11 Reasons Why You Should Ski in Austria

the traditional huts along the way… There are tons of reasons why skiing is a highly addictive sport – and just as many why you should hit the slopes in Austria this winter!

From snow-guarantee in many resorts due to their high altitude to excellent value for money, the charming authentic huts and villages, modern sustainability concepts, and the unique “Lebensgefühl”, read our 11 reasons below!

1. THERE ARE PLENTY OF SNOW-SURE PISTES 

Snow-guarantee is a crucial factor when choosing a winter destination. And, luckily, the Austrian Alps are blessed with it. Widely recognized as one of the world’s most reliable skiing destinations, Austria’s top resorts ensure perfectly groomed pistes throughout the classic winter season – and way beyond.

Tirol alone has a whooping five glaciers, including Zillertal’s Hintertux, where you can ski 365 days a year. In Zell am See-Kaprun skiing is on from October to June thanks to the Kitzsteinhorn glacier. And if everything goes wrong, Austria’s resorts also feature top-notch snow-making facilities, with 90% of them using green energy only. In resorts such as SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser Brixental even the snowcats use a GPS-controlled slope management system to help save energy.

2. IT'S GREAT VALUE FOR MONEY 

Austria is well known for winning on the value-for-money stakes, with everything from lift passes, ski schools, eating out, and partying still affordable.

Not only will your stay cost less, but savvy travellers can also find great deals in Austria's ski resorts and save even more – an important factor in the current global economic crisis. A region especially well-known for its great value for money is – according to the British “Where to Ski and Snowboard Guide” –  Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau.

3. AUSTRIA'S MOUNTAINS ARE EASY TO REACH 

No matter where you are based in the UK, Austria’s slopes are always just a few hours away. Non-stop flights to Innsbruck, Salzburg, München, Linz, and Klagenfurt take off from major British airports throughout the winter. And upon arrival, it’s about one more hour to your ski resort, with public transport options widely available. – Check out the flight plan 2024/25 here!

Want to make your journey greener? Hop on the train at night, cross Europe while you are sleeping and wake up in Austria’s winter wonderland. – Check out our train travel press kit here!

4. THE VILLAGES ARE CHARMING AND AUTHENTIC 

Ski-in/ski-out from your doorstep! In many Austrian resorts, the lifts are in the heart of the village, within easy walking distance from your hotel and right where the locals go about their daily lives. The picturesque villages have grown organically over the centuries and still boast their original Old-World charm – the perfect setting for a winter fairy-tale like back in the day. 

Mingle with the locals in the traditional huts and restaurants after your day on the slopes and embrace everything winter in Austria has to offer. Kitzbühel and Ischgl are great spots for both first-timers and returners.

5. THE AUSTRIAN "LEBENSGEFÜHL" IS LEGENDARY 

The Austrian “Lebensgefühl“ is hard to explain. It’s something that can only be comprehended through the feelings of joy that you experience in the moments you share with your friends, family, and, most importantly, the locals. Austrians have a unique attitude to life. They do not take themselves or life too seriously, they enjoy each moment as it arrives, and are infused with a love of life that is infectious. The “Lebensgefühl” can be felt in all the small moments: The friendly greeting as you enter a hut or the pride with which you will be served your schnitzel. The cold win in your face as you step out of the lift or the joy of hurtling down a mountain and the friends you’ll make along the way.

It’s a lust for life, for the natural world, and for the community and culture. It’s a feeling embedded in the very bedrock of the Austrian way of life and one that cannot be replicated. The more time you spend there, the more you will come to understand this feeling.

6. THE RESORTS ARE MODERN - AND SUSTAINABLE 

Sometimes size does matter. Ski Arlberg (305 km of slopes), SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental (270 km) and Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn (270 km) are the largest ski resorts in Austria - and they are widely considered to be some of the most modern in Europe, too. Austria invests millions every year to improve and upgrade its lift and gondola network – make the most of it!

What’s more, you can whisk down the slopes with a clear conscious. SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser Brixental has received multiple awards for being one of the most ecological resorts worldwide and many others are closely following, using green energy to run their lifts and hotels, hence keeping the carbon footprint to a minimum. 

7. AUSTRIA IS PERFECT FOR A FAMILY WINTER HOLIDAY

Skiing with little ones in tow is certainly a memorable experience but also presents some challenges. However, things get a lot smoother if you book yourself into the right resort.

Smaller resorts such as St. Johann in Tirol and St. Johann in Salzburg are especially popular thanks to their extensive family-friendly offers, think kids clubs, ski schools, and childcare. Other family resorts include cosy Radstadt-Altenmarkt (part of the Altenmarkt-Zauchensee region) and the larger Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis. Add the attractive family deals in all these resorts and you might have just found the perfect holiday destination that doesn’t break the bank. 

8. THE SKI SCHOOLS ARE TOP-NOTCH 

No matter if beginner or advanced skier, there’s always something new to learn on the slopes. Thanks to its long skiing tradition, Austria has an extensive network of excellent ski schools, employing around 18,000 professional instructors. Usually, there’s at least one English-speaking pro on-site, so you don’t need to speak German to attend a course.

Austria’s instructor training is considered to be the best worldwide, with newbies undergoing more training days than anywhere else. Unsurprisingly, people from all over come to Austria to master their skills - or train as ski instructors. 

9. WE INVENTED KAISERSCHMARREN - TRY IT AT A MOUNTAIN HUT 

Skiing is a proper workout, so you certainly deserve sampling all the hearty Austrian food everyone talks about! Kaiserschmarren, a fluffy chopped-pancake dish, is a classic for sharing. Other popular dishes worth trying include Kaspressknödel (cheese dumplings), Tiroler Gröstl (bacon, onion, and potato fry-up) and Käsespätzle (cheese spaetzle).

The traditional food is typically enjoyed together with Skiwasser (water with raspberry and lemon sirup) and – if you are done with skiing for the day – followed by a proper home-made schnapps.

10. YOU CAN GO SKIING AND SIGHTSEEING IN ONE DAY 

Even the most dedicated skier needs a break. So why not use it for some sightseeing? In Austria, you can combine skiing and city trip, enjoying the best of both worlds. Head to Innsbruck (surrounded by 13 ski areas!) and stroll its imperial streets, then have a coffee in a classic coffeehouse before taking a cable car from the centre and be at 2,000 m in just 20 minutes!

Think of it as a skiing holiday with city amenities from shopping streets to museums, and day spas as a bonus!

11. THE NEXT SPA IS NEVER FAR AWAY 

Most of Austria’s ski hotels have their own spas – or partner up with nearby ones to offer their guests attractive deals. What better way to recharge your batteries after a day of skiing than in a heated outdoor tub or a sauna? Or, if your friends or significant other aren’t in the mood for skiing, they certainly won’t mind spending a few hours relaxing at the pool while you are free to continue whisking down your favourite slopes.

Gurgl and Sölden in Tirol’s Ötztal are especially known for their attractive spa offers.

 

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