Austria, a picturesque country nestled in the heart of Europe, is renowned for its stunning alpine landscapes, charming mountain villages, and most notably, its world-class ski resorts. Whether you’re an adrenaline-fueled expert skier, an intermediate seeking to improve, or a family embarking on your first ski adventure, Austria’s diverse ski resorts cater to every level of experience and inclination. In this comprehensive guide, we will journey through the best ski resorts in Austria to help you choose the perfect spot for your next winter getaway. 
1. St. Anton am Arlberg
A Mecca for Expert Skiers
St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria’s flagship ski resort, is celebrated not just for its local fame, but also for its reputation as one of the world’s premier skiing destinations. With an impressive 305 kilometers of pistes within the Ski Arlberg Area, it’s a paradise for intermediate to expert skiers and a hotspot for party-loving tourists.
The Nasserein area, particularly popular with families, offers great beginner slopes. However, the resort’s primary appeal lies in its suitability for more experienced skiers. The Flexenbahn lift has rendered it the largest connected ski area in Austria, boasting broad open slopes perfect for intermediates. For expert skiers, over 200 kilometers of marked ski routes invite a thrilling adventure in powder-filled terrain.
Apres ski, a concept that originated in St. Anton, is a vibrant part of the resort’s culture. The Krazy Kangaruh and the Mooserwirt, among numerous other bars, provide an exhilarating atmosphere for holidaymakers. The car-free center of the resort is home to a myriad of facilities, including multiple restaurants, charming shops, and the fantastic WellCom leisure center – the perfect place to unwind after a day on the slopes.
Ski Holidays in St Anton
St Anton’s appeal extends beyond its rich skiing offerings. The delightful resort offers an array of ski holiday packages, providing a combination of excellent skiing, vibrant nightlife, and a welcoming alpine atmosphere.
2. Ischgl
High Altitude Skiing and Vibrant Après Scene
Ischgl, with its high altitude, snow-assured slopes, speedy ski lifts, and trendy apres scene, is arguably Austria’s premier ski resort. The resort offers 230 kilometers of pistes within the Silvretta Ski Area, making it a preferred destination for intermediate to expert skiers, groups, and party enthusiasts.
The resort, linked to the Swiss resort of Samnaun, is among the first to open and the last to close each season in Austria. There’s been significant investment in the lift system since 2000, with a new lift opening most years. As a result, you’ll find some of the fastest and most comfortable ski lifts across Europe inIschgl.
In terms of apres ski, Ischgl offers a variety of options. The Trofana Alm, voted the number one apres ski bar in the world several times, is a must-visit. For food lovers, Ischgl offers a wide range of dining options, from Mexican to fine dining. It’s also great for non-skiers, with a variety of activities to keep you entertained, including the longest toboggan run in the Alps.
Ski Holidays in Ischgl
Ischgl’s combination of high-altitude, snow-sure slopes, and a lively après scene make it a top choice for a ski holiday. The resort offers an array of ski holiday packages, promising an unforgettable skiing experience.
3. Lech
The Dream Ski Holiday Destination
If you’re searching for the quintessential ski holiday, then Lech is your dream destination. As one of Austria’s most picturesque ski resorts, it takes your breath away with its horse-drawn sleighs, beautiful shops, luxury hotels, and fantastic gastronomy.
Lech boasts one of the best snow records in the Alps. The skiing in Lech, more suitable for beginner and intermediate skiers with wide-open pistes, is also part of the wider Ski Arlberg Area, making it an excellent base even for advanced skiers.
Ski Holidays in Lech
Lech offers a neat package that caters to every ski holiday preference. Whether you’re an expert skier looking for challenging runs or a beginner in search of gentle slopes, Lech has something for everyone. You can check out the variety of ski holiday packages to Lech for your next winter vacation.
4. Obergurgl
A Perfect Base for Snow-Sure Skiing
Obergurgl, one of Austria’s highest ski resorts, is a fantastic base for your ski holiday. With a guarantee of quality, every hotel in this resort is exceptional. Hotels have high return rates due to the fantastic facilities and customer service.
Most of the skiing is above 2000m, perfect for beginners and intermediates, with some good off-piste options as well. The lift system is fast, and the season runs from November through to May. It’s also a great base for non-skiers, offering activities like hiking, indoor golf, and much more. The après ski is good here, with over 20 bars offering a variety of après, but our favorite is the Fassl bar for its outstanding atmosphere.
Ski Holidays in Obergurgl
Obergurgl is a superb choice for a ski holiday. With high-quality skiing guaranteed and a range of ski holiday packages on offer, you’re sure to have an unforgettable time on and off the slopes.
5. Mayrhofen
A Great Base for a Ski Holiday in Austria
Mayrhofen, situated in the massive Ziller Valley, is a great base for a ski holiday in Austria. The resort offers access to the famous Hintertux glacier, where people ski even during the summer months.
This resort is one of Austria’s most popular ski resorts for Brits. The ski lifts are fast, with over 26 new lifts added since 2000. The après scene is lively and well-priced, and the range of skiing caters to all abilities from challenging black runs to fantastic beginner and intermediate runs. Mayrhofen is also home to the steepest groomed piste in Austria – the Harakiri. If you’re into freestyle skiing, Mayrhofen’s Penken park is considered one of the best snow parks in the Alps.
