8 Best Ski Resorts in Austria, the Ultimate Guide to Slopes, Stays & Snow.

Timeless Wanderers Posted September 15, 2025

Your Guide to the Best Skiing in Austria

I still remember the first time I skied in Austria.

After years of ski trips in Australia, stepping off the train in kitzbuhel felt like arriving in a storybook—peaked rooftops covered in snow, a church bell echoing across the valley, the scent of wood smoke curling through the cold night air.

That sense of wonder has never faded, no matter how many Austrian mountains I’ve explored since.

What draws me back isn’t just the skiing—though Austria’s pistes are as varied and reliable as any in Europe.

It’s the quiet morning walks to the bakery while the mountains catch the first blush of sun.

It’s lingering over a bowl of Goulash soup in a timber-lined hut, chatting with staff who treat visitors like old friends.

It’s the sound of cowbells buried under deep drifts of snow and the cheerful clatter of après-ski when the lifts close.

Each resort here has its own personality.

St. Anton late-night energy, Kitzbühel mixes medieval charm with legendary racecourse runs, and Zell am See pairs lake views with alpine peaks.

Some places invite all-night dancing; others offer the kind of stillness where you can hear fresh snow settle on the trees.

Over the years I’ve gathered a shortlist of Austrian resorts that deliver that unmistakable alpine magic.

Below you’ll find my personal snapshots of eight favourites—complete with honest pros and cons, a few trusted Booking.com stays, and the simplest ways to get there.

Whether you’re planning your first European ski adventure or looking for a new mountain to fall in love with, I hope this guide helps you discover the same Austria that keeps me coming back every winter.

Table of Contents

1. St. Anton am Arlberg

St. Anton is the place I recommend when friends want the full Austrian ski experience.

The village feels relaxed and walkable, but the ski area behind it is anything but small.

With more than 300 km of linked slopes stretching across the Arlberg region, you can ski all day without repeating a run if you plan it right.

I like starting my mornings with a gentle cruise down the wide blue pistes toward Stuben, then working up to the steeper routes off the Valluga lift when my legs are ready.

Lunch might be a quick bowl of goulash at a mountain hut, or a longer break on a sunny terrace if the weather cooperates.

St. Anton is famous for its après-ski and it lives up to the reputation.

By late afternoon the bars around the base station come alive with music and dancing.

If that’s not your style, you can just as easily find a quiet café or stroll the village lanes while the church bell echoes off the mountains.

Pros: 
Huge interconnected ski area, great snow record, lively village atmosphere.
Cons:           

Busy in high season, off-piste terrain can be challenging for beginners.

Where to Stay 
Getting There:

Trains run directly to St. Anton from Innsbruck (about 1 hour) and Zurich (around 2.5 hours). From the station it’s a short walk or taxi ride to most hotels.

2. Kitzbühel

Kitzbühel is the Austrian resort I suggest when someone wants skiing with a little old-world charm.

The medieval center is all cobblestones and painted facades, with a backdrop of jagged peaks that never gets old.

It feels more like a small historic town that happens to have a world-class ski area attached.

The slopes themselves are varied and fun.

Intermediates can roam for miles on well-groomed reds and blues, while experts can test themselves on the famous Streif downhill course—home of the Hahnenkamm race.

I’m not brave enough to ski it at full speed, but it’s surprisingly enjoyable to take it slowly and imagine the racers flying past the same gates.

Evenings are easy here. You can wander the traffic-free center, pop into a bakery for something sweet, or settle in for a leisurely dinner. There’s nightlife if you want it, but it never feels rowdy.

Pros:

Beautiful historic town; wide variety of pistes; lively but not overwhelming après-ski.

Cons:

Lower altitude means conditions can be softer in warm spells; race week draws big crowds.

Where to Stay 
Getting There:

From Salzburg Airport it’s about 1.5 hours by train, and roughly 2 hours from Munich. Kitzbühel’s station is a 10–15 minute walk or quick taxi ride to most hotels.

For more comfort and convenience, compare these car rentals: DISCOVER CARS or RENTALCARS 
*Handy Tip*    Don’t forget your GOPRO or INSTA360 for all those action shots of family and friends.

3. Ischgl

Ischgl is the resort full of big skiing and lively atmosphere.

