Austria is considered one of the best destinations for winter sports in Europe. The Alps offer ideal conditions for skiers, snowboarders and cross-country skiers – whether you are a beginner or a professional. In addition to perfectly groomed slopes, impressive mountain landscapes, charming villages and numerous leisure activities away from the ski slopes beckon. In the following, we present the five largest ski resorts in Austria that winter fans should definitely visit.
Skicircus Saalbach-Hinterglemm-Leogang-Fieberbrunn
With its 270 kilometres of slopes, the Skicircus Saalbach-Hinterglemm-Leogang-Fieberbrunn is one of the largest and most diverse ski areas in Austria. Nestled in a fantastic mountain backdrop, the ski area offers something for every winter sports enthusiast: gentle slopes for beginners, challenging descents for experts and numerous fun parks for snowboarders and freestylers. The infrastructure is state-of-the-art, with 70 state-of-the-art lifts that take you quickly and comfortably to the peaks. Particularly popular is the so-called “Skicircus Circuit”, where you can explore the entire area in one day. A highlight is the descent from the Schattberg East Summit, which entices with breathtaking views and sporting challenges. Nearby attractions: In addition to skiing fun, you can discover winter hiking trails or take a romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride in Saalbach-Hinterglemm . In the evening, the region invites you to après-ski in rustic huts and modern bars.
Arlberg: St. Anton, Lech and Zürs
The Arlberg region, known as the cradle of alpine skiing, offers a true Eldorado for winter sports enthusiasts with over 300 kilometres of pistes and 200 kilometres of freeride trails. The areas around St. Anton, Lech and Zürs are connected by an efficient lift system, which allows you to commute comfortably between the towns. Particularly impressive is the Valluga run, which with a length of over 10 kilometers inspires even experienced skiers. The Arlberg is considered a hotspot for freeriders: deep snow slopes and off-piste routes provide unforgettable experiences. Nearby attractions: In St. Anton you can visit the ski and local history museum or take a walk through the picturesque alleys. Lech offers luxurious boutiques and first-class gastronomy, while Zürs is known for its exclusive atmosphere.
Ischgl – Silvretta Arena
Ischgl is not only known for its 239 kilometres of slopes, but also for its exciting nightlife and legendary events such as the “Top of the Mountain” concert. The ski area stretches all the way to Samnaun in Switzerland and thus offers unlimited skiing pleasure. A special highlight is the “Duty-Free Run”, which takes you from Ischgl to Samnaun. The wide slopes and modern lifts ensure that you can enjoy the slopes to the fullest. For snowboarders, there is also a large fun park with varied elements. Nearby sights: Away from the slopes, wellness offers and luxurious shopping opportunities beckon. If you like it active, you can go on a winter hike or explore the impressive Silvretta mountains on a guided tour.
Kitzbühel ski area – a classic
Kitzbühel is one of the most traditional ski resorts in Austria and is known for the famous Hahnenkamm race. With 230 kilometres of slopes, the ski area offers a wide variety of slopes, ranging from wide family runs to sporting challenges such as the Streif – probably the most challenging run in the world. The charming old town of Kitzbühel and the exclusive atmosphere make the place a hotspot for winter sports enthusiasts and celebrities alike. The modern lifts and the high snow reliability ensure a first-class skiing experience. Nearby attractions: In Kitzbühel you can admire the historic buildings of the old town or enjoy the excellent restaurants. A visit to the nearby Felsentherme Bad Gastein thermal spa is also worthwhile.
Zillertal Arena: A family paradise
The Zillertal Arena is the largest ski area in the Zillertal and, with 147 kilometres of slopes, offers a winter paradise for families and skiers of all skill levels. From Zell am Ziller to Hochkrimml, there are slopes with fantastic views and a wide range of possibilities. A special highlight are the long valley runs and the illuminated night toboggan run. Children can enjoy special practice areas and family-friendly lifts, while experienced skiers can try their hand at the more challenging runs. Nearby attractions: In addition to skiing, there are numerous toboggan runs and winter hiking trails. The region is also known for its cosy alpine huts, where you can enjoy traditional Tyrolean specialities.
