List of Austrian ski resorts. Ski resorts in Austria
Austria is the recognized queen of the Alps, and this is not surprising - the Alps cover most of it, and the abundance of lakes adds additional charm to this amazing country. Austria is famous for its picturesque resorts and an excellent level of service and quality of service.
The country is one of Europe's leading ski holiday destinations. Austria is home to many famous ski resorts, and no matter your level of skiing, you will be pleasantly surprised by the variety on offer.
Ski resorts Austria is usually a little lower than the French and Swiss, but this will not prevent excellent skiing in season, and the famous Austrian glaciers are at your service out of season.
The most famous and popular ski resorts are located in federal states Tyrol, Salzburgerland, Styria, Carinthia.
Tyrol rightfully leads this worthy list with its star capital Innsbruck (twice the capital of the Winter Olympic Games).
The main resorts of Tyrol: Innsbruck and the surrounding area (Igls, Axamer-Litzum, Fulpmes, Neustift, Tulfes, Imst) Arlberg (St. Anton, Lech) Ski Circus with the famous White Circle, which includes St. Anton, St. Christoph, Lech and Zürs offers excellent and memorable skiing. Ziller Valley (Mayrhofen, Zell am Ziller, Fügen, Kaltenbach) with the famous Hinterhoeks glacier Seefeld Kitzbühel and Kirchberg Otztal Valley (Sölden, Obergurgl, Hochgurgl) Sölden, one of the most popular resorts
Austria, where thousands of fans of the white miracle flock every year;
Ischgl, practically a mecca for skiers, Pitztal Serfaus The ski center of Styria, the second largest state of Austria, was and remains Dachstein Tauern with its largest resort center of Schladming. The state of Salzburg is famous for its European
sports region , which includes the villages of Zell am See and Kaprun with the glacier of the same name. To the south are the thermal and ski resorts of Bad Gastein and Bad Hofgastein (Gasteinertal Valley). Whichever resort you choose for your holiday, you will receive equivalent Austrian quality service and very reasonable prices., As a rule, resorts in Austria offer not only ski holidays, there are many thermal complexes in resorts,, including children's. Often at the resort you can get a guest card, which provides discounts on services, including the ski pass.
Après-ski in Austria deserves special mention – people here know how and want to have fun. The famous bars and nightclubs of St. Anton are practically business card Austrian après ski. However, this does not mean that for a great evening out you must choose a large resort - even in the smallest village there will always be an excellent bar with music and dancing.
By choosing Austria, you are choosing excellent service in mountain alps at a reasonable price.
Austria is famous throughout the world for composers, beer and schnitzels. But equally important fame for this small country comes from its stunning Alpine ski resorts, rumors of which fly throughout the entire Earth. High mountain climate, snow-white slopes, amazing service - all this can be seen in Austria.
In total, there are just under 400 resorts in Austria. Most skiers choose alpine places, since prices in this country are relatively lower than neighboring countries- France, Switzerland, Germany. And the quality in some is even better than expensive settlements.
But before choosing a resort, you should remember that the alpine slopes are not for beginners, and there are no “green slopes” on most of them. Of course, there are ski schools, but if you want to build up your experience, it is better to choose easier mountains.
Ski resorts in Austria on the map (TOP 5):
Ischgl
Now this resort is considered one of the most visited. And statistics don’t lie. They love it for its excellent slopes, because even during a thaw, skiers will not be disappointed - snow cannons are placed everywhere.
Various tracks are suitable for amateurs and professionals: for cross-country skiing you can find wide plains, but for thrill-seekers there will be bright “red” and “black” tracks.
The ratio of the routes is as follows:
- "Greens" - 0
- "Blues" - 40
- "Reds" - 80
- "Black" - 15
The total length of the tracks is 230 kilometers.
Photos of the ski resort Ischgl:
Modern lifts transport athletes in a matter of minutes. Here you can see the world's first double decker lift which can accommodate up to 180 people.
