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Short Ski Breaks: 10 Best Ski Resorts in Europe for a Weekend Ski Trip

Whether you are on a budget or lacking time off work, you can still get your ski fix in – just in a shorter time frame. A weekend ski trip is a thrilling escape but it is important to choose a resort that makes the trip as worthwhile as possible. 

Factors to Consider When Booking a Weekend Ski Break

When deciding where to go on a short ski break there are a few things to keep in mind, including the distance from an international airport and proximity to the pistes. On a weekend ski trip you have no time to waste, so picking a ski resort with a short transfer time is essential. When thinking about accommodation you want to select somewhere with easy access to the pistes, ideally ski-in-ski-out accommodation, to maximise your time on the slopes.  

When booking your weekend ski break, make sure to choose an airport with regular flights and transfers so that your journey is as quick and seamless as possible. Dubbed the ‘gateway to the Alps’, Geneva tends to be the most convenient airport for many popular European ski resorts. Flights from London to Geneva are just 1h40m. Other convenient airports, all within a 2-hour flight from London, include; Innsbruck (2h), Zurich (1h40m) and Turin (1h55m). With all transfers, expect longer journeys in peak periods and bad weather.

To help you with your holiday planning, we have rounded up the top 10 best ski resorts for a weekend ski trip, with easy airport access, so that you can embark on a short but sweet trip to the mountains to remember!

Top 10 Ski Resorts for Weekend Ski Breaks in Europe:

1. la clusaz, france.

🚙 Travel time from Airport – 1 hour (Geneva) Best for: Tree skiing

Located in the Haute-Savoie region of the French Alps, La Clusaz is one of the closest ski resorts to Geneva Airport and makes for an excellent location for a short ski trip. The charming traditional mountain village sits at 1,100m and is surrounded by pines. It boasts some beautiful ski treeing as well as high-altitude pistes reaching up to 2,477m. La Clusaz offers 125km of slopes to explore and is a great destination for skiers of all abilities. Just an hour’s transfer from Geneva Airport and with plenty of slope-side accommodation, this easily accessible resort is the perfect location for a short and relaxing ski escape. 

Book ski lessons in La Clusaz!

2. Chamonix, France

🚙 Travel time from airport – 1 hour 10 minutes (Geneva) Best for: Advanced skiers

Sat beneath the towering Mont Blanc in the Haute-Savoie region of the French Alps, Chamonix is steeped in history. As France’s oldest ski resort and the host of the first-ever Winter Olympics in 1924, this iconic destination pulls in crowds throughout the winter season and beyond. Sat at 1,035m, Chamonix boasts a range of terrain fit for skiers of all abilities but is particularly suited to advanced skiers. Famed for its steep runs, excellent off-piste and dramatic scenery, Chamonix offers some truly world-class skiing. Just over an hour’s transfer from Geneva Airport, Chamonix is a popular resort for weekend ski trips. You can’t access all 155km of pistes directly from the centre of Chamonix, however, there are plenty of hair-raising runs directly accessible from the resort to keep you occupied on your weekend ski trip, including Aiguille du Midi and Vallée Blanche. 

Book ski lessons in Chamonix!

3. Morzine, France

🚙 Travel time from airport – 1 hour 15 minutes (Geneva) Best for: Traditional alpine charm

Sitting at 1,000m, Morzine is nestled in the heart of the Haute-Savoie region of the French Alps. It is the central resort in the Portes du Soleil ski area, which offers 650km of diverse skiable terrain – more than enough for a short ski trip! Suited for skiers of all abilities, the charming, picture-perfect Savoyard village is surrounded by tree-lined runs and the river Drance cuts through its centre. It has a traditional alpine feel and accommodation mainly consists of wooden mountain chalets. Thanks to its friendly atmosphere, excellent skiing and short transfer from Geneva Airport, Morzine is a great choice for a weekend ski trip to the mountains. Find out more in our Ultimate Guide to Morzine . 

Book ski lessons in Morzine!

4. Meg è ve, France

🚙 Travel time from airport – 1 hour 15 minutes (Geneva) Best for: A luxury trip

Set at 1,235m, Meg è ve is an attractive resort lying in the shadow of Mont Blanc. In this all-round winter destination, there is plenty to do both on and off the slopes. Meg è ve boasts a large ski area with 450km of perfectly groomed pistes reaching up to 2,350m. The chic resort is also home to high-end accommodation and several world-class restaurants. Just over an hour from Geneva Airport, this easily accessible resort makes for a stylish, short stay. For an up-market long ski weekend in the mountains, there is nowhere better than Meg è ve! The bustling, beautiful town has more than enough to keep you occupied for a short ski trip. 

Book ski lessons in Megève!

5. Flaine, France

🚙 Travel time from airport – 1 hour 15 minutes (Geneva) Best for: Ski-in-ski-out accommodation

Flaine is a popular ski resort set in the heart of the Haute-Savoie region in France. Sitting at 1,600m, the high-altitude resort is almost entirely ski-in-ski-out and offers some incredible skiing for all abilities. Thanks to its position in a north-facing bowl, Flaine has a unique microclimate that ensures good snow cover all season. The resort is a gateway to The Grand Massif ski area, one of the largest ski areas in the French Alps (265km), and is just over one hour from Geneva Airport. So, if you are looking for accessible, snow-sure slopes , Flaine should be on your list for your next weekend ski trip! Find out more in our Ultimate Guide to Flaine . 

Book ski lessons in Flaine!

6. Engelberg, Switzerland

🚙 Travel time from airport – 1 hour 15 minutes (Zurich) Best for: Off-piste enthusiasts

Sitting below the Titlis glacier in Central Switzerland, Engelberg is a hidden gem that is full of surprises. Featuring a 12th-century Monastery and some excellent skiing, Engelberg makes for a thrilling winter escape. Advanced skiers will delight in The Laub, for off-piste skiing , and the north-facing Titlis glacier, renowned for its exceptional powder and 2,000m vertical drop. Engelberg doesn’t have the largest ski area, but the 82km of pisted terrain reaches over 3000m and offers exciting, varied skiing. We recommend booking accommodation at the edge of the resort for easy access to the slopes. Just over an hour from Zurich Airport, Engelberg makes for a great weekend ski trip. If you are looking for quality time on the slopes with limited crowds, then this is the resort for you. 

Book ski lessons in Engelberg!

7. Mayrhofen, Austria

🚙 Travel time from airport – 1 hour (Innsbruck) Best for: Snowparks

Located at the end of the Zillertal Valley in the Tyrol region of Austria, Mayrhofen is a snowy playground for adventurous skiers of all abilities. Sitting at 630m, Mayhrofen has a modern, extensive lift system and 139km of local slopes to explore with the majority being above 1,600m. Though this is more than enough terrain for a short trip, if you fancy going further afield, you can opt for the full Zillertal Valley pass which offers 530km of pistes across four large ski areas (Hochzillertal-Hochfügen-Spieljoch, Zillertal Arena, Mayrhofner Bergbahnen, Ski & Glacier World Zillertal 3000). Mayrhofen is home to Austria’s steepest piste, Harakiri, and is famous for its large snowpark, PenkenPark. Just an hour from Innsbruck Airport, it is the perfect resort for a fun-filled weekend away in the mountains. We recommend staying as close to Penkenbahn as possible for the easiest access to the slopes.  

Book ski lessons in Mayrhofen!

8. Pila, Italy

🚙 Travel time from airport – 1 hour 15 minutes (Turin) Best for: A budget-friendly trip

Pila is a quaint, car-free resort located in the heart of the Aosta Valley in the Italian Alps. The ski area is fairly small with 70km of pisted terrain, but for a short trip, this is more than enough to keep you entertained. The varied terrain mostly sits above 2,000m and is suited to skiers of all abilities. Additionally, Pila is just a 2-minute gondola from the Roman town of Aosta. Brimming with historic charm, Pila has a friendly atmosphere and is a great ski resort for families . The snow-sure slopes reach up to 2,700m and offer breathtaking views of Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa and the Matterhorn. Just over an hour from Turin Airport, the cheap and cheerful resort of Pila is a great option for a budget-friendly weekend ski trip.  

Book ski lessons in Pila!

9. Sölden, Austria

🚙 Travel time from airport – 1 hour 15 minutes (Innsbruck) Best for: Spectacular scenery  

Located in the Ötztal Valley and sitting at 1,377m, Sölden is one of the highest resorts in Austria, meaning that the snow cover is incredibly reliable. Sölden has two incredible glacier ski areas, Rettenbach and Tiefenbach, and is the only resort in Austria that has three skiable peaks above 3,000m. The excellent lift system in the resort allows you to explore the 144km of pisted terrain with ease. Coupled with the incredible skiing in Sölden is its breathtaking scenery, the resort was even a filming location for James Bond’s Spectre! Just over an hour from Innsbruck Airport, Sölden is a great option for a weekend ski trip if you are looking for high-altitude skiing and unbeatable views.  

Book ski lessons in Sölden!

10. St. Anton, Austria

🚙 Travel time from airport – 1 hour 15 minutes (Innsbruck) Best for: Après ski

Located in the Tyrolean Alps in Austria, St. Anton is a world-famous resort both for its spectacular skiing and its lively après ski scene . Sitting at 1,305m, St. Anton is part of Austria’s largest linked ski area and is said to be the place where the après ski ritual of dancing on tables first began! With 305km of pisted terrain and legendary après ski spots including MooserWirt and Krazy Kanguruh, there is much to keep you entertained on and off the slopes in St. Anton! The resort has a vibrant atmosphere from day through to night. Conveniently located just over an hour from Innsbruck Airport, if you are looking for a party-fueled long weekend in the mountains, St. Anton should be at the top of your list! 

Book ski lessons in St. Anton! 

Maximise Your Time on the Slopes on Your Short Ski Break!

With easy access to international airports and fantastic skiing, all of these European ski resorts make excellent destinations for short ski trips and ski weekends. Whether you prefer the French Alps or the Austrian Tyrol, there is an accessible ski resort in this top 10 to suit everyone’s needs. But they’ll be sure to leave you wanting more! Let’s face it – you can never spend enough time in the mountains! 

Another way to maximise your time on the slopes is by booking an instructor on Maison Sport. A private instructor will help you to get back on your ski legs quickly and will enable you to discover as much of the resort as possible in the time that you have. Our instructors know their resorts like the back of their hands and can show you the best runs and give you insider recommendations of the top places to eat and drink so that your holiday is as exhilarating and action-packed as possible. You may be short on time, but you certainly won’t be short on experience!

You might also like: Top 5 Ski Resorts for Intermediate Skiers in France

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Austria Ski Weekends & flexible, tailor-made Short Ski Breaks

We’ve been organising ski weekends and flexible, tailor- made holidays to Austria since 1999. We have expert local knowledge and strive to match your requirements with our resorts and hotels to ensure maximum skiing and enjoyment with minimum hassle.

Much as we would love to, we do not promise any date, any duration and any resort. However, we know exactly what works and have excellent relationships with Austrian partners that allow us to offer the right amount of flexibility.

Our packages usually include the accommodation and airport transfer element to which we or you can add flights. We offer a wide choice of Hotel options including Luxury Spa Hotels and we can pre-book lift passes, hire, private lessons or guides in advance.

Our most popular Ski Weekend Resorts

• Fieberbrunn : Great snow record, short transfer, 270 km piste
• Kitzbühel : World-famous, stylish resort. Quality 4*+ Spa Hotels
• Kirchberg : Ski Kitzbühel plus the Ski Welt, great value, short transfer
• St Johann in Tirol : Great all-rounder, ideal for beginners & intermediates
• Zell am See-Kaprun : Perfect for intermediates, charming lakeside resort, snow-sure glacier skiing
• Fügen : Super short transfer, Ziller Valley
• Galtür : High altitude village resort, close to Ischgl

View all Austrian Ski Resorts

Planning your Ski Weekend : Where to go?

The resorts of the Kitzbüheler Alps region (Fieberbrunn, Kitzbühel, Kirchberg and St Johann in Tirol) offer a fantastic variety of skiing, the best choice of flexible hotel options and short airport transfers. 

From Salzburg, Zell am See and Kaprun have some great short stay options whilst Saalbach-Hinterglemm is more limited. Innsbruck offers the best access to Mayrhofen and Fügen in the Ziller Valley, Galtür, Ischgl and St Anton (however, please note the bigger the resort, the less flexibility on offer).

When to go?

Travelling pre-Christmas, January through to early February and from the first week in March offers the most flexibility. Almost without exception, hotels only accept 7-night stays in the high season (New Year, February School holidays). You could also consider arriving on a Saturday or Sunday for 3 or 4 nights when prices are keener and slopes less crowded. The more flexible you can be, the more Hotel and Resort options are available.

Getting to Austria : Flights and Airport Transfers

Our Ski Weekend prices include Hotel accommodation and airport transfers –either by private minibus or coach for larger groups or a shared shuttle service.

Salzburg, Innsbruck and Munich (Germany) are the main gateway airports for Austria. Whilst Salzburg and Innsbruck offer the shortest transfer times, Munich offers the best choice of flight times, in particular, late flights home on your last day for max skiing time. We’ll advise on the best flight routes, times and fares or you are welcome to book your own flights.

Corporate Ski Weekends

Whether it’s a team incentive, entertaining clients or hosting an off-site conference with a difference, the Austrian Alps provide a stunning backdrop and playground. Our Corporate Ski weekends are tailored to your requirements and include organising flights, exclusive transfers and flexible group and individual itineraries.

