11 Reasons Why You Should Ski in Austria

The endorphin rush when you're the first to whizz down a freshly groomed piste, the postcard-perfect views every turn of the way, and the pit stops at cosy huts to recharge… There are tons of reasons why skiing is a highly addictive sport – and just as many why you should hit the slopes in Austria!

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-sure slopes are a crucial factor when choosing a winter destination. And, luckily, the Austrian Alps are blessed with it. Widely recognised as one of the world’s most reliable skiing destinations, Austria’s top resorts ensure pistes in top condition throughout the classic winter season – and beyond.

Tirol alone has no less than 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% running on green energy. 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 good 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 coming at a moderate price.

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

If you're based in the UK or Europe, Austria’s slopes are always just a few hours away. And even if you're not, it's easy to reach them. Flights to Innsbruck, Salzburg, Graz, München, Linz, and Klagenfurt depart from many major airports. Upon arrival, it’s mostly just about an more hour to your ski resort, with public transport options widely available.

Want to make your journey greener? Hop on a European night train and wake up in Austria’s winter wonderland.

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 walking distance from your hotel and right where the locals go about their daily lives. The 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 among the best-known skiing villages for both first-timers and returners.

5. You'll quickly embrace the Austrian "Lebensgefühl"

The Austrian “Lebensgefühl“ is hard to explain, it has to be experienced. It's the joy in the moments you share with your friends, your family, and, of course, the locals. Austrians have a unique attitude to life. They do not take themselves - or life - too seriously, they enjoy each moment as it comes, 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 wind in your face as you step out of the lift or the delight of hurtling down a mountain.

It’s a lust for life for the natural world, and for the community and culture deeply embedded in the very bedrock of the Austrian way of life that cannot be replicated.

6. The resorts are modern - and sustainable

Sometimes size does matter. The Arlberg region (300 km of slopes), SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental (275 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, they're sustainable as well. 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 a memorable experience, no doubt, but it also presents some challenges. Things get a lot smoother, however, if you book yourself into the right resort.

Smaller skiing regions such as St. Johann in Tirol, St. Johann in Salzburg or the holiday region TirolWest 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 of them 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, with around 20,000 professional instructors. Usually, there’s at least one English-speaking pro on-site, so you don’t need to know any German to attend a course.

Austria’s instructor training is is widely regarded as one of the most demanding and comprehensive in the world. 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 number one drinks to order at a ski hut are Skiwasser (water with raspberry and lemon sirup) and – if you are done with skiing for the day – a shot of homemade 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 don't have to choose between skiing and city break, you can enjoy 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, ranging 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? And if your friends or family aren’t too keen on skiing, they certainly won’t mind spending a few hours floating in the pool while you are free to ski all your favourite slopes.

Gurgl and Sölden in Tirol’s Ötztal and Austria's southernmost province Carinthia are especially known for their attractive spa offers.