Other types of lifts:
- 23 chairlifts
- 3 cabins
- 2 funiculars
The ski pass has the same price in both “high” and “low” seasons - 45 euros per day.
Read the full article about the Ischgl ski resort.
Hotels in Ischgl:
Sölden
This resort is famous for hosting the first stage of the Alpine Ski World Cup since 2002. And Sölden itself attracts tourists with a large selection of slopes and trails, of which there are 146.
In addition, there are two glaciers here - Rettenbach and Tiefenbach. The cable cars can take you to a height of 3300 meters. And also for have a relaxing holiday soul and body, not far from the resort there is the Aquadom health center.
Photos of the resort Sölden:
In the “high” season, a ski pass for a day will cost 50 euros, and in “low” 46 euros.
Hotel prices in Sölden:
St. Anton
We can say that this is where the origins of the Austrian mining ski holiday. Back in the 30s of the last century, Hannes Schneider opened the first ski school on the site of today's resort. A little later, the neighboring village of Zurs became famous for the country's first ski lift.
Perpetually snow-capped St. Anton is a very diverse place - 100 runs, 96 lifts, and some of them have warm seats. Local schools employ smart and educated instructors who will teach you how to ride even from scratch. And in the settlement itself there are always types of evening and night recreation.
The price of a ski pass for both seasons is 50 euro/day.
Photos of the resort St. Anton:
Hotels in St. Anton:
Saalbach-Hinterglemm
When asked what is the largest mountain arena in Austria, it is worth answering without a doubt about the resort, which includes Saalbach, Hinterglemm and Leogang. They say about it that you can travel along the slopes all day and never ride the same lift.
The 200 kilometers of trails are divided into:
- 29 "blue"
- 26 "red"
- 5 "black".
There won't be any green ones here, but professionals will love the challenging 4-kilometer-long track. If the skier is still not confident in his skills, then it is advised to try simple slopes below forest level.
Photos of the resort Saalbach-Hinterglemm:
A ski pass in the “high” season will cost 47 euro/day, and in “low” 40 euros.
Hotels in Saalbach:
Kirchberg and Kitzbühel
Both resorts are located next to each other - the distance between them is only 6 kilometers. This is where you can feel the real Tyrolean atmosphere. It is sometimes said that its name is inseparable from the concept of “skiing”. But in small Kirchberg there is the famous Streif track.
There are practically no queues for the lifts here - each has about 70 lifts of different types.
Photos of the resorts Kirchberg and Kitzbühel:
A ski pass purchased at one of these resorts is valid throughout Tyrol. It will cost 47 euros in the high season, and 42 euros to "low".
Hotels in Kitzbühel:
Climate, weather and seasons in Austria
The Alps primarily influence the country's climate - they do not allow more precipitation to pass into the interior of the country. But on the outskirts of the mountains, up to 3000 mm falls per year. But the country also never gets cold - in winter in the capital the average is +3, and at ski resorts it drops to a maximum of -5 degrees and a little lower at higher points.
The Austrian summer is warm, sometimes even hot, but scorching sun still not visible there. Dry weather helps cope with the heat. If in winter time Since most tourists flock to the mountains, spring and early summer are best to visit the sights and tourist places countries. People often come here to relax on the warm lakes of Carinthia.
In autumn, you can enjoy the nature of Austria and feel a real influx of inspiration to the music of Mozart. Mild weather will allow you to walk along the streets of ancient cities and not be afraid of a sudden downpour.
Cost of accommodation and food
Housing prices primarily depend on the season - from December to February and from July to August they are highest, since the influx of tourists on these days is the greatest. Of course, you can find an inexpensive apartment for 35 euros per day, but there is an option to relax on a grand scale in a spacious cottage; the cost, accordingly, will rise several times.
Also on the list popular places Accommodation includes excellent hotels and inns at affordable prices. In resort villages you can always stay close to the center and have access to all the entertainment within walking distance.
