Skiing in Austria

Austria is one of the most popular destinations for winter sports enthusiasts. More than 30 million. Guests come to the Alpine Republic for winter sports tourism every year with an overnight stay. Because the first winter cable car was opened on Arlberg, Austria is the cradle of alpine skiing.

There are small and large ski areas scattered throughout the country. These areas stretch from Lake Constance and the Bregenzerwald to the Czech border in the northeast and to the Karawanken in the south. The Alps in particular are home to the large ski areas with slopes sometimes over 100km long. There are also several smaller ski areas with fewer drag lifts and slopes in the low mountain ranges and foothills of the Alps. Below we have selected 10 beautiful ski areas in Austria that are recommended as interesting destinations for ski fans.

1-    Wagrain

Wagrain is a place in Austria that is perfect for a ski holiday with the whole family in Austria. All hotels, incl. of the ski areas, have very family-friendly facilities and impress their guests with their generous hospitality. In the famous authentic atmosphere in Austria, not only is skiing fun, but it is also very easy to make contacts or make new friends. There is a large selection of cozy smaller restaurants or huts along the slopes, where you can enjoy Wiener Schnitzel and mulled wine in your home.

Every skier will find the perfect slopes for optimal skiing in the extensive Wagrain ski region (regardless of their level). With intelligent planning, you and your whole family can spend a day in the ski area together and everyone can ski on the slopes they want. Your children can spend their time on the blue slopes at Grafenberg. On the other hand, the challenge of the World Cup slope in Zauchensee awaits the more ambitious riders. You can also reach the slopes in Alpendorf and Flachau from the Wagrains ski slopes. The ski bus also takes you to Kleinarl/Flachauwinkl, where you can also find the popular Absolut Freestyle Park.

For cross-country skiers, the Wagrain ski resort also offers a good selection of cross-country trails, which provide options for varied stays. The cross-country ski routes lead to Kleinarl and Flachau. However, if you are more of an adventurous type and are looking for off-piste runs, the mountain guides will show you the best runs located throughout the farm. The slopes are very well prepared, the terrain is varied and Wagrain is in the middle of the ski area. A ski trip to Wagrain in Austria is definitely worth it!

2-    Kitzbühel

According to some opinions, skiing was invented in Kitzbühel. One thing is certain: The Hahnenkamm Race is the most famous annual piste competition in the world. That's why the entire large ski area lives from this reputation.

What city can claim that within its borders since the 19th century?century a ski race is organized regularly? Kitzbühel can do it because back in 1893 Franz Reisch mastered the high alpine ski run on the Kitzbüheler Horn for the first time. It was precisely then that Kitzbühel “the myth” was born, which today lives particularly from this legendary Hahnenkamm race and the infamous Streif. All winter sports enthusiasts who are not among the world elite also benefit from it. That's why the ski area around Kitzbüheler Horn and Hahnenkamm, with its generous range of slopes, is now one of the most popular ski areas in the Alps.

Many enchanting ski routes for freeride fans, modern lifts, snowboard fun parks and a lot of cozy ski huts and stations characterize this huge arena. If you have a lot of experience on the slopes, you should also try the Streif, which is one of the most difficult racing slopes in the world. Although the area with its up to 2000m. Altitude, having a fairly moderate altitude, the area is solid and snow-sure from December to April.

Kitzbühel is therefore a point with good accessibility and the famous lifestyle flair. The large selection of award-winning restaurants, bars and boutiques ensures that there is still something to enjoy and experience after an exhausted day of skiing.

3-    Lofer

Lofer is a very suitable ski area for an exciting ski holiday with the family. Although there are black and red slopes here, most of the slopes belong to the blue category. In addition, all the slopes end in a flat area in the valley, in the same place. This provides security for parents because they don't want the children to disappear into the area.

Lofer means lots of snow and is also very cozy. The ski holiday is simple and very uncomplicated. The children are in safe hands and have lots of activities to keep them busy all day long. You can also visit the cozy Austrian chalets on your way and the adults can enjoy their day down in the valley with a glass of draft beer or a cup of hot cocoa while the children continue the fun in the snow.

Lofer also offers unique opportunities to eat, shop or try out exciting activities. You can skate a few laps on the natural ice rink; Visit the toboggan run at Knappenstadl or enjoy the view of the winter hiking trails, which stretch 100km from the summit of the Loferer Alm. branch off long. Another option could be a torchlight hike through the largest accessible cave in the world, the Lamprechtshöhle St.be Martin.

