Holidays at ski resorts in Austria. Choosing a ski resort in Austria or where to go skiing? The best ski resorts in Europe and the world

Most of the Austrian territory is occupied by the Alps, so the country's specialization in winter holidays was predetermined. The ski areas in Austria are dotted with small ski villages, where an atmosphere of comfort reigns and ancient traditions are maintained. Thousands of small and large resorts amaze the tourist imagination.

This article opens a section dedicated to ski resorts in Austria. We will tell you about the most popular ski areas, look for thermal springs and places for quality family vacation. Particular attention will be paid to weather and prices.

Popular ski resorts in Austria

Austria is dominated by mid-altitude ski centers suitable for professionals and beginners. The highest slopes are located in the famous province of Tyrol - this is where the “main” ski resorts of the country are concentrated.

Austria also boasts unique areas that welcome guests all year round - these are Bad Gastein and Zell am See. We will devote separate articles to the following regions:

. The pearl of the Stubai Valley, whose slopes are mainly aimed at beginners. Nearby is a large transport node- Innsbruck. It is through it that you have to get there.
. The capital of the Winter Olympics has a magnificent ski infrastructure, ideally suited for professional skiers. Snowboarders will also love this picturesque place.
An important advantage is the availability international airport. we posted in the previous article.
. The slopes of this largest ski center in Austria occupy the slopes of two mountain peaks. For beginners this is perfect place– professional ski schools, soft slopes, plenty of equipment rental companies.
Young people will enjoy the abundance of nightclubs, restaurants, bars, modern discos and theatrical performances.
. This popular resort is located in the picturesque Otsal Valley. Snowboarders and skiers are delighted with Sölden - the reputation of this town was created by two-kilometer drops, forming steep slopes for the pros.

Most vast area skiing in Austria is Tyrol.

Tyrol is notable not only for its picturesque landscapes, but also for a number of elite ski resorts. Let us note the following:

Seefeld;
Innsbruck (plus its surroundings);
Kirchberg;
Pitztal;
Sant Anton;
Ischgl;
Serfaus;
Ziller Valley.

Six best resorts in the country

Among the thousands of ski resorts in Austria, it is very difficult to single out the “best”. The reason lies in the fact that the towns and villages in the ski areas are scattered very densely, and the general infrastructure is well thought out by the Austrians. Thus, our review will be reduced to a description of the most popular and revered places by skiers. Let's get started.

Lech. This resort belongs to the Arlberg region. You need to go here in winter, since the ski season ends in March. You can get to Lech by bus running through Innsbruck.
The level of service is extremely high, and the tracks are in perfect condition. Slopes equipped for skiers stretch for 260 kilometers. There are gentle slopes for children.
Snowboarders will love the halfpipe. A swimming pool, skating rink, discos, bars and restaurants - there is plenty of entertainment in Lech.
Ischgl. You will have to fly here in the usual way - through Innsbruck. Then – 100 km by bus (options could be a train or a rented car, you can look for a cheap car rental). Skating in Ischgl begins in December, and the season ends in May. Ischgl is home to high-quality and fairly challenging pistes, which is why experienced skiers flock here. The slopes and lifts united Ischgl with the general infrastructure of the region.
By the way, the roads there extend for 238 kilometers. The altitude range is 1400-2860 meters. The difficulty of the slopes is also indicated by the fact that half of the slopes are “red”, another 18% are “black”. Beginners can also try their hand here - there are specially equipped “soft” areas for them. Ischgl is well-respected by snowboarders and is a state-of-the-art platform for board enthusiasts.
Weather conditions rarely fail, but if this happens, snow compaction machines and cannons come into action.
Kaprun. This commune, located in the state of Salzburg, is considered the center of youth fun and glamorous entertainment. The Kitzsteinhorn glacier has quite steep slopes that attract snowboarders and skiers of all categories. Three picturesque lakes, a museum of hydroelectric power plants, national park with trails for ecotourists - all this will appeal to lovers of attractions. , or at any other time of the year, is truly unforgettable.
The power plant dams can be reached by cable cars and buses. The main feature of Kaprun is the mountain train that runs between the city and the glacier.
In summer it is warm in Kaprun (up to 24 degrees), so ski season ends in March.
Salzburg. This is a vast region that includes many popular ski resorts. We have already written about Kaprun. The second most popular town is Saalbach. Also located in the state of Salzburg are the resorts of Zell am See, Maiskogel, Bad Gastein, Obertauern, and Bad Hofgastein. All this is part of the ESR, the European Sports Region.
Schladming. One of the most prestigious European resorts(top 10 world ski rating). The trails there are equipped for both regular skiing and downhill/slalom skiing. The four peaks included in the ski area are connected by lifts. There are few open areas, the slopes are mostly wooded. The “red” class is focused on basic board and ski skills, so it will be a little difficult for beginners.
The wonderful landscapes of Schladming are complemented by excellent weather, which allows real snow to be preserved in its original form (though not everywhere).