You don't have to worry about food - there are grocery stores, cafes, restaurants and bars everywhere. The quality is excellent, but you have to pay for it. You can pay 10–20 euros for lunch. Hotels most often offer free breakfast.
Other leisure activities at resorts
Experienced skiers can get bored of skiing all day in a row, and then they want change and new sensations. Then there is an option to try out a snowboard by renting it; take a breeze on a snowmobile; experience the beauty of the Alps at night while riding after sunset.
In the villages and nearby cities there are cafes, bars, and night clubs. Austrian resorts are also good because they always have a decent spa. The stores have a huge assortment of souvenirs and gifts for relatives for every taste. Sometimes there are skating rinks, and there are playgrounds for the little ones.
It's very difficult to get bored in Austria - it's a diverse amazing country. The ski resorts will satisfy even the most experienced skier, and he will definitely want to return here, because the Alps are simply impossible to forget!
Austria is a premium class in the world of ski holidays. And this is not surprising: the inhabitants of the Austrian Tyrol and Salzburg came up with the idea of skimming the cream from the legendary alpine meadows not only in the emerald summer, but also in the frosty snowy winter, before anyone else in the world - more than 100 years ago. The first downhill competitions took place in Austrian Alps in 1904, in 1922 the first ski school was opened, in 1928 the first ski lift and, in fact, the ski tourism business as a whole were launched.
Over the course of a century, hardworking, careful, stubborn Austrians managed to build a real snow empire on the slopes of their native Alps, including more than 800 ski resorts and about 50 ski areas, almost 20% of which operate all year round.
Today, Austria is a leader in receiving skiers and snowboarders. A short flight, well-equipped, varied 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 “shared”, 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 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, which will delight you with a variety of slopes and high-quality service.
Attention! The ski regions of Austria have their own rules, which are somewhat different from the global ones. Therefore, please note:
*there are no traditional amateur “green” trails on the local slopes. Their place is taken by “blue” ones - they are intended for training beginners;
*most lifts operate between 8:30 and 16:00. Only some slopes provide the opportunity for evening skiing. So it makes sense to think about evening leisure in advance;
*booking a room in hotels and apartments here is accepted from Saturday to Saturday: checking in mid-week can be difficult.
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-quality service and an active social life off the piste. Concerts of world-famous stars regularly take place here - Madonna, Sting, Elton John “celebrated” in Ischgl... Another feature of Ischgl is the abundance of shopping places: the resort has official stores of many of the world's most famous brands. As for the skiing opportunities, they are also excellent here: 90% of Ischgl’s pistes are located above 2000 m above sea level, and therefore they are not threatened by winters with little snow, 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, “tailored” to work with children, and kindergarten.
Trails: the total length of the descents reaches 238 km. More than half of the slopes are classified as “red” - intended for experienced skiers. There are also cross-country ski trails. A special treat for snowboarders: Ischgl is among the top best resorts for snowboarding in Europe. It offers boarders a half-pipe, four jumps and ample opportunities for off-piste skiing.
Ski season: mid-November - early May.
Ski pass cost: from 210 to 240 euros depending on the season (during the periods from November 24 to December 23, from January 7 to 20, from April 18 to May 1, the cost of the ski pass is reduced). Children's passes 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 (salons for spas and beauty treatments, radon baths, salt adits), thanks to which tourists can combine a ski holiday with relaxation in the sauna and general wellness.
Trails: up to 220 kilometers of perfectly prepared slopes at altitudes up to 2700 m. More than 60% are red slopes (of medium difficulty). The resort also has cross-country ski trails, a fan park and two half-pipes for snowboarders. There are opportunities for virgin skiing.
Ski season: December - March.
Ski pass cost: 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 welcoming skiers back in the 1920s and is now considered the cradle of alpine skiing Austria. You can ride not only in the (very expensive) Kitzbühel itself, but also in the surrounding regions connected to the “cradle” by a common trail system.
For example, it’s a stone’s throw from Kitzbühel to the Söll region, which unites several small ski villages with more than humane costs of living and an abundance of easy “family” slopes.
