Top Austria Ski Resorts
Austria’s Top 5 Ski Resorts
Discover the best alpine escapes, handpicked by a local.
With over 400 ski resorts scattered across breathtaking alpine landscapes, Austria is one of Europe’s top winter destinations—but choosing the right resort can make all the difference between a good ski holiday and an unforgettable one.
As someone who lives in an Austrian ski resort year-round, I’ve spent years carving up the slopes, exploring different resorts, and experiencing Austrian winters like a local.
From iconic international ski towns to hidden alpine gems, I know what makes a ski resort truly special—whether you’re chasing powder, après-ski vibes, or family-friendly slopes.
In this guide, I’m sharing my top 5 ski resorts in Austria, based on real experience—not just brochures.
These are the resorts we ski at and that I recommend repeatedly to friends, family, and readers looking for authentic, memorable Austrian ski adventures.
Ready to find your perfect Austrian ski escape? Let’s dive in.
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Wanderlustria’s Top 5 Ski Resorts in Austria
Here are Wanderlustria’s recommendations of the 5 Best Ski Austria Resorts. Listed alphabetically.
Ischgl
Ischgl Ski Resort- At a Glance
Pistes: 239 km (148.5 miles)
Lifts: 46
Altitude: 1360 to 2782 m (4462 to 9422 feet)
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- Easy Slopes (Blue): 47 km (29 miles ) 21%
- Intermediate Slopes (Red): 140 kmkm (87 miles ) 58%
- Advanced Slopes (Black): 52 km ( 32 miles) 21%
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€€€ Day Ticket (2024/2025): Adult 76€/ Children 47.50€
Best For:
- Intermediate and Advanced Skiers.
- Luxury and Après Ski
Ischgl is the fourth largest ski resort in Austria. Ischgl is linked to Samnaun across the Swiss border.
The Ski Resort has 240km of pistes with a good variety of blues, reds and blacks available for all standards of skiers. Ischgl is a popular destination for snowboarders, and it has the largest fun park in Europe.
Ischgl: The Tyrolean town of Ischgl was once a farming village but now has boutiques, restaurants, hotels and clubs in its pedestrian car-free centre. Ischgl is the most famous après ski resort in the Alps, with the renowned Kuhstall, Schatzi Bar, Pacha nightclub and many others.
For relaxation, Ischgl has the Silvretta Spa with a panoramic pool, sauna and high-quality spa treatments.
Getting to Ischgl
Ischgl is a town in the Paznaun valley in the Austrian state of Tyrol. The Ski resort is connected with the Samnaun across the border in Switzerland.
Closest Airport : Innsbruck
- From Innsbruck: 1.5 hours driving, 2 hours by public transport by taking the train to Landeck and then the 260 Bus.
- From Munich: 3 hours driving
- From Salzburg: 3 hours driving
Train: The nearest railway station to Ischgl is Landeck, approximately 30km away. There is a regular bus service that goes up into the Paznaun valley (bus service tends to end early in the evening)
Where to Stay in Ischgl
You will find family-run hotels, Guesthouses and luxury hotels.
Wanderlustria’s Recommendations:
The five-star Trofana Royal is the grandest hotel in Ischgl, located 100m (328 feet) from the Silvretta gondola. The hotel has luxury suites and rooms, spa and wellness facilities and a Michelin star and 3 Gault Maillau toques Gourmet restaurant. Check Availability.
Arriving at the five-star Schlosshotel Ischgl, you’d be forgiven to think you are arriving at a castle. Located directly next to the ski slopes, Schlosshotel Ischgl provides world-class VIP service. From its private ski shop with ski hire, extensive state-of-the-art Schloss Spa and award-winning Restaurant- your stay will be extraordinary. Check Availability
KitzSki: Kitzbühel/ Kirchberg and Mittersill -Tyrol
KitzSki- At a Glance
Pistes: 188 km (117 miles)
Lifts: 58
Altitude: 800 to 2000 m (2625 to 6562 feet)
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- Easy Slopes (Blue): 102 km (63 miles ) 54%
- Intermediate Slopes (Red): 66 km (41 miles ) 35%
- Advanced Slopes (Black): 20 km ( 12.5 miles) 11%
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Ski Routes: 45 km ( 28 miles)
€€€ Day Ticket (2024/2025): Adult 76€/ Youth 57€/Children 38€
Best For:
- Intermediate Skiers.