The ski area is huge—linked with Switzerland’s Samnaun for a combined 239 km of pistes—so you can spend days exploring without repeating runs.

I still enjoy crossing the border for a quick lunch in Samnaun, then skiing back down to Austria in the afternoon.

The slopes are well maintained, and there’s something for everyone.

Intermediates will love the long groomed runs and gentle cruisers, while advanced skiers can find steeper reds and plenty of off-piste opportunities.

Snow reliability is excellent thanks to the resort’s altitude.

The village has a reputation for après-ski, and it’s well deserved. Bars like the Trofana Alm are buzzing by mid-afternoon, but you can also escape to quieter corners or enjoy a relaxed meal at a tavern.

Pros:               

  Large, snow-sure ski area; cross-border skiing; lively nightlife.

Cons:

Party atmosphere isn’t for everyone; accommodation can sell out quickly.

Where to Stay 
Getting There

Fly into Innsbruck (1.5 hrs) or Zurich (3 hrs) and continue by train or bus. Shuttle services connect the airports to the village efficiently.

4. Sölden

Sölden is one of those resorts that always surprises me.

You expect good skiing in the Alps, but the combination of glacier runs, reliable snow, and a compact, walkable village makes it special.

I’ve been here for early-season skiing when lower resorts aren’t open yet—both the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach glaciers provide high-altitude skiing that usually lasts into May.

The slopes cater to a wide range of abilities. Intermediates enjoy long, sunny groomed runs, while advanced skiers and boarders will find challenging reds and blacks, plus off-piste areas.

The lift system is modern and efficient, so you rarely waste time waiting.

Sölden’s village is lively without being overwhelming. Cafés and restaurants offer hearty meals, from traditional Tiroler dishes to international options.

I particularly enjoy winding down after a day on the slopes with a  hot chocolate while watching the last chairlifts glide down in the afternoon sun.

Pros:

High-altitude skiing ensures good snow; wide variety of pistes; reliable lift system.

Cons:

Can feel crowded during peak school holidays; nightlife is limited compared to St. Anton or Ischgl.

Where to Stay 
Getting There

Innsbruck Airport is roughly 1.5 hours by car or train and bus. Regular shuttles and taxis connect the village to the lifts and nearby towns.

For more comfort and convenience, compare these car rentals: DISCOVER CARS or RENTALCARS 
Wear a SKI-HELMET, especially if you’re a beginner or in the snow parks, and remember to pack your SKI-GOGGLES

5. Lech Zürs am Arlberg

Lech Zürs has always felt like the quieter, more refined sibling of St. Anton.

The village is charming and compact, with a relaxed vibe that makes it easy to unwind after a day on the slopes.

I enjoy strolling through the snow-covered streets, stopping for a coffee, or watching skiers glide down the nearby slopes before heading back our cozy hotel.

The skiing here is excellent. Lech is linked to the wider Arlberg area, giving access to over 300 km of runs.

It’s particularly great for intermediates, though advanced skiers will find plenty of challenging reds and blacks as well.

The lifts are modern and efficient, and fresh powder days are magical—the area is quieter than St. Anton, so fresh tracks are easier to find.

Après-ski is more understated. Instead of the party bars, evenings are spent in stylish yet cozy settings, with good food and a relaxed atmosphere.

Pros:

Access to the large Arlberg ski area; quieter and more relaxed; reliable snow.

Cons:

Can be expensive; nightlife is very low-key.

Where to Stay 
  • Hotel Schranz– in Lech offers family rooms with private bathrooms, balconies, and garden or mountain views
  • Hotel Gotthard enjoys a central location in Lech am Arlberg, one of Austria’s most prestigious ski resort
  • Hotel Arlberg Lech – traditional charm, convenient lifts.
Getting There

From Innsbruck, it’s about 1.5–2 hours by train and bus. Zurich Airport is roughly 2.5–3 hours. Shuttle services are available for all major hotels.

6. Saalbach-Hinterglemm

Saalbach-Hinterglemm is one of my favourite resorts .

The ski area is huge, with over 270 km of interconnected pistes and modern lifts that make it easy to explore from one end to the other.

I love starting the day on wide, sunny runs, then taking a detour into quieter valleys to find some fresh runs without the crowds.

