Skiing in the Austrian Alps

In this guide, we start by explaining where the Austrian Alps are and how they are divided across the main regions. We then explore the key ski areas, before helping you choose the right resort based on your ski level and the type of holiday you’re looking for. Finally, we highlight some of the best ski resorts in the Austrian Alps and provide projected opening dates for the 2026/27 season.

Skiing in the Austrian Alps: a guide to the best ski resorts

• Where are the Austrian Alps?
• Austrian Alps ski areas
• Best Austrian Alps ski resorts by type
• Best ski resorts in the Austrian Alps
• Austrian Alps ski resort projected opening dates 2026/27

Where Are the Austrian Alps?

The Austrian Alps stretch across western and southern Austria, forming part of the wider Alpine mountain range that runs through Europe. They are mainly located in the regions of Tyrol, Salzburg, Vorarlberg, Styria and Carinthia.  For ski travel, the Austrian Alps can be divided into four main areas:

Western Austrian Alps

The Western Alps cover Tyrol and Vorarlberg, bordering Switzerland and Italy. This region is known for high-altitude terrain, large ski areas and some of Austria’s most famous resorts.  Top resorts include St Anton am Arlberg, Lech and Ischgl, with access to some of the largest and most snow-sure ski areas in Austria.

Northern Limestone Alps

Stretching across Salzburg and Upper Austria, this region is known for its scenic landscapes, traditional villages and well-connected ski areas.  Key resorts include Kitzbühel, Zell am See and Saalbach-Hinterglemm, offering a mix of intermediate-friendly terrain and lively resort atmospheres.

Central Eastern Alps

Located in Styria and Carinthia, this region is known for its balanced terrain, varied ski resorts and slightly milder climate.  Resorts such as Bad Gastein, Kaprun, Sölden and Mayrhofen offer a mix of glacier skiing, wide pistes and strong lift infrastructure.

Southern Limestone Alps

The Southern Alps, near the borders with Italy and Slovenia, are quieter and less crowded. They are known for their relaxed atmosphere and scenic skiing.  Resorts like Nassfeld and Gerlitzen Alpe offer a different experience, combining Austrian efficiency with a more laid-back environment.

Austrian Alps ski areas

Ski Arlberg

• Total pistes: 305 km
• Lifts: 110+
• Altitude range: 1,300-2,810 m

Austria’s largest and most iconic ski area, linking St Anton, Lech, Zürs and St Christoph. Known for challenging terrain, excellent snow reliability and some of the best off-piste skiing in the Alps, it also delivers one of Austria’s strongest après-ski scenes.

Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn

• Total pistes: 270 km
• Lifts: 80+
• Altitude range: 790-2,096 m

A vast, fully connected ski area linking multiple resorts into a seamless network. Known for intermediate-friendly terrain, modern lifts and a lively atmosphere, it also connects to Zell am See–Kaprun, expanding its overall ski potential.

Silvretta Arena (Ischgl-Samnaun)

• Total pistes: 218 km
• Lifts: 45
• Altitude range: 1,400-2,864 m

A high-altitude ski area linking Austria and Switzerland. Known for snow reliability, long runs and lively après-ski, including the famous duty-free descent into Samnaun.

KitzSki (Kitzbühel)

• Total pistes: 233 km
• Lifts: 50+
• Altitude range: 762-2,000 m

A historic ski area centred on Kitzbühel and Kirchberg, known for varied terrain, excellent grooming and the legendary Hahnenkamm race.

SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental

• Total pistes: 288 km
• Lifts: 100+
• Altitude range: 620-1,956 m

One of Austria’s largest ski areas, linking Ellmau, Söll and Westendorf. Known for wide pistes, extensive night skiing and accessibility, making it particularly popular for beginners and intermediates.

Ski Amadé

• Total pistes: 760 km
• Lifts: 270+
• Altitude range: 600-2,700 m

Austria’s largest ski network, grouping multiple ski areas across Salzburg and Styria, including Gastein, Schladming and Flachau. Known for variety, accessibility and excellent value.