You can ski in Saalbach from December until the end of March.

Looking for Austrian ski resorts on the map

The listed ski resorts can be found on a map of Austria. Villages and towns are packed tightly together, so it will be easy to find the right place.

Ski resort for every taste

The life of Austrians is closely connected with skiing, so the resorts are designed for everyone who is interested in quality winter recreation.

We list the key areas and levels of skier training, linking them with specific resorts:

Beginners. Feel free to go to Obertauern, Serfaus, Mayrhofen, Kaprun, Saalbach.
Confident skaters. You'll love Ischgl, Bad Gastein, St. Anton, Saalbach, Kitzbühel, Obergurgl and Galtur.
Wealthy people. The most elite resorts are Ischgl, Lech, Seefeld, and St. Anton.
Family holiday. Feel free to take your children to Lech, Serfaus, Kitzbühel, Mayrhofen, Zell am See, Saalbach-Hinterglemm.
Snowboarders. Sölden, Ischgl, Hintertux, Zillertal, Saalbach are suitable for you.
Cross-country skiing. The best areas for cross-country skiers are located in the vicinity of Kaprun, Innsbruck, Schladming, Mayrhofen, Zell am See, Saalbach.

Where to go for a beginner skier

We have already written about the friendly slopes of Kaprun and Mayrhofen. Now we have to go to the border region between Vorarlberg and Tyrol - this is where the magnificent Saalbach lies. To get here, you need to travel through Salzburg, from which Saalbach is 90 kilometers away. Buses run regularly between the two cities.

Here are the main advantages of the resort:

200 trails of all difficulty levels;
abundance of snowboarding and mountain ski schools;
availability of entertainment venues with live music;
bowling alley;
pool;
excellent weather conditions.

Also worth paying attention to is Obertauern. “Upper Tower” is what the Austrians called the resort, which was completely covered in fluffy snow. The weather allows you to ride here until April. Excellent service is combined with moderate (for an elite resort) prices.

Thermal springs and recreation with children

For those who want to combine skiing with wellness treatments, we recommend visiting the thermal springs.

They are concentrated in the following places:
Burgenland;
Tyrol;
Styria;

Salzburg.

Also pay attention to Upper Austria, where the imperial baths of Bad Ischl are located.

As for Salzburg, here you can enjoy a holiday in the thermal baths, and at the same time visit spa salons. The most popular resort in these lands is Gastein. Lech and Zell am See are ideal for family holidays. You need to go to Lech via Innsbruck. This prestigious resort
, which not everyone can afford.

Among the undeniable advantages are a wide selection of slopes, “soft” slopes and reputable ski schools. The town of Zell am See, nestled on the coast of the picturesque mountain lake

. An abundance of short descents will allow children to hone the skills acquired in classes with an instructor.

Additional advantages of the resort include:
kindergartens;
torchlight processions;
carnivals;
medieval architecture;
natural halfpipe;

four snowboard parks.

Price panorama

Calculating the cost of travel to each of the resorts we described is quite difficult. The budget will depend on the chosen hotel, room, method of travel (train, plane, personal/rented car) and the number of days of your vacation. We will therefore focus on prices relating to package tours and ski passes:
Sant Anton – from 50 euros (day ski pass);
Ischgl – from 45;
Serfaus – from 41;
Saalbach-Hinterglemm – from 40;
Kitzbühel – from 42;
Kirchberg – from 42;
Innsbruck – from 30;

On average, it costs about a thousand dollars per person per week (if you choose a package tour). The price will include accommodation, air ticket, insurance and visa.

Here are specific examples of package ski tours:

Lech – 950 dollars/week (a six-day ski pass will cost 214 “green”);
Sant Anton – 1000 (plus 193 bucks for a six-day ski pass);
Saalbach-Hinterglemm – 700 (plus $164 for ski pass);
Mayerhofen – 900 (for a six-day ski pass you will pay another 164);
Kitzbühel – 700-900 (and 180 for a ski pass).

