Best Ski Resorts in Austria

Table of Contents

• Austria Ski Resort Quick Comparison
• Top Austrian Ski Resorts for Every Skier
• Peter Glenn: Your Source for Austrian Ski Trip Gear
• Frequently Asked Questions

At a Glance: Austria is home to some of the best ski resorts in the world, with destinations ranging from the legendary slopes of St. Anton to the glacier skiing of the Stubai. Skiers chasing powder, après-ski culture, or family-friendly runs will all find something worth the flight to the Austrian Alps.

Austria has been at the heart of alpine skiing culture for well over a century. With a strong tradition of hospitality, excellent modern lifts, and reliable snow conditions, the country consistently ranks among Europe's top ski holiday destinations. Knowing which resort matches your style can make the difference between a good trip and a great one. Here is a breakdown of the best Austrian ski resorts.

Austria Ski Resort Quick Comparison

Not sure which resort is right for you? The Austrian National Tourist Office offers a helpful overview of Austria's largest ski areas to help narrow down your options.

Resort	Km of Slopes	Lifts	Best For
St. Anton (Ski Arlberg)	300 km	85	Advanced skiers, off-piste, après-ski
Kitzbühel	233 km	57–60	Intermediate skiers, Austrian charm, race history
Ischgl	239 km	46	Snow reliability, long runs, après-ski
Stubai Glacier	65 km	26	Glacier skiing, beginners, long season
Mayrhofen	142 km	61	Intermediate to advanced, steep terrain

Top Austrian Ski Resorts for Every Skier

St. Anton and the Ski Arlberg Region

St. Anton am Arlberg is widely considered the birthplace of modern alpine skiing. Austria's first ski school opened here in 1921, and the resort has been drawing serious skiers from around the world ever since. Today, the Ski Arlberg area is Austria's largest connected ski resort, with 300 km of marked pistes, extensive off-piste terrain, and 85 lifts and cable cars all on one lift pass.

Terrain and Vertical

The vertical drop runs from the village at 1,304 meters up to the Valluga summit at 2,811 meters, giving advanced skiers long, demanding descents with serious elevation change. The off-piste terrain here ranks among the best in the entire Alps, and hiring a local guide is a smart move for anyone looking to explore beyond the marked trails safely.

Après-Ski and Getting There

St. Anton is also one of the most famous après-ski destinations in Europe. When the lifts close, the party moves to spots like the Krazy Kanguruh and MooserWirt, where live music and packed crowds make for some of the best après-ski in the Alps. Innsbruck Airport is about 100 kilometers away, and regular train services connect directly to the resort, making it one of the more accessible Austrian ski resorts from a major international hub.

Consider St. Anton if:

• You are an advanced or expert skier chasing steep terrain and off-piste runs
• Après-ski is just as important to you as the skiing itself
• You want access to Austria's largest connected ski area on one lift pass

Kitzbühel

Kitzbühel is one of the most recognized names in global ski culture. The KitzSki area offers 233 km of slopes served by around 57–60 lifts, and the resort has been a multiple-time winner of the World Ski Awards.

The Hahnenkamm and the Streif

Every January, the Hahnenkamm Races draw the world's best racers to the legendary Streif course, one of the most demanding downhill runs in professional ski racing. For intermediate skiers, Kitzbühel delivers long, flowing red runs with panoramic views across the Tyrolean Alps.

The Town and Getting Around

The medieval town center adds real Austrian charm, with cobblestone streets, traditional architecture, and a walkable village atmosphere. A free ski bus connects the main lift stations to the town center, making it easy to move around without a car. Kitzbühel's ski season often opens as early as November, depending on conditions, making it one of the earliest non-glacial ski resorts to welcome skiers each year.

Consider Kitzbühel if:

• You are an intermediate skier looking for long, flowing groomed runs
• You want a resort with a historic town center and authentic Austrian atmosphere
• Race history and world-class skiing culture matter to you

Ischgl and the Silvretta Arena

Ischgl sits in the Paznaun Valley and operates within the Silvretta Arena, a cross-border ski area connecting Austria with the Swiss duty-free village of Samnaun. The combined area covers 239 km of slopes served by 46 modern lifts with a total uplift capacity of around 97,000 people per hour.