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Ski Weekends :: Price Guide

3* Pension Sonne, B+B, Fieberbrunn From £349 per person

4* Hotel Kohlerhof, half board, Fugen From £519 per person

4* Hotel Alte Post, half board, Fieberbrunn From £589 per person

4*S Schloss Lebenberg, half board, Kitzbuhel From £649 per person

These prices are a low season guide price per person based on 2 sharing and include 3 nights accommodation as described and return airport transfers from Salzburg or Innsbruck (minimum 4 share, minibus taxi shuttle). Flights are extra. Please contact our office or you can book your own flights.

Private or Munich transfers, 4*+ Luxury Spa Hotels or longer durations will increase these prices. As all of our ski weekends and short breaks are tailor-made in terms of resort, hotel and duration, please contact us here with your requirements.

Austria Ski Vacations

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Austria Ski Resorts

Convenient to several large Alpine hubs such as Innsbruck , an Austria ski vacation is perfect for vacationers who enjoy exploring surrounding villages, hamlets and culturally rich cities while in destination.

Boasting a reputation as one of the birthplaces of skiing, any enthusiast of the sport would be remiss if they never planned a ski trip to the mountains of Austria. All types of skiers will be happy with the offerings at iconic destinations such as St Anton am Arlberg , Bad Gastein , and Solden .

Adventurous skiers and snowboarders can relive history at Austria's world famous ski resorts, many of which are home to Olympic and World Cup runs such as the infamous Streif downhill course in Kitzbuhel .

Not sure where you'd like to go?

See our best-selling Austria resorts via the map below and if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to one of our 65+ Mountain Travel Experts.

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About Ski Holidays Austria

Ski Holidays Austria is your trusted companion in curating the perfect ski holiday in Austria’s most  breathtaking resorts . From the snow-dusted peaks of  Ischgl  to the charming mediaeval town of  Kitzbühel , we weave together the magic of winter sports and the allure of Austrian hospitality into a seamless holiday experience.

Austria’s ski resorts cater to  every skill level . Whether you’re a seasoned skier carving your way down challenging black runs in  St. Anton  or a beginner finding your feet on the gentle blue pistes of  Mayrhofen , we’re the experts who guide you to the right destination.

We tailor your Austria ski trips to your unique needs and preferences, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

At Ski Holidays Austria, we take the stress out of planning your ski holiday. We book cosy  ski accommodations  that offer a warm retreat after a day on the slopes, arrange your  ski passes , and provide any needed  transfers .

We even prepare a detailed  personalised handout  brimming with local recommendations and information, ensuring you have everything you need to make the most of your Austrian ski holiday.

Pick your preferred  ski package in Austria , and then it’s time to slip into your ski boots, fasten your helmet, and let Ski Holidays Austria guide you to the winter wonderland of your dreams. After all, the mountains are calling, and we’ve already packed your skis!

Explore Austria’s 5 Premier Ski Resorts

Embrace the high-energy atmosphere of Ischgl, where exhilarating ski slopes meet vibrant nightlife, creating an unforgettable fusion of adventure and entertainment.

2. Kitzbühel

Experience the timeless elegance of Kitzbühel, a mediaeval town that seamlessly blends luxury accommodations, family-friendly ski holidays, and adrenaline-fueled snowboarding in a picturesque setting.

Immerse yourself in the tranquil charm of Seefeld, a family-friendly haven nestled in Austria’s Tyrol region, offering gentle slopes, cross-country trails, and a warm, welcoming community.

Unleash your adventurous spirit in Kaprun, a snow-sure resort in the heart of Austria, where diverse runs, thrilling snow parks, and glacier skiing promise a winter holiday filled with excitement.

5. St. Anton

Test your mettle in St. Anton, a mecca for seasoned skiers, renowned for its challenging black runs, off-piste opportunities, and reputation as the birthplace of alpine skiing.

Enjoy your ski and snowboarding holidays in Austria

Imagine waking up in  Ischgl , a winter wonderland offering thrilling skiing and lively après-ski. Or picture yourself in  Kitzbühel , a mediaeval town that blends luxury with adventure, offering family-friendly ski holidays and snowboarding escapades.

Perhaps you’d prefer  Seefeld , with its diverse slopes and family-friendly amenities nestled in Austria’s Tyrol region. Or maybe the diverse runs and thrilling snow parks of  Kaprun , located in the heart of Austria, are calling your name.

Each of these destinations is a gem in Austria’s crown of ski resorts, each offering a unique blend of natural beauty, winter sports, and local charm.

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During your ski holiday, you’ll be comfortably accommodated in one of our handpicked ski chalets, nestled in the heart of Austria’s top ski resorts. Each chalet is selected for its blend of comfort, luxury, and proximity to the ski slopes, ensuring you have a memorable stay.

Our ski holidays are open to all ages. We cater to a diverse clientele, from families with young children to couples and solo travellers. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the joy of skiing in Austria’s beautiful resorts.

Skiing is a physical activity, but it’s also about having fun. Our ski holidays are designed to cater to all fitness levels. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a beginner, we have ski packages that will suit your abilities and ensure you have a fantastic time on the slopes.

For your ski holiday, we recommend packing warm clothing, including thermal layers, a high-quality ski jacket and pants, gloves, and a hat. Ski boots, goggles, and a helmet are also essential for safety on the slopes. If you don’t have your own ski equipment, don’t worry. We can assist you with arranging rental equipment at the resort.

Our ski packages are comprehensive, covering your accommodations, ski passes, and customized holiday design. Upon your request, we can also arrange transfers, ski equipment rental, additional activities, and ski instructors. These are all subject to an additional charge. However, some costs are not included in the package price. These include international airfare, travel and sports insurance, and meals and drinks unless otherwise specified. Additionally, a small tourist tax imposed by local authorities in Austria is also not included. It is usually paid directly at the accommodation.

Absolutely! We welcome skiers of all skill levels. Our ski holidays include resorts that are beginner-friendly, featuring gentle slopes and ski schools for those new to the sport. Our team of experts will help you choose the right destination that matches your skill level.

The tourist tax is a nominal fee imposed by local authorities in Austria. This fee is used to fund local tourism infrastructure and services, contributing to the upkeep and enhancement of the resorts. The rate varies by location and is typically paid directly at your accommodation.

Our ski holidays offer more than just skiing. Austria’s ski resorts are brimming with a range of activities, from snowboarding and ice skating to winter hiking and wellness spas. If you’re interested in exploring these activities, we can help you arrange them as part of your ski holiday.

The prime time for skiing in Austria is from December to March when the ski resorts are beautifully blanketed in snow. However, some high-altitude resorts offer skiing opportunities as late as May, extending the ski season for those who wish to enjoy the slopes a little longer.

Ready for the time of your life?

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• Things to Do
• Skiing and Winter

Ski Resorts for Beginners and Returning Skiers

Beginners are in excellent hands at Austria's ski schools, and resorts catering for newbies on the slopes. Returning winter sports fans will feel equally at home right away amidst stunning mountain panoramas and peeks. This is winter the Austrian way.

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Away from Hustle and Bustle

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Sustainable Winter Holidays

Quality time the austrian way.

It's back, that very special uplifting feeling when gliding over the powdery snow on skis or a snowboard. If only the turns came about more perfectly, and the knees would stop shaking. Don't rush now!

Beginners and those aiming to brush up their skiing skills after a longer break usually feel more comfortable in smaller, more manageable ski areas than in a massive ski carousel. There's no need to study the piste maps for hours, as you'll find plenty of blue runs where carving and mastering your first turns is easy. Add the panoramic views of a dreamy alpine winter landscape, and you'll really feel that Mountain High.

To reward yourself, and to warm up body and soul after a couple of hours in the cold, stop at one the countless ski huts and indulge in culinary classics such as Käsespätzle (the Austrian answer to mac and cheese), bacon dumplings and/or a Kaiserschmarren (sliced pancakes).

Beginner-friendly resorts allow families and winter sport fans of all skill levels to appreciate the beauty of nature together, to enjoy being active in the snow, and embrace the alpine lifestyle - quality time the Austrian way.

• Friends taking a break in the ski resort Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau Austrian National Tourist Office / Christoph Oberschneider media_content.tooltip.skipped
• skiing and snowboarding in the ski resort Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau Austrian National Tourist Office / Christoph Oberschneider media_content.tooltip.skipped
• Family enjoys Kaiserschmarrn at a hut in the ski resort Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau Austrian National Tourist Office / Christoph Oberschneider media_content.tooltip.skipped
• Fun in the snow in the Alpbachtal valley, family building a snowman Austrian National Tourist Office / Christoph Oberschneider media_content.tooltip.skipped

FAQs for beginners and returning skiers

• Pitztal: Hochzeiger
• St. Johann in Tirol
• Brandnertal
• Kleinwalsertal

SalzburgerLand

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• Kreischberg
• Spital am Semmering
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• Turracher Höhe

Upper Austria

• Dachstein West
• Spital on the Pyhrn: Wurzeralm

Lower Austria

• Mönichkirchen
• Semmering: Hirschenkogel
• St. Corona am Wechsel
• 140 km: Saalbach-Hinterglemm-Leogang-Fieberbrunn
• 114 km: Wilder Kaiser-Brixental
• 61 km: Obertauern
• 60 km: Silvretta-Montafon

A ski helmet is recommended for all winter sports fans. For minors - under 15 years - it is mandatory.

• Choose a ski resort with easy (= blue) or at most intermediate (= red) slopes.
• Book a few lessons at a ski school.
• Start ski exercises in good time.
• Bring your equipment up to date.

Skiing in Austria

Austria awaits with a variety of ski resorts that are perfect for ski newbies and those getting back on the pistes after a longer break. Here, beginners can learn the basics in a relaxed atmosphere and enjoy their first turns on the gently rolling slopes.

Listen in: Austria - The Home of Family Skiing

Six tips for beginners and returning skiers, keep going.

If the movements don't turn out correctly right away, don't be disappointed. It might take some time to get a feel for the slopes.

Get your ski equipment checked

After years of not being used, your skis might be slightly outdated. In most winter sports resorts the latest models can be rented.

Don't forget your ski helmet!

The days of wearing a headband or hood on the slopes are over. A ski helmet is definitely advised - for minors up to 15 it is mandatory.

Get fit before you hit the slopes

Make sure to train your leg, abdominal and back muscles before heading on your skiing getaway - regular cardio training is also recommended.

Choose the right ski resort

Choose a ski resort with mostly easy (= blue) to medium (= red) slopes.

Book a ski course or a few lessons

Experience first-hand how quickly Austria's certified ski instructors turn beginners into advanced skiers - or advanced ones into experts.

Safety on and off the slopes

Follow the rules on the pistes, mindful behaviour off-piste, climate protection.

Winter and skiing holidays in Austria's Alps are legendary. To keep it that way, a lot is changing right now to make them more sustainable: The ski region "Klimaberg" Katschberg amidst the "UNESCO Biosphere Park Salzburg Lungau & Carinthian Nockberge" has been awarded the Austrian Ecolabel and the German "Green Tourism Award". In Zell am See , cable cars run on 100 percent electricity from renewable sources, while snow-farming protects the glacier in the Kaprun resort: Snow for the next winter is stored and the ice surface of the glacial tongue is covered. The Schladming-Dachstein ski region relies on climate-friendly travel by train as well as ski buses and on-site e-fueling stations . In the Wilder Kaiser ski region, every guest arriving by train is rewarded with free transfer to accommodation, free public transport and a 10 percent discount on ski rentals (see all advantages at a glance ). In the Silvretta Montafon, Golm and Brandnertal region, skiers can book a Green Ticket online. It includes a day ski pass, a ticket for arrival and departure by bus and train, a 10 percent discount on rental equipment, and one free ski waxing.

Skier in the Lech am Arlberg ski area Austrian National Tourist Office / thecreatingclick.com Lech am Arlberg media_content.tooltip.skipped

This Might Also Be Of Interest

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Austria's Top 10 Family Ski Regions

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10 Activities Beyond the Ski Slopes

Experience the beauty of an Austrian winter beyond the slopes, with snowshoeing, dog sledding, or even igloo building.

Austria's Ski Resorts: Opening Dates 2023/24

Austria's ski season is in full swing – find out the opening dates of our ski resorts.

Winter Holidays - the Austrian Way

What is it that makes a winter holiday in Austria so unique? It's the Austrian way of life. Blissful moments in the snow, experienced and enjoyed together with family and friends. The ones you brought along, and the ones you just met!

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13 Top-Rated Ski Resorts in Austria, 2023/24

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Dec 7, 2023

More casual and laid-back than the glitzy resorts of France and Switzerland, ski resorts in Austria exude an old-world charm, with trail and lift networks linking small Alpine villages surrounded by spectacular snow-covered peaks.

From most of these cozy villages, you can ski all day without ever repeating a run, whatever your level of experience. Austrian terrain ranges from some of the world's steepest runs to gentle slopes and trails perfect for learners and youngsters. Because of this variety, Austria is a favorite for family ski vacations.

Although prices have risen a bit in the past couple of years, Austria's popularity with international skiers is boosted by its value for money. Holiday packages, lift passes, lodging, dining, and ski schools still cost less here than in the French or Swiss Alps, and you're sure of warm hospitality and high service standards, as well as sophisticated lifts and snow maintenance.

Skiing in Austria is also not limited to winter – glaciers provide year-round snow , and most ski resorts are only an hour's drive from Innsbruck, Salzburg, or Munich international airports.

Find the best place to visit for your next winter vacation with our list of the top ski resorts in Austria.