- Luxury
- Accepts IKON Pas
The charming medieval town of Kitzbühel (Kitz) is one of the most famous Austrian ski resorts.
Legend says its where skiing was ‘invented’ and Kitzbühel is famous for its Hahnenkamm downhill skiing race.
There is something for every skier, from wide pistes to exhilarating race pistes and snowparks. Experts will enjoy hiring a guide and exploring the off-piste terrain.
Kitzbühel’s pedestrian town centre has quaint Alpine houses, cobblestone streets, fancy churches, cafés, restaurants, and luxury shops.
For families, Kitzbühel has a lot to do off the slopes, including ice skating, tobogganing and swimming at the Aquarena.
There are multiple villages that are interconnected to form the KitzSki region including Kitzbühel, Kirchberg and over in the Pinzgau valley in Mittersill.
Getting to Kitzbühel
The resort is situated in the Kitzbühel Alps, about halfway between the state capitals of Tyrol (Innsbruck) and Salzburg.
Closest Airport: Salzburg, but Innsbruck and Munich are also close
- From Salzburg: 80.5km, 70 minutes driving
- From Innsbruck: 96 km, 80 minutes driving.
- From Munich: 123 km, 2 hours driving
Train: There are three train stops- Hahnenkamm – literally at the base of the mountain, Kitzbühel Schwarzsee and Kirchberg (part of the Kitzbühel ski area), which are convenient depending on where your accommodation is located. Regional Service trains run from Wörgl, so connections from Innsbruck and Munich are easy. From Salzburg, the fastest and most direct train route is via Wörgl.
Where to Stay in Kitzbühel
From five-star luxury to small family hotels, there are many options in the KitzSki region including Kitzbühel, Kirchberg in Tirol, Pass Thun and Mittersill.
Kitzbühel is a beautiful Tyrolean town with many hotels within walking distance of the ski pistes. Hotels range from five-star luxury to family-run hotels.
Kitzbühel Luxury
The Erika Boutiquehotel Kitzbühel was built in 1897 and is one of Kistzbühel’s most renowned and traditional hotels. Spacious rooms, restaurant, spa area and swimming pool. Check Availability
The Grand Tirolia Kitzbühel Hotel has panoramic hillside views as well as a restaurant spa with an indoor pool and saunas. Check Availability
A-ROSA Kitzbühel welcomes you to a Tyrolean castle set amongst the scenic panorama of the Alps. The rooms combine modern design with traditional Alpine Gutmutichkeit, and the hotel has two restaurants, a spa and a wellness area. For families, the Rosinis Club is great for children and gives parents some time to relax. Check Availability
Tennerhof Luxury Chalets has two and three-bedroom luxury chalets, each with private kitchens and a private spa with a sauna and steam bath. Check Availability
Kitzbühel Ski in/Ski out
Rasmushof-Hotel Kitzbühel is at the foot of the Hahnenkamm Mountain and offers ski-in/ski-out. Check Availability
The Hotel Kaiserhof Kitzbühel is a four-star Superior hotel next to the Hahnenkamm cable car. Check Availability
Aktiv Hotel Schweizerhof Kitzbühel is next to the Hahnenkamm Cable Car and offers ski-in/ski-out access.
Check Availability
Pass Thun and Mittersill Check Hotel Availability
Ski Arlberg: St Anton/ St Christoph /Stuben /Lech / Zürs- Tyrol
Ski Arlberg- At a Glance
Pistes: 300 km (186 miles)
Lifts: 85
Altitude: 1304 to 2811 m (4278 to 9222 feet)
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- Easy Slopes (Blue): 130 km (81 miles ) 43%
- Intermediate Slopes (Red): 120 km (74.5 miles ) 40%
- Advanced Slopes (Black): 50 km ( 31 miles) 17%
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Ski Routes: 200 km ( 124 miles)
€€€ Day Ticket (2024/2025): Adult 78€/ Youth 72€/Children 47€
Best For:
- Intermediate Skiers and Advanced Skiers
- Luxury
- Après Ski
Famous as the birthplace of skiing, Ski Arlberg is the largest connected ski resort in Austria with over 300 km of pistes. It is also one of the most snow-sure resorts due to the altitude of up to 2811m. Pros will be challenged with more than 200 km of off-piste skiing in deep powder snow.
