Skiing holidays in Austria - which resort to choose?

Are you looking for a ski holiday in Austria, but not sure which destination to choose? We recommend five popular Tyrolean valleys and a variety of ski resorts. Which one is best for you depends on what you're looking for - advanced skiing, a family holiday or maybe gourmet food and fun?

Table of contents

Ski trip to Austria

Are we going on a skiing holiday to Austria now? No, in fact we are not, but during our tour to Alpine World Cup in Åre we hung out with the Austrian delegation in the "Tyrolean mountain". During these days we got to hear and learn a lot about four different skiing destinations in Tyrol, so we thought we would share. Besides, we've already skied in Austria once, so that's the fifth destination we're recommending!

1. Zillertal - something for everyone

The Zillertal valley starts about 20 miles northeast of Innsbruck, and is known both for skiing in winter and hiking in summer. Perhaps the most famous ski resort here is Mayrhofen, but there are also other resorts such as Hochzillertal.

The Zillertal seems to be the valley that has something for everyone. It offers skiing of varying degrees of difficulty, making it ideal for a family ski holiday in Austria. There are also plenty of spa facilities, not least in the largest village of Zell am Ziller.

Apres ski schneekarhuette penken © Zillertal Tourismus Thomas Straub

READ MORE: Skiing in Austria - 8 ski resorts to look forward to
READ MORE: Skiing in Austria 2021? - inspo from Salzburgerland

2. St Anton - off-piste and gourmet food

Sankt Anton am Arlberg is located in the Austrian valley of Arlberg in Tyrol. St Anton is the most famous ski resort in the valley, but there are also several other ski resorts such as Flirsch and Lech.

St Anton is known for its large system of lifts and pistes, but is also known for its off-piste skiing. In addition, St Anton has many restaurants focusing on gourmet food and several relaxing wellness centres.

Ski area © TVB St. Anton am Arlberg, Patrick Bätz

3. Ischgl - for the party crowd

The ski resort of Ischgl is 50 miles west of the capital Vienna, and the nearest major community is St Anton. Ischgl is known for its skiing, but perhaps just as much for its after-skiing and partying.

Ischgl focuses on restaurants with really good food, and those who like to party during their ski trip to Austria will also enjoy themselves here. A number of major concerts are also organised here. On 30 April 2019, Lenny Kravitz comes to Ischgl for the "Top of the Mountain Closing Concert" on the stage at 2320 metres. New for the 2018/2019 season is also the new modern lift "Gampebahn" which holds a world record for the steepest ascent for a 6-seater lift in the world.

The stage at an altitude of 2320 metres © Paznaun Ischgl

4. Ötztal - James Bond experience

The Ötztal valley is located about 40 kilometres west of the capital Vienna. The valley is perhaps best known for the ski resort of Sölden, but there are also other ski resorts such as Hochgurgl and Obergurgl.

New for the 2018/2019 season in Ötztal is, among other things, the new "Ötztal Super Skipass" which includes 356 kilometres of slopes, 90 ski lifts and 6 ski areas in a single lift pass. In Ötztal, at an altitude of 3048 metres, is also the new James Bond world "007 Elements". We have heard that this is a special experience, whether you are a James Bond fan or not.

READ MORE: How to go on a skiing holiday in Austria!
READ MORE: Skiing holidays in Austria - snow, gluhwein and dumplings!

5th Alpbachtal - cosy alpine village

The village of Reith im Alpbachtal is located in the Alpbachtal valley, about 30 kilometres west of Vienna and adjacent to the Zillertal valley. Here we went skiing in January 2017 - our first ski trip to Austria and a really great experience!

Reith im Alpbachtal is a cosy and quiet little village with plenty of local delicacies, such as cheese and marmalade. There is a lift system that starts in the village, and if you want, you can also go further into the valley by ski bus. Here you can enjoy great skiing and cosy village restaurants.

6. Bad Gastein - with thermal baths

We have not been to Bad Gastein ourselves, but we are acquainted with Marcus Ståhl who has both seasoned and holidayed in the Gastein Valley. Bad Gastein is located about 100 kilometres from Salzburg and is one of the most popular ski resorts in Austria, not least among Scandinavians who have long owned and filled half the village.

Skiing takes place on 5 mountains in the valley and each has its charm. In addition to skiing, Bad Gastein is known for its thermal baths, which are said to have a health-giving effect beyond the ordinary, it is the hot water from springs in the mountains that is used in various treatments. Some hotels offer thermal treatments, otherwise there is the public bathhouse Felsentherme which offers both spa and play. The sauna section is not to be missed either!

For a few years now, you can travel by night train all the way to Austria, with Snälltåget offering direct trains to the Alps. Marcus has recently started a guide to Bad Gastein, where you can find more information if you want to plan your trip.