1. St. Anton am Arlberg

2. kitzbühel, 3. lech-zürs am arlberg, 4. mayrhofen, 6. ischgl and the silvretta arena, 7. söll and the skiwelt, 8. zell am see, 9. saalbach-hinterglemm, 10. alpbach, 11. innsbruck, 12. obertauern, 13. bad gastein, best ski resorts in austria for families, best ski resorts in austria for snowboarders, map of ski resorts in austria, trail ratings in austria, the best ski resorts in europe & north america.

The best known of the ski resorts in Austria's Arlberg, St. Anton is one of Europe's — and the World's — top resorts for serious skiers, with some of the most challenging runs in the Alps . It holds an important place in ski history as the site of the first ski club in the Alps, which began here in 1901. If you're an expert skier, this is the place to be. It's no place for beginners, although strong intermediates will find plenty of skiing in its 280 kilometers of terrain.

Reaching heights of 2,800 meters, St. Anton is known for its off-piste opportunities for advanced skiers and its mega-moguls. The longest downhill piste in the Arlberg is in St. Anton, aptly named "The White Thrill."

"The White Ring" circuit has long been the stuff of legends, but it's been joined by an even longer and more spectacular route, the "Run of Fame." This 85-kilometer-long circuit runs through the entire Ski Arlberg skiing area. The 85-kilometer-long circuit runs from St. Anton/Rendl via Zürs and Lech to Warth and back to St. Anton. The new run will be celebrated in an annual race on the new circuit, the Hunt of Fame.

Lifts leave right from the village, a car-free cluster of shops, cafés, inns, and hotels. The latter include some highly rated luxury properties at mid-range prices within a short walk of ski lifts. The village is a lively place, well-known for its boisterous après-ski scene.

A ski bus can take less accomplished (and less daring) skiers to the nearby slopes of Lech and Zürs, both of which are included in the regional Arlberg lift pass, covering a total of 340 kilometers of slopes and pistes. Some of these other areas are also connected to St. Anton by new lifts that link to ski pistes on the other side of the Flexen Pass.

Now a member of Vail Resorts' EPIC Pass system, St. Anton has one other advantage: you can reach it by train

Official site: www.Stantonamarlberg.com

While St. Anton is the best Austrian resort for expert skiers, Kitzbühel is the top choice for everyone else. Charming and romantic, the walled and frescoed town of Kitzbühel, in the Alps between Salzburg and Innsbruck, is indisputably one of Austria's loveliest towns , and it's closest to the glamour of the high-end Swiss resorts.

In addition to its luxury hotels, smart boutiques, and fine dining, Kitzbühel is a skier's dream, and its traditional town appeals just as much to family members who don't ski.

Ski race fans know Kitzbühel for the annual Hahnenkamm, the toughest of all downhill ski races, on terrain that reaches 85 percent vertical in places. Expert skiers also head for the Streif, considered one of the most challenging downhill courses in the world .

But the 170 kilometers of skiable pistes and slopes have plenty for all skill levels, as well as the added allure of cute little mountain huts scattered along them, where you can stop for warming drinks and snacks.

Skiing is in three areas: the Kitzbüheler Horn; the much larger Hahnenkamm; and Bichlalm, a small area for free riders. In addition, a short bus ride links Kitzbühel to the SkiWelt , adding 280 kilometers of trails served by 90 lifts. Both are included in the nine-area Kitzbühel Alps AllStarCard.

As you would expect, Kitzbühel's lifts are state-of-the-art; among other comforts are the 10-person gondola lift and the six-person, high-speed detachable chairlift with bubble covers.

Although Kitzbühel abounds in luxury hotels and attracts its share of glitterati, it also has plenty of small family-run inns for budget travelers.

Official site: www.kitzbuehel.com

• Read More: Top Tourist Attractions in Kitzbühel & Easy Day Trips

Now connected to nearby St. Anton by the new Flexenbahn cableway, the village of Lech is a favorite bolt-hole for royalty and celebrities, with its cluster of high-end lodgings and an air of exclusivity enhanced by its remote setting. That said, Lech also has a number of budget-friendly lodgings that, coupled with its wide range of terrain, make it an approachable choice for families as well.

Zürs is considered Austria's most exclusive ski resort, smaller, quieter, and less self-conscious than places like San Moritz or Courchevel, but no less upscale. It is a particular favorite for off-piste skiers who revel in its range of backcountry terrain .

The tiny village of Zug is about five kilometers from Lech and connected to it by cable car, making it a peaceful, low-key alternative with access to the same ski terrain. Between the two, 350 kilometers of terrain are at a high enough altitude to ensure good snow.

The 85-kilometer-long "Run of Fame" circuit takes skiers from St. Anton/Rendl via Zürs and Lech to Warth and back to St. Anton, encompassing the entire Ski Arlberg skiing area.

The snow levels and the area's isolation can be problematic for those who must come and go on a schedule, as a snowstorm can close the pass, making access from the east a much longer journey.

Official site: https://www.lechzuers.com/en/winter/skiing/

Both powder hounds and snowboarders love Mayrhofen for its outstanding terrain parks and its vast open snowfields on the higher slopes. But there is plenty here for all levels of skier and boarder, and value prices. In fact, a German newspaper named Mayrhofen the best value ski area for the money.

The 10-person Möslbahn gondola connects with the Horbergbahn cable car, and its slope is now a Ski Movie Run, equipped with cameras, so you can have a video of your skiing. The six snowboarding areas of the Vans Penken Park have their own quad chairlift, as does a dedicated kids' park.

Experienced skiers can challenge themselves on the three graded giant slalom courses at Unterberg , where international skiers train for competitions. One course is about 200 meters, and the other two are 450 meters; all have track timing.

The area-wide Zillertaler Superskipass covers 489 kilometers of pistes in the whole valley, served by 177 lifts. The intermediate Mayrhofen/Hippach facility has 159 kilometers of runs, almost 100 percent of which are covered by snowmaking. Austria's steepest groomed ski run , Harakiri, has a 78 percent gradient.

Official Site: https://www.mayrhofen.at/en/

With a high altitude and linked to two glaciers, Sölden is assured some of Austria's most reliable snow, with the added appeal of almost year-round skiing on the glaciers , which reach to a high point of 3,250 meters. Although warming climates make this less certain, it is not unusual to find skiers here from September through June.

It's only an hour's drive from Innsbruck , but was largely overlooked by international skiers until it was used as the setting for the 2015 James Bond film, Spectre .

Its mixed 150-kilometer terrain makes it more versatile than many resorts, and although it has a higher percentage of gentle and intermediate runs, the glaciers and off-piste skiing give experts plenty of options, especially on the Gaislachkogl mountain.

Rettenbach also has more challenging terrain. It has been the venue for the Alpine World Cup circuit since 2000.

The two glaciers and the three different mountains are connected by actual runs and lifts, so skiing between them is not a series of cross-country catwalks. What the village of Sölden lacks in picturesque charm, it makes up for in exuberant après-ski life.

Official site: www.soelden.com

Although it has long held the reputation as the après-ski capital of the Alps , Ischgl has a lot for serious skiers to love, too. The high altitude and number of north-facing slopes assure good snow, and its excellent lift system covers the largest ski terrain in the Eastern Alps .

The Silvretta runs are perfect for intermediate skiers and offer them the chance for cross-border skiing into Switzerland, a thrill usually reserved for experts. You'll also find some long, wide cruisers in these six valleys.

Experts have plenty of terrain, with challenging black trails and off-piste skiing. Boarders are especially happy here at the Ischgl Snowpark, with new rails, boxes, and obstacles. Both six-seat gondolas at Valisera have been replaced this season by 10-person Doppelmayr gondolas with seat heating.

Ischgl, renowned for having the liveliest après-ski scene in Europe, will be much different this season, with many activities canceled and venues closed.

Official site: https://www.ischgl.com/en/Active/Active-Winter/Skiing-in-Ischgl

The second largest ski area in Austria and the major resort of the dozen SkiWelt villages, Söll offers some of the best value in the Austrian Alps . Although it provides skiers with 280 kilometers of pistes served by 90 lifts, the charming Tyrolean village is filled with budget-friendly accommodations and dining.

The terrain is largely geared to intermediate skiers , with fewer places to challenge experts. Ski activity courses delight children as they practice their skiing skills.

The SkiWelt is linked to Kitzbühel through Westendorf and Kirchberg, adding another 170 kilometers and 54 lifts, although these require a separate lift pass. Although the area is at a lower altitude than many Alpine resorts, the slopes are about 80 percent covered by snowmaking.

The spectacular views of the lake ringed by soaring snow-covered peaks are so overwhelming that skiers at Zell am See may have trouble concentrating on the snow. But they don't need to worry that there will be plenty of it, at least on the Kitzsteinhorn glacier above Kaprun, accessible on the same ski pass.

The Ski ALPIN Card covers skiing on 408 kilometers of groomed pistes and slopes, including the glacier ski area, accessed by 121 lifts and cable cars.

The town is large enough to offer some diversion for non-skiers, who can also spend the day in Salzburg, only about 100 kilometers away. Skiers who prefer a quieter setting and are not keen on Zell am See's famous après-ski scene can find peace and more budget-friendly lodging in nearby Schüttdorf , which has lift access right from its center.

Official site: www.zellamsee-kaprun.com

The villages of Saalbach and Hinterglemm, near Salzburg, combine with the nearby resorts of Leogang and Fieberbrunn to make Austria's most extensive linked trail network , with some of its most modern and sophisticated lift systems. Despite the comparatively low altitude (1,003 meters and 1,060 meters respectively), the resort's good snow history has made it one of Austria's most popular.

The combined terrain, called the SkiCircus, forms a ring of mountains, which total more than 200 kilometers of ski runs served by 62 lifts. These are arranged in such a way that ambitious skiers can make a circuit rather than repeating the same runs.

Getting to the slopes is even faster this year with the new Asitzkogelbahn I, an eight-person detachable chairlift with bubble covers, that is able to carry 3,700 skiers an hour.

The region is especially good for families and for beginning and intermediate skiers, including enough terrain so that they can sample plenty of variety with runs that stretch the entire 1,000-meter vertical. Ski runs go right into the centers of Saalbach and Hinterglemm.

Saalbach , the larger of the two villages right at the base of the slopes, is a traditional Austrian mountain village enhanced with boutiques and upscale hotels. Hinterglemm is quieter, more budget-friendly, and better for families. Free ski buses connect Saalbach-Hinterglemm and Leogang.

Official site: https://www.saalbach.com/home

Begin with a cluster of traditional stone-and-timber Tyrolean buildings that's been named Austria's prettiest village , then add the snow-covered slopes and peak of Wiedersbergerhorn, whose top station is a 15-minute gondola ride above. From here, the view stretches across the entire Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau ski domain.

An eight-person gondola links the Alpbach side with the Wildschönau valley, connecting the Ski Juwel resorts of Reith, Niederau, an Oberau for a combined 145 kilometers of runs, one of the largest trail systems in the Tyrol .

Along with the two gondolas that ascend Wiedersbergerhorn on the Alpbacht side is the gondola to the Schatzberg, the highest peak on the Wildschönau side. The steeper runs are on the Alpbacht face, with more gentle cruisers and beginner slopes on the Wildschönau. About 78 kilometers of the runs are intermediate to upper-intermediate, some extending from the top to the valley floor.

Beginning skiers will like the wide-open runs in the Skiweg area. At Reith, the pistes are lighted on some nights .

Despite its postcard good looks and good variety of terrain, Alpbach is one of Austria's most budget-friendly ski towns.

Official site: https://www.alpbachtal.at/en

Innsbruck, a lovely old city on the River Inn, is not really a ski resort, but it's included here for its easy cable-car access to world-class skiing, right from its center.

Six different ski areas surround Innsbruck , each accessible by a short bus or cable car ride. A single OlympicWorld ski pass gives you access to more than 300 kilometers of ski trails in nine areas, including 50 kilometers of intensive skiing on the Stubai Glacier for experts . Although it varies from year to year, Stubai may open as soon as early September.

Closest to Innsbruck city center is Nordkette , reached by a funicular and cable car, but with some of the Tyrol's steepest runs and off-piste terrain, it's not for beginners. A full 87 percent of its terrain is for expert skiers, seven percent each intermediate and advanced (double diamond in US marking standards).

The Hungerburg-Seegrube is also for experts , leading to the challenging terrain of the Hafelekar. Intermediate skiers should head for the Axamer-Lizum, 10 kilometers from town in the village of Axams or the Muttereralm area.

All levels of skiers will be happy in the village of Igls, where Innsbruck's most popular ski area, Patscherkofel, was home to the 1964 Winter Olympics (Innsbruck again hosted the Winter Olympics in 1976). Igls is a short tram ride from Innsbruck and a good base for families with both skiers and non-skiers.