Ski Arlberg comprises the villages of St Anton, St Christoph, Stuben, Lech, Zürs, Warth and Schröcken.
St Anton is one of the oldest and most iconic ski resorts in the Alps, famous for luxury and its Après ski scene. The village exudes Alpine charm and has everything needed for a ski holiday.
St Christoph is a 10-minute drive from St Anton and is the most beginner-friendly Ski Resort in the Arlberg Ski Area. St Christoph is quieter than its neighbours of St Anton, Lech and Zürs.
Getting to St Anton
St Anton is in the Arlberg region on the Tyrolean side of the Arlberg Pass on the border between the Austrian states of Tyrol and Vorarlberg.
Closest Airport: Innsbruck
- From Innsbruck: 100 km, 60 minutes driving west along the A12- the Inntal Autobahn.
- From Munich: 209 km, 2 hours, 40 minutes driving
- From Salzburg: 281km, 3 hours, 20 minutes driving
Train: The St Anton am Arlberg train station is in the middle of the village. There are hourly trains from Innsbruck and Salzburg. Coming from Munich, you would transfer to Innsbruck or Kufstein train stations.
Where to Stay Ski Arlberg
There is a wide range of hotels, guest houses, chalets and self-catered apartments in St Anton, St Christoph, Lech, Zürs, Stuben, Warth, and Schröcke-with access to the ski resort.
St Anton am Arlberg is a beautiful Tyrolean town and the most popular place to stay. There is a wide choice of accommodation from 5-star luxury to boutique and family-run hotels.
St Anton Luxury
Das Bergschlössl is a luxury ski-in/ski-out hotel located next to the valley station of 3 cable cars. Check Availability
Hotel Tannenhof is a five-star hotel with a wellness centre, restaurant and bar. Check Availability
Raffl’s St Antoner Hof is an exclusive 5-star traditional Tyrolean-style hotel in the centre of St. Anton. The hotel has an award-winning gourmet restaurant and a spa area and is a 5-minute walk to the Galzigbahn Cable Car. Check Availability
Biwak Apartments one- and two-bedroom apartments. Check Availability
Parseierblick This family-run hotel is located next to a cable car. Check Availability
Pepis Skihotel is centrally located opposite the new Rendl lift and 100 metres from the Galzig lift. All rooms have steam baths. Check Availability
St Anton is one of the places where you will find luxury, fully catered chalets. These are normally managed by luxury chalet companies. Here are some chalets for larger groups.