Conclusion: Lofer is a place for a ski holiday from a child's perspective and adults can also take part!

4-    St.Anton

The ski holiday in St.Anton is more for experienced skiers who are looking for challenges in demanding terrain.

The Tyrolean mountain village of St.Anton, forms a center of the largest ski area in Austria, which is connected by the merger of Zurs, Lech, Schröcke and Warth. Here you can expect 305km of slopes. But for many people it's more important what attracts them most than the slopes - the powder snow. There are plenty of them here.

Leave in St. Anton will get your pulse racing with fantastic off-pistes (200km. length on marked routes) and ski at dizzying heights. StAnton is where the best skiers in the world flock to. Don't forget the other highlight in St.Anton: Après Ski at Krazy Kanguruh or Mooserwirt is a must.

5-    Zell am See

Several guests never forget their skiing holiday in the well-known Zell am See, especially the nightlife. But perhaps the neighboring community of Kaprun is even more famous with the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier, where we can find unforgettable skiing opportunities right into the summer.

The untouched beauty of the region is the reason to vacation here. Zell am See is located on the beautifully situated shore of Lake Zell, which is surrounded by high Alpine peaks. With the ski lifts you can reach over 3000m. Climb up, which is a unique feature in Austria. You can enjoy incomparable panoramic views from the Kitzsteinhorn of the lake and Austria's highest mountain, the Großglockner. The ski pass for this region includes skiing on glaciers as well as the numerous other slopes in Zell am See and Kaprun.

Zell am See is home to some of the best off-piste runs in the Alps. Snowboarders and freestylers of other types can also choose from numerous jumps, rails and obstacles in many parks. The ski area is equipped with cozy and comfortable bars, restaurants and sun terraces that invite you to put your skis aside and spend some time. Several hotels are located within easy walking distance of the ski lifts. With 138km. The ski area offers perfectly groomed slopes, from light blue to deep black slopes, challenges for all skiing styles and abilities. There are even slopes for beginners on the glacier.

Here you can enjoy the hospitality, peace and true Austrian atmosphere of this mountain village. Regular residents and tourists of all ages meet here and drink foamy beer together and sway to the après ski hits. If you feel more like partying, the clubs and bars will continue partying until the early hours of the new day. Zell am See is the perfect choice for guests taking a ski holiday in the Austrian Alps for the first time. Experience the real Austrian Alpine atmosphere without having to forego modern options!

6-    Ischgl

Ischgl has quickly developed into one of the most valued and best ski areas in Europe, and for good reason. Here you can find everything, such as:b Slopes for every type of skier, high alpine skiing, great food, unforgettable après ski hits and a charming Tyrolean city atmosphere.

Here, in this area, skiing takes place at a breathtaking 2872m. above the sea down to 1377m. takes place over the sea and consists exclusively of high-quality and high-quality pistes and endless off-piste for everyone who wants to venture onto the routes that are outside the marked routes.

Across an enchanting 238km. The lift system has continuous slopes, which are divided into 37 blue, 34 red and 10 black slopes, 90% of which are above an altitude of 2000m. lay. You can trust us because when we say the skiing in Ischgl surpasses most areas you've tried to date, we won't disappoint you.

The area also extends into Switzerland and you can shop duty-free in the duty-free village of Samnaun.

There are almost no queues at the lift system because it is one of the most modern in Austria. Here you will find a large selection of cabin lifts, gondolas and chair lifts with the highest level of comfort and quality.

7-    Zauchensee

In Zauchensee you will encounter great skiing experiences. Because of the high location of the village, this place is pretty sure of snow. The slopes reach a height of 1350m. up to over 2100m. and because Zauchensee is a very small village, you have the freshly groomed slopes all to yourself in the morning and therefore much more space for the perfect carving turns.

The ski area in Zauchensee is connected to Kleinarl, Flachau, Wagrain and Flachauwinkel by a ski bus. In total you have approx.350km. Explore slopes. All areas of the ski area can be reached in a day trip. The popular day trip is to take the ski lift from Zauchensee, from which you can reach Flachauwinkel and Kleinarl. Here you can find many beautiful slopes to enjoy and for professional ski fans there is the famous Absolut Park in Flachauwinkel, which makes all freestylers' hearts beat faster. Thanks to the high location and its guaranteed snow, there are also good off-pistes in Zauchensee and 21km. Long cross-country ski trails at their best.