Trails: up to 200 km of well-equipped and groomed trails, more than a third of which are intended for beginner skiers, including children. However, this does not mean that a professional in Kitzbühel has no place to turn around: here is the steepest slalom track in the Alps, Streif, which hosts the world's most serious downhill competitions: the slope angle of 85 degrees ensures a descent speed of up to 140 km/h.
Ski season: December - March.
Ski pass cost: about 200 euros for six days. The resort offers a discount for children (up to 15 years old) and youth (up to 19 years old). Ski passes for 12 days are also available for around 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 roads connect in Mayrhofen mountain valleys, each of which provides opportunities for varied riding. But, of course, the most famous is the Tuxertal valley, leading to the largest glacier in Austria - Hintertux, thanks to which skiing is possible all year round in Mayrhofen. In general, the Tyrolean Valley unites ten skiing regions at altitudes from 550 m to 3286 m, connected by both common trails and excellent by bus. Therefore, to ride the legendary Hintertux or relax in the water park in the evenings, you don’t have to live in Mayrhofen itself: you can choose inexpensive apartments in one of the villages nearby.
Trails:up to 150 km of groomed trails, most of which belong to the blue (entry level of difficulty) or red (intermediate) categories. The length of the black slopes is up to 20 km: this also includes a slope with the eloquent name “Harakiri”, the slope of which reaches 78 degrees.
Ski season: all year round.
Ski pass cost: 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 from 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, original Alps. Touching provincial town located at the foot of the Kitzsteinhorn mountain with a height of 3203 m, from which the “tongue” of the Kaprun glacier stretches, providing the opportunity for year-round skiing.
Kaprun itself is more like a classic alpine village framed by a mountain wall: there is no snobbery, noise, or fuss, and therefore it is ideal for family vacation. The local will give tourists a special atmosphere medieval castle and prepared trails for mountain walks in any season. For many years, the signature attraction of the ski resort was the mountain train, which took you to the glacier area, but it was replaced by cable car- which is also not bad.
Trails: about 50 km of prepared blue and red slopes, as well as over 30 km of cross-country ski trails. If you wish, after enjoying the alpine atmosphere of Kaprun, you can easily and quickly get from the town by bus to Zell am See - a more modern and noisy resort with an abundance of different trails, including black ones.
Ski season: all year round.
Ski pass cost: 209 euros for 6 days. For children (under 15 years old) and youth (under 19 years old) prices are reduced by approximately 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 skiing 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 alpine skiing, but also cross-country skiing: Mayrhofen, Kaprun, Zell am See, Innsbruck;
…love to roll down the slope straight to the hotel door: Hochgurl, Obergurgl, Obertauern, Zürs;
...craving a varied holiday with a daily change of activities: Ischgl, Sölden, Lech, St. Anton, Saalbach-Hinterglemm;
…would like to have a peaceful holiday with your family and children: Kitzbühel, Kaprun, Mayrhofen, Zell am See, Serfaus;
...don’t ski, but want to feel the atmosphere of a ski resort and not get bored: Kitzbühel, Kaprun, Bad Gastein, Seefeld, Innsbruck;
…love to eat delicious food: Ischgl, Kitzbühel, Bad Gastein, Mayrhofen, Seefeld, Innsbruck, Kirchberg, Seefeld;
...need a variety of evening entertainment, parties and shopping: Ischgl, Mayrhofen, St. Anton, Obertaurn, Bad Gastein, Innsbruck, Seefeld.
Often this small and cozy country associated with active tourists with Viennese palace complexes, ancient parks, excellent slopes and the best ski resorts in Austria. In winter, the splendor of the republic’s natural landscapes becomes even more impressive, which attracts both connoisseurs of snow-capped mountain slopes and ordinary tourists who are still unsure on their skis, but are ready to go to the mountains for the sake of adrenaline and fabulous landscapes. an amusing trip. Of all the famous resort areas Austrians often recommend several of their favorite places in their hospitable country. Here, foreigners will find 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 accessible primarily to wealthy vacationers due to the fairly high prices for all kinds of services. One of them is Bad Gastein, which is also well known for its thermal springs and wellness centers. Winter gives its guests a unique opportunity to combine pleasant skiing with beneficial radon baths. And for tourists on a limited budget they are well suited.