Chalet Marmotta Neve deluxe 4 -and 5-bedroom apartments with ski-to-door access and a sauna. Check Availability
Raffl’s Sweet Little Home: Traditional style luxury chalet with 7 bedrooms/6 bathrooms –with two staff members who will take care of you. Check Availability
Chalet Silver Fox– 5 and 6-bedroom apartments. Check Availability
Chalet Anna Maria 6 bedroom/four bathroom villa that sleeps 9. Check Availability
Lech Luxury
Hotel Arlberg This 5-star hotel offers luxurious rooms with an onsite restaurant, spa and wellness centre 100m from
3 ski lifts. Check Availability
Post Lech Arlberg A former post house, this luxury hotel has been run by the same family since 1937. Check Availability
Lech Lodge has 3- and 4- bedroom luxury chalets Check Availability
Chalet Hohe Welt – luxury one- and two-bedroom apartments with a spa, pool and fitness centre. Check Availability
Lech Ski-in/ski-out
The 5-star Hotel Almhof Schneider has mountain views, two restaurants, a terrace and a spa and wellness centre. Check Availability
The 5-star superior Burg Vital Resort is a few minutes walk from the Petersbodenbahn Cable Car Station. The hotel has spacious modern rooms, a gourmet restaurant and a spa and wellness centre. Check Availability
Pension Alpenfluh offers an on-site restaurant, steam room, spa and sauna. Check Availability
Ski Circus: Saalbach/Hinterglemm/Leogang/ Fieberbrunn – Salzburgerland
Ski Circus- At a Glance
Pistes: 270 km (168 miles)
Lifts: 70
Altitude: 890 to 2096 m (2920 to 6877 feet)
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- Easy Slopes (Blue): 140 km (87 miles ) 52%
- Intermediate Slopes (Red): 112 km (70 miles ) 41%
- Advanced Slopes (Black): 18 km ( 11 miles) 7%
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€€€ Day Ticket (2024/2025): Adult 76€/ Youth 57€/Children 38€
Best For:
- Beginner and Intermediate Skiers
- Skiers who like to put the kilometers on their skis – easy to tour
- Après Ski
The Ski Cirus has a total of 270 km of pistes has a huge variety of terrain, and efficient infrastructure.
It is Austria’s second-biggest Ski area. The addition of the ZellamseeXpress gondola linking to Zell am See means skiers have access to a total of 408km. This would take the title of Austria’s biggest ski area, but the route from Zell am See involves a short bus ride to connect to Saalbach. The quaint villages have traditional chalets, boutique hotels, shops, bars and restaurants.
The villages of Saalbach and Hinterglemm are in the Glemmtal in Pinzgau. Saalbach and Hinterglemm are separate charming alpine villages approximately 4 km apart – both are vibrant with lively après ski scenes.
Leogang and Fieberbrunn are villages on the other side of the mountain in the neighbouring valley.
BONUS The Alpin Card provides access to the Ski Circus and nearby Schmittenhöhe in Zell am See and Kitzsteinhorn glacier in Kaprun – together providing over 408 km of pistes.
Getting to Ski Circus
Saalbach-Hintergleem are located close to Saalfelden.
Closest Airport: Salzburg
To Saalbach-Hinterglemm
- Salzburg: 94 km, 1.5 hours driving
- Innsbruck: 156 km 2 hours, 25 minutes driving
- Munich: 177 km 2.5 hours driving
Train: Trains from Salzburg, Innsbruck, Munich and Vienna arrive in Zell am See or Maishofen. From there, buses depart for Saalbach-Hinterglemm.
To Leogang-Fieberbrunn
- Salzburg: 77 km, 1 hour, 20 minutes driving
- Innsbruck: 126 km 2 hours driving
- Munich: 150 km 2 hours, 15 minutes driving
Train: Leogang and Fieberbrunn have train stations- with trains from Innsbruck and Munich via Wörgl. Trains from Salzburg and Vienna go via Zell am See.
Where to Stay in the Ski Circus
There is a wide range of hotels, guest houses, chalets and self-catered apartments in Saalbach, Hinterglemm, Viehofen, Leogan and Fieberbrunn.
