Writer: Lina Sjölund Gröndahl
Big. Bigger. SkiWelt. SKiWelt Wilder Kaiser Brixental consists of the nine charming Alpine villages of Brixen im Thale, Ellmau, Going, Hopfgarten, Itter, Scheffau, Söll, Westendorf and Kirchberg. Together they form one of Austria's largest and most modern ski areas.
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275 kilometres of skiing fun - for all levels
SkiWelt offers 275 kilometres of pistes and an impressive network of 81 lifts that effectively connect the villages and mountain peaks. We stayed in the cosy alpine village of Ellmau, but from there you can get around the ski system to all nine of the Alpine villages mentioned.
Skiwelt is suitable for beginners and experienced skiers alike. There's something for everyone, although the majority of slopes are blue or red. It is also home to Austria's largest evening ski resort with 10 km of illuminated piste after dark, for those who want to maximise their skiing.
A sustainable winter experience
SkiWelt is not only one of the largest ski areas - it is also one of the most sustainable in the world. The entire area is powered by 100 per cent green electricity from Tyrolean hydropower, and several lifts have their own photovoltaic systems. A winter holiday with a clear conscience - and just as much skiing fun.
Children's paradise in Söll
In SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental, Söll is the children's favourite. Something has been done here to ensure that children not only have a fantastic skiing holiday, but great memories for life. A trip to Söll is unlikely to be forgotten. Here, children can go on adventures with the witches who live in Söll. For example, they invite you to magical potions on the ski slopes and magic, where all children, young and old, can mix their own potion and go on a treasure hunt.
They have truly created an exciting and adventurous world for children who want to experience something out of the ordinary on their ski holiday. The gondola lift from Söll up to the ski area is even called ”Hexenwasser”, which fits perfectly into the upcoming adventure.
Once you've reached the top, you'll be greeted by a child-friendly skiing area, where the witch invites you to a story time in her house, you can go skating, tobogganing or snow carousel. A perfect break in the skiing, or maybe before you go to learn to ski.
Local food experiences all year round
Every 3.5 kilometres or so, there's a cosy, family-run alpine hut that's perfect for a break with traditional Tyrolean dishes or international favourites in the sun. Or why not have a lovely After Ski on the slopes or in one of the villages next to the pistes.
In winter, you can choose from over 80 cosy chalets and restaurants on the slopes. Combining local produce with Tyrolean hospitality, you can dine with views of 70 Alpine peaks including the mighty Wilder Kaiser. SkiWelt is also known for its large sun terraces and friendly service.
Gipfelrestaurant Hohe Salve - Alpine dining experience with panoramic views
Have a cosy lunch at Hohe Salve summit restaurant. It is located on top of the Hohe Salve mountain, which is 1,829 metres high and offers stunning panoramic views of the Alps.
When you enter the restaurant, there are two sections. Either you can buy your food from a simple restaurant in one half. Or you can choose the larger restaurant section with an a la carte menu. Here you have the option of sitting outside on the rotating terrace - it spins slowly so you can see the view while you eat.
The terrace spins slowly, slowly and in less than an hour you have travelled one lap. You hardly notice that it is spinning, but it is cool that you get the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful view from several different directions while enjoying a good Austrian lunch.
They serve classic Austrian dishes such as Wienerschnitzel, Austrian sausages, fried cheese and many other goodies. They also had a children's menu, desserts and the day we were there, they also organised a wine tasting on site. But it was fully booked.
Even when you go to the toilet, the view is unique! There are not many toilets that can boast this beautiful view with alpine peaks and ski slopes!
Skiing down from the K8 piste
Once you're up at Hohe Salve, take the famous K8 piste down to Söll. It is 8 km long and SkiWelt's longest piste. It's a lovely red piste for those who love skiing on a long slope.
Restaurant d'Schupf in Ellmau
d'Schupf is a popular bar and restaurant with a relaxed and modern Tyrolean style in the centre of Ellmau. Here you can go both for a nice After Ski after a full day on the slopes, or have a nice lunch or dinner.
They offer everything here, food, drink and a cosy atmosphere both inside and on the large sunny terrace. Here you can eat a good schnitzel, ribs, Austrian sausages or why not garlic marinated chilli shrimps.
Climbing on the climbing wall
After a day of skiing, it might be fun to challenge yourself in other ways. In Ellmau at Kaiser Bad they had a big climbing centre, where you could take climbing lessons. The boys got to try climbing one afternoon and found it very fun.
Snowy winter walk with llamas
A different but very pleasant and fun experience was walking with llamas. It was an extraordinary experience and actually very funny. Our first thought was that they might spit at us, but llamas only spit if they get angry. Thankfully, they did not get angry at us.
The winter hike with llamas could be done in Koglhof, located in the romantic Kaiser Mountains in Ellmau in Tyrol at an altitude of 850 metres. The farm was built in 1615 and has been owned by the Oberhofer family since 1942. Llama trekking is a peaceful and relaxing way to experience the mountains and nature, along trails adapted for llamas.
Whether you come with the whole family, on your own or in a small group, llama trekking can be booked individually. The llama trek leads directly from the mountain farm into the romantic winter landscape of the Wilder Kaiser. Everyone has the opportunity to lead a llama - a very special experience for all animal lovers. For those who are interested, there is also the opportunity to buy homemade products made of llama wool. Suitable for families with children aged 5 and over.
Stay here
Das Kaiserblick is a 4-star superior hotel in Ellmau, offering great views of the Wilder Kaiser Mountains. From the hotel you can easily reach the ski slope by ski bus.
Journey to
We flew to Munich and then had booked a transfer with Four Season from the airport to the hotel. It took about 1,5 h to go from Munich to Ellmau. Then we flew home from Salzburg and also took a transfer with Four Season to the airport.
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Lina Sjölund Gröndahl
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JoY says:
Thanks for the great tips, which I think are also suitable for summer hikes.
19 February 2026 - 17:01