Ski Resorts for Beginners and Returning Skiers

Beginners and returners are in good hands at Austria's ski schools: Experienced instructors and suitable ski areas ensure a successful (re)start.

Lebensgefühl Austria – that's what skiing feels like

That familiar rush of excitement is back as you glide over the powdery snow on your skis or a snowboard. But the turns aren't quite perfect yet, and your knees feel a bit shaky. Don't worry, there's no need to hurry!

Beginners or those returning to skiing after a break often feel more comfortable in smaller ski areas than large ones. Without needing to study piste maps for long, you'll find many blue runs here where carving and turning come in easy. The stunning views of the surrounding alpine winter landscape add to the experience.

As a reward, head to a mountain hut for culinary classics like Käsespätzle, bacon dumplings, and/or Kaiserschmarrn – warming both body and soul.

Families and winter sports fans can enjoy the beauty of nature together, stay active, and experience the alpine lifestyle and vibrant moments. Experiencethe joy and exhilaration that will instantly make you feel reborn.

Ski Resorts for Beginners

4 x Good-to-Know

Austria offers plenty of ski resorts that are perfect for beginners and returning skiers. Please take a look at the list above.

A ski helmet is recommended for all skiers and snowboarders. For minors - up until the age of 15 - it is mandatory.

  • Choose a ski resort with easy (= blue) or at most intermediate (= red) slopes.

  • Book a few lessons at a ski school.

  • Start building up strength and endurance well before your holiday.

  • Keep your equipment up to date.

Skiing in Austria

Austria awaits with a variety of ski resorts that are perfect for ski newbies and those getting back on the pistes after a longer break. Here, beginners can learn the basics in a relaxed atmosphere and enjoy their first turns on the gently rolling slopes.

6 tips: Get ready for your winter holiday in Austria

Safety on and off the slopes

Climate Protection

Sustainable Winter Holidays

Winter and skiing holidays in Austria's Alps are legendary. To keep it that way, a lot is changing right now to make them more sustainable.

The ski region "Klimaberg" Katschberg amidst the "UNESCO Biosphere Park Salzburg Lungau & Carinthian Nockberge" has been awarded the Austrian Ecolabel and the German "Green Tourism Award". In Zell am See, cable cars run on 100 percent electricity from renewable sources, while snow-farming protects the glacier in the Kaprun resort: Snow for the next winter is stored and the ice surface of the glacial tongue is covered. The Schladming-Dachstein ski region relies on climate-friendly travel by train as well as ski buses and on-site e-fueling stations. In the Wilder Kaiser ski region, every guest arriving by train is rewarded with free transfer to accommodation, free public transport and a 10 percent discount on ski rentals (see all advantages at a glance). In the Silvretta Montafon, Golm and Brandnertal region, skiers can book a Green Ticket online. It includes a day ski pass, a ticket for arrival and departure by bus and train, a 10 percent discount on rental equipment, and one free ski waxing.

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