We have prepared a rating of the 10 best ski resorts in Austria! Resorts with the greatest length of routes and lift systems were taken into account.
Every year we go to new places with friends or family. And after years, we have made a rating based on our own and our friends’ experience. And we also took into account the opinion of more than 2000 readers of our site, who also share their impressions.
The result is the following list of the best austrian resorts.
Best ski resorts in Austria
- 🛷 Ideal for those who are new to Austria: Arlberg
- 🏂 For snowboarders: Skivelt Wilder Kaiser
- 👨👩👧👦 Best for families: Saalbach, Hinterglemm, Leogang
- 🏔️ Steepest slopes: Mayrhofen
1. Arlberg (Ski Arlberg)
- 🎿 Pistes: 306 km of pistes, 88 elevators
- 🏔 Altitude: 840 m – 2811 m above sea level (altitude difference 1971 m)
- 🛫 Nearest airport: 100 km from Salzburg W. A. Mozart Airport.
- ⛷ Type of skiers: all levels of skiers and extreme sports enthusiasts
- 🏨 Average price per night: € 319 (Read more →)
Ski Arlberg is one of the largest and most famous ski areas in Austria. It includes a number of famous resorts such as Lech, Sörs, St. Anton, etc. This region attracts skiers and snowboarders from all over the world due to its excellent pistes, modernized elevators and picturesque alpine scenery.
In the 2017 season, the “eternal” dream of thousands of skiers visiting the prestigious resort of Lech-Zürs in Vorarlberg and the neighboring resort of Sant Anton am Arlberg in Tyrol came true. A system of modern cable cars has linked these beautiful ski resorts, which are just a stone’s throw away from each other, into a single organism.
Thus, an interconnected ski complex with a total length of 306 kilometers was created. It is the largest ski resort in Austria. Until now, to get from one side of the Arlberg Pass to the other required a rather uncomfortable bus transfer.
The biggest attraction after the merging of the two resorts into a single entity is a new ski run called the “Glory Run”.
The trail runs from Warth through Lech-Zürs to the Rendel slopes in St. Anton and back – those who tackle the 65-kilometer course will cover a total of 18,000 meters of elevation change.
Features: 84% of the easy to intermediate pistes make the resort ideal for families. Experts are attracted to the 30 km of black runs and 10 km of marked powder runs. Experienced skiers will appreciate the 200km of freeride opportunities!
Accommodation in Arlberg
- Valluga Hotel: A luxury hotel with a wide range of facilities including a spa, top class restaurants and comfortable rooms with mountain views.
- Hotel Tannenhof: Elegant hotel with a unique atmosphere, gourmet restaurant and upscale services for a relaxing vacation on the slopes.
- Hotel Goldener Berg: Attractive hotel with cozy rooms, relaxing spa and stunning mountain views.
- Hotel Kristiania: A chalet-style hotel with a vibrant personality, artistic atmosphere and a restaurant known for its gastronomy.
- Hotel Aurelio Lech: A luxurious place of contemporary design, modern amenities and luxurious spa treatments.
2. Skivelt Wilder Kaiser – Brixental – perfect for snowboarders
- 🎿 284 km of slopes, 90 elevators
- 🏔 620 m – 1957 m above sea level (altitude difference 1337 m)
- 🛫 Nearest airport: 80 km from Munich airport.
- ⛷ Type of skiers: families, beginners and experienced skiers, lovers of panoramic views.
- 🏨 Average price/night: € 176 (Read more →)
Skiwelt Wilder Kaiser – Brixental is located in the heart of the Kitzbühel Alps. It consists of 13 resorts connected by a network of pistes and elevators.
These include Brixen im Thale, Ellmau, Going, Scheffau, Zell, Itter, Hopfgarten, Westendorf, Angat, Angerberg, Kirchbichl, Mariastein and Wörgl, as well as the village of Kelchsau, which is a short distance from the entire connected area.
