Austria is the UK’s second most popular country for ski holidays and with its picturesque resorts, world class skiing and dynamic après it’s easy to see why. This essential guide will help you get to grips with the key Austrian ski areas and resorts, as well as what cuisine to try and how to make the most of the après scene.
Set in the beautiful Ziller Valley, Mayrhofen is a gateway to the Zillertal ski area which boasts over 500km of pistes and access to the nearby Hintertux glacier - all included on the whole area lift pass and connected with a free bus. It’s also a convenient one hour 20 minute transfer from Innsbruck airport.
The ski area is large, varied and high with amazing panoramic views. The terrain offers a good mix of cruisers and steeps and is well laid out for beginner skiers around the mid station of the Finkenberg. For advanced skiers there is the Harakiri piste, the steepest slope in Austria (a 78% incline), as well as some impressive off-piste ski terrain.
Saalbach and Hinterglemm are traditional villages sitting side by side offering quick and easy access to the extensive Ski Circus ski area. A new high speed gondola now connects Saalbach-Hinterglemm-Leogang with Fieberbrunn increasing the ski area to 270km and making it one of the largest ski areas in Austria. 54 lifts travel up to nine access points within the picturesque Glemm valley. Fieberbrunn hosted a stage the World Free Ride Tour in 2016.
The terrain is perfect for mile-hungry intermediate skiers and boarders and the runs are well-linked including one of the top five fastest lift systems in the world. Advanced skiers are well served too with moguls and steep blacks and on powder days you'll find tremendous off-piste through the trees.
The lakeside resort of Zell am See is part of the Europa Sport Region which offers 136km of piste and includes the neighbouring resort of Kaprun and the Kitzsteinhorn glacier. The tree lined runs are best suited to beginners and intermediates although there are several black pistes and the views from the peak at Schmitten Pfiff are spectacular.
The Europa Sport Region also has challenges for thrill seekers. The Kitzsteinhorn is particularly popular among freeriders. Plus, there are off-piste tracks, powder and a good sized terrain park for all levels. Zell am See is a one hour 30 minute transfer from Salzburg airport and once you’re there there’s a free ski bus that runs between the resort and the glacier.
Katschberg is a real hidden gem for a number of reasons. With just 70km of piste and 16 lifts it's not big enough to have joined the major league. However, it’s just a short one hour 30 minute transfer from Salzburg airport and the piste spans two beautiful mountains. Plus, first-time visitors are often pleasantly surprised by the sophisticated lift network serving snowsure skiing.
It’s a quiet resort surrounded by pine forests and the dedicated nursery slopes and miles of uncrowded pistes make it the ideal place to learn to ski. It’s also a popular destination for family ski holidays thanks to it’s great ski schools and array of child friendly activities.
Austria is without doubt the king of après-ski. Even the smallest lift stations and mountain huts have atmospheric bars ready to serve thirsty skiers and boarders. Some resorts go all out with Mayrhofen leading the pack.
Mayrhofen is very lively and particularly popular with groups of young adults. Expect a party on the piste at pop-up bars, igloo bars and ice bars with thumping music. The most laid back option is the White Lounge ice bar, near Ahorn cable-car top station. The coolest spot to sup a cocktail whilst taking in the late afternoon sun. Off the mountain you’ll be spoilt for choice with numerous venues, including the new Speak Easy Arena, offering dancing till the early hours.
Austrian food it hearty, flavoursome and with some great sweet options available, you’ll definitely consume enough calories to fuel a day on the slopes. The Wiener schnitzel is popular and the Austrian version is made with veal, hammered as flat as possible and battered. Apple Strüdel is Austria’s most famous dessert and is best served with a liberal sprinkling of icing sugar and a Viennese coffee on the side.
Almdudler is considered the national drink of Austria, a soft drink based on mountain herbs and a popular mixer with white wine. Mulled wine has been a popular winter drink since the Middle Ages and nowhere more so than in the mountains of Austria. Nothing warms your core more on a cold day in a mountain hut.
If you imagine what a ski holiday looks like; stunning mountain views dotted with wooden huts, traditional villages and après everywhere you turn; then Austria is it. Ski holidays in Austria are a magical experience for all ages and abilities. And if you're looking for activities off the slopes, then you will be spoilt for choice as most resorts have a range of off-piste activities for adults and kids alike.
Mayrhofen hosts international festivals that draw huge crowds, including the Altitude Comedy festival and the Snowbombing music festival. For those looking for something lower key, strolling around the charming village centre of Saalbach can while away the hours. Couples looking for romance can try ice skating on the outdoor rink in Hinterglemm. If you’re a family, or those young at heart, take a sleigh ride in Zell am See or go tobogganing in Katschberg.
As well as the short transfers, many of the hotels in Austria are family-run and are particularly welcoming of children. There are loads of options but our favourite hotel for family ski holidays is Hotel Cristallo. Its ski-in ski-out location is ultra convenient and made even more so by the fact that the ski school is opposite. It has great facilities for kids too.
On the slopes, the ski schools tend to run all day, including taking your kids to lunch. This helps the younger members of the family progress quickly and enjoy time with their peers. The resorts are particularly picturesque which makes for great family holiday photos and if you want to spend time off the slopes then there are plenty of options for families with young children.
