Austria Ski Resorts – Value for Money
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Austria, like France and Switzerland, has built a reputation for offering world-class skiing terrain in the heights of the Alps and part of the Dolomites. Austrian skiing offers more value for your money, as the lodging, transportation, services and ski rentals are cheaper than that of the other skiing countries in Europe.
Whether you are a seasoned skiing professional, or an ambitious beginner, have a look through our list of the best ski resorts in Austria.
1. St. Anton am Arlberg
St. Anton am Arlberg holds the honor of being the first ski club to be established in the Alps in 1901 and offers challenges for both seasoned and beginner skiers.
The resort is also a member of the ‘Best of the Alps’ association, a group of 12 well-established ski resorts who are committed to a single vision of providing outstanding service, quality and skiing experiences.
The resort is nestled between a charming Tyrolean mountain village straight out of a storybook and the facilities of the resort are surrounded by towering mountain summits.
Buses and ski-lifts can ferry skiers to all the best spots.
- Altitude: 1300-2800m
- Hiking and ski slopes: 300km
- 1 hour from Innsbruck Airport
2. Lech-Zürs am Arlberg
Sharing the same area as St. Anton, is its neighbor, Lech-Zürs am Arlberg.
The resort shares the same skiing terrain as St. Anton, but has a more quiet feel to it for those wishing to avoid the groups.
It’s connected to St. Anton via the Flexenbahn cableway and offers the same excellent skiing slopes.
The famous ‘White Ring’ ski run is a definite must-do while visiting this idyllic ski resort.
- Altitude: 1400-2800m
- Hiking and ski slopes: 350km
- 1.5 hours from Innsbruck Airport
3. Kitzbühel
Kitzbühel is considered one of the most popular ski resorts in Austria. It offers both skiing challenges and Old-World hospitality in the charming town of Kitzbühel.
Visitors who are not interested in skiing can still find lots to do in the cozy town, and the surrounding mountainside is dotted with huts where you can rest and enjoy refreshments.
The resort is famous for the annual Hahnenkamm ski race, which is considered one of the most challenging ski races in Austria.
- Altitude: 750-2000m
- Hiking and ski slopes: 1000km
- 1 hour from Salzburg Airport
4. Mayrhofen
Mayrhofen offers a value-for-money experience for both skiers and snowboarders.
The ski slopes surrounding the resort and town are also well known for their wide open spaces on the summits.
Mayrhofen also offers visitors the exciting opportunity to video themselves skiing on the Ski Movie Run slope.
- Altitude: 630m
- Hiking and ski slopes: 138km
- 1 hour from Innsbruck Airport
5. Zell am See
Zell am See boasts stunning views of Lake Zell and the Kitzseinhorn glacier above the town. This resort is a must-see for any ski enthusiast or visitor to Austria.
Zell am See is a family-friendly destination, as there are many activities and accommodation establishments that cater to families with children.
The ski slopes are accessible to skiers, professional and casual alike. The views from the slopes also make this resort one of the most scenic destinations on this list.
- Altitude: 750-2000m
- Hiking and ski slopes: 77km
- 1 hour from Salzburg Airport
6. Sölden
Sölden is considered one of Austria’s most reliable ski slopes as it is accessible for most of the year. This slope is settled between two glaciers and three mountains.
The mountainsides can be explored via the large variety of ski runs available. These slopes are beginner-friendly, but there are runs that will test the more seasoned skier.
Rettenbach Mountain has the honor of being selected as the venue for the World Cup circuit from the early 2000s onwards. James Bond fans may also recognize the ski slope from the movie ‘Spectre’.
- Altitude: 3250m
- Hiking and ski slopes: 144km
- 1 hour from Innsbruck Airport
7. Saalbach-Hinterglemm
Saalbach-Hinterglemm is a collection of villages that combines with the Leogang and Fieberbrunn resorts to form one of Austria’s most extensive and popular skiing areas.
The area only has an altitude of 1000 meters, but the snow history of the area is very stable.
The resorts and towns offer excellent amenities, accommodation options and are child-friendly. The slopes are geared towards beginners and intermediate-level skiers.
- Altitude: 1000m
- Hiking and ski slopes: 270km
- 1.5 Hours from Salzburg Airport
8. Ischgl
Ischgl covers the largest ski area in Eastern Austria and sports the Silvretta Arena.
This ski resort offers plenty to both skiers and snowboarders, with many modern facilities to cater to visitors. All the slopes are connected by efficient cable lift networks.
Skiers can also enjoy the opportunity to cross the border into Switzerland via the Silvretta runs, even though this was historically only open to experienced skiers.
- Altitude: 1400-3000m
- Hiking and ski slopes: 239km
- 1.5 Hours from Innsbruck Airport
9. Söll
Söll is considered the second largest ski area in Austria.
There are several villages that together form what’s known as SkiWelt, a network of accessible and beginner ski slopes.
This is one of the better family-friendly ski resorts as there are many activities and ski educational courses available that children can enjoy.
The local Tyrolean village also offers excellent budget-friendly options and exudes charm.
- Altitude: 700-1800m
- Hiking and ski slopes: 280km
- 1.5 Hours from Salzburg Airport
Austrian Ski Resorts – Which One is Best?
We’ve gone through quite a few resorts that Austria offers, but the best one for you will depend entirely on what you’re looking for.
Are you traveling on a budget? Consider Söll or Kitzbühel. Looking for a challenge? Try Mayrhofen or St. Anton.
Austria definitely offers something for everyone and we recommend you explore the ski slopes and terrain profiles in-depth before deciding on which resort is the best one for you.
