The best ski resorts in Austria. Ski resorts in Austria: how to find them on the map, rating of the best places, weather, prices Winter resorts in Austria
Austria - premium in the world ski holiday. And this is not surprising: skimming the cream off the legendary alpine meadows not only in the emerald summer, but also in the frosty snowy winter, the inhabitants of the Austrian Tyrol and Salzburg came up with the idea before anyone else in the world - more than 100 years ago. The first downhill competitions took place in the Austrian Alps in 1904, in 1922 the first ski school was opened, in 1928 the first ski lift and, in fact, the ski resort were launched. travel business generally.
Over the course of a century, hardworking, careful, stubborn Austrians managed to build a real snow empire on the slopes of their native Alps, including more than 800 ski resorts and about 50 ski areas, almost 20% of which operate all year round.
Today, Austria is a leader in receiving skiers and snowboarders. A short flight, well-equipped, varied slopes - both for children and beginners, as well as for severe off-piste skiing, a wide choice of accommodation - from 5-star hotels to more than budget apartments that can be rented “shared”, the best apre-ski in the world - all this attracts tens of thousands of tourists “armed” with skis and snowboards to the Austrian slopes of the Alps every year.
Thanks to visa-free travel, Austria has become much more accessible than before. We have compiled for you a list of the most interesting Austrian ski resorts, which will delight you with a variety of slopes and high-quality service.
Attention! IN ski regions Austria has its own rules, which are somewhat different from the global ones. Therefore, please note:
*there are no traditional amateur “green” trails on the local slopes. Their place is taken by “blue” ones - they are intended for training beginners;
*most lifts operate between 8:30 and 16:00. Only some slopes provide the opportunity for evening skiing. So it makes sense to think about evening leisure in advance;
*booking a room in hotels and apartments here is accepted from Saturday to Saturday: checking in mid-week can be difficult.
Ischgl
The most fashionable and pretentious ski resort in the Tyrol region. Ischgl is often called the “Austrian Courchevel” - for the same focus on expensive, high-quality service and an active social life off the piste. Concerts of world-famous stars regularly take place here - Madonna, Sting, Elton John “celebrated” in Ischgl... Another feature of Ischgl is the abundance of shopping places: the resort has official stores of many of the world's most famous brands. As for the skiing opportunities, they are also excellent here: 90% of Ischgl’s pistes are located above 2000 m above sea level, and therefore they are not threatened by winters with little snow, snow - real, alpine, sparkling - is always here. The resort is suitable for families with children: there is a ski school with more than a hundred instructors, “tailored” to work with children, and a kindergarten.
Trails: the total length of the descents reaches 238 km. More than half of the slopes are classified as “red” - intended for experienced skiers. There are also cross-country ski trails. A special treat for snowboarders: Ischgl is among the top best resorts for snowboarding in Europe. It offers boarders a half-pipe, four jumps and ample opportunities for off-piste skiing.
Ski season: mid-November - early May.
Ski pass cost: from 210 to 240 euros depending on the season (during the periods from November 24 to December 23, from January 7 to 20, from April 18 to May 1, the cost of the ski pass is reduced). Children's passes are cheaper - about 150 euros.
Bad Gastein
If Ischgl is the “Austrian Courchevel”, then Bad Gastein, located near Salzburg, is called the “Austrian Monte Carlo” - thanks to the oldest mountain casino, the town’s classic European architecture and a wide range of après-ski options. The ski resort has several thermal springs and the corresponding infrastructure (salons for spas and beauty treatments, radon baths, salt adits), thanks to which tourists can combine a ski holiday with relaxation in the sauna and general wellness.
Trails: up to 220 kilometers of perfectly prepared slopes at altitudes up to 2700 m. More than 60% are red slopes (of medium difficulty). The resort also has cross-country ski trails, a fan park and two half-pipes for snowboarders. There are opportunities for virgin skiing.
Ski season: December - March.
Ski pass cost: about 200 euros for six days. For children (under 15 years old) and youth (under 19 years old) prices are one and a half to two times lower.