• Read More: Top Tourist Attractions in Innsbruck & Easy Day Trips

• Close to Saltzburg , the resort of Obertauern sits at an altitude of 1,740 meters (5,708 feet), assuring it some of the most reliable snow conditions in Austria. Skiing is excellent here from late November into early May, with the greatest snow depths in Austria covering its 100km of pistes and slopes.
• The terrain of the high-alpine bowl where the resort is located allows for an unusually integrated lift system that enables skiers and snowboarders to go anywhere in Obertauern in a matter of minutes without ever having to use a bus or car. The network of 26 lifts includes two gondolas, two 8-packs, six 6-packs, and eight quad chairlifts. Most feature covers to protect skiers from the weather and some of them have heated seats.
• Snow Parks: Several snow parks keep boarders and free-stylers happy. From the Kehrkopfbahn lift station, obstacles and kickers are at the edges of slopes 7a and 7c, and there are rails and a beginner line at the Schrotteralm lift. Boarder-cross courses are at the Zentralbahn and Edelweisbahnn lifts. The Freestyle Skiing FIS Europa Cup was held here in 2023.
• Hotels and inns are close and many offer direct ski-in-ski-out access to the slopes and lifts. You can literally ski out your door for first tracks in high-mountain powder. Everything in the resort and in the town is centrally located, adding even more convenience to the integrated lift pattern.
• Families and Children: This makes Obertauern especially attractive for families. Kids get a lot of attention in the facilities, with special areas that include two monster parks, a fairy-tale park, two scary tunnels to ski through, a kids' slalom, and the Bibo Bear Family Ski Park. Daycare includes everything from babysitting to outdoor activities and snow sports schools, allowing parents time to ski on more adult terrain.
• Sun terraces for breaks and lunch are located at the bases of the upper lifts, and most also have full restaurants serving hearty local specialties. Two favorites are at the bases of the Seekarspitzbahn and Achenrainbahn lifts.
• Official site: https://www.ski-obertauern.at/en/

Austrian ski towns don't get any more picturesque than Bad Gastein, in a deep valley at the foot of some great ski terrain. The 11-kilometer Hohe Scharte North trail is one of the region's longest, and there's almost always plenty of powder.

It's among the best ski resorts in Austria for intermediates , with half the terrain, a whopping 49.3 kilometers, labeled blue. Experts get less here, but they get top conditions and uncrowded pistes. The resort's 18 lifts access more than 82 kilometers of skiing, both above and below the tree line.

Along with a dedicated beginners' area, Bad Gastein offers a chance to become a film star, with a Skimovie feature on the giant slalom course. Bad Gastein is among the five resorts of the Ski Amadé, so your Bad Gastein lift ticket is valid at four other ski areas.

You can ski right to the door of Hotel Alpenblick , located in the village, at the base of the Graukogel ski run. Relax on a balcony overlooking the mountain or in the soothing waters of the nearby Felsentherme, a large thermal spring complex.

In addition to the extensive beginner and intermediate terrain at Saalbach-Hinterglemm and the wide-open runs at budget-friendly Alpbach, these other smaller resorts are among the best Austrian ski resorts for families:

SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser–Brixental: In the Tirol region, SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser–Brixental's gentle slopes, superb grooming, child-safe ski lifts and special facilities for kids make it a top choice for families. Along with childcare facilities at the Hopfgarten lift's valley station and at the Snow Pirates Kids Club, the resort offers a total of 22 ski schools for kids as young as two. Three nursery slopes, practice slopes (one with free lifts), and plenty of beginner trails help prepare kids for a lifetime of snow sports; a whole village of real igloos and lighted toboggan runs add to family apres-ski fun.

Obergurgl : Like the quiet little town, ski slopes and runs are uncrowded and free of speed demons, making both the streets and trails safe places for kids. Along with a good ski school, there are nursery slopes and a progression of terrain around the Gaisberg lift, where more experienced skiers can cruise on long beginner and intermediate runs.

Official site: https://www.obergurgl.com

Ellmau: Like Obergurgl, Ellmau is known for its family-friendly atmosphere. Excellent ski schools have snow fun parks, too, to keep the kids amused while you ski; trails for all levels of skier ensure that parents and more experienced siblings aren't bored. There's a tubing park as well.

Official site: https://www.skiwelt.at

Niederau: The Christmas-card village will charm kids from the start, and the excellent ski school will get beginners off to the right start, with its beginners' lift that starts right in the village. The progression of the terrain is ideal for practicing at every stage (including some that will challenge experts) and off the slopes are plenty of activities: sleigh rides, a toboggan run, a little tourist train, and a water park. A bonus: this is one of Austria's most budget-friendly resorts for lodging.

Nearly all ski resorts have enough terrain to keep boarders happy, but some, like the runs accessible from Innsbruck's Nordkettenbahnen attract world-class boarders; Mayrhofen's Vans Penken Park is a favorite of free-stylers.

Saalbach: Along with two dedicated parks, Saalbach has more than 200 kilometers of groomed runs and wide powder fields plus steep descents on both sides of the valley. Lifts and trail layouts are boarder-friendly, and along with the challenging terrain, there are plenty of pistes where beginners can gain confidence. Near Salzburg, it is one of the largest ski areas in Austria.

Official site: https://www.saalbach.com

Kaprun: With everything from learning slopes at Lechnerberg to the full kilometer of 63 percent gradient on the Black Mamba, Kaprun caters to boarders of all skills. The glacier at the base of the Kitzsteinhorn offers terrain for experts and strong intermediate skiers. For freestylers, the Kitzsteinhorn and Maiskogel parks claim a total of 70 obstacles, rated for first-timers through experts.

Official site: https://www.zellamsee-kaprun.com

North American skiers heading to Austria should be aware of the differences in trail ratings. Blue corresponds to North American green for beginners; intermediate is red .

Black is the same, and in Austria orange corresponds to the double-black diamond. Typically, trail signs show colors, not shapes. Be aware also that these ratings tend to vary, with designations relative to other trails in that resort not an industry-wide standard. So don't assume that red trails are the same everywhere.

Ski Europe : If Austria whets your appetite for more skiing in the Alps or the Dolomites, consider the ski resorts in Italy , Switzerland , and France , and start planning your next European winter vacation.

Ski the Eastern United States : From Europe, you can find good flight options and connections to many of the best ski resorts on the East Coast . For more details on New England skiing, our article on the Top-Rated Ski Resorts in New Hampshire describes skiing in the White Mountains, while you can learn about skiing in neighboring Vermont's Green Mountains in Top-Rated Ski Resorts in Vermont .

Ski the Western USA : If you're thinking of heading to the Rockies and other mountains in the West for a ski vacation, have a look at our articles on the best ski resorts in Utah , Colorado , and California , or more specifically, the top ski resorts at Lake Tahoe . The large resorts are famous but these states are also home to smaller resorts that offer good value. They are also more easy to navigate and a good option for families.

If you want to combine a little skiing with a sun vacation, consider hitting the ski resorts in Arizona and New Mexico .

More on Austria

Ski vacations in Austria

Find the ski resorts that appeal to you the most, about skiing in austria.

Come to the Austrian alps for the classic mountain village charm, and stay for the world-class ski resorts. You'll have plenty of options, ranging from wide and snowy slopes, large powder fields, and Olympic-worthy downhills. Visit St. Anton and Mayrhofen if you’re more into the après-ski party life, or Alpbach, Wilder Kaiser, and Kitzbühel if you’re planning a quieter family getaway. No matter where you go—whether a cozy family-run chalet or a wooden Tyrolean restaurant with a great view of the Alps—you’ll definitely feel welcome.

Top 5 ski resort destinations in Austria

1. saalbach hinterglemm.

• 167.8 miles of trails · 70 ski lifts
• 2,724 feet – 6,877 feet elevation
• Closest airport: 31.7 miles from Salzburg Airport W. A. Mozart
• Avg. price/night: $310

This place is a winter sports wonderland featuring 170 miles of pristine slopes for skiers and snowboarders. Along with traditional runs, there’s a number of separate areas catering to skiers of all ages and skill levels. The beginner-friendly Nitro Snowpark has jumps and obstacles to practice trick....

2. Ski Arlberg

• 187 miles of trails · 85 ski lifts
• 4,279 feet – 9,223 feet elevation
• Closest airport: 54.7 miles from Innsbruck Airport
• Avg. price/night: $371

Ski Arlberg is Austria's biggest, with over 185 miles of runs connected by 88 lifts. The town of St. Anton offers slopes for all skill levels, a superpark, and direct access to 125 miles of backcountry skiing territory. It's a freestyler’s dream when the powder is fresh, which is pretty much always.....

3. Sölden

• 90.7 miles of trails · 31 ski lifts
• 4,430 feet – 10,959 feet elevation
• Closest airport: 27.3 miles from Innsbruck Airport
• Avg. price/night: $306

This resort puts you next to 3 mountains with over 70 miles of runs between them. Strap on your skis, and pick whichever one you want. They’re all connected by an ultramodern cable car system, so it's easy to switch things up. With a great mix of blue, red, and black runs, everyone is sure to have f....

4. Ischgl/​Samnaun - Silvretta Arena

• 148.5 miles of trails · 46 ski lifts
• 4,462 feet – 9,423 feet elevation
• Closest airport: 51.6 miles from Innsbruck Airport
• Avg. price/night: $349

The annual Top of the Mountain concert kicks off the ski season with world-famous musical acts, setting the tone for the party-filled months to follow. The cross-border resort does offer quieter areas away from some of the après-ski action, and (of course) some top-notch skiing too. The slopes are e....

5. SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental

• 167.8 miles of trails · 82 ski lifts
• 2,035 feet – 6,132 feet elevation
• Closest airport: 41.6 miles from Salzburg Airport W. A. Mozart
• Avg. price/night: $235

SkiWelt is one of the largest ski resorts in the world, offering over 175 miles of perfectly groomed runs for all skill levels. Spread across 9 picturesque villages, the resort has 21 downhills, as well as fun parks for freestylers like obstacle courses and practice jumps. The resort offers a huge v....

Looking for more?

Ski resort destinations in austria.

• Biggest first
• Beginner first
• Intermediate first
• Advanced first
• Family-friendly first
• Après-ski/Nightlife first
• Budget-friendly first
• Hidden gem first
• Luxury first
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• Snowboarding first

Ski Arlberg

• 54.7 miles from Innsbruck Airport

SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental

• 41.6 miles from Salzburg Airport W. A. Mozart

Saalbach Hinterglemm

• 31.7 miles from Salzburg Airport W. A. Mozart

Ischgl/​Samnaun - Silvretta Arena

• 51.6 miles from Innsbruck Airport

Kitzbühel/​Kirchberg - KitzSki

• 116.8 miles of trails · 58 ski lifts
• 2,625 feet – 6,562 feet elevation
• 40.4 miles from Salzburg Airport W. A. Mozart
• Avg. price/night: $305

Serfaus - Fiss - Ladis

• 115.6 miles of trails · 38 ski lifts
• 3,938 feet – 9,279 feet elevation
• 39.1 miles from Innsbruck Airport
• Avg. price/night: $280

Zillertal Arena

• 93.2 miles of trails · 52 ski lifts
• 1,903 feet – 8,203 feet elevation
• 32.3 miles from Innsbruck Airport
• Avg. price/night: $243

Sölden

• 27.3 miles from Innsbruck Airport

• 88.2 miles of trails · 58 ski lifts
• 2,067 feet – 8,203 feet elevation
• 21.7 miles from Innsbruck Airport
• Avg. price/night: $227

Silvretta Montafon

• 87 miles of trails · 36 ski lifts
• 2,297 feet – 7,973 feet elevation
• Avg. price/night: $244

Schladming - 4 Berge Skischaukel

• 76.4 miles of trails · 47 ski lifts
• 2,389 feet – 6,611 feet elevation
• 42.3 miles from Salzburg Airport W. A. Mozart
• Avg. price/night: $252

Snow Space Salzburg

• 74.6 miles of trails · 45 ski lifts
• 2,428 feet – 6,497 feet elevation
• 34.8 miles from Salzburg Airport W. A. Mozart
• Avg. price/night: $230

Hochkönig

• 74.6 miles of trails · 34 ski lifts
• 2,625 feet – 6,234 feet elevation
• 27.3 miles from Salzburg Airport W. A. Mozart
• Avg. price/night: $237

Obergurgl - Hochgurgl

• 69.6 miles of trails · 25 ski lifts
• 5,883 feet – 9,941 feet elevation
• 29.8 miles from Innsbruck Airport
• Avg. price/night: $379

• 68.4 miles of trails · 30 ski lifts
• 1,969 feet – 6,569 feet elevation
• 50.3 miles from Klagenfurt Airport
• Avg. price/night: $292

Bad Kleinkirchheim

• 64 miles of trails · 22 ski lifts
• 3,567 feet – 6,743 feet elevation
• 28 miles from Klagenfurt Airport
• Avg. price/night: $200

• 62.1 miles of trails · 26 ski lifts
• 5,348 feet – 7,589 feet elevation
• 45.4 miles from Salzburg Airport W. A. Mozart
• Avg. price/night: $381

Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau

• 59.7 miles of trails · 45 ski lifts
• 2,724 feet – 6,661 feet elevation
• Avg. price/night: $193

SKi-Optimal Hochzillertal

• 52.8 miles of trails · 40 ski lifts
• 1,969 feet – 7,802 feet elevation
• Avg. price/night: $225

Bad Gastein/Bad Hofgastein

• 51 miles of trails · 18 ski lifts
• 2,822 feet – 7,546 feet elevation
• Avg. price/night: $211

Damüls Mellau

• 49.7 miles of trails · 21 ski lifts
• 2,330 feet – 6,726 feet elevation
• Avg. price/night: $238

• 49.7 miles of trails · 17 ski lifts
• 3,498 feet – 7,284 feet elevation
• 42.9 miles from Klagenfurt Airport
• Avg. price/night: $263

Schmittenhöhe

• 47.8 miles of trails · 28 ski lifts
• 2,494 feet – 6,562 feet elevation
• 33.6 miles from Salzburg Airport W. A. Mozart
• Avg. price/night: $262

Wildkogel-Arena Neukirchen/Bramberg

• 46.6 miles of trails · 20 ski lifts
• 2,691 feet – 7,054 feet elevation
• 44.1 miles from Innsbruck Airport

