Resorts covered: 3 | Season: Dec–Apr | Best airports: Innsbruck, Salzburg, Zurich, Munich
Austria is the spiritual home of the ski holiday. Picture-perfect villages with onion-domed churches, hearty mountain food, and an après-ski culture that starts at 3pm and doesn’t stop — Austrian resorts balance serious skiing with an infectious sense of fun that few other countries can match. From the racing heritage of Kitzbühel to the high-altitude party scene of Ischgl and the aristocratic quiet of Lech, there is an Austrian resort for every type of skier.
Skiing in Austria at a glance
Austrian skiing excels at the complete package — terrain quality, lift infrastructure, food, and après-ski in combination. The Arlberg region in Vorarlberg is one of the most storied ski areas in the world. Tyrol’s valleys hold some of the Alps’ most famous names. Prices are generally more accessible than Switzerland or France’s prestige resorts, making Austria excellent value for money at the mid-market level.
The best ski resorts in Austria
Kitzbühel
One of the most famous names in skiing — home of the fearsome Hahnenkamm downhill race, a beautifully preserved medieval town, and 170km of well-groomed pistes. Best for intermediates who want charm and atmosphere as much as big terrain, with a legendary après-ski scene centred on the Streifalm and Hahnenkamm road.
Read our full Kitzbühel guide →
Ischgl
Austria’s most talked-about resort — 238km of immaculate high-altitude piste in the Silvretta Arena, shared with Swiss Samnaun, combined with the most energetic après-ski scene in the Alps. The season runs November to May and snow reliability at altitude is exceptional. Best for intermediate and advanced skiers who want big terrain and big nights.
Lech Zürs
The quieter, more exclusive alternative — part of the Ski Arlberg area (305km including St Anton), with a reputation for superb off-piste, charming village architecture, and a well-heeled international clientele. Lech is Austria’s answer to Verbier: serious skiing in a beautiful, unpretentious village that happens to attract royalty and celebrities alongside serious freeriders.
Read our full Lech Zürs guide →
Sölden
Austria’s highest and most dramatic resort — twin glaciers, a 3,340m summit, a season running October to May, and the iconic Ice Q restaurant made famous by James Bond Spectre. Home of the World Cup season opener, with serious terrain and one of Austria’s most energetic après-ski scenes.
St Anton am Arlberg
The birthplace of modern alpine skiing — home of the legendary Mooserwirt après-ski, the Valluga off-piste (2,811m), and the Ski Arlberg network (305km) shared with Lech and Zürs. Austria’s most technically demanding mainstream resort, with the strongest freeride culture and après-ski scene in the country.
Read our full St Anton guide →
Zillertal Arena
One of Austria’s largest ski areas — 169km of piste connecting four villages (Zell am Ziller, Gerlos, Königsleiten, and Wald im Pinzgau) across Tyrol and Salzburg. The Isskogel glacier at 3,250m opens in October, making it one of Austria’s earliest-starting resorts. The famous Zillertalbahn narrow-gauge train connects the valley villages, and the broader Zillertaler Superskipass can be combined with the adjacent Mayrhofen/Hippach ski area for over 500km of piste.
Read our full Zillertal Arena guide →
Quick comparison
| Resort | Region | Best for | Piste |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitzbühel | Tyrol | Charm, intermediates, après | 170km |
| Ischgl | Tyrol / Paznaun | Long season, après-ski | 238km (Silvretta Arena) |
| Lech Zürs | Vorarlberg / Arlberg | Off-piste, exclusivity | 305km (Ski Arlberg) |
| Obertauern | Salzburg Province | Snow-sure, après-ski, circuit skiing | 100km (Tauern Round) |
| Zillertal Arena | Tyrol / Salzburg | Glacier skiing, large area | 169km |
How to choose
For the classic Austrian ski holiday with maximum charm, Kitzbühel delivers — though serious skiers may find the terrain limited after a week. Ischgl suits those who want the full high-altitude package with a guaranteed lively atmosphere from November to May. Lech Zürs is for those who prioritise off-piste quality and quieter, more refined surroundings — the Ski Arlberg pass gives access to St Anton’s famous freeride terrain without its crowds.
Season and getting there
Austrian resorts open late November to early December and run through April. Ischgl has one of the longest seasons in the Alps, opening in November with a famous concert. Innsbruck (INN) is the most convenient airport for Kitzbühel and Ischgl. Lech is best reached via Zurich (ZRH) or Innsbruck. Munich (MUC) is a 2-hour drive from Kitzbühel and an alternative gateway for the whole Tyrol region.
Frequently asked questions
Which Austrian resort has the best après-ski?
Ischgl is widely considered the best après-ski resort in the world — the Trofana Alm, Schatzi Bar, and Kuhstall draw enormous crowds from 3pm, and the resort hosts major music acts for its opening and closing concerts. St Anton (on the Ski Arlberg pass with Lech) runs it close.
Is Austrian skiing good for intermediates?
Austria is excellent for intermediates. Kitzbühel, Ischgl, and the Ski Arlberg all have extensive blue and red run networks, and Austrian ski schools have a strong international reputation. The ESÖ and Rote Teufel in Lech are particularly well regarded.
How does Austrian skiing compare to France in terms of price?
Austria is generally more affordable than premium French resorts. Accommodation, food, and après-ski are competitively priced, particularly in smaller villages. A 6-day Ski Arlberg pass runs around €290–320; Ischgl Silvretta Arena is similar.
What is the Ski Arlberg pass?
The Ski Arlberg pass covers Lech, Zürs, St Anton, St Christoph, and Warth-Schröcken — 305km of piste on a single pass. It’s one of the best-value multi-resort passes in the Alps given the quality and variety of terrain included.
Hintertux Glacier
Austria’s only year-round ski resort — 60 km of piste on a glacier rising to 3,250 m in the Zillertal, open every day of the year including summer. A magnet for national ski teams training in autumn, and an extraordinary winter destination when combined with the broader Zillertal Superskipass (660+ km across five valley resorts). Unmatched in Austria for altitude, snow reliability, and season length.
Read our full Hintertux Glacier guide →
Ramsau am Dachstein
A UNESCO World Heritage site setting and one of Austria’s most distinctive ski destinations. Ramsau sits beneath the glaciated Dachstein massif and is world-famous as one of the finest cross-country skiing venues on earth (multiple World Championships held here). The Dachstein glacier offers year-round downhill skiing, and the 4 Mountains Schladming area — including Planai, host of the famous January Nightrace World Cup — provides over 120 km of alpine pistes on a single regional pass.
Read our full Ramsau am Dachstein guide →
Ski lessons and activities: Browse ski lessons and activities in Austria on GetYourGuide →