Best Ski Resorts in Austria

Austria, famous for schnitzel, strudel, leather shorts and, of course, some of the best skiing in the world...

There are hundreds of resorts in this small European country, some no more than ramshackle lifts on patchy hillside, others with cloud-scraping peaks, beautiful pistes and sophisticated infrastructure.

But where to go for the perfect Austria ski holiday? We’ve rated and ranked the best resorts in Austria, based on key factors like altitude, snow surety, how suitable they are for skiers of different abilities and, inevitably, the quality of the après.

Below, you’ll find our 9 best resorts. From St Anton to Söll, there’s something for everyone, and you can book your next holiday with Iglu Ski, with great deals now available on incredible hotels, apartments and ski chalets in Austria.

According to our criteria, these are the resorts to head to in Austria this winter:

1. Mayrhofen

2. Zell am See

3. St Anton

4. Ischgl

5. Lech

6. Obergurgl

7. Saalbach/Hinterglemm

8. Sölden

9. Söll

What criteria did we use to rank the best Austrian ski resorts?

We assessed the merits of each resort based on the following factors:

Resort highest point

The higher you go, the lower the air pressure, and the colder it gets. That means any precipitation is more likely to fall as snow, and the snow that does fall sticks around for longer. For that reason, higher altitude resorts, which can support longer seasons and better conditions, score highly in our ranking.

The presence of a glacier

Similarly, glaciers - which are just giant, slow moving masses of ice maintain the snow even on warmer, sunnier days. Snow cannons A high number of snow cannons is also a good sign that the resort is prepared for occasions when conditions are less than ideal. Artificial snow making facilities can top up the natural stuff when it’s thin on the ground.

Size of ski area

When it comes to ski resorts, more is more. A larger ski area means you’ll be able to find new pistes and new challenges every day of your trip and, perhaps, year after year. It also means you’re more likely to find slopes that match your abilities and preferences.

Suitability for all abilities

Speaking of abilities, the best ski resorts should accommodate all skill levels. Skiing is for everyone, from kids and novices to intermediates and experts, so we’ve scored resorts highly if they have a variety of terrain to suit all abilities.

The après scene

For many skiers, the quality and quantity of bars, pubs and clubs in any given resort is as important as the skiing, and a ski holiday isn’t complete without an afternoon pint on a sunny terrace or the prospect of dancing the night away. That’s why we’ve factored the après scene of each resort into our ranking.

Transfer time

An excessively long journey can dampen the enthusiasm of even the most committed skiers before they’ve so much as seen a mountain peak. Because of that, we’ve scored resorts highly for having a transfer time below 2 hours.

 Our Best Ski Resorts in Austria data

Check out the table below to see how they compare against each other:

Read more:

If you're new to skiing, or someone in your group is, read all about the top beginner ski resorts in Austria.

Find out where to go for the best Austrian ski holiday at Christmas.

1. Mayrhofen

• Resort highest point: 3,250m
• Glacier: Yes
• Snow cannons: 100% cover
• Size of ski area: 546km
• Suitable for all abilities: Yes
• Good après scene: Yes
• Less than 2 hour transfer time: Yes

Mayrhofen subscribes to that marvellous Austrian Alpine tradition of skiing and partying equally hard. That said, in comparison to the likes of St Anton and Ischgl (our third and fourth best resorts respectively), it has much more to offer beginner skiers across its vast ski area. All of this makes it one of the most popular resorts in the country, particularly with Brits.

There are some excellent nursery slopes that are served by magic carpets, and the Ahorn area is a great place for beginners that are looking to progress. But it really shines for intermediates: 49% of its slopes are for this level of skier, and you’ll find the best of the bunch in the Rastkogel and Eggalm areas of the resort.

With 20% of pistes graded difficult, very experienced skiers also won’t be disappointed. In particular, advanced skiers should check out the Devils Run on Horberg and the Neurautabfahrt over on Penken. And don’t go home without at least peering over the precipice of Harakiri, an infamous black that reaches a 78% gradient at its steepest point.

At just 630m above sea level, the town of Mayrhofen itself is quite low by the standards of ski resorts. However, it has pistes going up to 3,250m (thanks to its links to the 546km pistes of the Zillertal ski area) and a reassuring 100% of the ski area is covered by snow cannons.

It also stands out thanks to the presence of the Hintertux glacier, which is snow sure enough to remain open for skiing 365 days per year - a season length that’s hard to beat.

The après goes hard from the moment you step off the slopes until the early hours. Highlights include Pilzbar, Brück’n Stadl, and the British pub-themed Scotland Yard Pub, which actually used to be a police station.