Saalbach-Hinterglemm are two villages ~4km apart. A lot of the accommodation in Hinterglemm is ski-in/ski-out
Saalbach-Hinterglemm
The four-star superior resort Glemm by AvenidA is a luxury hotel with breathtaking panoramic views. It has modern, fully equipped apartments, two restaurants, a wellness area with saunas, and a heated outdoor pool. Check Availability
Bachgut Resort has ski-to-door access. The resort provides 4- and 5-bedroom chalets 4-and 5-bedroom deluxe apartments. Check Availability
AvenidA Mountain Lodges Saalbach offers modern and luxurious one to four-bedroom apartments and studios. In winter, the Rosso restaurant is open. Check Availability
Landhaus Saalbach newly built luxury apartments and rooms (penthouse, family apartments, studios, double rooms for 2-9 people) They offer self-catering or breakfast buffet in the “Zirbenstube”. Check Availability
Hotel Thurnerhof is in a hillside position with ski-to-door access and a spa and wellness centre. Half-board Breakfast and dinner are included in the winter. Check Availability
The 4-star superior Hotel Unterschwarzachhof is located in the centre of Hinterglemm. This stylish hotel has a restaurant and an extensive spa with an outdoor and indoor swimming pool. Check Availability
The eco-friendly Holzhotel Forsthofalm offers direct access to ski slopes. It features unique wooden architecture, an award-winning restaurant, and the Sky Spa on the rooftop. Check Availability
Hotel Salzburger Hof Leogang is a family-run, 4-star superior hotel next to the Asitz Cable Car. The hotel has a restaurant and bar. The unique spa area on the glass-panelled fifth floor offers panoramic mountain views and features a panorama spa on 2 floors with relaxation rooms, 3 saunas, a steam bath, and an infinity sky pool. There is also a heated outdoor pool with mountain views. Check Availability
The Hotel Der Löwe combines sustainable luxury with alpine Gemütlicheit (cosiness). The hotel has 45 modern rooms and suites, a restaurant and a spa and wellness centre. Check Availability
Zell am See-Kaprun
Zell am See-Kaprun: At a Glance
Pistes: 140 km (87 miles)
Lifts: 54
Altitude: 760 to 3029 m (2493 to 9938 feet)
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- Easy Slopes (Blue): 60.5 km (38 miles ) 43%
- Intermediate Slopes (Red): 51 km (32 miles ) 41%
- Advanced Slopes (Black): 28 km ( 17 miles) 20%
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Ski Routes: 17 km (10.5 miles)
€€€ Day Ticket (2024/2025): Adult 76€/ Youth 57€/Children 38€
Best For:
- Beginner and Intermediate Skiers
- Guaranteed Snow
- Après Ski
The Zell am See-Kaprun Ski Resort is one of the most beautiful resorts in Austria, with Lake Zell, Schmittenhöhe mountain and Kitzsteinhorn glacier.
The two villages, separated by ~8 km, of Zell am See and Kaprun make up the ski resort. The Zell am See-Kaprun Ski Resort is one of Austria’s most varied ski resorts, with the ski areas at a range of 768 m to 3029 m.
Kitzsteinhorn was Austria’s first glacier ski resort, and the Ski resort continues to innovate with state-of-the-art infrastructure and sustainability. Together with the Maiskogel mountain family Ski area and the Schmittenhöhe in Zell am See, the ski resort provides snowparks, superpipes, freeriding and ski touring.
Free ski buses connect the ski areas, and in 11 minutes, you can go from the valley station of the 3K-Konnection of the Kitzsteinhorn to the AreitXpress of Schmittenhöhe.
Zell am See, with its traffic-free medieval centre, sits directly on the lake and tends to be the hub with many restaurants and bars. Kaprun is a typical Austrian village that is quieter than Zell am See, but it also has a great selection of restaurants and bars.
Zell am See-Kaprun ski resort is connected to Austria’s second-biggest ski area- the Ski Circus by the ZellamseeXpress gondola, which means skiers have access to 408km.
BONUS The Alpin Card is the region’s ski ticket and provides access to Kitzsteinhorn glacier in Kaprun, Schmittenhöhe in Zell am See and the Ski Circus – together, providing over 408 km of pistes.
Getting to Zell am See-Kaprun
Zell am See-Kaprun lies in the heart of the Pinzgau region approximately ~85 km south of Salzburg on the A10 Tauernautobahn.
Closest Airport: Salzburg
- Salzburg: 84 km, 1.5 hours driving
- Innsbruck: 146 km 2 hours, 15 minutes driving
- Munich: 196 km 2.5 hours driving
Train: The train station is in the centre of Zell am See and has hourly connections from Salzburg. There are also frequent connections from Munich and Vienna. There is also a regular bus, #260, that departs directly from the airport to Zell am See.
From the Zell am See train station, bus 660 takes you directly to the centre of Kaprun.
Where to Stay in the Zell am See-Kaprun
There is a wide range of hotels, guest houses, chalets and self-catered apartments in Zell am See, Kaprun and the neighbouring Fürth and Bruck and der Großglocknerstrasse.