The village has a lively, welcoming feel. There’s plenty of après-ski—bars and restaurants buzz in the afternoons—but it’s also easy to find a quiet corner for a coffee or a relaxed meal.

Saalbach is ideal for intermediates and advanced skiers.

Beginners are well catered for, though the size of the area can feel overwhelming at first.

Signage and lifts make it simple to move around without missing the fun runs.

Pros:

Extensive ski area; good snow record; lively but not overwhelming village.

Cons:

Can feel busy during peak holidays; some lifts close early.

Where to Stay 
  • Hotel Alpine Palace – luxury stay with spa and central location.
  •  Boutique Hotel ANYBODY – in Saalbach-Hinterglemm offers family rooms with private bathrooms, mountain or river views,.
  • Hotel Almrausch – offers guests saunas, an infrared cabin and steam bath. The hotel is just a 2-minute walk from the Bergfriedlift Ski Lift,
Getting There

Salzburg Airport is about 1.5 hours by car or train/bus. Munich is roughly 2.5 hours. Local shuttles connect the village and lifts efficiently.

For more comfort and convenience, compare these car rentals: DISCOVER CARS or RENTALCARS 

7. Mayrhofen

Mayrhofen is lively without ever being overwhelming.

The village sits in a wide valley with the Zillertal Alps rising sharply on either side.

I like starting the day on the Penken slopes before tackling steeper reds and blacks later on.

The ski area is versatile, with over 130 km of pistes and options for off-piste enthusiasts.

One of my favourite experiences is exploring the steep routes after a quiet morning run. Snow reliability is good due to altitude and snowmaking.

The village vibe is friendly and welcoming.

Cafés and restaurants are easy to reach from the lifts, and après-ski is vibrant without chaos.

Winding down with dinner and a glass of local wine while watching the sun set over the peaks is a personal highlight.

Pros:

Wide variety of slopes; good snow record; lively but manageable village.

Cons:

Can be crowded during holidays; higher slopes may challenge beginners.

Where to Stay 
Getting There

Innsbruck Airport is roughly 1.5 hours by car or bus. Salzburg Airport is about 2.5 hours. Local shuttles connect the village to the main lifts.

For more comfort and convenience, compare these car rentals: DISCOVER CARS or RENTALCARS 

8. Zell am See – Kaprun

Zell am See – Kaprun combines a lakeside town with high-alpine skiing on the Kitzsteinhorn glacier.

I love morning walks along the frozen lake before heading up to the lifts—it’s calm and scenic.

The ski area offers something for everyone. Beginners and intermediates will find plenty of blue and red runs, while advanced skiers can challenge themselves on steeper reds and off-piste around the glacier.

Lifts are modern, and hopping between Zell am See slopes and Kaprun’s glacier is easy.

The village is charming and walkable, with cafés, restaurants, and shops.

We enjoy quiet drinks or dinner overlooking the lake while the mountains turn golden in late afternoon.

Families find the combination of glacier skiing, varied runs, and accessible amenities perfect.

Pros:

Scenic lakeside town; glacier skiing; slopes for all levels.

Cons:

Can be busy during school holidays; lower slopes soften in warm weather.

Where to Stay 
Getting There

Salzburg Airport is about 1.5 hours by car or shuttle; Innsbruck is roughly 2 hours. Trains run to Zell am See, with buses connecting to Kaprun and the Kitzsteinhorn lifts.

How to Plan Your European Ski Trip

Planning a ski trip to Europe can feel overwhelming at first—so many countries, resorts, and travel options—but it doesn’t have to be.

Pick your focus. Decide whether you want to explore one country deeply, like Austria, or hop between countries. Staying in one area means less travel; multi-country trips give variety.

Timing matters. Early season (December) has good snow at high-altitude resorts; peak season (February) is lively but crowded; late season (March–April) is sunnier and quieter.

Accommodation. Booking.com is my go-to. Ski-in/ski-out is convenient; central villages let you stroll and enjoy dining. Booking early helps in popular resorts.

Getting there. Check airports and trains. Austria, Switzerland, and France have reliable rail and shuttle services, so cars aren’t always necessary.