Stubaier Gletscher

• 42.3 miles of trails · 26 ski lifts
• 5,568 feet – 10,539 feet elevation
• 21.1 miles from Innsbruck Airport
• Avg. price/night: $289

Großarltal-Dorfgastein

• 41.6 miles of trails · 17 ski lifts
• 2,786 feet – 6,670 feet elevation
• 38.5 miles from Salzburg Airport W. A. Mozart
• Avg. price/night: $242

Hintertuxer Gletscher

• 38.5 miles of trails · 21 ski lifts
• 4,922 feet – 10,663 feet elevation
• 18.6 miles from Innsbruck Airport

Kitzsteinhorn

• 37.9 miles of trails · 21 ski lifts
• 2,520 feet – 9,938 feet elevation
• Avg. price/night: $256

Dachstein West

• 31.7 miles of trails · 22 ski lifts
• 2,445 feet – 5,306 feet elevation
• 28 miles from Salzburg Airport W. A. Mozart
• Avg. price/night: $181

Grosseck-Speiereck

• 31.1 miles of trails · 10 ski lifts
• 3,593 feet – 7,875 feet elevation
• 45.4 miles from Klagenfurt Airport
• Avg. price/night: $186

Großglockner / Heiligenblut

• 29.2 miles of trails · 10 ski lifts
• 4,269 feet – 9,807 feet elevation
• 51 miles from Salzburg Airport W. A. Mozart
• Avg. price/night: $160

Kühtai

• 28.6 miles of trails · 12 ski lifts
• 6,359 feet – 8,268 feet elevation
• 15.5 miles from Innsbruck Airport
• Avg. price/night: $375

Zauchensee - Flachauwinkel

• 28 miles of trails · 16 ski lifts
• 3,281 feet – 7,140 feet elevation
• Avg. price/night: $313

• 26.7 miles of trails · 17 ski lifts
• 2,940 feet – 6,447 feet elevation
• 44.7 miles from Linz Airport
• Avg. price/night: $172

• 26.1 miles of trails · 10 ski lifts
• 3,872 feet – 8,826 feet elevation
• 47.8 miles from Innsbruck Airport

Berwang/​Bichlbach/​Rinnen

• 22.4 miles of trails · 13 ski lifts
• 3,541 feet – 5,719 feet elevation
• Avg. price/night: $162

Loser Altaussee

• 21.1 miles of trails · 8 ski lifts
• 2,789 feet – 5,906 feet elevation
• 35.4 miles from Salzburg Airport W. A. Mozart
• Avg. price/night: $197

• 19.9 miles of trails · 7 ski lifts
• 3,193 feet – 5,972 feet elevation
• 51 miles from Klagenfurt Airport
• Avg. price/night: $232

• 18 miles of trails · 9 ski lifts
• 2,960 feet – 6,018 feet elevation
• 26.1 miles from Salzburg Airport W. A. Mozart
• Avg. price/night: $180

Shuttleberg Flachauwinkl - Kleinarl

• 17.4 miles of trails · 10 ski lifts
• 3,281 feet – 6,497 feet elevation
• 37.9 miles from Salzburg Airport W. A. Mozart
• Avg. price/night: $273

Lermoos - Grubigstein

• 16.2 miles of trails · 8 ski lifts
• 3,294 feet – 6,890 feet elevation
• 24.2 miles from Innsbruck Airport

• 10.6 miles of trails · 11 ski lifts
• 2,002 feet – 6,739 feet elevation
• Avg. price/night: $222

Skiregion Ramsau am Dachstein

• 7.5 miles of trails · 8 ski lifts
• 3,396 feet – 5,368 feet elevation
• Avg. price/night: $253
• Show more resorts

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Ski Weekends & Short Ski Breaks

• Inspiration
• Ski weekends

Ski weekends and short ski breaks - Minimal time travelling, maximum time skiing

Here at flexiski, we're experts in ski weekends and short ski breaks. We've sourced the very best resorts and hotels to help you maximise your time on the slopes during your next ski weekend. Short ski breaks don't need to be stressful, so let us take the pressure off with our bespoke, flexible holiday options designed for ski weekends.

Taking a short ski break for three or four nights is becoming an increasingly popular way to get out on the mountains without taking a full week off work. Whether you don't have much holiday left or want to slip out to the snow for the third time this season, the reason doesn't matter, we have the expertise to take the hassle out of organising short ski breaks outside the usual 7-day Saturday - Saturday mould.

Flexiski provides a personal tailor-made service; listening to your requirements to find the snowy getaway that will suit you best. It's not a problem if you're a solo traveller, a couple, a group of friends, or a crowd of 30 - we know the best resorts and hotels to maximise your time on the mountain.

Our top tips for short ski breaks and ski weekends:

• Stick to resorts with   short airport transfers   to minimise travel time
• Opt for early flights out and late flights home to allow for an extra half day of skiing on your travel days
• Avoid the school holidays if you possibly can - they're busy and usually more expensive
• Look for lesser-known resorts to avoid queues and receive more flexibility
• Don't be afraid to look at car hire - it can save a lot of money if you don't mind driving

Ski weekends from regional UK airports

We've unearthed the best flight routes for ski weekends and short ski breaks from regional UK airports. There are a few surprises and helpful pointers here to help you choose your next ski break.

• Ski breaks flying from Manchester
• Ski breaks flying from Edinburgh
• Ski breaks flying from Dublin
• Ski breaks flying from Belfast
• Ski breaks flying from London Luton
• Ski breaks flying from London Gatwick

Ski weekends 2023/24

We're now taking bookings for 2023/24. Keep an eye out for our latest news and offers by subscribing to our email newsletter.

Midweek skiing

Looking for a short ski break to Europe without breaking the bank?  Try skiing from a Sunday or a Monday to grab the quieter part of the week.

Bargain prices, slopes to yourself, any resort you fancy, and same après scene all add up to the perfect short ski break. 

Hotels, chalets and flights are often cheaper at the start of the week, so you may even save yourself a pretty penny on a ski weekend bargain.

Short transfers (for ski weekends)

Make the most of your time on the mountain for a short duration. W e've put together some guides to the nearest ski resorts to the most important airports. Spend less time travelling on your ski weekend.

-  Nearest ski resorts to  Geneva   airport -  Nearest ski resorts to  Innsbruck   airport -  Nearest ski resorts to  Salzburg   airport - Nearest ski resorts to  Zurich airport - Nearest ski resorts to  Lyon airport - Nearest ski resorts to  Munich  airport - Nearest ski resorts to  Grenoble  airport

Luxury ski weekends

From mountain top festivals, dog sled tours and relaxing spa days to finding the freshest snowfalls, it's all part of luxury ski breaks in Europe.

Your idea of luxury may be vastly different from someone else's, so we've put together the best places to go for each particular style of luxury ski break.

Whether it's a long weekend skiing, sumptuous spas or the very best booze on the mountains we've got the short ski break for you.

Huge ski areas

If you're looking to rack up the miles from dawn till dusk on your next ski weekend then look no further. We feature the largest ski areas in the world. There's no need to ever ski the same slope twice in these epic ski resorts.

For more skiing than you could ever accomplish in a ski weekend, these are the best ski resorts in Europe.

Or, if it's height you're after, we've put together a list of the highest ski resorts in Europe as well.

Ski chalets for flexible durations

Looking for a short break chalet holiday?

Wherever you see the flexiski operated stamp of approval it means the chalet in question is operated by our very own staff. You'll get the excellent service you receive before your holiday, throughout your stay in resort. You can book our ski-in, ski-out Chalet Renard Blanc in  Avoriaz  on a room by room or sole occupancy basis for a short break, ski weekend or longer. 

Ski weekend and short ski break resorts

We've hand-selected a few of our favourite destinations, easy access, wonderful skiing and a great choice of flexible accommodation, giving you the best chance to find the right hotel or chalet for your short ski break in Europe.

Ski weekends Austria:

With a transfer time of just 1 hour and daily flights from London to Innsbruck or Zurich , getting to the Austrian resort of St Anton couldn't be easier.

Add to that its location in the heart of the Arlberg, state-of-the-art lift systems, incredibly vast terrain (now linked with Lech and Zurs) and a reputation for raucous après-ski,  ski weekends in St Anton are hard to beat.

• Stay at the great value Hotel Mooserkreuz

Ski weekends Switzerland:

An hour and a half transfer from Zurich and with decent train links, Engelberg is one of the easiest resorts for short break skiing. It simply doesn't have the recognition the ski area deserves.

Guaranteed snow on its glacial slopes, there's a beginner mountain, 2,000m of vertical and a 12km run back to town. Countless off-piste routes, a town centred around a Benedictine monastery and rotating cable car taking you above the stunning glacial crevasses.

• Stay at the  Hotel Terrace , superb views overlooking the village

Ski weekends France:

Ski weekends in Chamonix are epic. Dwarfed by rugged cliffs and the groaning glaciers of the Mont Blanc Massif, the town is a vibrant cosmopolitan affair sprawling down the pedestrianised streets and packed with restaurants, shops and bars to explore. 

Skiing is split between numerous exciting areas ; long tree-lined runs, glacial descents, gentle sunny slopes meandering through the sunshine and couloirs requiring nerves of steel. Plus it's all only an hour from Geneva airport .

• Stay at the 4* Hotel Alpina in the centre of Chamonix, with newly renovated areas as well as a panoramic restaurant/bar.

Where should you stay for your ski weekend or short ski break?

This is a small selection of our most popular short break ski hotels in Europe. They may be the most flexible hotel we've found in a particular ski resort or it could just be that our guests have had wonderful times here. Either way, they're definitely worth checking out if you're searching for a little inspiration.

Elisabeth Hotel

Mayrhofen, austria.

• The Elisabeth Hotel came onto our radar in the 2016/17 winter season and swiftly asserted itself as one of our most loved short break hotels.
• It's no good if you have little ones as it's an adult only hotel but it sure does pack a luxurious punch.
• Less than a minute to the resort centre and with a ski bus stop right outside. Its convenience is cemented by a 60 minute transfer, yet its the sleek style, service and spa that make the hotel really stand out.
• The 17m indoor pool area is delicious, the 1,400m2 Elisense Spa is pure relaxation and the modern rooms make it all too easy to lie in way past first lifts.
• Though you won't want to miss the breakfasts here.

Hotel Das Alpenhaus

Kaprun, austria.

• Centrally located making exploring Kaprun's offerings a doddle, it was new to flexiski for the 2017/18 winter season and now a firm favourite.
• The hotel gives great access not only to Kaprun glacier (by a brand new gondola, 2019/20) but to the local Maiskogel ski area 5 minutes up the road, and Zell am See is a short bus ride away.
• The modern wellness area is split over two levels with its vast pool on the upper level and the six sauna options down below - relaxing is not optional here.
• An overall design that is incredibly comfortable from the bar area to the bedrooms and a price that won't empty the purse makes this a short ski break stalwart in our eyes.

Radisson Blu Mountain Resort & Residence

Trysil, norway.

• Skiing in Norway is certainly a changeup to French or Austrian skiing. Most of us, at flexiski, have now been out to Trysil and have unanimously loved it.
• Miles of mellow tree-lined skiing to enjoy.
• The Mountain Resort is on the slopes so you can ski to and from it on runs accessible to all levels.
• The whole ambience is mellow and great for friends or families - you have a wide choice of restaurants, even a bakery.
• Spa, indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs with great views of the mountains. There are saunas, a gym, children's play area and a rental shop on site.
• Spectacular views over the forests never get old, it's a real mountain retreat.

Additional short ski break details:

We can organise accommodation in chalets, hotels or apartments and add in any of the following extras:

• Scheduled or budget flights
• Private, shared or train transfers
• Lift passes
• Ski/snowboard equipment hire
• Group or private ski/snowboard lessons
• Non-ski activities e.g. tobogganing or dog sledding
• Ski activities e.g. heli-skiing or cat-skiing

Whether you fancy a quiet weekend away, dancing on the tables whilst the sun goes down, packing in as many miles on the pistes as possible or simply getting your first ever taste of skiing, we can certainly help. We'll do the legwork so you can focus on the skiing. We specialise in creating ski weekends to remember.

Complete flexibility

The dates and duration of your holiday are completely flexible. A quick three-night getaway or a more leisurely five-day ski break, just let us know your ideal duration. We're not fixed to a Thursday to Monday weekend either, you choose your departure day as well as when you want to come back, our specialists will be on hand to offer advice if you're unsure.

Events in the mountains

Having a few days on the mountains is the perfect way to experience some of the best events cropping up in the ski world each year. Whether you fancy live music at 2,320 metres at Ischgl's Top of the Mountain Concerts, scaring yourself silly when the Krampus Devil’s roam the streets of St Anton for Krampalar Lauf or perhaps it's a real belly tickler at Mayrhofen's Altitude Comedy Fest you're after; a short ski break could be just the ticket.

Why take a short weekend ski break?

To fall in love with skiing again . It's all that we love about skiing without having to be away for a full week.

Fly after work on a Wednesday, you can be in a ski resort in time to grab a bite for dinner and get straight on the slopes in the morning for 4 full days skiing before a late flight home Sunday evening and back to work as usual on Monday.

You could be in Chamonix, beer in hand, in less time than it takes to watch Peter Jackson’s The Fellowship of the Ring. Wednesdays don’t have to be hump days.

Skiing for the first time?

Ski weekends in Europe can be a great way to try skiing for the first time. If you hate the sport your not stuck with it for a full week, enjoy a couple of days in the beautiful snowy mountains sampling the spas and bars before heading home - you gave it your best shot.

