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.
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.
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.