Kitzbühel
One of the most famous and popular ski resorts not only in Austria, but throughout the world. The ancient town of Kitzbühel began welcoming skiers back in the 1920s and is now considered the cradle of alpine skiing in Austria. You can ride not only in the (very expensive) Kitzbühel itself, but also in the surrounding regions connected to the “cradle” by a common trail system.
For example, it’s a stone’s throw from Kitzbühel to the Söll region, which unites several small ski villages with more than humane costs of living and an abundance of easy “family” slopes.
Trails: up to 200 km of well-equipped and groomed trails, more than a third of which are intended for beginner skiers, including children. However, this does not mean that a professional in Kitzbühel has no place to turn around: here is the steepest slalom track in the Alps, Streif, which hosts the world's most serious downhill competitions: a slope angle of 85 degrees ensures a descent speed of up to 140 km/h.
Ski season: December - March.
Ski pass cost: about 200 euros for six days. The resort offers a discount for children (up to 15 years old) and youth (up to 19 years old). Ski passes for 12 days are also available for around 320 euros.
Mayrhofen
Located in the Ziller Valley (also called the Tyrolean Valley), the resort is considered a real ski mecca of the Alps. Mayrhofen connects four narrow mountain valleys, each of which offers varied skiing opportunities. But, of course, the most famous is the Tuxertal valley, leading to the largest glacier in Austria - Hintertux, thanks to which skiing is possible all year round in Mayrhofen. In general, the Tyrolean Valley unites ten ski regions at altitudes from 550 m to 3286 m, connected by both common trails and excellent bus service. Therefore, to ride the legendary Hintertux or relax in the water park in the evenings, you don’t have to live in Mayrhofen itself: you can find inexpensive apartments in one of the villages nearby.
Trails:up to 150 km of groomed trails, most of which belong to the blue (entry level of difficulty) or red (intermediate) categories. The length of the black slopes is up to 20 km: this also includes a slope with the eloquent name “Harakiri”, the slope of which reaches 78 degrees.
Ski season: all year round.
Ski pass cost: 205 euros for 6 days or 377 euros for 13. Children (under 15 years old) and youth (under 19 years old) are provided with significant discounts: prices for a children's ski pass start from 92 euros for 6 days of skiing.
Kaprun
For real fabulous place for those who want not only to have a great ride, but also to breathe in the atmosphere of the real, original Alps. The touching provincial town is located at the foot of the 3203 m high Kitzsteinhorn mountain, from which the “tongue” of the Kaprun glacier stretches, providing the opportunity for year-round skiing.
Kaprun itself is more like a classic alpine village framed by a mountain wall: there is no snobbery, noise, or fuss, and therefore it is ideal for family vacation. The local medieval castle and prepared trails for mountain walks in any season will give tourists a special atmosphere. For many years, the signature attraction of the ski resort was the mountain train, which could take you to the glacier area, but it was replaced by a cable car - which is also good.
Trails: about 50 km of prepared blue and red slopes, as well as over 30 km of cross-country ski trails. If you wish, after enjoying the alpine atmosphere of Kaprun, you can easily and quickly get from the town by bus to Zell am See - a more modern and noisy resort with an abundance of different trails, including black ones.
Ski season: all year round.
Ski pass cost: 209 euros for 6 days. For children (under 15 years old) and youth (under 19 years old) prices are reduced by approximately one and a half to two times.
Where to go if you...