Snow Reliability and Terrain

The ski area sits between 1,360 and 2,872 meters elevation, a large portion of the terrain sits above 2,000 meters. That high-altitude positioning makes Ischgl one of the most snow-reliable ski resorts in Austria, with a season that regularly runs from late November through early May.

Long Runs and Après-Ski

Ischgl works especially well for intermediate and advanced skiers. The run from the Greitspitze summit down to the village stretches about 11 kilometers, one of the longest descents in the Alps. The resort is also well known for its après-ski scene, earning a reputation as the Ibiza of the Alps for its mountain bars, live music events, and outdoor concerts. A free ski bus runs throughout the resort area.

Consider Ischgl if:

• Snow reliability is your top priority and you want a long season
• You enjoy skiing across borders into Switzerland
• You want serious terrain paired with one of the Alps' best après-ski scenes

Stubai Glacier

The Stubai Glacier is Austria's largest glacier ski area, sitting at elevations up to 3,210 meters above sea level. The resort offers 65 km of slopes served by 26 lifts, with natural snow guaranteed from October through May, giving it one of the longest ski seasons in Austria.

About 45 minutes from Innsbruck by car, the Stubai Glacier is accessible via a free ski bus from the valley. Wide, groomed runs make it a strong fit for beginners and intermediate skiers, while the Stubai Zoo snow park draws freestyle skiers and snowboarders throughout the season. The Daunhill slope, with a maximum gradient of 60 percent, gives advanced skiers a serious test. The Top of Tyrol summit platform at 3,210 meters offers 360-degree panoramic views that stretch across the Stubai Alps and on clear days reach the Dolomites.

Consider Stubai Glacier if:

• You are a beginner or intermediate skier looking for wide, groomed runs
• You want one of the longest ski seasons in Austria, from October through May
• You are based in or near Innsbruck and want easy access to the mountain

Mayrhofen

Mayrhofen sits in the Zillertal Valley with two distinct ski areas that serve opposite ends of the ability spectrum. Penken is the action mountain, home to the Harakiri, Austria's steepest groomed slope at a maximum gradient of 78 percent. Ahorn is the calmer counterpart, with wide, gentle slopes that work well for beginners and families.

The resort has 61 lifts and a vertical drop of 1,870 meters. For intermediate skiers, the long red runs across both Penken and Ahorn offer solid variety throughout the week. A free ski bus serves the area, and the town center is walkable with a strong lineup of restaurants and bars. Mayrhofen has also built a reputation for lively après-ski in the Zillertal Valley.

Consider Mayrhofen if:

• You want two distinct ski areas catering to different ability levels
• You are chasing steep, challenging terrain like the Harakiri run
• You want a lively après-ski scene in a walkable Tyrolean town

Peter Glenn: Your Source for Austrian Ski Trip Gear

Austria's ski resorts offer something for every type of skier, from the massive terrain of the Ski Arlberg to the high-altitude glacier runs of the Stubai. Planning a ski holiday to the Austrian Alps starts with having the right gear for the mountain. At Peter Glenn, we carry ski jackets, ski pants, and ski apparel and equipment from top brands including Obermeyer, Patagonia, The North Face, and Bogner. Browse our full collection online and get geared up before your next trip to the Austrian Alps.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best ski resort in Austria for beginners?

The Stubai Glacier and the Ahorn area of Mayrhofen are both strong options for beginners. Both offer wide, gentle slopes, ski schools, and dedicated learning areas away from faster traffic.

What is Austria's largest ski resort?

Ski Arlberg, centered around St. Anton, is Austria's largest connected ski resort with 300 km of marked pistes and extensive off-piste terrain all on one lift pass.

How far is St. Anton from Innsbruck Airport?

St. Anton am Arlberg is approximately 100 kilometers from Innsbruck Airport. Regular train services connect the airport directly to the resort.

When does the ski season start in Austria?

Most major Austrian ski resorts open in late November or early December. The Stubai Glacier opens as early as October and typically stays open through May.

Is Kitzbühel good for intermediate skiers?

Yes. Kitzbühel has a strong selection of red runs for intermediate skiers, excellent grooming, a free ski bus, and a historic town center that rounds out the ski holiday experience well.