You might find yourself craving a winter holiday but feel bad because not everyone in your circle is as ski or snowboard mad as you. Maybe some of your friends or family would rather soak in a hot tub surrounded by snow than catch the first lift up the mountain. Luckily, winter in Austria isn’t just for the die-hard skiers, it’s also about cozy huts, alpine spas, Christmas markets, and crisp mountain air.

Austria is filled with resorts that can offer something for everyone, whether your group wants to carve powder, sip glühwein, or just admire the view. Here are some of our highlights.

Innsbruck - The City in the Mountains

Innsbruck is a dream for groups who can’t quite decide between a ski holiday and a city break, because here, you can have both. The city is surrounded by no fewer than 13 ski areas, all accessible with the Ski Plus City Pass. While the skiers can head to the likes of Axamer Lizum or Patscherkofel for the day, non-skiers can wander the medieval old town, marvel at the Golden Roof, or take the Hungerburg funicular up to the Nordkette for panoramic views and a hot chocolate in the sun.

Culture lovers will enjoy the Swarovski Crystal-World or Ambras Castle, while those after some pampering can check into one of the alpine wellness hotels dotted around the valley. In the evening, everyone can reunite for a hearty Tyrolean dinner or a cocktail along the Maria-Theresien-Strasse.

Zell am See–Kaprun - Lakeside Luxury Meets Glacier Adventure

If variety is what your group craves, Zell am See–Kaprun delivers in buckets. Skiers and boarders can choose to tackle the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier, where you can ski almost year-round, or cruise the wide runs on the Schmittenhöhe above Zell. Non-skiers can enjoy a winter cruise across Lake Zell, stroll the charming lakeside promenade, or relax in the TAUERN SPA Kaprun, one of Austria’s most beautiful modern wellness resorts.

The scenery here is pure magic, think mirror-like lake framed by snow-covered peaks. And when the sun goes down, Zell’s lively centre offers everything from rustic alpine taverns to chic bars and restaurants. It’s also family-friendly, with ice skating, tobogganing, and winter hiking trails for all ages.

Kitzbühel – Where Tradition Meets Glamour

Kitzbühel is one of Austria’s most famous ski towns, and for good reason. The skiing is world-class more than 200 km of pistes, including the legendary Streif downhill run but it’s just as appealing for those who never clip into a pair of skis.

Off the slopes, Kitzbühel offers luxury boutiques, art galleries, and spa hotels that rival any Alpine destination. Wander the cobbled medieval streets lined with pastel facades, or book a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the forest. Foodies will love the town’s gourmet side, from mountain huts serving homemade kaiserschmarrn to Michelin-starred dining at Neuwirt or Tennerhof. When the skiers roll back into town, the après-ski scene comes alive with everything from elegant champagne bars to lively mountain huts blasting Apres-Ski.

St. Anton am Arlberg – The Classic All-Rounder

St. Anton is often hailed as the birthplace of modern skiing — and it’s still one of the best places on Earth for it. With over 300 km of interconnected pistes and access to the vast Arlberg ski region, serious skiers will be in heaven. But this isn’t just a destination for the hardcore.

Non-skiers can explore wellness centres, take the Galzigbahn cable car just for the views, or go snowshoeing and ice skating in the village. The pedestrianised main street is filled with stylish shops and cafés, and nearby St. Christoph and Lech are easy day trips for anyone wanting to explore further. The nightlife is legendary, with MooserWirt and Krazy Kanguruh turning the slopeside into a party before the sun sets.

Bad Gastein – Where Retro Charm Meets Thermal Bliss

Set in a dramatic gorge, Bad Gastein feels unlike anywhere else in the Alps. Its Belle Époque buildings cling to the cliffs, and waterfalls tumble right through the town centre. Skiers can explore the Gastein Valley’s 200 km of pistes, while non-skiers can soak in thermal spas fed by natural radon infused hot springs, a tradition here for centuries.

The Felsentherme spa, with its steaming outdoor pools and mountain views, is a must. There’s also a growing creative scene with the largest art festival in the Alps, ART ON SNOW, boutique hotels, trendy cafés, and vintage bars. It’s the kind of place where you can spend the morning skiing, the afternoon in a mineral bath, and the evening at a cocktail bar, all without leaving the valley.

Choose Austria This Winter

The best ski trips aren’t about everyone doing the same thing — they’re about everyone finding their own version of joy in the snow. Whether that’s carving fresh powder, soaking in a rooftop spa, or sipping glühwein by the fire, Austria’s mountain resorts make it easy to mix and match.

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