Features: more than half (54%) of the pistes are blue, only 6% are black: carving enthusiasts will be pleased – ideal for snowboarders: no annoying slopes, plenty of snow and amusement parks
4 amusement parks, recreation areas with free Wi-Fi – 19 ski schools – 3 lighted slopes (open until 2 a.m.) – 13 km of night ski runs – the largest night ski area in Austria.
Facts: 90 cable cars and elevators, mountain restaurants and bars – ALPENIGLU Dorf ice village with hotel, restaurant, bar and chapel – all made of ice!
Accommodation in Skivelt Wilder Kaiser – Brixental
- Das Kaiserblick 4 Sterne Superior: A cozy hotel with traditional Alpine style, including modern amenities and a restaurant with local cuisine.
- Haus Tirol: Charming place with an authentic, atmospheric interior and beautiful mountain views.
- Hotel Postwirt: A comfortable hotel with a variety of facilities including a spa and a restaurant with Bavarian and Tyrolean cuisine.
- Familien- und Sporthotel Höhlenstein: A hotel ideal for families with children, with many activities and facilities.
3. Saalbach, Hinterglemm, Leogang, Fieberbrunn – the best option for a family vacation
- 🎿 270 km of slopes, 70 elevators
- 🏔 830 m – 2096 m above sea level (altitude difference 1266 m)
- 🛫 Nearest airport: 90 km from Salzburg W. A. Mozart Airport.
- ⛷ Type of skiers: families, beginners and experienced skiers, outdoor enthusiasts.
- 🏨 Average price/night: € 192 (Read more →)
These resorts – Saalbach, Hinterglemm, Leogang and Fieberbrunn – are all united by an extensive system of ski slopes. This is the area known as “Ski Circus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn”, which provides skiing and snowboarding opportunities on a variety of pistes and elevators connecting these resorts.
The ski resort offers 270 kilometers of perfectly groomed pistes that allow you to descend directly into the valley, most of which are designed for inexperienced skiers.
Over 90 percent of the pistes are blue or red marked and for beginners there are over 9 ski schools and around 250 instructors, making the resort ideal for adept skiers and families with children.
Features: 54% blue runs, only 7% black runs. Over 50 cozy chalets serving regional cuisine. Wide range of family attractions: snow parks and amusement parks, ice skating rink, sledding – snowshoeing, snowmobiling and snowkating, archery.
Accommodation in Saalbach, Hinterglemm, Leogang and Fieberbrunn
- Hotel Alpin Juwel: Cozy hotel with amazing mountain views, spa and fine dining.
- Hotel Saalbacher Hof: A modern hotel with a variety of facilities including spa, bars and restaurants.
- Forsthofalm: A unique place with an eco-friendly design, specializing in sustainable and healthy living.
- Hotel Leonhard: Traditional hotel with comfortable rooms, spa and restaurants.
- Hotel Der Löwe: Family-run hotel with many amenities including a water park and restaurants with a variety of cuisines.
- Hotel Puradies: A luxurious place with a unique design offering spa treatments, a variety of activities and upscale dining.
4. Ischgl – Samnaun – Silvretta Arena (Tyrol)
- 🎿 239 km of slopes, 45 elevators
- 🏔 1377 m – 2872 m above sea level (altitude difference 1495 m)
- 🛫 Nearest airport: 100 km from Innsbruck airport.
- ⛷ Type of skiers: experienced skiers, freeride enthusiasts, après-ski fans.
- 🏨 Average price/night: € 220 (Read more →)
Winter sports, parties and concerts with international stars: until a few years ago, Ischgl was Austria’s second largest ski resort. This is a station for the young (and those who feel young).
Ski areas on both sides of the Austrian-Swiss border offer unlimited fun.
Features: only 21% blue runs, but 60% red and 18% black – the best après-ski in all the Alps. World music stars at Top of the Mountains concerts. Great freeride and guaranteed snow (highest point 2,872m)
Wide, perfectly groomed pistes, a huge freeride area and legendary après-ski await skiers here. 90% of the slopes are located at an altitude of over 2,000 meters above sea level, which guarantees snow throughout the season. Those who love parties and challenging pistes will be satisfied.