And if you love it, you'll have had an incredible few days and won't have used up many holiday days so you can always go again later in the season. Check out our Marketing manager's 10 things she wished she had known before her first day on the mountains .

Short ski breaks over New Year

Champaign breakfast followed by a spot of skiing, that's one way to kick off the New Year in style. This year (2022/23) New Year's Eve falls on a Saturday and we can find you some great hotel accommodation.

Resorts such as Chamonix in France or Engleberg in Switzerland work really well over this period.

After all that, you may be wondering how much a ski weekend may set you back?

Take a look at our   example prices   to get an insight into where you can go and what it'll set you back.

Just give us a call on 01962 587777   to speak to a   ski   specialist or   enquire online   and we'll get back in touch with you.

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Austria Ski Vacations

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• Austria Ski Vacation Packages

With the Alps running through much of Austria, it’s no surprise that this mountainous country is a top European skiing destination. Book an Austria ski vacation package and look forward to powdery slopes and a legendary après-ski scene at mega resorts like Sankt Anton am Arlberg.

Put your downhill skills to the test at Sankt Anton am Arlberg , a powder haven famous for its challenging runs. It features 190 miles of marked slopes and around 124 miles of off-piste trails that test even the most experienced skiers. Mayrhofen in Tyrol is the perfect blend of excellent skiing, traditional character and a lively nightlife. It features 88 miles of pistes and ski routes, including the legendary Harakiri on Mount Penken. This black run is Austria’s steepest slope with an incline of up to 78%. Over on Mount Ahorn, there are plenty of wider slopes for beginners. More ski adventures await at the Kitzbuehel/Kirchberg Ski Area. Prices for a one-day ticket here start from 49.50 euros (around $52). To experience Austria’s famous après-ski scene, head for Ischgl . Known as the “Ibiza of the Alps,” you can dance the night away at party spots like Fire & Ice and Kuhstall. For more Austria ski vacation package ideas, check out Zell am See and Saalbach-Hinterglemm .

Top reasons for your vacation to Austria

• Stunning Ski Resorts : Austria is known for its stunning ski resorts, offering a perfect blend of adventure and entertainment.
• Rich History and Culture : Explore numerous museums and historical sites to immerse yourself in Austria's rich history and culture.
• Excellent Shopping Options : Indulge in some retail therapy with a variety of shopping options available in Austria.
• Romantic Ambiance and Live Music Scene : Enjoy the romantic ambiance and vibrant live music scene in Austria.
• Family-Friendly Activities and Entertainment : Austria is family-friendly, offering activities and entertainment suitable for all ages.

Book a Package and Save Money on Your Austria Vacation

A travel package combines flights with hotels or car rental, making it convenient and cost-effective for your Austria ski vacation. Instead of searching for separate deals, you can book everything in one place. Customise your package based on your preferences and budget, and with Expedia's price and theme filters, finding a great deal is easy.

Booking a ski vacation package in Austria is the perfect idea. With its stunning ski slopes, charming castles, and rich history, Austria offers a perfect blend of adventure and culture. Plus, you can save money by booking a package, leaving you more to spend on dining, shopping, and exploring the country's museums and live music scene.

How to Save Money on a Vacation to Austria

• Take advantage of Expedia's OneKey program to save money on your ski vacation in Austria.
• Book your accommodations and ski passes together to get package deals and discounts.
• Consider staying in smaller, less touristy towns near popular ski resorts to save on accommodation costs.
• Use public transportation instead of renting a car to save on transportation costs.
• Look for free or discounted activities and sightseeing options, such as visiting museums on certain days when admission is reduced or free.
• Pack your own snacks and meals for the slopes to save on food expenses.
• Bring your own ski equipment or consider renting from local shops instead of resort rentals for cost savings.
• Shop for ski gear and clothing during end-of-season sales for discounts.
• Consider traveling during off-peak times to take advantage of lower prices on flights and accommodations.

Where to Stay in Austria

When it comes to planning a ski vacation in Austria, you'll find a variety of exciting areas to choose from. Whether you're looking for picturesque mountain towns like Kitzbühel or St. Anton, or prefer the bustling city atmosphere of Innsbruck, Austria has something for everyone. Don't miss out on the charming villages of Zell am See or Lech, known for their world-class skiing and cozy alpine charm.

• Innsbruck : This charming city offers a unique ski experience with its breathtaking mountain views, historical monuments, and fantastic hiking trails. Explore the cozy cafes, visit the fascinating museums, and indulge in some shopping. Innsbruck is also a hub for sports enthusiasts, making it a must-visit destination for a ski vacation.
• Soelden : Experience the perfect blend of luxury and adventure in Soelden. Enjoy world-class skiing, pamper yourself with spa treatments, and immerse in the beauty of natural parks. This trendy destination offers entertainment options, from swimming to relishing delicious seafood. Soelden is the ultimate choice for a ski vacation that combines relaxation and excitement.
• Obertraun : Discover the hidden gem of Obertraun, where skiing meets tranquility. This small town offers stunning mountain views, a picturesque lake, and opportunities for walking and biking. Take a ferry ride, admire the scenic beauty, and enjoy the marina or a game of bowling. Obertraun promises a serene ski vacation experience like no other.

Explore the best places to visit in Austria

Austria offers a perfect blend of skiing, history, and culture for a memorable ski vacation vacation. Experience the thrill of skiing on the stunning slopes, explore fascinating museums and historical sites, and indulge in some retail therapy with excellent shopping options. Enjoy the romantic ambiance, live music, and family-friendly atmosphere. Don't miss the chance to visit majestic castles and savor delicious Austrian cuisine. Whether you're an adventure enthusiast or a culture lover, Austria has something for everyone.

• Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis : This ski field offers a unique combination of adventure, theme park, and entertainment. Experience the thrill of skiing down the slopes, explore the exciting adventure park, and enjoy the entertainment options available.
• Obergurgl-Hochgurgl Ski Area : This ski field is known for its luxurious and trendy atmosphere. Enjoy the adrenaline rush of skiing, relax in the natural parks and spas, and take a thrilling sled ride. Don't miss the chance to explore the glaciers and experience the charm of the small town of Soelden.
• Lech-Oberlech-Z√ºrs Ski Resort : This ski resort offers a unique blend of mountain activities, including hiking and rock climbing. Immerse yourself in the beauty of coral reefs, enjoy recreational activities, and explore the biking trails. Experience the budget-friendly culture and vibrant atmosphere of Lech am Arlberg.

Best months to visit Austria

Austria boasts a year-around average temperature of 49.0°F, peaking at 66.0°F in July, its warmest month, and dipping to an average low of 31.1°F in January, the coolest. Rainfall averages at 58.7mm annually, with June, July seeing the heaviest showers and January being the driest month.

Planning your Austria ski vacation

What are some things i should consider when booking a austria ski trip package.

Yes, you want pristine powder and perfect runs, but take a moment to consider how close you want to be to the slopes, what extras you want from your resort, and—of course—how much après ski you intend to indulge in.

How can I find cheap Austria ski packages?

Right now, ski trips start at just . Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Can I book a beginner ski package in Austria?

Yes! Head for the green runs—wide, sweeping slopes—for a gentle introduction to snow life in Austria. Book lessons so you can gear up to take on the rest of the mountain with confidence. Après awaits for all after an eventful day in the snow.

How much does a ski trip to Austria cost?

Sensational ski trips to Austria start from . Use the budget filter to find powder at your perfect price. As always, prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

When’s the best time of year to plan a ski trip to Austria?

The best time to hit the slopes in Austria depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re all about powder-packed pistes and brilliant blue-sky skiing conditions, aim for the middle of the season. Alternatively, if you’re willing to take a chance on start or end of season snow, you’ll bag much cheaper prices —just make sure there’s a spa or après bar to shelter in on white-out days.

Can I book Austria ski packages with airfare?

Save money on your snow time by booking your accommodation, airfare, and car rental in a brilliant bundle. It’s both convenient and cash-flow friendly.

Can I book a Austria ski trip with free cancellation and/or flexible dates?

Flexibility is always a bonus when you’re flying down the slopes—and it makes for an easier booking process, too. Check the payment option filter to find trips with free cancellation as well as buy now, pay later options.

Why should I book a ski package in Austria with Expedia?

Simple search and fantastic filters make it easy to find, build, and book your dream Austria ski vacation in just a few clicks. It’s ‘snow’ joke, it really is that easy.

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Short breaks - a quick shot of skiing fun!

Would you like to go skiing, but can't get the entire week off of work? Or are you perhaps partial to weekends in winter? Treat yourself to a quick getaway in the snow and spend an untroubled weekend in the mountains. You can choose from several destinations including Austria, Germany, France, Italy, and Switzerland for your short stay. Spend two to four nights in the mountains and, for trips later on in the season, choose a glacier ski area and ski even in May. The best conditions for a perfect short trip in the Alps - get ready to leave the stress of everyday lift behind!

Premium Résidence Les Terrasses d'Hélios °°°°°

4 nights incl. lift pass e.g. from 29/03/25

Brief description

The comfortable Premium Résidence Les Terrasses d'Hélios is located directly on the pistes, so that you can ski-in to the accommodation if snow conditions allow. The resort centre of Flaine with shopping facilities, bars and restaurants can also …

Résidence L'Albane °°°°

2 nights incl. lift pass e.g. from 16/12/24

The Résidence L'Albane, built in typical Savoyard-style, is situated in a perfect location at the foot of the pistes and the centre of Vars with various restaurants, bars, and shopping facilities is located only approx. 200 m away. The furnishing …

Résidence Grand Massif °°°

2 nights incl. lift pass e.g. from 12/01/25

The modernly furnished Résidence Grand Massif is located about 600 m from the centre of Morillon. There you will find shopping facilities as well as restaurants and bars. The mountain railway Station du Grand Massif is about 800 m away. …

DAS Wildkogel - Wildkogel Resorts °°°°.

2 nights incl. lift pass e.g. from 23/03/25

The cosy DAS Wildkogel - Wildkogel Resorts is located in Bramberg, only a few metres away from the Smaragdbahn lift. After 6 km the centre of Neukirchen can be reached. On request and for a fee, a shuttle service from the airport can be organised.…

Hotel Corona Dolomites ****+

3 nights incl. lift pass & HB PLUS e.g. from 12/12/24

The elegant 4-star superior Hotel Corona Dolomites lies in the centre of Andalo, approx. 200 m away from the Paganella ski area. A ski bus stops directly at the accommodation and takes you comfortably to the ski lifts. The family-run accommodation …

Hotel Grüner Baum ****

3 nights incl. lift pass & HB e.g. from 12/12/24

The inviting 4-star hotel Grüner Baum was fully renovated in spring 2020 and is located right in the centre of Zell am See. The ski area, the mountain railway cityXpress and the ski bus stop are approx. 250 m away from the hotel. The lake can be …

Résidence Les Ravines °°°.

2 nights incl. lift pass e.g. from 12/04/25

The friendly furnished Résidence Les Ravines is located in the centre of Méribel and is built in traditional style, mainly of wood and stone. The closest pistes are approx. 200 m away, and the nearest shopping opportunities are located close to …

Premium Résidence L'Amara °°°°

The modern Premium Résidence L'Amara is located perfectly in the district of the same name and offers direct access to the pistes. The accommodation offers fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the Morzine Valley, and you will …

Résidence Les Epinettes ****

4 nights incl. lift pass e.g. from 11/12/24

The modern 4-star Résidence Les Epinettes is located in the heart of Vaujany and directly opposite the ski lifts. Shops and restaurants are in the immediate vicinity. The Résidence is equipped with Wi-Fi and a parking garage (upon …

Hotel Rauscher & Paracelsus ***

3 nights incl. lift pass & BB e.g. from 30/01/25

The interconnected 3-star Hotel Rauscher & Paracelsus is only approx. 100 m away from the centre of Bad Hofgastein and approx. 1.5 km away from the access point to the Gastein ski area (Schlossalmbahn/Schlossalm Lift). The nearest ski bus stop is …

Résidence Pas de la Casa Princesa °°°

2 nights incl. lift pass e.g. from 01/04/25

The modern Résidence Pas de la Casa Princesa is located in the upper part of Pas de la Casa. The next lift in the ski area Grandvalira is about 200 m and if the snow conditions allow it, ski-in is possible. Shops and restaurants are in the …

Landhaus Strasser °°°°

3 nights incl. lift pass & BB e.g. from 18/12/24

The modern and cosy Landhaus Strasser is situated in a quiet location, about 750 m from the resort centre of Söll. The ski bus stop can be reached after approx. 200 m and the Hochsöll lift after approx. 1.5 km. A cross-country trail can be …

Short ski holidays in Austria

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• Austria ( 183 resorts, 760 accomms. )
• France ( 52 resorts, 537 accomms. )
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• Germany ( 30 resorts, 60 accomms. )
• Switzerland ( 27 resorts, 78 accomms. )
• Czech Republic ( 6 resorts, 9 accomms. )
• Poland ( 3 resorts, 10 accomms. )
• Andorra ( 7 resorts, 59 accomms. )
• Slovakia ( 1 resort, 1 accomm. )
• Sweden ( 1 resort, 1 accomm. )
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Most Popular Ski Resorts In Austria for Beginners

October 31, 2022 anna.

Austrian mountain resorts have always been popular ski areas, attracting winter sports enthusiasts from all over the world. But where do you go when you’re a skiing novice, just starting out on the slopes? You’ll be pleased to hear there are plenty of ski resorts situated in the Austrian Alps, ready to welcome you into the wonderful world of skiing! 