Zell am See-Kaprun

• Total pistes: 138 km
• Lifts: 50+
• Altitude range: 750-3,029 m

A varied ski area combining lake side skiing with glacier access on the Kitzsteinhorn, offering reliable snow conditions and long seasons.

Zillertal

• Total pistes: 540 km (combined valley)
• Lifts: 180+
• Altitude range: 580-2,500 m

One of Austria’s largest ski regions, combining multiple areas including Mayrhofen, Hintertux Glacier and Hochzillertal. Known for diversity, steep terrain (including the Harakiri run) and year-round skiing.

Ötztal (Sölden & Obergurgl/Hochgurgl)

• Total pistes: 250+ km (combined)
• Lifts: 60+
• Altitude range: 1,350-3,340 m

A high-altitude ski region including Sölden and Obergurgl, known for glacier skiing, snow reliability and long seasons. Sölden is also famous for its James Bond filming location.

Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau

• Total pistes: 114 km
• Lifts: 45
• Altitude range: 650-2,025 m

A mid-sized ski area linking Alpbach and Wildschönau, known for traditional Alpine villages, family-friendly slopes and scenic terrain.

Silvretta Montafon

• Total pistes: 295 km
• Lifts: 35+
• Altitude range: 650-2,864 m

A large ski area stretching across the Montafon valley. Known for long descents, freeride terrain and varied slopes across a wide valley.

Innsbruck Ski Plus City

• Total pistes: 290 km
• Lifts: 70
• Altitude range: 575-3,340 m

A unique ski concept combining multiple ski areas around Innsbruck with access to the Stubai Glacier. Ideal for those wanting a mix of skiing and city experience.

Gastein Valley

• Total pistes: 198 km
• Lifts: 20+
• Altitude range: 859-2,686 m

Part of Ski Amadé, this area includes Bad Gastein and Bad Hofgastein. Known for thermal spas, varied terrain and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Best Austrian Alps ski resorts by type

Now that the ski areas are clearly defined, here’s how they translate into real-world choices depending on your ski style and expectations.

Best for beginners

For beginners, the priority is wide, gentle slopes, clear progression and easy lift access. Ellmau (SkiWelt) is one of the best beginner resorts in Austria. The terrain is naturally gentle, the pistes are wide and well maintained, and the layout makes it easy to progress from beginner areas to longer blue runs without feeling exposed. Zell am See is another strong option, offering a clear resort structure and access to higher terrain when needed. The connection to Kaprun’s glacier also helps maintain snow quality early and late in the season.

Best for intermediates

Austria is particularly strong for intermediate skiers, thanks to long cruising runs and excellent connectivity. Saalbach is one of the best intermediate resorts in the Alps. The entire Skicircus is built around long red and blue runs, allowing you to ski across multiple valleys in a single day without repeating terrain. Kitzbühel offers a slightly more varied experience, combining long cruising pistes with more technical sections, making it ideal for intermediates looking to progress.

Best for advanced & expert skiers

St Anton am Arlberg is Austria’s most challenging resort, offering steep pistes, moguls and demanding descents. The skiing here is more technical than in most Austrian resorts and suits confident skiers. Sölden adds high-altitude terrain and glacier access, with long, fast runs and more demanding sections at higher elevations.

Best for off-piste skiing

Austria is less off-piste focused than France, but there are still standout resorts. St Anton am Arlberg is the top destination, with extensive lift-accessed freeride terrain and varied mountain aspects. Lech offers a more refined version of off-piste skiing, with excellent snow conditions and access to quieter freeride routes.

Best for glacier skiing

Kaprun stands out thanks to the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, offering skiing above 3,000 m and one of the longest seasons in Austria. Sölden is another top choice, with two glaciers and high-altitude terrain ensuring consistent snow conditions.

Best for snowboarding

Mayrhofen is Austria’s leading snowboard destination, known for its large snowparks and freestyle culture, including the famous Penken Park. The resort also offers a good mix of terrain, from wide carving slopes to more technical runs.