Mayrhofen is such a renowned après ski destination that it’s been the host resort for Snowbombing, probably Europe’s largest snow and music festival, since 2005. Mayrhofen is one of those resorts that just has it all: snow surety, a vast and varied ski area that caters to all abilities, and great après. That’s why it’s our top rated Austrian resort.

Our take: "Everyone talks about the 78% gradient Harakiri, but honestly, it's often just a sheet of scraped ice. If you're an experienced skier, you are far better off carving up the glorious, rolling reds over in the Rastkogel bowl. The morning Penkenbahn gondola queue is notorious. Either get there before 8:30am or enjoy a long breakfast and wait until 10am."

2. Zell am See

• Resort highest point: 3,029m
• Glacier: Yes
• Snow cannons: 100%
• Size of ski area: 408km
• Suitable for all abilities: Yes
• Good après scene: Yes
• Less than 2 hour transfer time: Yes

Despite the low-lying altitude of the resort (just 758m above sea level), Zell am See has one of the longest seasons in Austria. That’s thanks to the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, which, up at 3,000m+, can hold enough snow to allow the resort to open from mid-October to early summer.

But that alone hasn’t secured Zell am See the second spot in our list of top Austrian ski destinations. This family-friendly resort is a joy for skiers of all abilities, with a high proportion of beginner-level runs, wide-open pistes for all, and enough challenging routes for intermediates and experts to get their edges stuck into. Don’t miss the legendary Black Mamba run…

And although the Zell am See’s own ski area is quite compact, combined with Kaprun, there’s a vast 408km of pistes to explore. With the Ski ALPIN pass, you can also access the 270km Skicircus Saalbach-Hinterglemm-Leogang-Fieberbrunn. And, after a day on the pistes, you can unwind with a refreshing drink at one of the many lively bars.

Our take: "While the lakeside setting is absolutely stunning, the lower Schmittenhöhe slopes catch the afternoon sun and can get sticky by midday. Hit the town slopes early to enjoy the fresh grooming, then catch the bus up to the snow-sure Kitzsteinhorn glacier after lunch when the lower snow is not as appealing."

3. St Anton

• Resort highest point: 2,811m
• Glacier: No
• Snow cannons: 88% cover
• Size of ski area: 305km
• Suitable for all abilities: Kind of
• Good après scene: Yes
• Less than 2 hour transfer time: Yes

St Anton’s combination of perfect pistes and wild parties have secured it a well-deserved reputation as one of Europe’s (if not the world’s) best ski resorts, especially for intermediates and above. And alongside its own slopes, it gives you access to the entire 500km of the Ski Arlberg area, which includes approximately 300km of marked pistes plus 200km of ski routes.

St Anton’s slopes reach up to a very snow sure 2,811m and, while it doesn’t have a glacier, it has 80% snow cannon coverage. Not that it needs it: the resort has a stupendous snow record, regularly seeing several metres of depth on its upper slopes. It also has among the best off-piste offerings of anywhere on Earth, and a stock of red and black runs that will make intermediate and advanced skiers salivate with excitement.

But does St Anton also deliver for beginners? It must be said that, even though there are plenty of beginner slopes, they’re on the harder end of the spectrum and are known for being quite steep and challenging. So, if you’re a novice, you just need to plan your routes to make the most of the resort. Check out the Gampen and Nasserein areas or stay in nearby St Christoph, which gives you easy access to beginner-friendly Lech, while still allowing you to enjoy the delights of St Anton.

Finally, the cherry on top (or should we say, the foam atop the fizzing lager) is St Anton’s legendary après - a status that has been cemented over the years by hard-partying institutions like The Mooserwirt, the mountainside Krazy Kanguruh and Taps. And all of this can be found just 1 hour and 15 minutes from Innnsbruck, the nearest international airport.

Our take: "The main home run back to town gets famously lively by 4pm as everyone heads down. If you prefer to skip the late-afternoon bumps, catching the Galzigbahn gondola down is a smart local trick, or better yet, grab an early spot on the terrace at the Krazy Kanguruh and soak up the world-class après atmosphere while the crowds thin out."

4. Ischgl

• Resort highest point: 2,872m
• Glacier: No
• Snow cannons: 90% cover
• Size of ski area: 239km
• Suitable for all abilities: Kind of
• Good après scene: Yes
• Less than 2 hour transfer time: Yes

In many ways, Ischgl is like St Anton’s grown up cousin. It’s an exceptionally lively town with brilliant intermediate-level skiing and great après under 2 hours from Innsbruck.