…just learn how to ski and snowboard: Mayrhofen, Zell am See, Kaprun, Lech, Serfaus, Obertauern;
…you ride confidently and love speed: Ischgl, Bad Gastein, Kitzbühel, Mayrhofen, Zell am See, St. Anton, Serfaus, Saalbach;
…love off-piste skiing and freeride: Ischgl, Kitzbühel, Zell am See, Mayrhofen, Lech, Serfaus, Saalbach, Obertauern;
...prefer snowboarding: Ischgl, Mayrhofen and the entire Zillertal region, Bad Gastein, Sölden;
...appreciate not only alpine skiing, but also cross-country skiing: Mayrhofen, Kaprun, Zell am See, Innsbruck;
…love to roll down the slope straight to the hotel door: Hochgurl, Obergurgl, Obertauern, Zürs;
...craving a varied holiday with a daily change of activities: Ischgl, Sölden, Lech, St. Anton, Saalbach-Hinterglemm;
…would like to have a peaceful holiday with your family and children: Kitzbühel, Kaprun, Mayrhofen, Zell am See, Serfaus;
...don’t ski, but want to feel the atmosphere of a ski resort and not get bored: Kitzbühel, Kaprun, Bad Gastein, Seefeld, Innsbruck;
…love to eat delicious food: Ischgl, Kitzbühel, Bad Gastein, Mayrhofen, Seefeld, Innsbruck, Kirchberg, Seefeld;
...need a variety of evening entertainment, parties and shopping: Ischgl, Mayrhofen, St. Anton, Obertaurn, Bad Gastein, Innsbruck, Seefeld.
The European Sports Region (Europa-Sportregion), which includes the resorts of Zell am See, Piesendorf and Kaprun, is located in the northern part of the Austrian Alps. According to the level of popularity and opportunities for active rest he has no equal in Austria. Here, at an altitude of 800 to 3000 m above sea level, they don’t talk about snow - it’s guaranteed. The winter season in the region lasts from November to the end of April. But thanks to the proximity of the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, skiing is possible all year round.
The region's ski pass is valid in three ski areas: on the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, in the ski area near the village of Kaprun Maiskogel and on Zell am See's "home" mountain Schmitten. The Zell am See-Kaprun region offers more than 60 ski lifts to the services of holidaymakers; over 130 km ski slopes all levels of difficulty - from educational and simple “blue” to interesting “red” and “black”; 200 km of flat ski tracks; toboggan runs, more than 10 ski schools, including for children.
All conditions for practicing 30 sports are created here. This is a real paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Vacationers have at their disposal indoor tennis courts, squash and horse riding, bowling, gyms, indoor swimming pools, saunas, a large spa complex with swimming pools with mineralized water TAUERN SPA, parachute and paragliding flights and much more. Zell am See (757 m) and Kaprun (786 m) – you can enjoy your holiday in any weather and at any time of the year.
The Pitztal Valley is a ski resort famous for its glaciers and excellent skiing conditions. Here skiers will find about 129 km. tracks different levels difficulties, and you can ride on the glaciers from September to May.
The region includes three ski areas - Hochzeiger (1450–2450 m), Rifflsee (1680–2880 m) and Pitzthaler-Gletscher (1740–3440 m), the latter two have a single ski pass. You can also purchase a PitzRegioCard ski pass, which is valid in all ski areas of the Pitztal Valley and on the Hohe Imst ski lifts. A free shuttle takes guests anywhere in Pitztal.
At the beginning of the valley, above the village of Erzens, is the largest ski area in the region - Hochzeiger. This is 40 km of various slopes, 9 lifts, a height difference of 1000 m. The predominant routes here are of medium difficulty. There are opportunities for freestyle, extreme and off-piste skiing. There is a snow park for snowboarders. Guests can also enjoy a 6 km long illuminated toboggan run.
The ski lifts to the glacier and the Rifflsee ski area are located at the very end of the valley, next to the village of Mandarfen (1675 m), which is administratively part of settlement St. Leonhard. The total length of the trails in these ski areas is 41 km, served by 12 lifts. There are many challenging, beautiful red slopes (40 km) and a snow park with various obstacles and timings. There are also suitable trails for beginners. There is a special children's chairlift in the Rifflsee ski area.
At the Pitztal ski resort, travelers have the opportunity to try a variety of activities. You can watch the mountain panorama from the highest cafe in Austria (3440 meters), climbers can master 17 interesting icefalls at once, there is also the opportunity to go paragliding, curling, winter fishing or visit museums, walking routes and temples of the valley.