Ski Holidays in Mayrhofen
Mayrhofen is a fantastic choice for a ski holiday. With a large ski area, lively après, and a range of skiing options, it’s a great option for all types of skiers. Check out the ski holiday packages to Mayrhofen for a memorable ski vacation.
6. Zell am See
A Perfect Romantic Austrian Ski Holiday
Zell am See is the perfect romantic Austrian ski holiday destination. The towering glacier peaks and stunning views of the lake make it one of Austria’s most beautiful ski resorts. There are some great-priced hotels here, and it connects with the glacier resort of Kaprun.
The runs are great for all abilities, from gentle beginner slopes to lovely varied tree line slopes and the Black Mamba run that even experts will find a tough challenge. Although the off-piste is limited, on fresh powder days there are some good options. Zell am See is also fantastic for non-skiers, boasting activities like horse-drawn sleighs, guided hikes, and even hot air balloon rides.
Ski Holidays in Zell am See
Zell am See is a perfect choice for a romantic ski holiday that won’t break the bank. With stunning views and a range of skiing options, it’s a great place to spend your winter vacation. Check out the ski holiday packages to Zell am See for an unforgettable ski experience.
7. Saalbach/Hinterglemm
Cruising Terrain with Great Après
If you love cruising terrain with great après, then Saalbach is the ski resort for you. A large proportion of the 270 km of pistes are blues making it popular amongst families and intermediates alike. Saalbach itself is a pretty village with a lively traditional atmosphere. It boasts over 30 pubs and 9 discos with great live music and DJs.
The area has loads of activities for non-skiers as well, including skating, go-karting on ice, bowling, hiking, and fantastic tobogganing routes like the floodlit trail down Reiterkogel.
Ski Holidays in Saalbach
Saalbach is a great choice for a ski holiday. With its large ski area, lively après, and a range of skiing options, it’s a great option for all types of skiers. Check out the ski holiday packages to Saalbach for a memorable ski vacation.
8. Solden
A Range of Challenging Pistes
Solden has a large range of challenging blue, red, and black pistes. The area boasts one of the best lift systems in Europe and has some fantastic scenery. Here skiing is guaranteed with access to the two glaciers extending up to 3340m and most of its slopes are well over 2000m. You can also access Obergurgl for a day during your skiing holiday.
The best beginner area is up at Giggijoch. For intermediates, there are some huge vertical drops, especially on the Gaislachkogel where you drop a massive 1695m and for more advanced there are some nice blacks at Hainbachjoch.
Ski Holidays in Solden
Solden is a superb choice for a ski holiday. With high-quality skiing guaranteed and a range of ski holiday packages on offer, you’re sure to have an unforgettable time on and off the slopes.
9. Soll
The Liveliness in the SkiWelt
Perennial Brit favorite Soll is the liveliest village in the vast SkiWelt domain. Popular with beginners, it also works for intermediates – and lovers of Austrian table-dancing. Soll is great value for money, has varied terrain and is perfect for families with kids on their skiing holidays.
Although there are good runs around Soll for beginners, there are more runs nearby Ellmau or Scheffau that would be more suitable. For intermediates, the feeling of travel is awesome with wide well-groomed, tree-lined slopes.
Ski Holidays in Soll
Soll is exceptionally pretty and the town is easy to get around by bus. There are some lovely restaurants like the Bella Vita which serves a range of Italian, Asian, and Austrian dishes. The bars tend to be cheaper than other Austrian resorts, so there is more beer to be had for your pound and our favorite is the Moonlight bar. You can check out the ski holiday packages to Soll for your next winter vacation.
10. Kaprun
Perfect for Families
Connected to Zell am See,Kaprun is a peaceful, reasonably-priced base for a skiing holiday with well-connected runs, guaranteed glacier skiing, magnificent views, and wonderful Austrian cuisine.
The introduction of the K-onnection gondola in 2020, has transformed the area and has now linked the local Maiskogel pistes to the snowsure runs above, cutting out the need to drive to and from the glacier. There is a lovely range of blues and reds and once again experts can enjoy the challenge of the Black Mamba run.
Ski Holidays in Kaprun
Connected to Zell am See, Kaprun offers a neat package for a ski holiday. Whether you’re an expert skier looking for challenging runs or a beginner in search of gentle slopes, Kaprun has something for everyone. You can check out the variety of ski holiday packages to Kaprun for your next winter vacation.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for adrenaline-fueled runs, family-friendly resorts, or the best après-ski scene, you’ll find it in Austria. The country’s ski resorts are as diverse as they are beautiful, offering something for everyone. From the snow-sure slopes of St. Anton and Obergurgl to the family-friendly terrain of Soll and Lech, the best ski resorts in Austria promise unforgettable winter experiences. So, strap on your skis or snowboard and get ready to explore Austria’s winter wonderland!
The selection of the best ski resorts in Austria listed in this guide is just a fraction of what the country has to offer. It’s always worth exploring further and finding the hidden gems that suit your personal preferences and skiing ability. Remember, the best ski resort is the one that fits your needs and exceeds your expectations! Happy skiing!