It even has lifts going up to a similar maximum altitude (2,872m), while its northerly facing slopes, 90% snow cannon coverage, and healthy snow record ensure it’s very snow sure (the season usually runs from November to May).

You'll have 239km of pistes at your disposal, including 47km of blues, 140km of reds, and 47km of blacks. Again, this means Ischgl is definitely geared towards more experienced skiers, who will be spoilt for choice, with a wealth of wide-open runs that are fantastic for cruising.

That said, there are good ski schools and fun areas for kids and beginners, who should head for the Idalp and Alp Trida areas for the friendliest terrain.

We should also mention the state-of-the-art lift system. The resort has 46 cable cars that, combined, have the capacity to transport 97,000 people per hour, which keeps everything running smoothly.

Finally, Ischgl isn’t called the Ibiza of the Alps for nothing. Its après scene rivals, if not exceeds St Anton, with venues like Kühstall, Kitzloch and Schatzi bringing the party every day of the week. Prost!

Our take: "This is a vast, high-octane resort where the lift system is an engineering marvel – you will rarely queue. The 11km Duty-Free run down to Samnaun (so called because the town has duty-free shops) in Switzerland is a must-do, but make sure you carry serious speed onto the valley floor, or you will be aggressively poling for a mile."

5. Lech

• Resort highest point: 2,450m
• Glacier: No
• Snow cannons: 60% cover
• Size of ski area: 305km
• Suitable for all abilities: Yes
• Good après scene: Kind of
• Less than 2 hour transfer time: Yes

Lech is another one of the resorts that make up the Arlberg ski area, though it’s a very different beast from St Anton.

One of the main reasons Lech made our list of Austria’s best ski resorts is that it’s just so pretty. With its traditional chalets, ancient church steeple and horse-drawn sleighs, walking through Lech’s picture-perfect village, you could be in another century. But don’t let that fool you, because the resort is also modern and luxurious, with plenty of designer shops, fine dining restaurants, and upmarket hotels. It also has its fair share of après spots, though it's more champagne and cocktails than draught lager and table dancing.

When it comes to skiing, Lech is a much more beginner-friendly resort, with loads of wide and gentle pistes that will please novices and intermediates alike. But of course, with the 305km of the Arlberg on your doorstep, more adventurous and advanced skiers are also well catered for.

Our take: "Lech’s appeal is the rare combination of understated luxury and serious skiing. The village is beautiful without feeling like a museum, while the surrounding slopes are spacious. The famous White Ring circuit is a brilliant day out, but the Madloch chair can be a frustrating bottleneck. Start the loop as early as possible to beat the crowds and enjoy the pristine grooming."

6. Obergurgl

• Resort highest point: 3,082m
• Glacier: No
• Snow cannons: 90% cover
• Size of ski area: 112km
• Suitable for all abilities: Yes
• Good après scene: Kind of
• Less than 2 hour transfer time: Yes

Sitting up at 1,930m and with lifts going up to 3,080m, Obergurgl is a high altitude package of Alpine perfection that, thanks to its links with the smaller and even higher resort of Hochgurgl, offers 112km of skiable terrain.

With 60km of blues, 33km of reds, and 14km of blacks, Obergurgl has a really nice balance of pistes that makes it great for skiers of all abilities, though is a particularly good resort for beginners and families, who will enjoy wide, typically uncrowded slopes. As a result of its altitude, Obergurgl is one of the most snow sure resorts in Austria and usually one of the first non-glacier resorts to open.

The town itself marries traditional Tyrolean architecture with modern luxury hotels, meaning there are accommodation options to suit all needs. Added to that, for a small town, it has quite a lively après scene, as well as spots for a quieter drink.

Our take: "Obergurgl is one of Austria’s most reassuring ski resorts. Its high altitude, immaculate pistes and compact layout remove many of the uncertainties that can complicate a ski holiday, yet it retains the warmth of a traditional Tyrolean village. The famous Nederhütte après kicks off at 4pm right on the mountain. If you overindulge in the table-dancing, they run a skidoo taxi back down to the village."

7. Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn

• Resort highest point: 2,096m
• Glacier: No
• Snow cannons: 90% cover
• Size of ski area: 408km
• Suitable for all abilities: Yes
• Good après scene: Yes
• Less than 2 hour transfer time: Yes

Saalbach is part of the Skicircus alongside Hinterglemm, Leogang, and Fieberbrunn. It’s also on the doorstep of the 408km ski area of Zell am See - Kaprun, but it’s a delightful resort in its own right.