Nearest train station: Imst-Pitztal: 11 km / 24 km / 36 km
Innsbruck is a unique symbiosis of a first-class resort and a beautiful museum city, whose history goes back about 800 years. Innsbruck is located in the heart of the Eastern Alps, at the foot of the Karwendel ridge. The height of the surrounding mountain ranges exceeds 2500 m, which guarantees stunning views from almost anywhere in Innsbruck.
Mount Patscherkofel rises above the city, on the slopes of which the Winter Winter Games were held in 1964 and 1976. Olympic Games. From them the city inherited an excellent ski infrastructure: stadiums, jumps, skating rinks, various slopes and much more. The impeccably maintained slopes, which attract skiers from all over the world, offer slopes of varying degrees of difficulty and for every taste, as well as pistes illuminated twice a week at night. There are also family trails here, and the Sunny Kids Park awaits the little ones.
The Patscherkofel ski area is located 20 km from Stubai with its numerous ski slopes. At the foot of the mountain there are charmingly picturesque Tyrolean villages: Igls, Lens, Ville, Natters, Mutters, Patch.
Video: Mayrhofen , Zillertal(links to youtube)
Lake Wörth is the largest lake in the Carinthian region. On its banks there are several resort towns connected by water bus routes. In summer, the water temperature in the lake reaches +25 +27 degrees Celsius. Tourists come to Wörthsee to swim, play golf, and also see the Tscheppaschlucht waterfalls, Hochosterwitz Castle, the regional capital Klagenfurt and the Karthian abbeys and monasteries.
The Wildschönau Valley, which unites four picturesque villages, is located in Tyrol, 75 km from Innsbruck, 115 km from Munich, 130 km from Salzburg and 360 km from Zurich. A special feature of this ski resort is its idyllic seclusion, as well as wide, uncrowded ski slopes, which will delight both experienced skiers who want to enjoy nature away from the noise and test themselves in the professional training area Race`n`Sport Arena, as well as novice ski lovers and, first of all, young guests. Fans of snowboarding will find a fun park on Mount Schatzberg (freeride, jumps, quarter pipes, wave rides, snake, rails, Half Pipe - 90 m). There is a bus service between the ski areas, also from Thursday to Saturday. night bus(from 20:00 to 03:00). Here you can also go snowshoeing along 40 km of well-groomed winter trails, visit the swimming pools and saunas, and go sledding (three trails plus one illuminated).
In Wildschönau there is the Tyrolean Wood Museum, a mountain farming museum, and half an hour by car in the town of Wörgl there is a water park and the WAVE sauna world.
Since December 16, 2012, the Wildschönau ski area has been connected to the Alpbachtal ski area into the new Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau ski area.
Wildschönau is first and foremost perfect place for a family ski holiday. The name of the valley, which combines the words wild, schön and Au, translated as “beautiful pristine valley,” speaks for itself. Guests will be pleased not only by the pristine beauty of nature, but also by the combination of reasonable prices and high quality.
The Telfs ski resort is located just 25 kilometers from Innsbruck in a small Tyrolean valley. There is everything for an active holiday: an indoor swimming pool, a sauna, big skating rink, a toboggan run, a sports center with a large climbing wall and even a real bathhouse. Very close by is the large ski resort of Seefeld, one of the most famous sports centers in Tyrol. Seefeld, one of the most famous sports centers in Tyrol, is located on a sunny plateau at an altitude of 1200 m, surrounded by the Karlwendel and Wetterstein mountains. The proximity of Innsbruck (20 km) and the famous German resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen (20 km) only adds advantages to this ski area.
| Salzburg | Munich | Innsbruck | Vein | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distance to | 206 km | 127 km | 24 km | 500 km |
| 2 hours | 1 hour 40 minutes | 25 min. | 4 hours 50 minutes | |
| 2 hours 50 minutes | 3 hours 10 minutes | 40 min. | 5 hours 55 minutes |
In the very south of Austria, in the Carnic Alps, there is one of the ten most popular ski resorts in the country - Nassfeld. This is the sunniest ski area in Austria: during the winter season there is on average 100 hours more sunshine here than in other regions. The resort is located on the border with Italy, and some slopes lead straight across the border. The elevation difference here is 1300–2020 m. Trails of varying degrees of difficulty with a total length of 110 km are served by 30 modern lifts, including the longest gondola lift in Europe - the Millennium Express. And in children's ski schools, mini clubs and gardens they will take care of teaching skiing to the youngest guests of the resort.
