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    • Skiing in St. Anton am Arlberg
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    Ski Austria Like a Local

    In Austria, skiing isn't just a sport; it's part of our identity, deeply rooted in our history and a certain enjoyment of life – our Lebensgefühl. Many 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!

    • 8 Things That Make Skiing in Austria Special

      1. Skiing Infused with Local Culture: Experience cultural events, artisanal food, and local music in our Austrian mountain communities. 
      2. A Great Variety of Skiing Adventures: Explore vast networks of perfectly groomed slopes, thrilling vertical drops, and breathtaking views.
      3. Great Value for Money: Relish your time in the mountains without worrying about breaking the bank. 
      4. Historic Ski Resorts: Discover originally quaint mountain villages that have retained their local charm.
      5. Family-Run Hospitality: Stay in local hotels and restaurants that have been family-run for generations.
      6. Artisanal Food: Savor high-quality, local cuisine on the mountain and in the village.
      7. World-Class Infrastructure: Experience state-of-the-art mountain technologies with cutting-edge lifts that are well-connected by public transport.
      8.  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!

    • Our Favourite Ski Resorts

      These are some of the best places to ski in Austria: 

      1. Arlberg: The 'Cradle of Alpine Skiing' 
      2. Ischgl: A Snow Paradise with a Touch of Luxury
      3. Kitzbühel: A Luxurious Winter Wonderland
      4. Schladming-Dachstein: World Cup Ski Region with Heart
      5. Sölden/Gurgl: A Winter Vacation of Superlatives
      6. SkiWelt Area: One of the World's Largest and Most Sustainable
      7. Zell am See-Kaprun: Skiing Fun with Glacier Runs and Lake Views

      Find out more below and from September 15 to November 15 get a chance to win a 6-day ski trip to one of these premier destinations!

    What Makes Skiing in Austria Special

    1. Skiing Infused with Local Culture

    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.

    Planai, Schladming Dachstein / Planai
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    2. A Great Variety of Skiing Adventures

    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.

    Ischgl Ski Area / Ischgl
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    Skiing in SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser - Brixental
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    3. Great Value for Money

    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. 

    4. Historic Ski Resorts

    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.

    winter in Lech am Arlberg / Lech am Arlberg
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    Genussmomente, Arlberg
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    5. Family-owned hotels and businesses

    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.

    6. Artisanal Food

    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. 

    Culinary delights Ski Hut Kitzbühel Sonnbühel Family
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    7. World-Class Infrastructure

    Austria has led the way not just in skiing itself but also in 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.

    Porsche Design Gondel auf der Schmittenhöhe in Zell am See-Kaprun
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    8. Gateway to Europe

    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.

    ÖBB Railjet in winter
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    Our 7 Favorite Ski Resorts & Your Chance to Win!

    •                         Munich Airport Tower Alps
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      Win Your Ultimate Ski Trip to Austria

      Get a chance to win a 6-day ski trip to the Austrian Alps. Touch down at Munich Airport and hop over to Austria's mountainside! With 11 nonstop flights on Lufthansa from the US straight to the Alps.
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    •                         Early bird skiing at Schmittenhöhe
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      Ski Zell am See-Kaprun Like a Local

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    •                         Ischgl Ski Area / Ischgl
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      Ski Ischgl Like a Local

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    •                         City of Kitzbühel
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      Ski Kitzbühel Like a Local

      Skiing in Kitzbühel is like skiing in style with pure Alpine luxury. Here are the local's top tips!
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    •                         winter in Lech am Arlberg / Lech am Arlberg
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      Ski the Arlberg Like a Local

      The 'Cradle of Alpine Skiing,' where everything is top-notch. Here are the local's top tips!
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    •                         Skiing on the glacier, Sölden ski area, Ötztal
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      Ski Sölden/Gurgl Like a Local

      Two glaciers, hotel luxury, and impressive architecture – find the local's top tips!
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      Ski Schladming-Dachstein Like a Local

      Snow fun, après-ski, exuberant events, and Ski Championships – find the local's top tips!
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    •                         SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser – Brixental: one of the largest and most modern ski areas
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      Ski the SkiWelt Area Like a Local

      The SkiWelt area is one of the world's largest, most modern, and most sustainable ski regions. Here are the local's top tips!
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