From New Year to New Skills: Beginner Skiing in Austria

Hello 2026, hello new sports? The start of a new year is the perfect moment to embrace fresh goals, new challenges, and experiences. And learning to ski captures exactly that: it builds confidence, energy and joy with every turn. Research conducted with the Ski Club of Great Britain shows that half of Brits who have never skied would like to try it – and now might just be the right time to get started. Unsurprisingly, young adults are keenest, with 85% of 18–24s, 73% for 25–34s, and 66% for 35–44s saying they’d like to give skiing a go.

Austria has a long-standing history not just as a skiing nation but also as a place for first-timers on the pistes. Our ski schools are regarded among the best in the world. And many regions are just tailor-made for a first dip into winter holidays, with beginner-friendly slopes, cosy huts, and Instagram-worthy views of the Alps at every turn.

Here’s what Austria Tourism and Austria are doing together to make beginner skiing even smoother, more attractive, and more accessible.
 

AUSTRIA TOURISM SENDS 150 SCOTTISH KIDS ON THE PISTES 

It’s never too early to start skiing! Therefore, Austria Tourism and Snowsport Scotland have launched “First Tracks”, a new partnership aimed at primary school-age children across Scotland. 150 pupils have the chance to try skiing and snowboarding for the first time at artificial snow centres across the country. The fully subsidied introductory lessons are accompanied by themed events and competitions, introducing the young participants to the culture, lifestyle, food and music of Austria.

“Austria is renowned globally for its passion for snowsports, from its legendary resorts to its world-leading ski schools. By collaborating with Snowsport, we are investing in the future of the sport. We can’t wait to see children progress from the artificial slopes of Scotland to carving their turns on the pristine pistes of the Austrian Alps,” says Martina Jamnig, Director of Austria Tourism London.

Read more: Snowsport Scotland and Austria Tourism launch “First Tracks”
 

SKIING RESORTS IN AUSTRIA FOR ADULT BEGINNERS 

Of course, not all beginner skiers are children. Austria’s winter regions welcome skiers of all ages and skill levels, but some are especially focused on adult beginners:

Radstadt-Altenmarkt, part of the Altenmarkt-Zauchensee region in SalzburgerLand, and Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis in Tirol offer beginner courses in English, plenty of blue runs and exercise areas to test those newly acquired skills, as well as traditional huts, beautiful winter hiking trails and tobogganing runs for breaks from the slopes. Ischgl, one of the largest linked, cross border ski areas in the Alps, is the place to be for beginners with a soft spot of luxury, think five-star hotels and award-winning restaurants for après-ski. Also in Tirol, Zillertal is an XXL resort with 25 ski schools at up to 3,250 m, allowing beginners to work on their skills well into springtime.

Read more: Why Austria is best for adult beginners
 

NEW CAMPAIGN 'CRUSH COURSE': BOOST YOUR DATING PROFILE ON THE PISTE 

Fun fact, according to a recent Club Med study, skiing is the most attractive holiday interest on dating apps - no other leisure activity generates more right swipes. So, learning to ski doesn’t just boost fitness and health, it could also lead to finding the perfect match. Austria Tourism‘ latest social media campaign picks up exactly that and shows in a humourous way that skiing is not only fun, but also makes you look great - both offline and online.

The fun video series featuring two young females roll out in early January on Instagram and TikTok, while a new guide for beginner skiers provides all the essential information for newbies in a nutshell.

Read more: “Crush Course“ launches on Instagram and TikTok

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