With nursery slopes and blue runs aplenty, here are the best ski resorts in Austria for beginners …

Sölden, Ötztal Valley

Ski area essentials:  .

• 1870m altitude
• 144 km of total pistes
• 33 ski lifts

Sölden ski resort is a perfect winter vacation spot for beginners. Nestled in the Ötztal Valley, it’s one of the Austrian top-class skiing terrains.

High-altitude, beginner-friendly slopes and runs are snow-sure thanks to two glaciers that make Sölden an almost year-round ski destination. The majority of runs on the mountain are blue, with 74km to explore once you’ve progressed from the nursery slopes. You’ll find a vast selection of blue pistes in the Giggijoch area.

Sölden also has a strong reputation for lively apres-ski fun and entertainment – 45 bars, restaurants, cafés and discotheques. Thanks to its advantageous location – 1 hour away from Innsbruck Airport, the resort can be a perfect ski destination for ski weekends, snowboard breaks and short ski holidays.

Obergurgl-Hochgurgl, Ötztal Valley

• 1,930m altitude
• 112 km of total pistes
• 25 ski lifts

Obergurgl is known as one of the highest ski villages in Europe, situated at the end of the Ötztal valley near the city of Innsbruck. It is the most snow-sure non-glacial Austrian ski resort. Thanks to its mid-mountain link to neighbouring Hochgurgl, the resort is open from mid-November until early May. 

The Obergurgl-Hochgurgl ski resort ‘s groomed ski terrain includes 112 km of pistes and is the ideal place to start your skiing career. Families with children can often be seen on the slopes as about a third of the ski area is classified as blue runs, with the resort providing special family offers and supervised kids programs. 

There are cross-country ski trails and toboggan tracks that run to the village, ensuring that visitors are always active. There is a great choice of dining places, ranging from expensive to budget. Taking off your skis, you can dive into Obergurgl’s traditional apres-ski activities and explore some late-night spots with music, dancing and good local food.

Alpbach, Alpbachtal Valley

• 1000m altitude
• 45km of total pistes
• 46 ski lifts

Alpbach ski resort , located in the Ski Juwel ski area in Austria, is hosted by a small, medieval village with plenty of friendly inns, chalet-style guesthouses and relaxed locals. Alpbach is one of Austria’s prettiest destinations, with narrow streets and wooden chalets adding plenty of charm to the resort. The picturesque scenery and friendly atmosphere make it the perfect place to enjoy your first time on the slopes.

It’s one of the best ski resorts for beginners in Austria because of plenty of easy terrains, gentle slopes and dedicated learning areas. 32km of blues make up the beginner scene here, and there are some stunning routes and expert ski schools to refine your skills.

Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Pinzgau Region

• 1100m altitude
• 270km of total pistes
• 70 ski lifts

Saalbach-Hinterglemm , southwest of the city of Salzburg, is one of the most beginner-friendly resorts for skiing in Austria. With its wide, gentle slopes and a network of easy-access lifts providing access to the ski circuits of the Skicircus Saalbach-Hinterglemm, it’s the perfect place for first-time skiers to learn the ropes. The nursery slopes are on your doorstep, and once you gain confidence, there’s a whopping 140km of blue runs on the main mountain. A network of lifts provides access to the ski circuits of the Skicircus Saalbach-Hinterglemm.

The scenery at Hinterglemm is breathtaking, and the snow is always fresh and powdery. And with plenty of apres-ski options to keep everyone entertained, it’s a great choice for a family ski holiday.

Mayrhofen , Zillertal Valley

Ski area essentials: .

• 2500m altitude
• 136km of total pistes
• 57 ski lifts

Mayrhofen is a world-famous ski resort located in Austria. The resort is renowned for its beginner-friendly slopes, making it the perfect choice for first-time skiers. Mayrhofen offers a variety of ski lessons – ski kindergartens, schools, snow cannons and magic carpets, easing all generations of novices into the world of snow sports.

And when you’re ready to take a break from skiing leisurely down the Ahorn Mountain, the town has plenty to offer in terms of dining and nightlife.

Lech , Bludenz District

• 2900m altitude
• 1450km of total pistes
• 42 ski lifts

Lech ski resort in the Ski Arlberg area consists of gentle slopes and world-class instructors, making it the dream spot for beginners. With its picturesque setting in the Austrian Alps, Lech is also a great choice if you’re just looking to enjoy a winter wonderland.

Lech offers a wide range of ski schools, a variety of dedicated nursery slopes and excellent piste prep ready to surpass your expectations. After you progress from the nursery area, you can explore 133km of easy rolling blue runs. 

Family-friendly Lech also offers special discounts for families and children. Family snow weeks with special prices and Christmas activities are available throughout December.

Ellmau , SkiWelt Domain

• 820m of total pistes
• 20 ski lifts

Ellmau, a quaint, traditional ski village set against the splendour of the Wilder Kaiser Mountains, is a great place for beginners skiing. The well-groomed slopes are not too steep, with plenty of beginner-friendly ski slopes in the village to choose from and little learners will have a whale of a time in Kinderland.

Once you have mastered the basics, there are plenty of other activities to keep you entertained at Ellmau ski resort . There is an indoor pool, a spa, charming shops and restaurants and even a nightlife scene if you want to keep the party going after a long day on the slopes.

Niederau-Oberau, Wildschönau Valley

• 2025m altitude
• 97 km of total pistes
• 45 ski lifts

Niederau-Oberau, located in the Austrian Tyrol, with gentle slopes and patient and experienced ski instructors, is the perfect place to learn how to ski. The resort is known for its picturesque mountain views and friendly atmosphere, and with a wide variety of ski schools, you’ll be skiing like a pro in no time. Once you’ve mastered the basics, there are plenty of other activities to keep you entertained, from snowshoeing to sledding.

Ready to kick-start your skiing career in the Austrian Alps? Book your Alps2Alps ski transfer here. Get packing; we’ll see you at the airport!

The 10 best ski resorts in Austria

If staying in a picturesque ski resort with a warmly welcoming atmosphere is a high priority, Austria will come up trumps.

Many of its ski resorts have grown up around traditional farming villages with onion-domed churches that benefited from generous long-term grants under the US Marshall Plan for the rebuilding of European economies after World War II. Down the generations, Austrian hoteliers have grown rich on the tourist harvest, but the cosy hospitality embodied by the German word Gemütlichkeit is very much in evidence.

Austrian resorts are famed for foot-stomping, but friendly après-ski that starts on the slopes in the afternoon – traditionally with ski boots on – and continues until the small hours in the most party-orientated resorts. Think everything from convivial times in rustic mountain huts to clashing Steins and Schnapps in lively bars.

By contrast, the ubiquitous hotel spa provides a more soothing alternative – though be warned, the wearing of swimming costumes is not permitted in most sauna and steam rooms. To bare all may not in essence be part of repressed British wellness culture, but in the interests of hygiene and Germanic health rules, we are forced to comply in some of Europe’s smartest spa facilities.

On the slopes, while Austria may not always compete with the giant linked ski areas of France, its traditional villages are backed up by some heavyweight state-subsidised lift systems. Major investment in resorts including St Anton and Saalbach, for example, now mean fewer queuing bottlenecks, better linking and easier travel around these decent-sized ski areas. Improvements this season include new ten-person gondolas in Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, Gerlos in the  Zillertal, and Schlick 2000 in the Stubaital, as well as two new six-seater chairs in the Jochberg area of Kitzbühel.

It’s difficult now to imagine that back in the 1960s and even 1970s, Tirol and Salzburgerland attracted more British skiers each winter than France. Austria then fell far behind, but the gap between the two is again closing. However, future winter supremacy must surely be down to which country will manage to maintain the most reliable snow cover.

Many resorts have invested in sophisticated snowmaking, and while the low altitude of some villages – 1,000m or less – sounds discouraging for snow security in poor snowfall years, Austrian pastureland requires just a handful of centimetres to become skiable compared to high-altitude rocky crags in France and Switzerland. Resorts with slopes that go above 3,000m, including some on glaciers, also bely Austria’s low-altitude reputation. 

Here’s where to go to enjoy the very best the Austrian slopes have to offer.

Best for beginners

Complete beginners really don’t need the complexity of a large resort, so a novice’s visit to this Tirolean chocolate-box with oodles of atmosphere – it regularly wins prizes as the prettiest village in Austria – should result in a lifetime of piste enthusiasm. 

Resort purists reacted with alarm when Alpbach’s ski area was linked to that of Auffach in the neighbouring Wildschönau valley in 2013, but they needn’t have worried. While the number of pistes and lifts more than doubled, attracting a substantial number of new visitors, Alpbach itself, only a 40-minute drive from Innsbruck airport, has remained remarkably unchanged.

The next generation of adults who perfected their first turns as children in Alpbach now return to explore the respectable 97km of slopes served by 46 lifts in the two valleys that make up Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau. The ski area continues to improve –  a children’s area and nursery slope at the bottom station of the Reitherkogel gondola in the Reith sector, reached by ski bus, is one of the more recent additions.

Alpbach has a special relationship with the British that began more than 60 years ago when a Major Billy Patterson came here on leave from his army base in Germany and enjoyed the pistes and the pubs. He told his army friends in the British Army on the Rhine (BAOR) and they told others. Thousands of Britons have since learnt the basics on Alpbach’s slopes, and many return year after year and generation after generation. British regimental ski teams still train here.

The main ski area is a three-minute bus ride, followed by a gondola ride, away from town. But there is also a single nursery slope in the village centre, ideal for practising snowplough turns after lessons. Of the three ski schools in the resort, Alpbach-Inner Alpbach is the original learning establishment, while Alpbach Aktiv and Skischule Alpbachtal also have fine reputations.

Alpbach also offers great value for money – prices are low, even by Austrian standards. Visiting the resort during the dedicated family weeks, when special offers are available to families, makes it even more so.

Where to stay  

Positioned five minutes’ walk from the village centre and nursery slopes is the friendly, family-run Pension Furstenberg. 

From £472 B&B, with Crystal Ski . 

Alternatives

Niederau in the neighbouring Wildschönau valley to Alpbach has similar small-village appeal, along with Kühtai near Innsbruck.

Best for intermediates

Saalbach hinterglemm leogang fieberbrunn.

Located a 90-minute drive from Salzburg airport, the two main villages of this all-encompassing ski area, Saalbach Hinterglemm, are at the centre of a magical ring of 2,000m peaks that form a natural circuit of pistes that can be navigated in either direction to give adventurous intermediates a sense they are actually going somewhere each day.

The ski area, which is one of the biggest in Austria, with 270km of slopes accessed by 70 lifts, also encompasses the smaller villages of Fieberbrunn and Leogang, and they all share one of the most sophisticated lift systems in Austria, with new lifts being added each winter. This season the 29-year-old Limberg chairlift has been replaced by a high speed eight-seater.

In 2019 the old eight-seater Zwölferkogelbahn in Hinterglemm was replaced by a high-speed 10-person gondola that increased uphill capacity from the Hinterglemm end of valley to the 1,984m Zwölferkogel peak from 2,400 to more than 3,500 people per hour.

Saalbach village is larger than Hinterglemm, and has a lively centre with bars, designer boutiques and four-star hotels. Hinterglemm is more peaceful and better for families, while straggling Leogang doesn’t have a centre as such, but offers some ski-in ski-out hotels so is extremely convenient for mountain access.

Where to stay

If you want to be in the centre of the action, then a good option is to stay in Saalbach where most of the après-ski is based. Sportpension Enzian is ski-in/ski-out with an in-house restaurant, bar and sauna. From £988, B&B, including, with Heidi. Find more of the best hotels and chalets in Saalbach here .

Ellmau is a pleasant little village in the heart of the SkiWelt, Austria’s second largest interconnected ski area. Bad Gastein in Salzburgerland gives access to around 200km of mainly intermediate runs.

Best for experts

The ability to handle the slopes like a god, party until dawn, and still be smiling enthusiastically on the first lift the following morning, makes or breaks a stay in what must be regarded as one of the top resorts  in Europe for serious skiers, snowboarders, and committed night owls.

The first time visitor to St Anton will find it surprisingly small for a destination with such a huge reputation. The core of the village is just one main street – pedestrianised during the day – lined with some fine, old hotels and inns, sports shops and cafés.

It is situated at 1,305m and the Valluga cable car, the highest lift, goes up to 2,810m. In between lies an array of runs that vary from the moderately demanding to the just plain wicked – with waist-high moguls to boot. This is not a place for the faint-hearted – a blue slope here might well be classified dark red in a lesser resort – but the kind of person who feels confident on steepish intermediate runs and is game to tackle blacks will have a lot of fun.

Snow cover is usually reliable and the main action takes place on the Valluga side of the village, on and above the slopes of the Gampen and Galzig sectors. The Rendl ski area on the other side of the valley is more benign (and sunnier). Less accomplished members in the a group can always head to the altogether more friendly slopes of Lech and Zürs, also covered by the regional Arlberg lift pass, and linked to St Anton by lift. The main connecting lift is the Flexenbahn 10-seater gondola, which links Zürs with Stuben on the St Anton side in six minutes. In all, the Arlberg pass covers 85 lifts serving 300km of pistes, including the slopes of Warth-Schröcken on the far side of Lech.

A good day out is the Run of Fame piste circuit, which starts from Warth in the north and goes via Lech to St Anton’s Rendl sector, covering 18,000m vertical. However, when exploring the outer reaches of this enormous ski area, be sure to return in time for the evening action. St Anton is as serious about its more muted, but still lively post-Covid nightlife as it is about its on-slope action.