All 220 km of snow-covered slopes are filled with skiers who are differently prepared to conquer the mountain slopes. The city cannot boast of a wide variety of entertainment venues, but everyone is well aware of the local casino and Gatz, a democratic bar where young fans of snowboarding and alpine skiing prefer to have fun.
Zell am See
Thanks to the picturesque lake, the surrounding area around Zell am See is a quiet old town– amaze travelers with their fabulous beauty. Most of the 77 km of local pistes are filled with beginners or confident skiers.
From this city you can quite easily and quickly get to the glacier, which does not melt even in summer. As a result, skiers appear in these places not only in the winter months, but also in the off-season and also in the summer. Among the frequent guests of Zell am See you can meet beginner snowboarders and fans of cross-country skiing. To help vacationers relax after hours of skiing, more than 150 restaurants, bars and cafes are open to them.
Lech
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 idle either. Separated from their parents, they have fun on a 1.2-kilometer track specially equipped for them.
There are many passionate gourmets who are partial to excellent Austrian wine and national dishes, also visit locality. In the evenings, 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 some other restaurant. Among tourists considering the best ski resorts in Austria, the rating of the village of Lech is far from last.
Mayrhofen
Half of the 136 km of superb pistes around Mayrhofen, a small Austrian village, are designed for those who are already quite confident in skiing, but have not yet become professionals. There are a lot of slopes here for those who are just beginning to express themselves in this winter entertainment. However, experts also look at this resort, which is considered a youth resort.
Mayrhofen is also known for the White Lounge, an unusual igloo hotel where thrill-seekers seek to spend the night in its icy 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 excellent viewing platforms due to their location on the mountain slopes.
St. Anton
If any curious tourists want to know where the first ski cubes appeared on the European continent, then it is believed that St. Anton was this place. Now this Austrian ski resort is famous 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 who demonstrate unusually virtuoso skating. If desired, everyone can travel throughout St. Anton and its surroundings on a sleigh drawn by fast horses.
The village also has a fairly large ice skating rink, which is “occupied” by teenagers and young people. After active participation in winter fun Vacationers enjoy experiencing the taste of Austrian dishes in one of 80 restaurants. Young people dance almost until the morning in the Underground, a democratic English club. The hall of the cozy Mooserwirt is always crowded with cheerful people - one of the most famous bars not only in St. Anton, but throughout Tyrol. Lunch or dinner at Galzig Verwall, a high-altitude restaurant, is a gift for those who are looking for observation deck to appreciate the beauty of the snow-capped peaks.
What do the best ski resorts in Austria have in common?
Although small towns Even the quiet villages in mountainous Austria are distinctive, and their residents always try to emphasize this, yet many common features can be found between them. This is especially true for the named places that have become leaders winter holiday:
- in almost each of the mentioned places, December is considered the beginning of the season;
- they often stop accepting guests at the end of March;
- in every town or village, tourists are sure to find many entertainment venues, bars and restaurants;
- the cost of a weekly ski pass, which is available for purchase everywhere, is 295 €.
The main thing that can be found in every town or village is kindness like local residents, and service personnel. The high rating of ski resorts in Austria determines the country's popularity among multinational travelers.
They open their doors to millions of tourists from November to April, and on the tops of the Alpine glaciers you can enjoy excellent skiing at any time of the year. The main ski area is located in the southwestern part of the country, in the federal states of Carinthia, Salzburg, Tyrol and Vorarlberg. Austrian ski centers known throughout the world for the excellent quality of the trails, modern infrastructure, excellent service and a huge selection of entertainment for every taste. The mesmerizing landscapes add a special charm to a winter holiday in Austria. mountain lakes, snowy slopes covered with fir trees and Tyrolean village houses. You can get acquainted with the best Austrian ski resorts by reading our article.
