Ski Austria Like a Local
Austrians learn to ski as soon as they can walk, and embracing this sport means embracing a whole lifestyle surrounding it – combining adrenaline-pumping activities with social and cultural immersion, artisanal food, a sense of Gemütlichkeit, and enjoying the genuine hospitality, all set against the stunning Alpine views.
Skiing in Austria is truly a way of life – join us and experience it like a local!
Skiing Infused with Local Culture: Experience cultural events, artisanal food, and local music in our Austrian mountain communities.
A Great Variety of Skiing Adventures: Explore vast networks of perfectly groomed slopes, thrilling vertical drops, and breathtaking views.
Great Value for Money: Relish your time in the mountains without worrying about breaking the bank.
Historic Ski Resorts: Discover originally quaint mountain villages that have retained their local charm.
Family-Run Hospitality: Stay in local hotels and restaurants that have been family-run for generations.
Artisanal Food: Savor high-quality, local cuisine on the mountain and in the village.
World-Class Infrastructure: Experience state-of-the-art mountain technologies with cutting-edge lifts that are well-connected by public transport.
Gateway to Europe: Explore the rest of Europe! Austria is located in the heart of Europe and is the ideal starting point.
Find out more below!
These are some of the best places to ski in Austria:
Arlberg: The 'Cradle of Alpine Skiing'
Ischgl: A Snow Paradise with a Touch of Luxury
Kitzbühel: A Luxurious Winter Wonderland
Schladming-Dachstein: World Cup Ski Region with Heart
Sölden/Gurgl: A Winter Vacation of Superlatives
SkiWelt Area: One of the World's Largest and Most Sustainable
Zell am See-Kaprun: Skiing Fun with Glacier Runs and Lake Views
Find out more below and get a chance to win a 6-day ski trip to one of these premier destinations until November 15!
Every day in our ski regions is an immersive experience in our local culture. Explore skiing along with community events, artisanal food, and local music, and enjoy genuine Austrian mountain life. It's a deeply rooted lifestyle, with locals often starting to ski from a young age and seamlessly integrating it into their social fabric. Families and friends relish their days on the slopes together while enjoying their favourite local foods and drinks amidst breathtaking scenery – all with a side of Austrian 'Gemütlichkeit.' This vibe passes on to our guests when sharing a table in a mountain hut or dancing at a local event.
When the sun sets, après-ski takes centre stage. Every region has a unique après-ski culture, from lounging with exquisite wine to dancing in the bar until dawn. Whichever you choose – it's the perfect way to mingle with locals, sip local drinks, and get a taste of Alpine nightlife.
In Austria's skiing regions, you'll encounter an array of ski runs that suit all skill levels. The slopes are meticulously groomed and well-connected, providing a smooth experience from one piste to another. With high verticals and much skiing above the tree line, you can look forward to exhilarating descents and sweeping views.
Additionally, interconnectivity between neighbouring ski resorts allows easy access to diverse landscapes, ensuring a varied day on the slopes without repeating the same run twice. Those seeking off-piste adventures will find numerous freeriding areas (we recommend taking a guide) with access to untouched powder and thrilling terrain.
So, whether you're an experienced skier, a beginner, or somewhere in between, you'll find your perfect slopes.
Austria is a top choice for value-for-money ski holidays, consistently outperforming other popular ski destinations in affordability. From lift passes, ski schools, rentals, and accommodations to meals and après-ski options, Austria offers an unbeatable combination of quality and value.
For instance, lift tickets in Austria are often a third of the price you'd pay in the United States. You'll find great deals across Austrian ski regions, such as free ski buses, complimentary ski passes for children, and discounts for seniors and longer stays. Fully relish your time in the mountains without worrying about breaking the bank.
Originally a pragmatic solution for navigating steep, snowy landscapes, Austrians have played a pivotal role in shaping the history of skiing. One of the most notable ones was Hannes Schneider from the Arlberg region, whose groundbreaking skiing technique laid the foundation for modern Alpine skiing and instruction, shaping the sport as we know it today and spreading its popularity worldwide.