Facts: 45 cable cars and elevators. Snowparks and amusement parks. The longest piste is 11 km. The most difficult slope with a slope gradient of more than 70%, clubs and animation for children. Modern catering facilities right on the slopes.
Accommodation in Ischgl-Samnaun
- Hotel Trofana Royal: Luxury hotel with first-class services, upscale cuisine and spa.
- Elizabeth Arthotel: A contemporary hotel with sophisticated design offering luxurious amenities and relaxation.
- Hotel Madlein: A stylish hotel with unique interiors, gourmet cuisine and a rich spa program.
- Hotel Brigitte: A cozy hotel with traditional decor, close proximity to the ski elevators and a restaurant.
- Hotel Seiblishof: Family-run hotel with a variety of facilities including a swimming pool and restaurants.
- Schlosshotel Ischgl: Wonderful place with authentic decor, great food and comfortable rooms.
5. Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis (Tyrol)
- 🎿 214 km of slopes, 68 elevators
- 🏔 1200 m – 2820 m above sea level (altitude difference 1620 m)
- 🛫 Nearest airport: 100 km from Innsbruck airport.
- ⛷ Type of skiers: families, beginners and experienced skiers, children.
- 🏨 Average price/night: € 190 (Read more →)
The three historic villages that make up the Serfaus, Fiss and Ladis ski areas are located 1200-1400 meters above sea level on a plateau overlooking the Inntal. The highest point of these ski areas reaches 2820 meters, so snow is virtually guaranteed.
Unusual is not only the unique location of the resort, but also all of its vacation offerings. For example, its own Village metro line, which has been significantly modernized in recent years.
Features: the only metro in the Alps – “beach” baskets and hammocks by the pistes – night skiing until 11pm
The station attracts families with children and, thanks to the wide range of night rides, young party-goers.
214 km of slopes, snow parks and the possibility to rent alternative winter equipment such as snowbikes, skifoxes, airboards or scooters make a stay in Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis a top-notch experience.
Facts: The location of the resort: 1,200 m – 2,828 m (altitude difference 1,628 m), of the 98 slopes 21 are for beginners and 49 for intermediate skiers. 9 snow parks await freestyle skiers.
Accommodation in Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis
- Hotel Schlosshotel Fiss: An exquisite castle-style hotel offering luxurious rooms, spa treatments and upscale dining.
- Hotel Cervosa: A luxury destination with lavish amenities, spa and gastronomic restaurants.
- Hotel Tirol Fiss: A cozy hotel with alpine charm, close proximity to ski elevators and a restaurant.
- Hotel Fisserhof: Family hotel with many activities for children, spa and comfortable rooms.
- Hotel Alpenruh: Hotel with panoramic views, spa and restaurant serving local specialties.
All hotels in Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis →
6. Kitzbühel (Tyrol)
- 🎿 179 km (+36 km of ski slopes), 57 elevators
- 🏔 800 m – 2000 m above sea level (altitude difference 1200 m)
- 🛫 Nearest airport: 100 km from Salzburg W. A. Mozart Airport.
- ⛷ Type of skiers: experienced skiers, après-ski enthusiasts, tourists.
- 🏨 Average price/night: € 218 (Read more →)
Kitzbühel is a legendary winter sports resort that celebrated its 130th anniversary of skiing in 2023. Kitzbühel is equally famous for its Hahnenkamm slope, which is considered one of the most challenging and dangerous in the world. The famous resort offers a network of 54 cable cars and elevators.
All of them are state-of-the-art and extremely comfortable – one of the reasons why Kitzbühel is regularly recognized as the best ski resort in the Alps. To make skiing possible in Kitzbühel 180 days a year, 1,068 snow cannons are in operation.