By the way, you can go to Mayerhofen on your own, pick up a tiny inexpensive hotel and have a decent rest for a week for 400-500 euros. The resort is year-round - you can go there at the height of summer and enjoy skiing. But Ixtl is significantly more expensive - the minimum budget you will have to set aside for a week is 1000 euros.

To summarize, we note that Austria in winter is to the liking of both seasoned professionals and beginner skiers. Many resorts are suitable for children, so it’s quite possible for the whole family to have a blast. The main thing is to know what you want and how much you are willing to spend.

Austria is the recognized queen of the Alps, and this is not surprising - the Alps cover most of it, and the abundance of lakes adds additional charm to this amazing country. Austria is famous for its picturesque resorts and an excellent level of service and quality of service.

The country is one of Europe's leading ski holiday destinations. Austria is home to many famous ski resorts, and no matter your level of skiing, you will be pleasantly surprised by the variety on offer.

Ski resorts Austria is generally a little lower than the French and Swiss, but this does not prevent excellent skiing in season, and the famous Austrian glaciers are at your service out of season.

The most famous and popular ski resorts are located in federal states Tyrol, Salzburgerland, Styria, Carinthia.

Tyrol rightfully leads this worthy list with its star capital Innsbruck (twice the capital of the Winter Olympic Games).

The main resorts of Tyrol: Innsbruck and the surrounding area (Igls, Axamer-Litzum, Fulpmes, Neustift, Tulfes, Imst) Arlberg (St. Anton, Lech) Ski Circus with the famous White Circle, which includes St. Anton, St. Christoph, Lech and Zürs offers excellent and memorable skiing. Ziller Valley (Mayrhofen, Zell am Ziller, Fügen, Kaltenbach) with the famous Hinterhoeks glacier Seefeld Kitzbühel and Kirchberg Otztal Valley (Sölden, Obergurgl, Hochgurgl) Sölden, one of the most popular resorts

Austria, where thousands of fans of the white miracle flock every year; Ischgl, practically a mecca for skiers, Pitztal Serfaus Ski center Styria, the second largest state of Austria, was and remains Dachstein Tauern with its largest

resort center Schladming..

The land of Salzburg is famous for its European sports region, which includes the villages of Zell am See and Kaprun with the glacier of the same name. To the south are the thermal and ski resorts of Bad Gastein and Bad Hofgastein (Gasteinertal Valley). Whichever resort you choose for your holiday, you will receive equivalent Austrian quality service and very acceptable prices As a rule, resorts in Austria offer not only ski holidays, there are many thermal complexes at resorts, sports centers,

entertainment centers , including children's. Often at the resort you can get a guest card, which provides discounts on services, including the ski pass. Après-ski in Austria deserves special mention – people here know how and want to have fun. The famous bars and nightclubs of St. Anton are practically

business card Austrian après ski. However, this does not mean that for a great evening out you must choose a large resort - even in the smallest village there will always be an excellent bar with music and dancing. By choosing Austria, you are choosing excellent service in

mountain alps

Tireless skiers, beginners and pros, freeriders and snowboarders, those who like to spend time actively both day and night will love the always snow-covered slopes, mountain restaurants, luxury apartments and night discos of the Sölden resort. Read more about the resort.

The Zell am See complex is located in an amazingly beautiful place, on the shore of a mountain lake. It has short slopes, making it perfect for beginner skiers. And the resort town surprises with its medieval architecture and traditional carnival processions.

Bad Gastein is included in the ranking of the most popular ski resorts in Austria. This is a resort focused on sports and a healthy lifestyle. Alpine skiing World Cups are regularly held here. Magnificent trails, thermal springs, well-developed infrastructure make your vacation unforgettable.

Saalbach and Hinterglemm are the best traditions ski holiday. Soft slopes for beginners, steep long runs for thrill seekers, ice rink for children. The resort is equally good for a family holiday or a great time with friends.

Holidays in Innsbruck-Igls are good for tourists who are vacationing in Austria for the first time. Here they will not only appreciate all the features of a winter holiday, enjoy the sophistication of the city itself, but also get acquainted with all the ski areas in Tyrol.

The first lifts were built here back in 1928. A lot of time has passed, everything has changed, but the main thing remains - the atmosphere of a calm, sometimes even fairy-tale town. This the best place for family holidays, especially on days New Year's holidays. The ski areas will surprise you with their diversity, and to the delight of fans winter species sports, the Alpine Skiing World Cup has been held here for many years in a row.

Schladming is famous for its ideal pistes and a well-thought-out lift system. This modern resort is distinguished by a convenient location for tourists to stay and has a well-developed infrastructure - restaurants, shops, night entertainment venues.

