The Complete Austria Ski Guide

Traveling to the Slopes in Austria

Getting to Austria is easy, with direct flights from Dublin, Cork, and Belfast to airports like Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Munich. From there, quick transfers will take you straight to the slopes. Salzburg is ideal for resorts like Zell am See, Saalbach, and Schladming, while Innsbruck is perfect for Mayrhofen, Fieberbrunn, and Hinterglemm. If you’re heading to Kitzbühel, Kirchberg, or St. Johann in Tirol, Munich is a great option, with transfer times of around 2-3 hours.

Skiing in the Austria

Austria is known for its incredible skiing, with top-quality snow, modern lift systems, and a huge variety of terrain. Whether you’re after gentle beginner slopes, long cruising runs, or steep black descents, you’ll find it here. The Austrian Alps are packed with fantastic ski areas, from the wide, open pistes of Schladming to the high-altitude skiing on the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier in Kaprun. If you're an off-piste fan, Fieberbrunn is a freeride hotspot!

Best Time to Ski in Austria

The ski season runs from December to April, with each month offering something different. December is perfect for a festive getaway, while January and February bring peak snow conditions. March and April offer great spring skiing, especially in high-altitude resorts like Kaprun and Hinterglemm. For a month-by-month breakdown, check out our guides for skiing in December, January, February, and March.

Best Ski Resorts in Austria by Ability Level

Best Ski Resort in Austria for Beginner Skiers

Niederau – If you're new to skiing, Niederau is the perfect place to start. It has gentle beginner slopes, fantastic ski schools, and a laid-back atmosphere that makes learning to ski stress-free.

Best Ski Resort in Austria for Intermediate Skiers

Schladming – With a huge choice of blue and red runs spread across four linked mountains, Schladming is perfect for intermediates. The long, rolling pistes are great for building confidence and covering lots of ground.

Best Ski Resort in Austria for Advanced Skiers

Kitzbühel – Home to the world-famous Hahnenkamm downhill race, Kitzbühel is a must for experienced skiers. Expect steep black runs, fast reds, and challenging off-piste terrain.

Best Ski Resort in Austria for Families

Zell am See – A fantastic resort for families, with gentle beginner slopes, great ski schools, and loads of non-ski activities. The nearby glacier in Kaprun ensures reliable snow all season.

Best Ski Resort in Austria for Groups

Saalbach-Hinterglemm – A huge ski area, buzzing après-ski, and a great mix of runs for all abilities make Saalbach-Hinterglemm the ideal choice for groups.

Après Ski in Austria

Austria is famous for its après-ski scene, and every resort has its own unique vibe. If you’re after a wild night, head to Mayrhofen, Saalbach, or Kitzbühel, where bars like MooserWirt and Ice Bar keep the party going. For something more laid-back, Bad Gastein and Kirchberg have cosy mountain huts and stylish cocktail bars where you can unwind after a day on the slopes.

Non-skiing Activities in Austria

There’s plenty to do off the slopes in Austria! Try winter hiking in Fieberbrunn, relax in the famous thermal spas of Bad Gastein, or go ice skating in Zell am See. Many resorts, including St. Johann in Tirol and Westendorf, offer activities like tobogganing, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and snowshoeing.

Food and Drink in Austria

Austrian mountain food is all about hearty, warming dishes that hit the spot after a long day on the slopes. Try Tiroler Gröstl (fried potatoes with bacon and egg), rich goulash soup, or Käsespätzle (Austria’s version of mac and cheese). And don’t leave without having a plate of Kaiserschmarrn – delicious shredded pancakes with apple sauce. Wash it all down with a warming mug of Glühwein or a cheeky shot of schnapps.