Austria: Where the snow is great and schnitzel delightful
Austria may be well known for its wiener schnitzel, Johann Strauss, and The Sound of Music but its ski resorts should be on top of the list too. With beautiful views and the perfect snow conditions, Austria is the perfect location for your next ski vacation. The ski season in Austria is from early December to March, so now is the time to book that trip!
1. Kitzbühel
Kitzbühel is arguably one of the most famous ski towns in Austria. Located east of Innsbruck in the province of Tyrol it is the ideal winter resort for all different levels of skiers. Kitzbühel is most famous for its annual Hahnenkamm downhill race, which always has dozens of contestants. The town of Kitzbühel is also a perfectly quaint location if you are looking for a break from the cold and stiff muscles. The town has museums, churches, cafes, shops and beautiful views of the mountains surrounding it. The resort itself offers ski passes from 2-15 consecutive days, allowing you to make the most of your trip. The resort also has multiple cafes and restaurants for lunch breaks during a busy ski day.
Stay Recommendation: Hotel Kitzhof Mountain Design Resort
2. Ischgl
Ischgl is another great ski resort village. The village is located in western Austria’s Paznaun Valley. The resort sits at 2,872 meters of elevation above the town of Ischgl and the Swiss town of Samnaun. Ischgl is the third-biggest ski resort in Tyrol in Austria. Trails in the mountains make for great hikes and nearby lake visits, like the Vidersee. The slopes themselves are open from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm and are dotted with mountain resort restaurants to warm you up with a cup of hot chocolate.
Stay Recommendation: Hotel Castel
3. Lech
Lech, officially known as Lech Zürs, is a mountain village that operates exclusively as a ski resort in the Bludenz district of the Austrian state of Vorarlberg. The village is situated on the banks of the river Lech. With 305 kilometers of ski runs and over 200 km of high Alpine powder runs there is plenty of opportunity to ski. In Lech there is a certainty of snow from November to April, so you won’t be disappointed by the snowy landscapes when you visit. Lech is a great ski resort for all levels as ski school is provided for beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders.
Stay Recommendation: Pfefferkorn’s Hotel
4. Obertauern
Obertauern is a popular tourist destination located in the Radstädter Tauern in the Salzburger Land of Austria. The resort itself is in two communities: Tweng and Untertauern. They sit at an elevation of 1000 – 2526 meters. The resort offers ski passes for full days as well as just mornings or afternoons which is a great option if you aren’t up for full days of skiing. On the 14th of December and on the 18th of April Obertauern hosts Tauern Ski Day which means that adult one-day passes are 30 EURO! A killer deal to take advantage of!
Stay Recommendation: Hotel Steiner Obertauern GmbH & Co KG
5. Sölden
Lastly, Sölden is an Alpine resort in the Ötztal Valley, which is also in the Austrian state of Tyrol. The resort offers lookouts on the Gaislachkogl, Tiefenbachkogl, and Schwarze Schneid peaks, all more than 3,000 meters high, allowing for breathtaking views of the Ötztal Alps. Sölden is the only ski resort to have that attraction. The resort has a high Alpine altitude of 1350 to 3340 meters, two glaciers, and state-of-the-art mountain lift infrastructures. If snow is lacking Sölden also has snow-making systems allowing for smooth slopes throughout the season. The groomed slopes are perfect for all levels from beginners to experts.
Stay Recommendation: HOTEL Das Central
Sophia spent a week in Austria.