On the border of two Austrian states - Carinthia and Salzburg, on a sunny pass at an altitude of 1640 m above sea level, Katschberg is ideal for a family holiday. The ski area starts here at 2220 m, climatic conditions guarantee high-quality snow cover (for safety, all slopes are equipped with snow cannons), wide pistes with a total length of 70 km provide interesting skiing for both beginners and experienced skiers. Athletes will find 10 km of “black” slopes and the Aineck fan park here. Restaurants, bars open until late in the evening, and discos provide excellent leisure after skiing.
| Innsbruck | Salzburg | Vein | Munich | Klagenfurt | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distance to | 284 km | 116 km | 320 km | 243 km | 115 km |
| Travel time by car (approximately) | 2 hours 55 minutes | 1 hour 25 minutes | 4 hours 00 minutes | 2 hours 30 minutes | |
| Travel time by train (approx.) | 1 hour | 4 hours 50 minutes | |||
| Distance from Rennweg | 116 km | 110 km |
East Tyrol is one of the largest resort regions in Tyrol with excellent conditions for family skiing and training beginner skiers and snowboarders. Lienz, the capital of East Tyrol, is considered the sunniest place in Austria, and the picturesque views of the Dolomites will enchant even seasoned travelers. Here is one of the highest peaks in Austria - Grossglockner (3798 m) and the Moelltal glacier (3122 m).
Well-equipped slopes, excellent infrastructure, hotels and guesthouses for every taste and budget make your holiday here pleasant and memorable. Cross-country skiing enthusiasts will find excellent conditions for practicing their favorite sport in East Tyrol. The region is part of Dolomiti Nordic Ski, a system of 1,300 kilometers of cross-country ski slopes in Austria and Italy.
Heiligenblut is a small village in Carinthia, at the foot of the highest mountain in Austria, Großglockner. Its symbol is the Gothic Church of St. Vincent, which houses the sacred relic - the blood of Christ, brought from Constantinople by a crusader knight. Hence the name of the village, which in German means “holy blood”.
Gold was mined in the mountains around Heiligenblut in the Middle Ages, and the area now thrives on ski tourism and mountaineering. A unique railway tunnel to Mount Fleisalm was built here, which operates only in winter, delivering tourists to the ski slopes.
The romantic and charming resort town of Baden bei Wien, surrounded by fields and vineyards, is located right next to Vienna, just 26 km. The excellent climate with moderate heat in summer and comfortable temperature in winter allows you to relax here at any time of the year. First of all, Baden is famous for its sulfur springs. Even the city coat of arms, granted by Emperor Frederick III, depicts a man and a woman in a bathing tub. Healing power Baden mineral waters was known to the ancient Romans. They called the place where warm sulfurous springs rise from crevices in the rocks “aquae” - “water”. At one time, the Baden baths were favored by crowned heads. Emperors have come here for rest and treatment for centuries. And to this day, Baden is considered a prestigious suburb of Vienna and one of the best thermal resorts Austria.
The spa resort of Bad Tatzmannsdorf is an ideal place for those who want to improve their health and have a good rest. It is located 116 km from Vienna, in the federal state of Burgenland. This region has long earned the love of the Austrians for its extraordinary beautiful nature, mild sunny climate, fresh air, gastronomic traditions and excellent entertainment infrastructure.
Hydrotherapy at the resort has centuries-old traditions. Business card Bad Tatzmannsdorf contains mineral waters of various compositions, hot springs and peat mud. Here, therapeutic procedures using mineral waters, such as baths and drinking courses, are successfully used.
