Are you making plans to go on a winter vacation? We can’t blame you if this spontaneously makes you think of Austria for your next winter sports vacation. But of course you wonder what are the best ski resorts in Austria for an unforgettable winter sports adventure.
The country where winter fun is not only on the mountain but also in the evening in the cozy villages. There are not many winter sports countries where you can find such a solid infrastructure both on and off the mountain.
We list in this article the best ski resorts in Austria where you will have a wonderful winter sports vacation.
Lech Zürs am Arlberg is one of the most famous winter sports resorts in the world.
It belongs to the canton of Vorarlberg and was previously recognized as the “most beautiful village in Europe”. Here, a wonderful nature experience goes hand in hand with comfort and a unique lifestyle.
The Arlberg is known as the cradle of alpine skiing. Thanks to the connection with Warth-Schröcken, it has also been Austria’s largest ski area since 2016. Here you will find one of the oldest ski cultures in the world. An idyllic village that has been run by locals for generations and combines modern elements. You can also enjoy good food there. The town is not known for its selection of award-winning restaurants for nothing.
The five-star Gasthof Post in Lech welcomes the Dutch royal family every year. Beginners and experienced skiers are in the right place here. After skiing, you can also enjoy yourself in Lech. But do not immediately expect traditional German après-ski hits.
Connection to Warth-Schröcken
In winter, the road between Lech and Warth is not open to traffic. Both ski areas are connected by a cable car.
How to get to Lech?
In winter you can only reach Lech via the Flexenpass through Zürs. The Flexenpass is very exceptionally closed due to avalanche danger from heavy snowfall.
Back to the Arlberg, because at the foot of the Arlberg Pass lies another gem in Vorarlberg, St. Anton am Arlberg!
This area is more suitable for experienced winter sports enthusiasts. It has a beautiful village with a very nice shopping street. When you walk through the shopping street, you immediately notice that the area attracts many “off-piste” skiers.
Freerider or family skier?
Sankt Anton am Arlberg is a relatively large ski area with many kilometers of slopes. The Valugagrat (2881m) is located on the sunny side of the valley with endless slopes and cross-country skiing routes. On the south side of the village is the remote and more family-friendly Randle district.
St. Anton offers many more après-ski opportunities. As a result, the area attracts a younger crowd. Before you ski to the last part of the village, you pass the famous Mooserwirt, where you can end your day with a “grosses bier” and “schnaps”.
When it comes to versatility, few ski resorts in the Alps can match the Ötztal Arena in Sölden. There are many reasons to include this region in the list of the best ski resorts in Austria. From glaciers to authentic over-the-top restaurants, FIS competitions and major events, pole dancing clubs and lively après-ski events. There is something for everyone and enough fringe entertainment to ensure that you are not bored for a moment. But of course you can also ski beautifully!
The glacier
The ski area in Sölden consists of three parts: Gaislachkogl, Giggijoch and the glaciers.
Gaislachkogl is the most challenging part of the ski area. A large gondola takes you quickly to the 3000 meter high summit, where it is ideal for the freeriders among us.
For the wide slopes, more suitable for beginners, you should be on the Giggijoch. This you can reach with another elevator from the village.
Finally, you have two glaciers: the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach glaciers. On the Rettenbach you get a tough FIS descent for those who feel like it. The Tiefenbach glacier has a beautiful undulating extra-wide glacier plateau.
Basically, skiers and snowboarders of all levels are in the right place. However, keep in mind that many valley routes from Sölden are more difficult than average.
Crowds on the Gigijoch can discourage inexperienced skiers. The quieter slopes of Gaislahalma at the foot of Gaislachkogl are better options for beginners.
“The Big Three” in the Ötztal Arena
An area with a glacier is always snowier. Sölden is therefore a snow-assured area. For this reason, the first FIS competition of the season is held in the Alps every year.
But Sölden has another unique advantage. On the three highest peaks of the Ötztal Arena you can ski the “Big Three”. In doing so, you ski past more than 3,000-meter-high mountain peaks.
Can you do après-ski in Sölden?
Solden is the largest village in the Ötztal Arena. In this long and narrow village you will find a vibrant après-ski / nightlife, but on the other hand picturesque houses and beautiful walks along the river.
Unfortunately there is a busy main road through the village. Would you like to take it easy and stay in the middle of the ski area? Then hotel village Hochsölden is definitely a must with accommodation on the slopes!
Things to do in Sölden
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, there is much to do in Sölden. Do you have some tired legs from the past few days? Then you can visit the Aquadome in Lengenfeld and enjoy a moment of wellness.
Ski resorts in the area
In addition to Sölden, Ötztal has other ski areas including Oetz, Vent and Obergurgl. Solden is still the biggest and best known, so most people will spend a great week here.
The ski resort of Ischgl knows how to enchant everyone. Wide slopes and fantastic views make it one of the best ski areas in Austria. Until late in the ski season you are assured of perfect snow conditions with 90% of all slopes above 2,000 meters.
Also in terms of après ski Ischgl is often in the top 10 lists. It has in that area sometimes a lesser reputation as it seems that Ischgl is only about the nightlife. Nothing is less true because it is one of the most beautiful ski resorts in Austria.
With three large gondola lifts that depart from the valley, the ski area is easily accessible.
For years, Ischgl has topped the lists of European tests and reviews. For many, the ski area is the ultimate ski area with the most beautiful slopes, the best après-ski and a high snow guarantee. Anyone visiting Ischgl for the first time will have to update their list of favourites afterwards!
Kitzbühel – Kirchberg can be called quite unique in Austria. The reason? The area hosts one of the most famous ski races in the world every year! Kitzbühel therefore attracts visitors from all over the world.
The area lies between the Kitzbüleher Horn and the Hahnenkamm.
The Kitzbüheler Alpen
The ski area already offers ski fun from early in the season. This is due to the grassy slopes that run right up into the area, so that just a small layer of snow can be enough for good skiing or snowboarding. An advanced snowmaking system ensures snow guarantee until late in the season.
Also great for beginners: each village allows free use of the practice elevators in the valley!
Thanks to the investments of recent years, the area has become very modern. This reduces waiting times when you are in the area and you can enjoy maximum snow under your skis or board.
Mundane metropolises
Kirchberg and Kitzbühel are the two largest villages in the ski area. Kirchberg has expanded rapidly but has still managed to retain its cosy character. During the winter months it often attracts many Dutch people. Kitzbühel is rather a small town and quite mundane.
Both villages are in any case ‘metropolises in winter sports country’ that are known far beyond their borders. Do you prefer a quieter and smaller scale stay? Smaller villages in the ski area of Kitzbühel-Kirchberg are: Aschau bei Kirchberg, Hollersbach, Pass Thurn, Aurach and Jochberg.
What to do in Kitzbühel – Kirchberg?
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, you can also enjoy winter hiking, cross-country skiing and tobogganing. A day with the kids to the Aquarena is also highly recommended. Hopefully you can get them back on their feet after a day of slides and water fun ;).
Hi, I’m Manou, founder of GPXadventures.com which grew from my passion for outdoor sports and adventure travel. Growing up, I developed a deep love for hiking, skiing, mountain biking, and exploring the great outdoors. I started this website as a way to share my knowledge, insights, and tips with like-minded individuals. My goal is to help others discover the joys of the outdoors and to encourage them to pursue their own adventures in nature.
#Livetheunknown
Hi, I’m Manou, founder of GPXadventures.com. My goal is to help others discover the joys of the outdoors and to encourage them to pursue their own adventures. #Livetheunknown
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