Skiing usually starts on the Thurn Pass in late October. Kitzbühel is worth a visit for skiers until April. Skiers have at their disposal 60 groomed pistes with a total length of 179 km. To these are added 36 km of marked powder ski runs.
Features: the cream of society gathers here every year during the Alpine World Cup competitions. One of the most dangerous pistes in the world with a maximum gradient of up to 85% in the “mousetrap” (Mausefalle).
Numerous après-ski clubs and gourmet restaurants, and off-piste skiers will appreciate the huge 230 km² freeride zones.
Accommodation in Kitzbühel
- Hotel A-ROSA Kitzbühel: A luxury spa resort with upscale services, excellent cuisine and relaxation treatments.
- Hotel Kitzhof Mountain Design Resort: A modern place with designer interiors, spa and restaurants.
- Hotel Schwarzer Adler: Traditional hotel with comfortable rooms, restaurant and cozy atmosphere.
- Grand Tirolia Hotel Kitzbuhel: A cozy place with outdoor facilities, spa and golf course.
- Kempinski Hotel Das Tirol: Elegant hotel with luxury services, spa and gastronomic options.
7. Zillertal Arena (Tirol)
- 🎿 150 km of pistes
- 🏔 580 m – 3250 m above sea level (altitude difference 2670 m)
- 🛫 Nearest airport: 85 km from Innsbruck airport.
- ⛷ Type of skiers: families, beginners and experienced skiers, freeriders.
- 🏨 Average price/night: € 178 (Read more →)
Zillertal Arena – 150 kilometers of pistes and eight ski and snowboard schools. The countless huts, which serve regional cuisine and offer a cozy atmosphere, are also popular.
Features: ski and snowboard courses for children and adults. Ski Kindergarten – Action-Park with many attractions for snowboarders, cozy chalets and the piste is open until late at night.
First class is the Action-Park Kreuzwiese in Zell am Ziller. Snowboarders can land on a giant inflatable pillow. The 7-kilometer piste (lit until 1 a.m.) is great fun. In the 2015/16 season, a new, long-awaited attraction for skiers and snowboarders was opened – the slope with the highest altitude in all of Austria. The altitude difference is 1,920 meters.
Facts: resort location: 580 m – 2,500 m (altitude difference 1,920 m), Zillertal Arena is the fourth largest ski area in Austria in terms of elevators and cable cars – a total of 52 different elevators and cable cars (including as many as 11 gondolas), many of which have been commissioned in recent years – it is the largest ski area in the Zillertal Valley – it is particularly family-oriented.
Accommodation in Zillertal Arena
- Hotel Central: Family-run hotel with many amenities including spa, restaurants and entertainment.
- Hotel Neuhintertux: A cozy place with close proximity to elevators, spa and mountain views.
- Ferienhotel Aussicht: Hotel with mountain views, family-friendly amenities and access to activities.
All hotels in Zillertal Arena →
8. Sölden (Tyrol)
- 🎿 144 km of slopes, 33 elevators
- 🏔 1350 m – 3250 m above sea level (altitude difference 1900 m)
- 🛫 Nearest airport: 90 km from Innsbruck airport.
- ⛷ Type of skiers: experienced skiers, freeriders, outdoor enthusiasts
- 🏨 Average price/night: € 175 (Read more →)
One thing that is always in abundance in Sölden is snow. Of Austria’s top ten ski resorts, Sölden offers the highest peaks (up to 3,340 meters). It is the only resort in Austria where the glacier runs are directly connected by elevators to the rest of the ski area.
Numerous snow cannons ensure that even an afternoon down into the valley is a great pleasure. After-ski parties continue here until the early hours of the morning.
Features: guaranteed snow from October to May, up to an altitude of 3,340 meters. Raucous après-ski parties and concerts at the Fire and Ice club until 3.00am. Big spring Hannibal Show on the Rettenbach Glacier, the new Giggijochbahn, which replaced the former cable car, has twice the capacity – up to 4,500 people per hour. The longest piste in the resort: 15 km from the top of Schwarze Schneide (3,340 m) to the valley (1,350 m).