The off piste offered by the ski area as a whole is one of the major attractions, and an excursion to Zürs off the back of the Valluga is a must for any expert. In good snow conditions its hype is worse than its bite, but what really gets the adrenalin flowing is the fact that those carrying skis or a snowboard are only allowed up the final cable car to the 2,810m summit if accompanied by a mountain guide. Piste to Powder offers expert guiding and off-piste tuition in St Anton.

Chalet Valluga is one of Skiworld’s five chalets in the resort. This chalet-apartment is decorated in a modern Tirolean style and sleeps six. From £919 with SkiWorld . Find more of the best hotels and chalets in St Anton here .

Zürs on the Flexenpass above Lech has plenty of challenges both on and off-piste as do Fieberbrunn and Leogang, both part of the same huge ski area as Saalbach and Hinterglemm.

Best for snow reliability

This is one of the highest ski areas of Europe with glacier slopes that remain open 365 days of the year and gradients – remarkably steep for a glacier – that allow for serious downhill race training by national ski teams during the off-season. In winter the ski area reverts to a playground for all abilities, with 60km of runs (and 13km of marked, but unpatrolled off-piste ski routes), six different ski schools and two terrain parks.

A choice of extended and regional lift passes give visitors access to some or all of the other Zillertal resorts. The Hintertux ski area lies at the head of a remote and beautiful valley beyond better-known Mayrhofen , and the winding road up to it passes through the communities of Vorderlanersbach, Tux, Madseit and Juns before reaching the lift station that gives access to the glacier. Hotels are scattered all along the road and these collectively provide the accommodation base, served by the regular ski bus. Consequently, après-ski is largely limited to hotel bars scattered along the valley.

However, Hintertux is a great destination for families, thanks to the Playarena in the village of Vorderlanersbach at the foot of the Eggalm slopes just down the valley. There’s something here for children of all ages, ranging from babies to 16 year olds, with facilities including a soft play area, bouncy castle, indoor high ropes and climbing wall, kids’ cinema and theatre. Entry is free of charge.

Four-star Hotel Hintertuxerhof is a three-minute walk or a short bus ride away from the glacier lifts. It also has a beginner lift outside the door. Facilities include a wellness area with Finnish sauna and steam bath. From £1,465 with Ski Solutions.

Obertauern is Austria’s best shot at a purpose-built resort, with a strong reputation for reliable cover throughout a long season. Sölden in the Otztal has two glaciers and remains open for much of the year.

Best for charm and romance

Watching the annual Hahnenkamm , the toughest of all World Cup downhill ski races, held in mid-January, is breath-taking. At one point, the course plunges away at an angle of 85 degrees.

The funny thing is, the Hahnenkamm isn’t really what Kitzbühel is about. This former medieval mining town, set against the beautiful backdrop of the Wilder Kaiser mountains, is actually one of the softies of the Alpine world. Its slopes are, for the most part, flattering rather than frightening. Even the notorious Streif racecourse, the venue for the Hahnenkamm, becomes a Familienabfahrt – a family run – once the World Cup circus has left town.

The local slopes are divided into three areas – the Kitzbüheler Horn, the much more extensive Hahnenkamm and neighbouring Bichlalm, a little area given over to freeride. Bichlalm is accessed by a chairlift, and there’s a snowcat for continuing the journey beyond the top of the lift. There’s one blue run and a choice of off-piste itineraries back down to the valley.

Apart from its own 205km of runs and 68 lifts in the local area, Kitzbühel links (by a short bus ride) to the 270km of piste and 83 lifts of the SkiWelt area, which includes Westendorf and Söll. The two giant areas are similarly linked from Going across to the Kitzbüheler Alps to Hollersbach in the Hohe Tauern. Kitzbühel and the SkiWelt both have their own separate ski passes, while the KitzSkiWelt Ticket covers the entire area. You are, of course, limited by how much terrain you can cover in a day. Remember to check your watch in the afternoon – taxi rides home from distant corner of the ski area can be expensive. 

The medieval town with its heavily buttressed walls and delicate painted frescoes is one of the most beautiful in all of the Alps. It is also one of those rare resorts that genuinely appeals to non-skiers. Its pretty pedestrianised streets are lined with luxury hotels, upmarket boutiques and cafes.

The four-star Q Hotel Maria Theresia blends modern style with traditional Tirolean, and it has a good spa area. The building is a short walk from the pedestrian centre and four minutes’ walk from the Hahnenkamm gondola. From £1,429 with Inghams . Find more of the best hotels and chalets in Kitzbühel here .

Lech is Austria’s smartest ski destination, but it still retains much of the atmosphere of the farming village that it once was. Seefeld, set on a wooded plateau 25 minutes from Innsbruck, has limited downhill slopes, but cross-country skiing, curling and sleigh rides are popular alternatives for those who want to holiday in comfort in a range of sophisticated four- and five-star hotels.

Best for entertainment

Ischgl is often overlooked by the British – which is surprising, given its history of lively entertainment and high-quality intermediate pistes.

It’s famed for its opening and closing parties featuring some of the world’s most celebrated artists. The concerts started with Elton John in 1994 and have since featured an array of A-list celebrity artists, including Bob Dylan, Tina Turner, Robbie Williams and Kylie Minogue.

The resort is an old farming village that has developed over the years into a sophisticated tourist centre, with a collection of smart hotels and traditional B&Bs. In recent years, the resort has shifted its focus from late nights to luxury, so the immediate post-skiing and the evening scene is much more restrained than it used to be.

The 239km of pistes and 46 lifts in Ischgl – the area is linked to Samnaun in Switzerland – offer runs to suit all standards and the lift system is constantly being updated. Intermediates can have a ball here, and while there is an overall absence of truly steep slopes, the off-piste and ski touring opportunities with a guide are excellent.

The Skyfly, two parallel zip-lines from the Silvretta mid-station to the village, is a 2km-long exciting ride that can be done in ski boots with skis attached behind in a harness.

Hotel Val Sinestra is a cosy and traditional Tirolean three-star B&B with 12 rooms on the side of the piste. You can ski back at the end of the day and the centre of town is within a short walk. From £849 with Iglu Ski . Find more of the best hotels and chalets in Ischgl here .

St Anton and Saalbach . At both, the party begins in huts on the slopes before the lifts close for the day.

Best for families

Obergurgl and neighbouring Hochgurgl have rebranded for marketing purposes as plain Gurgl, although the two villages seem to retain their separate names.

If taking young children to the Alps, the ideal is guaranteed snow cover at village level throughout a long season so that a holiday is possible either pre-Christmas or after the latest of April Easters. At 1,930m, very high for a resort at the eastern end of the Alps, Gurgl can happily oblige.

A short transfer and a low-risk environment is also preferable. This traditional village is set around a fine church, an easy one-hour drive from Innsbruck. There’s no through traffic and the ambience is essentially family-friendly.

The resort attracts a loyal band of regulars, who love its low-key atmosphere and well-run, traditional hotels and  scattering of chalets.

The drawback is an undersized ski area, which can irritate those looking for endless action on groomed pistes. The village of Obergurgl is linked by lift to higher Hochgurgl, but together they still only offer 112km of runs and 26 lifts. The off-piste in Obergurgl is good and the spring touring opportunities are renowned.

One added attraction is the Top Mountain Crosspoint at the Hochgurgl end of the ski area, which comprises a table-service restaurant serving authentic local dishes and a 500 exhibit motorbike museum – rebuilt after a devastating fire. This is also the base station of an efficient 10-person gondola.

Obergurgl Ski School has been teaching the basics to children and adults since 1922. Hochgurgl Ski School has less of a pedigree, but a strong reputation. Most instructors speak reasonable English, but don’t expect to learn cutting-edge technique. There’s no non-ski kindergarten, but many of the hotels offer their own child-care.

Hotel Jenewein is ski-in/ski-out, located opposite the Hohe Mut gondola and Rosskar chair lift. The in-house après-ski bar faces onto the slopes and is a popular gathering place for lunch or after skiing. All bedrooms are decorated in an attractive rustic style. From £1,509, self drive including ferry crossings, with SNO . Find more of the best hotels and chalets in Obergurgl here .

Westendorf in the SkiWelt area has free-to-use nursery slopes and claims to have taught more British children over the years than any other Austrian resort, although St Johann in Tirol might well dispute that. Both have gentle local slopes and are charming bases for families.

Best for terrain parks

This once-traditional village in the Zillertal – the Ziller valley – was one of the original migration points for British skiers in the Seventies, and its allure has never faded. These days Mayrhofen is equally popular with snowboarders.

Both riders and skiers are drawn to one of Austria’s most highly-rated terrain parks, as well as wide, open slopes above the tree line that are heaven for powderhounds after a fresh snowfall. The main ski area is on the Penken mountain, reached by the Penkenbahn from town, a state-of-the-art gondola with 24-seat cabins that has to be taken both up and down the mountain, but makes quick work of any queues.

The Penken terrain park is set at 2,100m, beneath the Sun Jet chairlift. It’s crammed full of kickers, boxes and rails. It has five separate areas: intermediates, advanced, pro, jib area,  and kids park.

Mayrhofen’s local ski area has 150km of pistes and 52 lifts, but that’s just a fraction of what’s on offer in the region. The lift pass, the Zillertaler Superskipass, gives access to seven resorts, a mighty 487m of pistes in the valley, served by 170 lifts.

Après used to be hectic here, although, as in other resorts, it is more muted these days. In past times, the Dutch tended to lead the way at bars on the mountain, long before the lifts closed for the day. The action then switched to the Ice Bar next to the bottom gondola station.

Each April, Mayrhofen hosts Snowbombing , a sort of Glastonbury-on-snow complete with live bands, DJs and ski and snowboard competitions. The week-long festival acts as a major boost to accommodation and lift pass sales.

The Foersterhaus is a comfortable and good-value annexe of the Alpenhotel Kramerwirt, set above the supermarket, 50m from the main hotel. The property is within a short walk of the gondolas and there is a ski bus stop nearby. From £789 with Inghams . Find more of the best hotels and chalets in Mayrhofen here .

Nordkette on the outskirts of Innsbruck , St Anton and Sölden are also good destinations for freestylers.

Best for value

It’s not difficult to find low-cost in Austria, if you are prepared to compromise on either the quality or quantity of the slopes. There are dozens of small villages with loads of charm, but limited terrain and lift systems. Söll is a serious exception. It lies at the heart of the third largest ski area in Austria and has plenty of budget accommodation.

It is the unofficial capital of the SkiWelt, a dozen villages with 270km of largely intermediate pistes and 83 lifts. If that’s not enough, the region is directly linked (with a short bus connection) from Kirchberg to Kitzbühel. This adds another 233km of runs and 57 lifts to the tally.

20 years ago Söll was best-known for its nightlife. But with the highest density of hotel beds in the region, it is now trying to appeal to a much wider clientele, including families. Nevertheless, it is best suited to those who want to attack the slopes with gusto or to party – or both.

The traditional Tirolean village with its onion-domed church is set in the middle of a wide valley. The slopes are a kilometre away and best reached by ski bus.

At the Hotel Gänsleit, Austrian Rosi and her English husband Steve combine the familiarity of home with genuine Austrian hospitality and style, and a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The hotel has been beautifully decorated and includes a modern spa and wellness suite. From £818 with Crystal Ski .

St Johann-in-Tirol and Kühtai have a good choice of budget accommodation.

Best for weekends

Finding a hotel in the Alps that will take bookings of less than a week is not always easy. Not so in Innsbruck with its huge choice of urban accommodation. This is one of Austria’s most beautiful cities, boasting a medieval old town of narrow cobbled streets and colourful buildings along the banks of the River Inn. The short transfers and regular flights – the airport’s just a 16-minute drive from the city centre - make the Tirolean capital one of the most convenient of all hubs for weekends.

Apart from being the capital of the Tirol, Innsbruck is a ski resort in its own right. It’s possible to be on the slopes within an hour of leaving the airport as the Nordkette ski area is reached by a funicular and a cable car from the city in 20 minutes. The Hungerburg funicular runs from across the river in the centre of Innsbruck to the base station of the Nordkette ski area at Hungerburg (860m) in just eight minutes.

After reaching the Hungerburg station, visitors can take a cable car up to Seegruben (1,905m) and then another cable car to the top of the Nordkette area at Hafelekar (2,256m), where novices can admire the city and Alpine views and experts can tackle Karrinne, a truly challenging off-piste run.

This is one of the Tirol’s steepest ski areas with plenty of spectacularly gnarly off-piste terrain for experts. There are 5km of marked off-piste runs here and 11km of mostly red pistes, but even these are steep by other resorts’ standards. There’s also a good terrain park, Skylinepark, with kickers, rails, rollers and boxes.

Nordkette is part of the Ski Plus City pass that covers 296km of piste in 13 ski areas within reach of Innsbruck, including Axamer Lizum, Kühtai, the Stubai Glacier, Muttereralm and Patscherkofel. These are all easily reached by free ski bus.

The four-star Hotel Weisses Kreuz dates back to 1465 and is located in the pedestrian centre of Innsbruck, close to the famous Golden Roof and the Imperial Palace. Facilities include a loft bar. From €138  per room/per night B&B, excluding travel, booked direct . Find more of the best hotels in Innsbruck here .

Zell-am-See, Fugen, and St Anton are also suitable for short winter getaways.

Unless stated otherwise, package prices are per person, based on two sharing a double or twin room, half-board, for seven nights, including flights and transfers.

Where is your favourite place to ski in Austria? Leave your tips in the comments below.

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