Best for après-ski

Austria is the benchmark for après-ski, and certain resorts stand out clearly. St Anton is legendary, with on-mountain après starting early and continuing into the evening, particularly around MooserWirt and Krazy Kanguruh. Ischgl offers a more polished and large-scale après experience, with events, concerts and a strong international atmosphere.

Best for groups

Saalbach is ideal for mixed-ability groups, thanks to its large, interconnected ski area and easy navigation. Ischgl is another strong choice, especially for groups looking to combine skiing with nightlife.

Best for families

Alpbach (Ski Juwel) is one of the best family resorts in Austria, offering a quiet atmosphere, gentle slopes and traditional Alpine setting. Zell am See also works well for families, with strong infrastructure and a wide range of activities beyond skiing.

Best for luxury

Lech is Austria’s most exclusive ski resort, offering high-end hotels, refined dining and direct access to the Arlberg ski area. Kitzbühel combines historic charm with upscale accommodation and a lively social scene.

Best ski resorts in the Austrian Alps

St Anton am Arlberg

• Base elevation: 1,300 m
• Top lift point: 2,810 m
• Vertical drop: 1,510 m
• Nearest airport: Innsbruck (95.6 km)

One of Austria’s most famous ski resorts, known for challenging terrain, off-piste skiing and legendary après-ski.

Lech

• Base elevation: 1,450 m
• Top lift point: 2,811 m
• Vertical drop: 1,507 m
• Nearest airport: Innsbruck (115 km)

A high-end resort offering access to the Ski Arlberg area, combining luxury, traditional charm and excellent skiing.

Ischgl

• Base elevation: 1,377 m
• Top lift point: 2,872 m
• Vertical drop: 1,495 m
• Nearest airport: Innsbruck (99.8 km)

A high-altitude resort known for snow reliability, modern lifts and one of the best après-ski scenes in the Alps.

Kitzbühel

• Base elevation: 800 m
• Top lift point: 2,000 m
• Vertical drop: 1,200 m
• Nearest airport: Salzburg (73.3 km)

A historic resort famous for the Hahnenkamm race, offering varied terrain and a lively atmosphere.

Zell am See

• Base elevation: 760 m
• Top lift point: 2,000 m
• Vertical drop: 1,240 m
• Nearest airport: Salzburg (76.5 km)

A scenic resort set beside a lake, offering balanced terrain and access to glacier skiing nearby.

Saalbach

• Base elevation: 840 m
• Top lift point: 2,096 m
• Vertical drop: 1,256 m
• Nearest airport: Salzburg (86.5 km)

Part of one of Austria’s largest ski areas, known for intermediate terrain and lively après-ski.

Kaprun

• Base elevation: 768 m
• Top lift point: 3,029 m
• Vertical drop: 2,261 m
• Nearest airport: Salzburg (99.2 km)

A glacier resort offering snow reliability, varied terrain and year-round skiing potential.

Mayrhofen

• Base elevation: 630 m
• Top lift point: 2,500 m
• Vertical drop: 1,870 m
• Nearest airport: Innsbruck (73.6 km)

A popular resort known for freestyle terrain, varied slopes and vibrant atmosphere.

Bad Gastein-Sportgastein

• Base elevation: 1,600 m
• Top lift point: 2,686 m
• Vertical drop: 1,086 m
• Nearest airport: Salzburg (95.7 km)

A unique resort combining skiing with thermal spas and historic architecture

Austrian Alps ski resort projected opening dates 2026/27

Ski seasons in the Austrian Alps typically begin from late November, with higher resorts and glacier areas opening first, followed by the main interconnected ski areas in early December. Thanks to efficient snowmaking and well-managed pistes, Austria offers one of the most consistent early-season starts in the Alps. The dates below highlight when some of Austria’s most popular ski resorts are expected to open for the 2026/27 winter season. If you’re planning ahead, it’s worth checking availability early, especially for peak weeks when resorts like St Anton, Ischgl and Saalbach fill up quickly. You can explore our ski holidays for winter 2027 to start planning your trip.