Wherever you stay in the Skicircus, you’ll benefit from its fantastic variety of pistes, which include 140km of blues, 112km of reds, and 18km of blacks. That makes it a great option for all levels of skiers, but especially families and beginners. Where you choose as your base really depends what kind of trip you’re looking for. The pistes around Saalbach and the sunny slopes of Hinterglemm are ideal for novices, while more experienced skiers will love the challenging terrain of Fieberbrunn, in particular its plentiful off-piste opportunities (it’s a stop on the freeride world tour).

In Saalbach, you’ll discover a pretty, lively village, with a vibrant après scene and loads of fun activities for all the family.

Our take: "The vast Skicircus is incredible for miles of uninterrupted skiing and exploring different valleys. To make the absolute most of the conditions, we always recommend cruising the glorious south-facing slopes first thing in the morning when the sun hits them, before heading over to the north-facing runs in the afternoon where the snow stays wonderfully crisp."

8. Sölden

• Resort highest point: 3,340m
• Glacier: Yes
• Snow cannons: 75% cover
• Size of ski area: 147km
• Suitable for all abilities: Kind of
• Good après scene: Yes
• Less than 2 hour transfer time: Yes

Sölden might be the eighth resort in our ranking, but it holds the distinction of being the highest by some distance, with two glaciers and three peaks above 3,000m.

As you’d expect, this makes it a very snow sure resort. The season typically extends from October to May up on the Rettenbachfern and Tiefenbachferner glaciers. Like many high altitude resorts, Sölden’s pistes are more suitable for intermediate and advanced skiers, with even the blue runs steeper and more challenging than you’d find lower down. However, there are plenty of good routes for novice skiers around Giggijoch.

Intermediates should check out the 1,695m vertical drop of Gaislachkogel, and experts the blacks of Hainbachjoch. One of Sölden’s biggest attractions is the 15km descent down from the resort peak, Schwarze Schneide at 3,340m, down to the resort centre, one of the longest in Austria.

And when you’ve completed that mammoth route, you can reward yourself with a refreshing drink and a dance (if you’ve still got any legs left) at Umbrella Bar Sonne, Philip, or Giggi Tenne.

Our take: "The Rettenbach side stays in the shade almost all day and can be a biting 15°C colder than the valley, so you need to pack serious layers. To reach the sunnier side, you actually ski right through a 170m-long tunnel carved straight through the mountain—it’s a brilliant, surreal experience.

"The main pistes can get chaotic and fast-paced, so if you ever need a breather, taking the short bus ride down the valley. You could even pop into the Aqua Dome spa in Längenfeld – an absolute game-changer for aching legs.""

9. Söll

• Resort highest point: 1,956m
• Glacier: No
• Snow cannons: 90% cover
• Size of ski area: 275km
• Suitable for all abilities: Yes
• Good après scene: Yes
• Less than 2 hour transfer time: Yes

Söll is a charming little resort in the SkiWelt area of Austria, and makes an excellent base from which to explore the 275km pistes of the region.

Söll is relatively low lying (the resort itself is just 703m above sea level and goes up to a peak of 1,956m), but this means you can enjoy many picturesque tree-lined runs. The skiing is generally best suited for beginners and intermediates, though the links to the wider SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser Brixental Ski Circuit open up plenty of terrain for more experienced skiers.

What about snow surety? The conditions are fairly reliable and allow for a respectable December to April ski season, with a solid arsenal of snow cannons on hand to top up the pistes when necessary.

We must also mention Söll’s night skiing, which is truly exceptional. There are 10km of floodlit slopes, making it the largest night skiing resort in Europe. But of course, if you’re satisfied with the amount of skiing you’ve managed to squeeze into the daylight hours, you can spend your nights indulging in Söll’s warm and welcoming après scene instead. You’ll find dozens of fun spots to have a dance or, if you prefer, a more relaxing evening drink.

Our take: "It's one of the lower-altitude basea in the SkiWelt, but because the pistes are grassy pastureland underneath, it needs barely any snow cover to be perfectly skiable. The tree-lined runs are a godsend when the weather closes in, and the floodlit night skiing is genuinely worth skipping an evening at the bar for."

Book your holiday to one of the best Austrian ski resorts

Austria is home to some of the best ski resorts, not just in Europe, but in the world. From the stunning peaks of Mayrhofen to the pine-lined runs of Söll, there are any number of vast and varied snowscapes to get stuck into.

Find your perfect Austrian accommodation with Iglu Ski. We have package and non-package deals available on charming chalets, affordable apartments, and high-end hotels available in all of these top resorts.