8-    Wildschönau

In Wildschönau there are 113km. long, varied ski slopes and exciting highlights - pure skiing pleasure. With the wide family slopes from the Schatzberg, you can quickly reach the entire ski area, the jewel Alpbachtal Wildschönau, with the connecting cable car. At 109km. You can easily discover the ski area on optimally prepared slopes and on 45 modern lift systems. You can also find very exciting slopes at Markbachjoch in Niederau.

The 25 rustic huts serve Tyrolean specialties, Kaiserschmarren and sunny panoramas. You can reach the charming Wildschönau high valley easily and stress-free. The special skiing experience in the heart of Tyrol!

There is plenty of space for the whole family on the ski slopes. The special children's areas are located directly near the town center of Niederau, Oberau and at the middle station on Schatzberg. The little skiers get the hang of things with the professional support in the children's ski school programs. Even without skis it's not boring here, because there's a lot to experience while building igloos, having fun and games in the snow or tobogganing.

On 40km. The paths lead past the rustic Wildschönau farms on swept snow hikes and winter hiking trails. The Schönangeralm is a special place to enjoy nature.

9-    Söll

The “Wilder Kaiser Brixental” ski area is one of the most modern and largest ski areas in the world and is considered the most diverse and snow-sure winter sports region in the Alps. There are 9 direct entry points with 288 km of perfectly groomed slopes waiting for you here every day. as well as 21 valley runs. In this ski world you can choose a route every day so that you don't have to ride the lift or piste twice. Regardless of whether you are here as a beginner, with the family or single, as a recreational or professional skier, you will have a lot of fun in the Ski World and will definitely find the right offer!

There are also 90 modern cable cars and panoramic views from over 70 to 3000m. high mountains, 3 illuminated toboggan runs, the ALPENIGLU® village, adventure slopes, the 3 fun parks, the largest night ski area in Austria and the adventure hiking trails.

Here you hit the spot when it comes to snow reliability. The “Wilder Kaiser Brixental” ski world is particularly blessed with natural snow. In addition, over 80% of the slopes can be covered with snow. This is a guarantee from the over 1,700 snow producers in the ski area.

In the Ski Welt Söll, winter vacationers have all the options on offer: wonderful slopes, slopes from red to black, lots of powder snow, the unique view from the summit of the Hohe Salve, the most beautiful panoramic mountain in Tyrol and of course also unique offers for the Children.

The most beautiful viewpoint on the mountain in the Tyrolean lowlands offers a unique all-round view of the Hohe Tauern, the Wilder Kaiser and the Kitzbühel and Zillertal Alps. More than 70 3000m peaks can be seen with a unique 360 ​​degree panoramic view. The revolving terrace of thegipfelalm and the pilgrimage church, which is located at the highest point in Austria, are also unique on the summit of the Hohe Salve.

10- Oetz - Hochoetz

Personal, clear and authentic – this is how you describe the advantages of the family Eldorado in the upper Ötztal. Its comprehensive sporting offerings for beginners through to piste professionals as well as individual support have made the Hochoetz ski area a real insider tip in Tyrol.

In this ski region you can experience twice the winter sports fun because the slopes in Hochoetz and in nearby Kühtai belong together. This gives athletes a lot of variety because the twin ski area has a total of 88km of slopes. all of which are 100% snow-capable and therefore absolutely snow-sure.

There are no waiting times in the Hochoetz ski region. You don't have to push around, just experience the fun on the slopes comfortably on perfectly prepared slopes.

The special highlight is the snow village, which provides insights into the world of the Eskimos. Here you can take a break with your family in an adventurous atmosphere and recharge your batteries.

New racing drivers, on the other hand, can measure their professional top times on the permanent race track and for the young wild ones there is also the “WIDI's Kids Park” at the Balbach chairlift with pure action.

For everyone who likes to take a break every now and then, there are invitations to enjoy the fantastic view and eat in the rustic huts and the panoramic restaurant. A special highlight for connoisseurs is the “Zugspitzblick” viewing platform.

Even away from the piste, comfort and personal care are clearly required in Hochoetz. In addition to the various outdoor activities and children's ski schools, the region also has a kindergarten right in the ski area.

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