1. St. Anton (Vorarlberg)
St. Anton is rightfully one of the best ski resorts in Austria. This modern resort With rich traditions and excellent infrastructure, it is called the cradle of Austrian skiing - it was here that the first ski club in the Alps was opened at the very beginning of the 20th century. A holiday in St. Anton will bring true pleasure to experienced skiers and adrenaline junkies: the slopes here are interesting and quite challenging. The total length of St. Anton's routes is more than 300 km, most of them have a high level of difficulty. By the way, the longest 10-kilometer track in the Arlberg is also located in St. Anton. In addition, the resort has great opportunities for freeride thanks to spacious and steep slopes and excellent snow cover. Fans of active pastime after skiing will be pleased with the St. Anton ski resort with a huge selection of restaurants and noisy nightclubs.
2. Lech (Vorarlberg)
Ski resort Lech - real paradise for connoisseurs of luxury hotels, great restaurants, fine Austrian cuisine and, of course, beautiful slopes. Lech has long become a favorite winter holiday destination for European aristocrats, world celebrities and crowned heads. You definitely won’t be able to save money on your vacation here, but in return for the money spent, you will be able to enjoy the highest level of service and a huge variety of services offered. From 300 km ski routes Lech is dominated by trails of medium difficulty level. There are many convenient trails with a slight slope, suitable for lovers of leisurely and comfortable skiing. Skiers with impeccable physical fitness will certainly enjoy heli-skiing - off-piste descents with delivery to the top by helicopter. Lech is the only Austrian resort where this rare and exciting type of skiing is officially permitted. In addition, Lech and St. Anton are united by a common ski pass, which allows you to enjoy extreme skiing on the slopes of the neighboring resort.
3. Mayrhofen (Tyrol)
Mayrhofen is one of the most famous ski resorts in Austria. Its undeniable advantages are a large skiing area with a total length of more than 150 km, impeccable pistes of medium difficulty, affordable prices and a lively night life. The resort of Mayrhofen is extremely popular among the European public, so it is not surprising that in the high season its slopes are often overloaded, and there are long queues at the lifts. The Hintertux glacier has excellent opportunities for skiing, the peak of which is at 3250 m. The snow cover here lasts all year round, making skiing on the upper zone of the glacier possible both in winter and summer. And finally, the main highlight of Mayrhofen is the most dangerous track in Austria with the eloquent name “Harakiri”: its incredibly steep slope reaches 78%.
4. Sölden (Tyrol)
The ski resort of Sölden has become well known for its lively atmosphere and wide range of recreational opportunities. There are various accommodation options from inexpensive hotels to luxury hotels. A huge number of restaurants, bars, discos and nightclubs makes a holiday in Sölden especially attractive for lovers of wild après ski: the noisiest and most incendiary parties in Tyrol take place here. As for skiing, among 150 km of first-class ski slopes everyone, from beginner to professional, will find a route according to their preferences. And thanks to the fact that the top of the Sölden glacier is covered with snow all year round, the ski season here begins earlier than usual, and the most impatient skiers come here already in October.
5. Ischgl (Tyrol)
For a little mountain village Ischgl has firmly established its reputation as the most expensive and most prestigious ski resort in Austria. From the end of October to the beginning of May, Ischgl turns into a place of a huge glamorous party, where, according to tradition, all Austrian bohemians gather to “see people and show themselves off”, and at the same time (as a pleasant addition to the holiday) to go skiing. The annual opening of the ski season in Ischgl is a grandiose show: in different years, Elton John, Tina Turner, Sting, Rihanna and other legendary world-famous performers took part in it. The quality of the trails and infrastructure here is, of course, excellent. top level. The total length of the trails exceeds 200 km, most of them are quite difficult. The resort has all the conditions for extreme skiing, freeride and carving, and the famous local snowboard park is considered one of the best in Europe.