Seefeld has repeatedly hosted international competitions - the Olympic Games and the World Ski Championships. This made the resort extremely popular. Its long history inspires the trust of tourists and therefore the name “Seefeld” for many is consonant with a high-quality and unforgettable vacation.

Austria is the real cradle of ski holidays in Europe. There is a special atmosphere here that attracts tourists from all over the world, because Austria is majestic nature Alps, the best ski resorts, the highest quality slopes and European service.

Holidays in the ski resorts of Austria: St. Anton, Lech, Mayrhofen, Zell am See, Bad Gastein.

The Alps occupy most of the area of Austria, so the country is very popular among fans of alpine skiing. The country's ski centers are mostly small, traditional ski villages, rather than large modern complexes. Number Austrian resorts It’s amazing - there are about a thousand of them in the country, so everyone will be able to find something to suit their taste.

Most of the ski centers here are of medium altitude, suitable for both intermediate athletes and professionals. There are high slopes in the province of Tyrol, where the most famous ski resorts in Austria are concentrated: St. Anton and Lech. Another famous ski resort, Mayrhofen, is located in the Zillertal valley, east of Tyrol. There are also unique resorts, which welcome guests both in cold winter and hot summer are Zell am See and Bad Gastein.

Previous photo 1/ 1 Next photo

Sant Anton

The resort of Sant Anton is famous for its excellent infrastructure, challenging professional trails and enchanting alpine landscapes. The fact that the resort hosted the Alpine Ski World Championships in 2001 speaks for itself. The season here lasts from December to March. The 260 km long trails are very well maintained and there is a modern well-functioning lift system. The peak of Falluga-Grat (2660 m) attracts professionals with the most difficult slopes and slopes, the snow on which is not specially leveled, which makes skiing more exciting. For beginner athletes, the slope in Galzig is more suitable, where there is a ski school and rental necessary equipment. Since the Sant Anton resort is well known among skiers, it is recommended to book a hotel room here in advance. On the territory of the ski center there is an indoor tennis court and a cinema, as well as many restaurants and discos. The closest airport to Sant Anton is only a hundred kilometers from the village - in Innsbruck.

Lech

Lech is a very prestigious resort, which is famous for its special microclimate, which helps maintain ideal snow conditions throughout the skiing season. The highest level of service at the resort attracts representatives of high society to spend winter holidays with health benefits and in conditions maximum comfort. 260 km of trails of varying difficulty allow skiers of any level to feel at ease. There is even a special children's track with the most gentle slope possible. For snowboarders there is a half-pipe and a special park. If you are tired of skiing, you can try yourself in paragliding and get a lot of new sensations. Thanks to a well-thought-out organization, the lift system in the Lech resort operates without queues. Lech is a less noisy village than Sant Anton, so it is more suitable for quiet family holidays and mature guests. But this does not mean that the resort can be boring: more than 50 restaurants, luxurious bars, a swimming pool and an ice skating rink are always at the service of vacationers. The best way to get to the resort is by train or bus from Innsbruck.

Mayrhofen

Trails large resort Mayrhofen is located on the slopes of two mountains, which are connected by a building built in 2007 cable car. Mayrhofen is very popular with beginners, and this is understandable: soft slopes and good schools do their job. In addition, après-ski youth entertainment is widely represented here: fashionable nightclubs and modern discos, noisy bars and restaurants, cinemas and theatrical performances.

Zell am See

The resort of Zell am See is located on the shore of the lake. Along with the neighboring resort of Kaprun, Zell am See is part of the special "Sports Europe" district, which welcomes guests from all year round different countries who want to improve their skills in a particular sport. A distinctive feature of this center is a sufficient number of short slopes, on which it is very convenient to hone your skiing skills. The resort has 10 European-level ski schools and several kindergartens, where carnivals and torchlight processions are regularly held. Due to the fact that the town was founded in the Middle Ages, it boasts beautiful old houses and shops.

Bad Gastein

Bad Gastein is a resort located near Salzburg. The ski center hosts the World Cup, so the quality of the tracks here exceeds expectations. For snowboarders, the Gastein Snowboard Park and halfpipe are built here, and there is also a boardercross track. In addition to the ski resort, Bad Gastein is famous for its spa center, so everything in the city is subordinated to a healthy lifestyle: prices for nightlife are especially high. Therefore, many tourists combine healthy sports with a pleasant holiday in a bathhouse or sauna. Plus, the resort has thermal springs, the water of which is rich in radon.