SöldenFacts: about 80% of the pistes are easy and medium – 29.4 km of difficult pistes and 2 km of ungroomed pistes with deep snow. World Cup piste on the Rettenbach Glacier, piste with speed measurement, piste with video recording of the descent.
Accommodation in Sölden
- Das Central - Alpine . Luxury . Life: Luxury hotel with upscale amenities, restaurants and spa.
- Hotel Edelweiss & Gurgl: Cozy place with traditional Alpine style, spa and restaurants.
- Hotel Liebe Sonne: Family-friendly hotel with a variety of amenities including a pool and activities for children.
- Hotel Tyrolerhof: A hotel with comfortable rooms, spa treatments and a restaurant.
- Top Hotel Hochgurgl: Hotel with a high-altitude atmosphere, spa and close proximity to ski elevators.
- Hotel Bergland: Cozy place with alpine atmosphere, close to the slopes and restaurant.
9. Mayrhofen (Tyrol) – the steepest slopes
- 🎿 136 km of slopes, 57 elevators
- 🏔 630 m – 2500 m above sea level (altitude difference 1870 m)
- 🛫 Nearest airport: 70 km from Innsbruck airport.
- ⛷ Type of skiers: families, beginners and experienced skiers, outdoor enthusiasts
- 🏨 Average price/night: € 160 (Read more →)
The slogan “Action & Fun” fits Mayrhofen perfectly! Mayrhofen is only ninth on our list of Austria’s biggest ski resorts, but it easily beats many of its bigger rivals in terms of piste height (620m – 2,500m).
Skiers are attracted here by the wide range of pistes with a total length of 142 km, from blue slopes to the famous and awe-inspiring Harakiri piste, which is black in color only by its name. With a gradient of 78%, it is one of the steepest pistes in Austria. If you want to show off your skiing achievements, don’t forget to buy an “I Survived Harakiri” t-shirt from local stores.
Features: Austria’s steepest slope and 10-kilometer ski run is a magnet for skiing and freeride enthusiasts of all kinds.
The Vans Penken Park in Mayrhofen is one of the most diverse funparks in the Alps for both snowboarders and freeriders.
Aprés Ski Club Brück’n-Stadl Mayrhofen is open until 2am. And miracles happen at this bar – it only takes 11 seconds to pour four beers!
Facts: the resort’s location: 620m – 2,500m (elevation 1,880m) and 59 elevators.
Accommodation in Mayrhofen
- Hotel Gutshof Zillertal: Cozy hotel with modern amenities, spa treatments and restaurants.
- ElisabethHotel Premium Private Retreat: A luxurious place with upscale amenities, spa and gastronomic experience.
- Sporthotel Manni: Hotel with outdoor facilities, spa and restaurant.
- Hotel Neue Post: Traditional hotel with close proximity to ski elevators, restaurants and spa treatments.
10. Silvretta Montafon (Vorarlberg)
- 🎿 140 km of slopes, 37 elevators
- 🏔 700 m – 2430 m above sea level (altitude difference 1730 m)
- 🛫 Nearest airport: 100 km from Innsbruck airport.
- ⛷ Type of skiers: families, beginners and experienced skiers, outdoor enthusiasts
- 🏨 Average price/night: € 175 (Read more →)
The Silvretta Montafon ski region offers 140 kilometers of pistes and advertises itself with the slogan “An intensive introduction to the mountains”. In addition to seven Black Scorpions (sporty, black runs), the longest valley in Vorarlberg and 36 elevators, Silvretta Montafon also offers many freeride options.
With more than 70 pistes, from high-altitude descents in deep snow to impressive cliffs and steep gorges, anything is possible. By the way, more than 50% of the 140 kilometers of ski slopes here are more than 2,000 meters above sea level.
Early risers feel at home in Silvretta Montafon: the mountain railroads offer morning sunrise on three different pistes, so you can carve your first turns on the freshly groomed and cleared slopes before the elevators officially open.
