Ski & snow in Austria
Austria
Valley resorts built for a guest week
Ski towns sell passes, rental, and beds to visitors. You ride without a club. The terrain is why you came. Season is winter snow.
- Buy a pass as a guest
- Rental and lodging
- A real ski region
The vibe
Austria's ski resorts combine world-class slopes with traditional alpine villages, offering a holiday atmosphere that feels both luxurious and authentically mountain. Peak season runs from December through March, with the best snow conditions and lively après-ski. Resorts are organized with lift passes and guided tours, drawing large crowds, but quieter backcountry options exist for those seeking solitude.
lift pass
Ischgl
Tyrol
Freedom to share / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Ischgl is renowned for its high-tech lift system and a massive cross-border ski area that connects into Switzerland's Samnaun. It is equally famous for its vibrant nightlife and high-energy atmosphere.
Access. Located in the Paznaun Valley, accessible via Innsbruck airport with regular bus transfers.
Notes. The majority of the terrain is situated above 2,000 meters, ensuring excellent snow quality throughout the season.
Kitzbühel
Tyrol
Ștefan Jurcă from Munich, Germany / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Home to the famous Hahnenkamm race, Kitzbühel combines medieval charm with high-end luxury and legendary ski runs. The terrain is varied, catering to both intermediate cruisers and those seeking the adrenaline of the Streif downhill course.
Access. Well-connected by rail from Munich and Salzburg airports; the town center is largely pedestrianized and very accessible.
Notes. The season typically runs from December to April, with excellent snowmaking capabilities on lower slopes.
Mayrhofen
Tyrol
böhringer friedrich / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.5)
Located in the Zillertal Valley, Mayrhofen is famous for the Harakiri run—the steepest groomed slope in Austria—and the Penken Park, a world-class terrain park for snowboarders. It is a hub for adrenaline seekers.
Access. Easily accessible from Innsbruck by train or car via the Zillertal Valley road.
Notes. The Penken Park is a major draw for the international freestyle community.
Obertauern
Salzburg
Dave&Lynne Slater from Cumbria, United kingdom / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Known as Austria's snowiest winter sports destination, Obertauern is situated at a high altitude and offers a unique 'bowl' layout that allows for easy navigation. The resort is compact, ensuring that almost all accommodation is within walking distance of the lifts.
Access. Located south of Salzburg, accessible by a scenic drive or bus transfer from the city.
Notes. The high elevation guarantees a long season, often lasting well into May.
Sölden
Tyrol
Anton-kurt / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Known for its high-altitude glacier skiing and reliable snow conditions, Sölden features three peaks over 3,000 meters known as the 'BIG 3'. It is a modern resort that offers a mix of steep runs and expansive, wide-open glacier slopes.
Access. Easily reached by shuttle or car from Innsbruck airport; the resort is famous for its efficient lift infrastructure.
Notes. Glacier skiing allows for an exceptionally long season, often starting in autumn.