Ski the SkiWelt Area Like a Local
One of the World's Largest and Most Sustainable
The area features nine interconnected villages, each showcasing the authentic Austrian way of life.
The SkiWelt was a project of the community that started in 1977 when a group of visionary and regional thinkers from six villages linked up to form an interconnected "ski world" (where its name comes from) – a collaborative project deeply rooted in the region and an integral part of the region’s identity.
Since then, it has evolved into one of the world's largest, most modern, and ecologically friendly ski resorts. With 174 miles of perfectly groomed slopes, the SkiWelt area offers diverse skiing opportunities for all skill levels, set against breathtaking panoramic views of over 70 peaks above 9,800 feet, including the Wilder Kaiser mountain chain and Austria's highest mountain, the Großglockner.
The area features nine authentic mountain villages, each providing direct access to the pistes. These villages boast family-run accommodations and the highest density of mountain huts and inns in Austria (over 80), offering the best Tirolean hospitality and a full immersion into the local way of life.
The SkiWelt area is ideal for families seeking numerous blue runs and wide, perfectly groomed slopes. It's perfect for young beginners, with free practice lifts in the valley and ski schools from age 2. Childcare is available for children starting at 1 year old. For more action, enjoy the fun parks, ski movie tracks, and toboggan tracks. Special offers are available throughout the winter season, ensuring a safe and valuable family experience.
Skiing season:
December 7 – March 30, 2025 (plus weekends in November)
SkiWelt ski pass
3-day pass from $ 171 – $ 229
SuperSkiCard
for SkiWelt & Kitzbühel ski areas
3-day pass from $ 239 – $ 259
Included in the Indy Pass
One of the largest and most sustainable ski areas in the world
A family-run ski resort, with 9 vibrant villages showcasing the local culture and traditions
The villages offer ski-in/ski-out access and 20 valley runs; free shuttle buses between the villages
Unique panoramic views of 70 peaks above 9,800 feet, including the Grossglockner (Austria's highest peak)
Connected to the Kitzbühel ski area, offering access to a total of 284 miles of slopes
With 313 miles, the "KitzSkiWelt Tour" is the longest ski safari in the world
Home to Austria's largest night skiing area
The highest number of ski huts and inns in Austria
Family-run accommodations across all categories, from apartments to 5-star luxury hotels
Special deals for families & adults without children
Nearby cultural destinations like Innsbruck, Salzburg, or Munich – each only 1 hour away
21 ski schools – all privately owned; childcare on the mountain (from 1 year)
If you seek activities besides skiing, there's plenty to do in the SkiWelt area. Here are some of the local’s favourite activities:
Tobogganing: Three daily groomed toboggan runs for both day and night adventures.
Winter Walking: Explore scenic trails in the valley and on the mountain. The Winter Walker`s Pass allows access to cable cars from each village to the mountain.
Tandem Paragliding: Experience the scenic landscapes from above by paragliding from Hohe Salve, Ellmau, or Westendorf.
Start with the first gondola in the morning and enjoy the freedom, peace, vastness, and panorama of the Wilder Kaiser, along with numerous peaks above 9,800 feet. Be the first to carve down the perfectly groomed slopes.
Anita Baumgartner, local ski enthusiast
Enjoy après-ski fun in the numerous ski huts in every village, whether you're looking for lively or quieter spots, there's something for everyone. Here are some of the local’s favourites:
Moonlightbar: A popular spot for après-ski in the valley with DJ sets and a fun atmosphere in Söll.
Rübezahl Alm: Cosy vibe with stunning mountain views on the mountain next to the slope in Ellmau.
Brixner Stadl: Known for its lively après-ski scene and great drinks in the heart of Brixen im Thale.
Sunnseithütte: A charming hut with a welcoming atmosphere right next to the slope in Hopfgarten.
Sonnalm: A perfect spot to unwind after a day on the slopes by an open fire in Westendorf.
In the SkiWelt area, regional cuisine and Alpine hut culture shine through the 80 authentic huts and inns. Local cuisine is just around every corner, with ample space, sunny terraces, traditional and modern dishes, true Tirolean hospitality, and stunning views of the Wilder Kaiser mountain range. Here are some of the locals' favourite spots:
Gipfelalm Hohe Salve: Austria's highest rotating restaurant with stunning views near Austria's highest pilgrimage church.
Aualm Scheffau: A cosy, 400-year-old hut in Scheffau, offering traditional dishes made with its own farm products, in a warm atmosphere.
Rübezahl Ellmau: A charming spot in Ellmau offering a unique blend of rustic charm and modern comfort.
Sonnalm Westendorf: A hut in Westendorf famous for its sunny terrace and delicious Tirolean cuisine with scenic views.
Kraftalm Itter: Known for its welcoming ambience, hearty local dishes, as well as lovingly run boutique hotel next to the slope in Itter.
The SkiWelt tour allows you to explore different routes independently each day without repeating a piste twice. Stop at a mountain hut to sample our local delicacies and savour the authentic taste of Austria!
Anita Baumgartner, local ski enthusiast
You’ll find a great variety of accommodations, ranging from cosy farmhouses and apartments to luxurious 5-star superior hotels – and most of them family-run! All options include an online 24/7 availability check. Here are some of the local's recommendations:
Kaiserhof Ellmau*****s: A family-run award-winning gem directly at the slopes with gourmet cuisine and stunning views.
Biohotel Stanglwirt*****: A 400-year-old world-renowned luxury green spa resort in Going with its own ski school, a kids farm and a 129.000 ft² wellness area.
Beim Hochfilzer****s: Charming luxury chalets and hotel accommodations with special experiences like a tree house chalet and a sky sauna.
Kaiserlodge**** & Das Kaiser****: Two connected hotels in Scheffau offering distinct concepts with ski-out access, featuring separate adult and family spas.
Sportresort Hohe Salve****: Located directly at the base of the Hopfgarten cable car, known for its elaborate sports concept developed with Austrian ski jumping legend Toni Innauer.
Landhotel Schermer****: A charming family-run hotel located in the village of Westendorf with direct access to the slopes.
When it comes to infrastructure, SkiWelt is highly committed to sustainable practices, and the continuous optimization of their amenities to the highest standards. The locals take great pride in this commitment and the SkiWelt area has been consistently recognized as one of the world's most sustainable ski resorts.
Electricity: For over 20 years now, SkiWelt has been powered entirely by green electricity from local hydropower. The ski resort pioneered the world's first solar-powered lift, introduced solar panel systems at lift stations and a general expansion of solar panels in the region resulted in around 50% energy cost savings for building facilities. And just now, the SkiWelt area is constructing its own hydropower plant and the world's first 8-seated lift with an integrated photovoltaic system, generating 50% of its energy on-site.
Heating system: Remaining heat from the mountain railways is used to heat mountain restaurants and garages.
Water: Thanks to state-of-the-art snow-measuring systems and GPS-fitted snow groomers 20% of snow-making resources (electricity and water) is saved annually. They have always used water of drinking quality for snowmaking, and as the snow melts, the water is returned to nature.
These efforts not only reduce the resort's environmental impact but have made it a leader in sustainable ski tourism.
Practical Travel Tips
Tip to plan your visit:
Use the 360° SkiWelt Panorama Tour and the Interactive Piste Map to explore the region virtually!
SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser - Brixental
Dorf 84
6303 Söll
Phone: +43 0 5333 400