They open their doors to millions of tourists from November to April, and on the top of the Alpine glaciers you can enjoy excellent skiing at any time of the year. The main ski area is located in the southwestern part of the country, in the federal states of Carinthia, Salzburg, Tyrol and Vorarlberg. Austrian ski centers are known throughout the world for the excellent quality of the slopes, modern infrastructure, excellent service and a huge selection of entertainment for every taste. The mesmerizing landscapes of mountain lakes, snowy slopes covered with fir trees and Tyrolean village houses add special charm to winter holidays in Austria. You can get acquainted with the best Austrian ski resorts by reading our article.
1. St. Anton (Vorarlberg)
St. Anton is rightfully one of the best ski resorts in Austria. This modern resort, with rich traditions and excellent infrastructure, is called the cradle of Austrian skiing - it was here that the first ski club in the Alps was opened at the very beginning of the 20th century. A holiday in St. Anton will bring true pleasure to experienced skiers and adrenaline junkies: the slopes here are interesting and quite challenging. The total length of St. Anton's routes is more than 300 km, most of them have a high level of difficulty. By the way, the longest 10-kilometer track in the Arlberg is also located in St. Anton. In addition, the resort has excellent opportunities for freeride thanks to spacious and steep slopes and excellent snow cover. Fans of active pastime after skiing will be pleased with the St. Anton ski resort with a huge selection of restaurants and noisy nightclubs.
2. Lech (Vorarlberg)
The ski resort of Lech is a real paradise for connoisseurs of luxury hotels, excellent restaurants, gourmet Austrian cuisine and, of course, beautiful slopes. Lech has long been favorite place winter holiday European aristocrats, world celebrities and crowned heads. You definitely won’t be able to save money on your vacation here, but in return for the money spent, you will be able to enjoy the highest level of service and a huge variety of services offered. Of the 300 km of ski routes in Lech, slopes of medium difficulty level predominate. There are many convenient trails with a slight slope, suitable for lovers of leisurely and comfortable skiing. Skiers with impeccable physical fitness will certainly enjoy heli-skiing - off-piste descents with delivery to the top by helicopter. Lech is the only Austrian resort where this rare and exciting type of skiing is officially permitted. In addition, Lech and St. Anton are united by a common ski pass, which allows you to enjoy extreme skiing on the slopes of the neighboring resort.
3. Mayrhofen (Tyrol)
Mayrhofen is one of the most famous Austrian ski resorts. Its undeniable advantages are a large skiing area with a total length of more than 150 km, impeccable pistes of medium difficulty, affordable prices and a lively night life. The resort of Mayrhofen is extremely popular among the European public, so it is not surprising that in the high season its slopes are often overloaded, and there are long queues at the lifts. The Hintertux glacier has excellent opportunities for skiing, the peak of which is at 3250 m. The snow cover here lasts all year round, making skiing on the upper zone of the glacier possible both in winter and summer. And finally, the main highlight of Mayrhofen is the most dangerous track in Austria with the eloquent name “Harakiri”: its incredibly steep gradient reaches 78%.
4. Sölden (Tyrol)
The ski resort of Sölden has become well known for its lively atmosphere and wide range of recreational opportunities. There are various accommodation options from budget hotels to luxury hotels. A huge number of restaurants, bars, discos and nightclubs makes a holiday in Sölden especially attractive for lovers of wild après ski: the noisiest and most incendiary parties in Tyrol take place here. As for skiing, among the 150 km of first-class ski slopes, everyone, from beginner to professional, will find a route according to their preferences. And thanks to the fact that the top of the Sölden glacier is covered with snow all year round, the ski season here begins earlier than usual, and the most impatient skiers come here already in October.
5. Ischgl (Tyrol)
The small mountain village of Ischgl has firmly established its reputation as the most expensive and most prestigious ski resort in Austria. From the end of October to the beginning of May, Ischgl turns into a place of a huge glamorous party, where, according to tradition, all Austrian bohemians gather to “see people and show themselves off”, and at the same time (as a pleasant addition to the holiday) to go skiing. Annual opening ski season in Ischgl is a grand show: in different years Elton John, Tina Turner, Sting, Rihanna and other legendary world-famous performers took part in it. The quality of the trails and infrastructure here is, of course, at the highest level. The total length of the trails exceeds 200 km, most of them are quite difficult. The resort has all the conditions for extreme skiing, freeride and carving, and the famous local snowboard park is considered one of the best in Europe.
