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5 Best Ski Resorts in Austria

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By Danny
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  • Reading time: 4 minutes

With beautiful nature, quaint villages and the most beautiful ski areas, Austria is one of the most popular countries for skiing! But what are the best ski resorts in Austria? It can be difficult to choose between so many great ski resorts in one country. Curious about our favourites? Here’s a top 5 of the best ski resorts in Austria. Which one are you visiting first?

1. Zillertal Arena

The famous Zillertal Arena is considered by many to be the best ski resort in Austria. Experienced skiers take on the challenge of the black and red slopes at the village of Königsleiten. And if you’re up for it, there are opportunities to go off-piste.

At Zell am Ziller you’ll mainly find red slopes, from which you can easily reach other ski areas in the Zillertal, such as Mayrhofen. In no time, you’ll land in the challenging part of the Zillertal: Penkenjoch. In the town centre, you’ll find a selection of hotels, apartments and bars where you can enjoy some well-deserved après-ski.

The versatile ski destination Gerlos is perhaps the most famous resort for skiing enthusiasts. From the village you can take a modern lift to the extensive ski area. From here you’ll find four runs that bring you back to Gerlos, where most skiers end the day with a good party. Gerlos is known for its lively après-ski!

2. Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm

The official name is Saalbach-Hinterglemm-Leogang-Fieberbrunn, which is a combination of the four locations that form the area. It’s a long name for one of Austria’s most beautiful ski areas, and it shows just how big the area is.

More than 270 km of slopes take you from village to village. Spend the night or make a short stay in idyllic Saalbach. This charming village is located in the middle of the Glemmtal and has a car-free village centre. Grab a bite to eat in one of the cosy restaurants, join the party at the après-ski tent, or try archery, tobogganing or another activity.

Hinterglemm is also a great starting point for your ski holiday in Austria. From luxurious accommodation and delicious restaurants to all kinds of skiing activities, this ski village offers a little bit of everything. Don’t forget the après-ski in Saalbach: once you’re there, you’ll never want to go home!

A snow-covered house sits in a white landscape with mountains rising in the background.
Photo: Saalbach, Austria

3. Kirchberg, Tyrol

188 kilometres of slopes, a bustling village centre and beautiful mountains. That’s Kirchberg. It’s one of the best ski resorts in Austria. Kirchberg is located in the Kitzbühel Alps, where you’ll find blue, red and black runs, topping out at 2,000 metres.

Don’t miss skiing at the Kitzbüheler Horn, a natural snow paradise! And what about after your active day in the snow? Enjoy your evening in the village centre. Après-ski in Kirchberg is legendary! With live Tyrolean music and plenty of schnapps, there’s always a party in the local bars.

What else can you do in Kirchberg? Tobogganing, swimming, or a relaxing sleigh ride through the forest. What more could you need?

A pristine snowy hillside with a single off piste ski track leading towards dense pines, above a cloud-filled valley with distant mountains emerging beyond.
Photo: Kirchberg in the Kitzbüheler Alps

4. Sölden – Hochsölden

Sölden – Hochsölden is one of the best ski resorts in Austria with an altitude of up to 3,250 metres. For true skiing enthusiasts, it’s a snow paradise with 150 kilometres of slopes and perfect snow conditions due to the area’s two glaciers. On one glacier you can make a 15-kilometre descent with an altitude difference of almost two kilometres. Great if you love a long descent!

You’ll end your active ski day in Sölden. This village is located in the Ötztal valley. Enjoy fine meals, cosy après-ski and relax in the wonderful wellness facilities. How about a day in Innsbruck, which is only an hour’s drive away? Instead of bustling Sölden, you can also opt for the quieter Hochsölden, where you’ll also find plenty of good places to stay. The advantage here is that you can reach the slopes directly from your accommodation!

A snowy piste with a mountain backdrop under a clear blue sky, the bright sun shining directly into the camera.
Photo: You find beautiful glaciers in Sölden

5. Arlberg Ski Region

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skiing enthusiast, the Arlberg ski region with its 300 kilometres of different slopes is one of the best ski resorts in Austria.

The slopes in St. Anton – St. Christoph – Stuben and Lech – Oberlech – Zürs are connected by the Flexenbahn. This has made the area incredibly varied and one of the most beautiful ski areas in Austria. The area is therefore also suitable for skiing at different skill levels.

The village of St. Anton is equally versatile. In this attractive town you can relax in a spa, enjoy delicious food in the town’s restaurants, shop in the cosy boutiques or let loose in one of the lively bars. Looking for a romantic activity? Take a ride through the village in a horse-drawn carriage.

A cosy mountain village glowing with warm lights at blue hour, with a deep blue sky and high peaks rising behind.
Photo: Arlberg ski region in Austria

You could easily turn this list into a top 10 or even a top 20 of the best ski resorts in Austria. See all of Sunweb’s ski destinations and decide for yourself what’s most important for your ski holiday. Do you think your next ski holiday will be in Austria?

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