Austrian Alps Skiing Resorts And Destinations

World Cup racers, families and party animals descend on Austria’s ski resorts every winter, drawn to the vast ski areas, cosy cabins, perfectly groomed pistes and wild nightlife.

Downhill skiing was pioneered in Austria nearly 100 years ago. It is said that the parallel turn was invented in Seefeld. It’s no surprise then that World Cup downhill skiing events take place here every year. It’s also hosted the Winter Olympics twice.

Austria is also renowned for its wild après-ski bars, complete with schnapps, oompah music and dancing in ski boots. Even if partying isn’t your jam, you won’t be able to resist Austria’s charming cobbled villages with their snow-capped roofs and views across the expansive valleys.

1. St Anton am Arlberg

Ski Resort

Probably Austria’s most famous resort, St Anton is classically pretty with a chocolate-box village, steep peaks and snow-laden trees. Advanced skiers will be most at home here, as there are seemingly endless red and black runs. Legendary haunt MooserWirt deserves a visit for proper après-ski, but St Anton is not all boozy bars. Nearby village St Christoph is home to a cool underground art and classical music venue.

3. Sölden

Ski Resort

Glacial pistes, wild nightlife and the FIS World Cup runs make Sölden one of the most popular Austrian ski resorts. Sip cold Riesling in Ice Q, the famous glass structure from the James Bond movie Spectre (2015), perched 3,000m (9,842ft) above sea level – a highly Instagrammable lunch stop. Sölden is also renowned for its early season snow. The season can stretch from September to May, thanks to its glacier, offering more on-snow time than most Alps resorts.

4. Kitzbühel

Ski Resort

Slalom enthusiasts shiver when they hear the name Kitzbühel, home to the infamous Streif, the most dangerous downhill slope in the world. Racing aside, Kitzbühel is also family-friendly, with a truly vast ski area to explore if you are a beginner or an intermediate skier. Indulge in true Austrian après-ski with a cold Stiegl at Pavillon, where dancing on the tables is encouraged.

5. Saalbach

Architectural Landmark

Saalbach is huge. Its 270km (167mi) of runs make it one of the biggest resorts in Europe. There is something for everyone – beginner hills, wide pistes, tree runs, backcountry, snow parks and pumping après bars. Spend one day traversing the Skicircus, a 65-km (40-mi) loop connected by super-speedy modern lifts. Note that the towns are quite spread out, so you will need to get a bus or walk to the lifts.

6. Mayrhofen

Architectural Landmark

MAYRHOFEN, AUSTRIA - MARCH 13, 2019: People visit Mayrhofen ski resort in Tyrol region, Austria. The resort is located in Zillertal valley of Central

Looking for party vibes? Mayrhofen is a must-visit. Snow-capped, rustic chalets and oompah music drifting out from every bar epitomises this famous resort in the Zillertal Valley. Advanced skiers are challenged to take on Harakiri, Austria’s steepest piste, while party animals should head to Scotland Yard, an old police station that’s now a club. It’s also home to the famous Snowbombing festival, held every April, with world-class DJs, and the Altitude comedy festival.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.