Accommodation in Silvretta Montafon
- Sporthotel Silvretta Montafon: A cozy place with a focus on sports and outdoor activities, including spa and restaurants.
- Hotel Vitalquelle Gauenstein: Hotel with relaxation and recovery facilities, spa and mountain views.
- Explorer Hotel Montafon: Contemporary hotel with an emphasis on active lifestyles, spa and restaurants.
- Hotel Zamangspitze: Hotel with an alpine atmosphere, relaxing spa treatments and restaurant.
- Alpenhotel Montafon: Traditional hotel with cozy rooms, restaurant and comfortable facilities.
All hotels in Silvretta Montafon →
11. Bad Gastein – thermal ski resort
- 🎿 86 km of slopes, 26 elevators
- 🏔 859 m – 2686 m above sea level (altitude difference 1827 m)
- 🛫 Nearest airport: 90 km from Salzburg W. A. Mozart Airport.
- ⛷ Type of skiers: families, beginners and experienced skiers, thermal lovers.
- 🏨 Average price/night: € 150 (Read more →)
Bad Gastein is one of the famous ski resorts in Austria, which is also known for its thermal springs. The town is located in a picturesque valley in the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park, and is a place where you can combine an active winter vacation with therapeutic treatments.
More than 17 mineral water springs help you recover from a day on the slopes. There are also various spa centers and sanatoriums.
What are the best resorts for a vacation with children?
- Sölden – An excellent option for families with children of different ages. There is a lot of entertainment both in winter and summer. You can go hiking in the summer and skiing and snowboarding in the winter.
- Bad Gastein – If you are interested not only in skiing but also in wellness, this resort may be a good option. There are plenty of thermal springs, as well as special activities and entertainment for children.
- Innsbruck – This city offers not only winter fun, but also many cultural activities, museums and zoos that may be of interest to children.
- All four resorts – Saalbach, Hinterglemm, Leogang and Fieberbrunn – are great for vacations with children. They provide many facilities and activities for young guests: Children’s areas and ski schools, rides and attractions and family activities.
When choosing a resort, it is also worth considering the age of your children, their level of preparation for winter sports (if it is a winter vacation), and your family interests and budget.
Austria offers a wide range of resorts suitable for family vacations, so everyone can find something suitable for their family.
Best austrian ski resorts for beginners?
For beginner skiers in Austria almost every resort is suitable, as almost everywhere there are both schools and places to ski. But I recommend the following:
- Saalbach-Hinterglemm: This resort offers a variety of slopes, including many for beginners. It also has wide slopes and teaching areas.
- Kitzbühel: While this resort is known for its more challenging pistes, it also has great beginner options, including special instructional areas.
- Obergurgl: This resort is known for its easy and wide slopes, perfect for beginners. Here you can learn the basics of skiing in peace.
In addition, many resorts offer special packages for beginners, including group and individual lessons with instructors.
That’s all, write your reviews about your vacation in Austria and ask questions in the comments!
Which ski resorts in Austria provide the best ski and snowboard rental equipment?
There are many ski resorts in Austria that provide high quality ski and snowboard rental equipment. Here are a few resorts that provide the best rental equipment: Sölden, Lech, Mayrhofen.
Do the resorts offer night skiing?
Yes, many ski resorts in Austria offer night slopes. This service is especially popular among tourists who want to get the most out of their ski vacation.
Which of the resorts in Austria is considered the most luxurious?
One of the most luxurious ski resorts in Austria is Lech. It attracts luxury lovers from all over the world due to its beautiful natural setting, high level of service and luxurious hotels. Here you will find a wide range of exclusive hotels with high-end spa services, world-class restaurants and chic accommodation.
Is there any resort in Austria that offers spa treatments after skiing?
Yes, there are many places among the ski resorts in Austria where you can relax and unwind in the spas after active skiing. Here are a few resorts known for their spa treatments: Bad Gastein, Lech, Sölden, Ischgl.