As skiing surged in popularity during the 1920s, Austria's mountain villages, once humble farming, trade, and mining communities, thrived alongside the sport. Over a century, infrastructure and essential services were developed to ensure accessibility for all. Local communities established ski clubs and organized races, attracting a growing number of enthusiasts over time. Gradually, Austria's Alpine towns transformed into the beloved skiing destinations they are today while still retaining the cosy and charming ambiance of traditional mountain villages.
Austrian ski resorts are community-led and assembled like puzzle pieces by local families and businesses – they are not managed or owned by large corporations.
Over the past century, our mountain villages transformed into top skiing destinations, and the local hotels, restaurants, manufacturers, and businesses remained family-owned. Ski lifts, mostly still in private hands, were built by the respective landowners. Lifts, hotels, huts, and restaurants were passed down through generations, expanding in size and luxury offerings while retaining their local identity. This enduring connection to the community is still noticeable today in the hospitable atmosphere that greets you upon arrival.
In Austria, food is an essential part of the skiing experience, and you can taste it:
Along the slopes, you'll find cosy mountain huts serving our local favourites, such as Kaiserschmarren, Germknödel, Leberknödelsuppe, and Käsespätzle – all of the highest quality – perfectly complemented by a refreshing Skiwasser (fancy name for mountain spring water with raspberry syrup) or a local beer enjoyed in the sun.
Many resorts have also become well-known as gourmet foodie destinations with a variety of award-winning restaurants that focus on traditional Austrian fare as well as international cuisine.
Austria has led the way not just in skiing itself but also in shaping winter sports infrastructure. With cutting-edge technologies and a commitment to sustainability, from ski manufacturing to ski lifts, our winter regions are at the forefront of innovation and eco-friendly practices.
Seamlessly connected by trains and buses, you won't need a car to reach or navigate around our ski resorts. State-of-the-art lift and cable car systems, many of which run on renewable energy, offer comfy rides featuring heated seats, weather-protecting covers, and automated safety bars, among other perks. You'll enjoy perfectly groomed runs throughout the entire season, thanks to advanced snowmaking technology powered by renewable resources.
You will find exhilarating snow parks, premium ski rental options, and world-class ski schools catering to all levels, topping off your skiing experience.
If you're eager to venture beyond the mountains, Austria's central location in Europe makes extending your ski adventure to other destinations easy.
Whether you're seeking to add another ski region or Europe's rich cultural tapestry, Austria is well connected by train, offering both night and daytime travel options. After all, Vienna, Salzburg, Zurich, Venice or Paris are just a train ride away.
Our 7 Favorite Ski Resorts
Ski the Arlberg Like a Local
The 'Cradle of Alpine Skiing,' where everything is top-notch. Here are the local's top tips!
Ski Ischgl Like a Local
Extra-long season, mountain concerts, award-winning cuisine – here are the local's top tips!
Ski Schladming-Dachstein Like a Local
Endless snow fun, lively après-ski, exuberant events, and international Ski Championships – here are the local's top tips!
Ski Kitzbühel Like a Local
Skiing in Kitzbühel is like skiing in style with pure Alpine luxury. Find the local's top tips for skiing in Kitzbühel!
Ski Sölden/Gurgl Like a Local
Austria's second-highest ski destination, featuring two glaciers, luxurious hotels, and impressive architectural sites at 10,000 feet - here are local's top tips!
Ski the SkiWelt Area Like a Local
The SkiWelt area is one of the world's largest and most sustainable ski areas with family-run charm throughout - discover the local's top tips!
Ski Zell am See-Kaprun Like a Local
Endless skiing fun, glacier runs and lake views, top-notch snow quality – here are the local's top tips for skiing in Zell am See-Kaprun!
Get a chance to win a 6-day ski trip to the Austrian Alps. Lufthansa connects the U.S. directly to the Alps with 12 nonstop routes. Touch down in Munich and then easily hop over to Austria's mountainside! Take part in our sweepstakes for your shot at this winter adventure.