Wanderlustria’s Recommendations:
Zell am See Ski-in/Ski-out
Berghotel Schmittenhöhe is at the summit of Zell am See at 2000m, the hotel is accessed only by the Schmittenhöhebahn gondola. The hotel has three restaurants, a spa and wellness centre and the famous Schnaps Hans Bar for aprés-ski Check Availability
Berghotel Blaikner’s Sonnalm located 1400 m above sea level, can only be reached by the Sonnenalmbahn Cable Car. Check Availability
Berghotel Jaga Alm is located at 1200m, and the hotel is next to Piste Trail 20. Check Availability
Glockneralm is a Bed and Breakfast directly on the Piste. The accommodation is only accessible by Ski Lift (AreitXpress and Glocknerbahn). It also has the popular Glockneralm restaurant. Check Availability
Although the hotels and accommodation in the centre of Zell am See are on directly on the piste, they are all within a short walk to the CityXpress gondola.
Grand Hotel Zell am See is a superior hotel directly on the lake. Every room has views across the lake to the mountains. The hotel has a restaurant, wellness centre and indoor pool. Check Availability
The family-run Hotel zum Hirschen is located in the centre of Zell am See and 200m from the CityXpress Gondola. The hotel has a two toques restaurant, bar, spa and wellness centre and indoor pool. Check Availability
Salzburgerhof This luxurious, family-run 5-star hotel is located in the centre of Zell am See and 350 m to CityXpress Gondola. The hotel has a restaurant, bar, spa and wellness centre, and indoor pool. Check Availability
The Superior Hotel Tirolerhof is a centrally located 4-star superior spa hotel. The hotel has 2 restaurants, a spa and wellness centre and an indoor pool. Check Availability
Kaprun
Although there are few accommodations located on the Maiskogel ski piste, the village itself is effectively ski-in/ski-out with the 3 K Konnection gondola to the Kitzsteinhorn located in the centre of the village.
Hotel Künstleralm is 800 m from the Kitzsteinhorn glacier. It is the closest hotel to the glacier. Check Availability
ZAGLGUT Hotel-Chalet is located on the Maiskogel, allowing you to ski-in/ski-out. Check Availability
Chalet Evi The spacious chalet includes 8 bedrooms, 2 living rooms, and 8 bathrooms and is located on the Maiskogel, allowing you to ski in/ski out. Check Availability
In the centre of Kaprun
The family-run People’s Hotel is located directly at the valley station of the 3K K-onnection to the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier. The hotel has a bar and spa area. Check Availability
Das Alpenhaus Kaprun is a centrally located hotel with half-board & just a short walk to the K K-onnection at Maiskogel. Check Availability
The Kaprunerhof is a family-run 4-star hotel, only a few minutes walk away from the centre of Kaprun. The hotel has a restaurant that offers half-board (breakfast and dinner), spa and an indoor swimming pool. Check Availability
The 4-star Sonnblick hotel is located in the centre of Kaprun, 200 m from the K K-onnection at Maiskoge ski slope. It features a luxurious spa area, a heated outdoor pool and a restaurant. Check Availability
The 4-star superior Taurenspa hotel features a large indoor and outdoor spa area and an outdoor heated pool with views of the Kitzsteinhorn glacier. Each room has a balcony with impressive mountain views. The Tauern Spa features six different restaurants, bars and cafés. Check Availability
Dorf Chalets Kaprun is 600 m from the Maiskogel and the gondola to Kitzsteinhorn. It has six fully self-contained chalets and two apartments with views of the Kitzsteinhorn and the surrounding mountains. Dorf Chalets Kaprun provides free entry to the Tauren Spa Kaprun. Check Availability
Skiing in Austria
Skiing on Schmittenhöhe in Zell am See
© Schmittenhöhebahn AG
Skiing on Schmittenhöhe in Zell am See
© Zell am See-Kaprun Tourismus
Guide to Austria Glacier Ski Resorts
Kitzsteinhorn Glacier © Kitzsteinhorn & Gletscherbahnen Kaprun AG
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