Ski Resorts

Austria is a skiing nation — with over 400 ski resorts, 7,000 km of slopes, and an infrastructure unmatched worldwide. Skiing here is not just a sport, but an identity: Austrian children are on skis before they can walk, and names like Hermann Maier, Marcel Hirscher, and Anna Veith enjoy hero status.

Top Ski Resorts

• St. Anton am Arlberg — Cradle of alpine skiing (Hannes Schneider invented modern skiing techniques here in the 1920s). 305 km of slopes, challenging terrain, legendary après-ski. For experts and advanced skiers
• Ischgl (Silvretta Arena) — 238 km of slopes extending to Samnaun (Switzerland), notorious for après-ski excesses and top-of-the-mountain concerts. Modern lifts, wide slopes
• Kitzbühel — Glamorous ski resort with the infamous Streif, the most dangerous downhill in the World Cup circuit. The Hahnenkamm race in January is a major social event
• Sölden (Ötztal) — Glacier ski area up to 3,340 m, World Cup opener every October. Three peaks over 3,000 m accessible. Snow guarantee from October to May
• Ski Amadé (Salzburg/Styria) — Network of 25 ski resorts, 760 km of slopes, one ski pass. Schladming, Flachau, Zauchensee, Wagrain — ideal for families and group trips
• Zillertal — Four major ski areas (Mayrhofen, Hochzillertal, Zell am Ziller, Hintertux Glacier), together over 500 km of slopes. The Hintertux Glacier offers year-round skiing
• Lech-Zürs — Exclusive, snow-sure, connected to the Arlberg. Nobility and celebrities. Perfectly groomed slopes and fantastic freeride terrain

Prices & Tips

Day passes cost €60–75 (adults) in the major areas, multi-day passes are significantly cheaper. Children under 6 ski for free in most areas. The season runs from December to April, glacier areas partially year-round. Ski equipment rental costs from about €30 per day.