6. Zell am See (Salzburg)
The picturesque town of Zell am See, located on the shores of the mountain lake Zell, is rightfully one of the most beautiful ski resorts in Austria. With impeccably groomed pistes and the latest infrastructure, it has retained its unique natural charm. Zell am See, together with the high-mountain Kaprun glacier, form a single ski area with a total length of pistes of about 140 km, and the season on the glacier lasts all year round. Zell am See offers its guests a huge selection of opportunities for active pastime: alpine and classic skiing, snowboarding, sledding and skating, horse riding, sailing on the ice of Lake Zell, mountaineering, paragliding and parachute jumping. The health benefits of the resort are complemented by its excellent ecology, fresh mountain air and the presence of healing mineral springs.
7. Bad Gastein (Salzburg)
The expensive and prestigious Austrian ski resort of Bad Gastein is known primarily as a spa resort: back in the 19th century, European intelligentsia came here to improve their health “on the waters.” Thanks to the healing mountain air and numerous thermal springs Bad Gastein is often called the “Alpine Monte Carlo”. The unique flavor of the town is given by ancient architectural ensembles, a picturesque waterfall in the heart of the resort, elite spa complexes, as well as the oldest mountain casino. For alpine skiing enthusiasts, Bad Gastein offers about 200 km of impeccable pistes, most of which are ideal for relaxed, comfortable skiing. There are few difficult trails here, but there are several for beginners ski schools, including children's. As for the après-ski holiday, it certainly cannot be called hectic and lively: in the territory of aristocratic Bad Gastein, the most popular entertainment after skiing is leisurely walks along the mountain paths or a visit to the spa.
8. Obertauern (Salzburg)
Obertauern rightfully enjoys the reputation of the snowiest ski resort in Austria. Skiing here is organized at an altitude of 1700 to 2300 m, so natural snow is always guaranteed on the upper sections of the slopes, and at the bottom there is a modern artificial snow cover support system. Of the 100 km of ski routes, more than half are blue slopes, designed for average skiers. There are interesting red trails with increased level difficulties. For lovers of extreme skiing, Obertauern can offer only 4 black slopes, but thanks to the abundant snow, there are excellent opportunities for freeride. This resort is not yet very well known to the Russian public, although it certainly deserves closer attention: it has the most modern hotel stock in Austria and excellent opportunities for après ski: many bars, restaurants and several nightclubs.
9. Nassfeld (Carinthia)
Nassfeld is another good ski resort in Austria, undeservedly deprived of attention Russian tourists. Therefore, if you prefer a holiday in Europe among Europeans, Nassfeld will be an excellent option for you. Among the main advantages of the Nassfeld resort are a guaranteed abundance of snow, excellent quality pistes and a very convenient location of hotels and apartments, allowing you to ski, as they say, “from your doorstep”. The Nassfeld slopes, with a total length of about 100 km, have enough space for both beginners and professionals. Interestingly, it is in Nassfeld that the longest gondola lift in the Alps operates, delivering skiers to the beginning of the slopes over a distance of more than 6 km. Another highlight of the resort is Mountain Lake Presegger, which after freezing turns into a huge natural ice skating rink.
10. Serfaus – Fiss – Ladis (Tirol)
The ski resorts of Serfaus, Fiss and Ladis, united by a common 200-kilometer piste area, are an excellent option for an active family holiday in Austria. There are excellent conditions for intermediate skiers and children's skiing. At the Serfaus resort, everything is thought out to the smallest detail for maximum comfortable rest with children: a mountain kindergarten famous throughout Europe with exciting animation programs, children's restaurants, puppet show, a children's ski school, snow towns and even lifts specially adapted for loading strollers. Another one unique feature resort - the only silent metro of its kind, consisting of one line and four stations, and transporting vacationers from the resort center to the ski lifts completely free of charge.