6. Zell am See (Salzburg)
The picturesque town of Zell am See, located on the shores of the mountain lake Zell, is rightfully one of the most beautiful ski resorts in Austria. With impeccably maintained pistes and the latest infrastructure, it has retained its unique natural charm. Zell am See, together with the high-mountain Kaprun glacier, form a single ski area with a total length of pistes of about 140 km, and the season on the glacier lasts all year round. Zell am See offers its guests a huge selection of opportunities for active pastime: alpine and classic skiing, snowboarding, sledding and skating, horse riding, sailing on the ice of Lake Zell, mountaineering, paragliding and parachute jumping. The health benefits of the resort are complemented by its excellent ecology, fresh mountain air and the presence of healing mineral springs.
7. Bad Gastein (Salzburg)
The expensive and prestigious Austrian ski resort of Bad Gastein is known primarily as a spa resort: back in the 19th century, European intelligentsia came here to improve their health “on the waters.” Thanks to the healing mountain air and numerous thermal springs, Bad Gastein is often called the “Alpine Monte Carlo”. The unique flavor of the town is given by ancient architectural ensembles, a picturesque waterfall in the heart of the resort, elite spa complexes, as well as the oldest mountain casino. For alpine skiing fans, Bad Gastein offers about 200 km of impeccable pistes, most of which are ideal for relaxed, comfortable skiing. There are few difficult trails here, but there are several ski schools for beginners, including children's ones. As for the après-ski holiday, it certainly cannot be called hectic and lively: in the territory of aristocratic Bad Gastein, the most popular entertainment after skiing is leisurely walks along the mountain paths or a visit to the spa.
8. Obertauern (Salzburg)
Obertauern rightfully enjoys the reputation of the snowiest ski resort in Austria. Skiing here is organized at an altitude of 1700 to 2300 m, so natural snow is always guaranteed on the upper sections of the slopes, and at the bottom there is a modern artificial snow cover support system. Of the 100 km of ski routes, more than half are blue slopes, designed for average skiers. There are interesting red trails with an increased level of difficulty. For lovers of extreme skiing, Obertauern can offer only 4 black slopes, but thanks to the abundant snow, there are excellent opportunities for freeride. This resort is not yet very well known to the Russian public, although it certainly deserves closer attention: it has the most modern hotel stock in Austria and excellent opportunities for après ski: many bars, restaurants and several nightclubs.
9. Nassfeld (Carinthia)
Nassfeld is another good ski resort in Austria, undeservedly deprived of attention Russian tourists. Therefore, if you prefer a holiday in Europe among Europeans, Nassfeld will be for you excellent option. Among the main advantages of the Nassfeld resort are a guaranteed abundance of snow, excellent quality pistes and a very convenient location of hotels and apartments, allowing you to ski, as they say, “from your doorstep”. The Nassfeld slopes, with a total length of about 100 km, have enough space for both beginners and professionals. Interestingly, it is in Nassfeld that the longest gondola lift in the Alps operates, delivering skiers to the beginning of the slopes over a distance of more than 6 km. Another highlight of the resort is Mountain Lake Presegger, which after freezing turns into a huge natural ice skating rink.
10. Serfaus – Fiss – Ladis (Tirol)
Ski resorts Serfaus, Fiss and Ladis, united by a common 200-kilometer trail area, are an excellent option for an active family holiday in Austria. There are excellent conditions for intermediate skiers and children's skiing. At the Serfaus resort, everything is thought out to the smallest detail for the most comfortable holiday with children: a mountain kindergarten famous throughout Europe with exciting animation programs, children's restaurants, a puppet theater, a children's ski school, snow towns and even lifts specially adapted for loading strollers. Another unique feature of the resort is the only silent metro of its kind, consisting of one line and four stations, and transporting vacationers from the resort center to the ski lifts completely free of charge.
