be any skiing for you this winter? It's a bit doubtful if it will be for us, but you never know. I do know that I'm looking forward to a winter holiday with a combination of skiing, huskies and llamas ...

Top image in the post: Skiers in Schladming Dachstein ©. Schladming Dachstein Tourismusmarketing GmbH