Lift passes and rentals. Reserve passes online when possible; many resorts allow pre-booking skis and gear, saving time.

Planning doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with resorts that appeal most, consider logistics, and allow flexibility for powder days or sunny breaks.

*Hand Tip*   Make sure you have TRAVEL INSURANCE before hitting the slopes.

FAQ – Skiing in Austria

Q: What is the best airport to fly into for Austrian ski resorts?
A: Innsbruck for St. Anton, Mayrhofen, Kitzbühel (1–1.5 hrs). Salzburg for Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Zell am See – Kaprun. Zurich or Munich work for western resorts.

Q: Do I need a car?
A: Not necessarily. Many resorts are accessible by train, bus, or shuttle. Cars help if exploring multiple resorts.

Q: How do lift passes work?
A: Multi-day or flexible passes are available. Online booking can save money. Large areas often offer combined passes.

Q: Can beginners ski here?
A: Yes. Most resorts have beginner slopes, though some—like St. Anton—are better for intermediates and advanced skiers.

Q: Where can I rent skis and gear?
A: All major resorts have rental shops; online pre-booking is convenient. Ski-in/ski-out rentals save time.

Q: Best time to visit?
A: High-altitude resorts (Sölden, St. Anton) from December to April. Late season is sunny and quiet; February is peak snow and lively atmosphere.

Q: Are these resorts family-friendly?
A: Absolutely. Zell am See – Kaprun, Mayrhofen, and Saalbach-Hinterglemm offer kids’ areas, ski schools, and family-friendly accommodations.

Final Thoughts

Skiing in Austria has always been a surprise for me. You know you’ll find well-groomed slopes, efficient lifts, and charming villages, but each resort has its own personality that makes every trip unique.

From the energetic après-ski of St. Anton and Ischgl to the peaceful elegance of Lech Zürs, Austria offers something for every type of skier.

If you’re planning your first Austrian ski trip, start with resorts that match your skiing ability and your vibe—lively or relaxed.

Book accommodation early, consider your travel logistics, and allow flexibility in your schedule for unexpected snowy days or local experiences.

Even after dozens of trips, I still find new places to explore, new mountain huts to enjoy, and new memories to make.

Austria isn’t just about skiing; it’s about the mountains, the warmth of the villages, and the sense of being part of something special.

Whether you’re a beginner, a seasoned skier, or traveling with family, these eight resorts offer a mix of thrills, charm, and memories that last long after the snow melts.

PLAN YOUR SKI ADVENTURE

Booking a ski trip involves a range of reliable resources to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. I have listed below our favorite companies we use when we plan our ski holiday.

Ski World – They have been taking customers to the best ski resorts in Europe, the US and Canada for more than 36 years.

BOOK YOUR FLIGHT –  Going is a great search engine if you are flexible about your travel destination and dates. Sign up for their newsletter and get the latest deals on destinations around the world. GOING is our new go to.

Booking.com– for accommodation, we rely on Booking.com for its extensive options and user reviews. We find they have the cheapest rates and offer payment options. In addition, VRBO is another terrific website for all types of accommodations.

Train Travel– to European ski resorts is convenient and scenic, popular trips include Glacier express to Zermatt, the Eurostar from London to the French Alps. We find Omio or Trainline are the best sites for booking trains in Europe.

Car Hire – we usually hire a car it offers us flexibility and convenience, allowing easy access to most resorts. Companies like Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com provide reliable options with winter equipment.

Travel insurance– Don’t ski without it. If you get hurt on the mountain it could cost, you a small fortune if you’re not insured. We use SAFETYWING when my wife broke her ankle a few years ago in Wengen they were terrific.

Ski Equipment. – Bring your own ski gear, its usually cheaper and much better than renting, it ensures you have a perfect fit. Owning also saves time and money in the long run. Equipment like Skis, Pants and Jackets, Gloves, Ski-helmets and Thermal underwear” can all be bought online. You can purchase everything you need from Backcountry (USA) or Snow and tryRock (UK).

ARC’TERYX – is a go to reliable brand for outdoor adventure and travel, their wide range includes light weight durable, easy to clean travel gear.

                                  Check out our RESOURCE PAGE for more additional planning.

                           Other Favorites in Austria

Schladming                                                            Alpbach                                                             Obergurgl