Austria - premium in the world ski holiday. And this is not surprising: the inhabitants of the Austrian Tyrol and Salzburg thought of skimming the cream from the legendary alpine meadows not only in the emerald summer, but also in the frosty snowy winter - more than 100 years ago. The first downhill competitions took place in the Austrian Alps in 1904, in 1922 the first ski school was opened, in 1928 the first ski lift and, in fact, the ski tourism business in general were launched.

Over the course of a century, hardworking, careful, stubborn Austrians managed to build a real snow empire on the slopes of their native Alps, including more than 800 ski resorts and about 50 ski areas, almost 20% of which are operational all year round.

Today, Austria is a leader in receiving skiers and snowboarders. A short flight, well-equipped, varied slopes - both for children and beginners, as well as for severe off-piste skiing, a wide choice of accommodation - from 5-star hotels to more than budget apartments that can be rented “shared”, the best apre-ski in the world - all this attracts tens of thousands of tourists “armed” with skis and snowboards to the Austrian slopes of the Alps every year.

Express information on the country

Austria (Republic of Austria)- a state in Central Europe.

Capital – Vein

Largest cities: Vienna, Graz, Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck

Form of government- Federal Republic

Territory– 83,871 km 2 (112th in the world)

Population– 8.4 million people. (94th in the world)

Official language- German

Religion– Catholicism

HDI– 0.885 (23rd in the world)

GDP– $436.88 billion (27th in the world)

Currency– euro

Borders with: Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Germany

Thanks to visa-free travel, Austria has become much more accessible than before. We have compiled for you a list of the most interesting Austrian ski resorts, which will delight you with a variety of slopes and high-quality service.

Attention! The ski regions of Austria have their own rules, which are somewhat different from the global ones. Therefore, please note:

*there are no traditional amateur “green” trails on the local slopes. Their place is taken by “blue” ones - they are intended for training beginners;

*most lifts operate between 8:30 and 16:00. Only some slopes provide the opportunity for evening skiing. So it makes sense to think about evening leisure in advance;

*booking a room in hotels and apartments here is accepted from Saturday to Saturday: checking in mid-week can be difficult.

Ischgl

The most fashionable and pretentious ski resort in the Tyrol region. Ischgl is often called the “Austrian Courchevel” - for the same focus on expensive, high-quality service and an active social life off the piste. Concerts of world-famous stars regularly take place here - Madonna, Sting, Elton John “celebrated” in Ischgl... Another feature of Ischgl is the abundance of shopping places: the resort has official stores of many of the world's most famous brands. As for the skiing opportunities, they are also excellent here: 90% of Ischgl’s pistes are located above 2000 m above sea level, and therefore they are not threatened by winters with little snow, snow - real, alpine, sparkling - is always here. The resort is suitable for families with children: there is a ski school with more than a hundred instructors, “tailored” to work with children, and a kindergarten.

Trails: the total length of the descents reaches 238 km. More than half of the slopes are classified as “red” - intended for experienced skiers. There are also cross-country ski trails. A special treat for snowboarders: Ischgl is among the top best resorts for snowboarding in Europe. It offers boarders a half-pipe, four jumps and ample opportunities for off-piste skiing.

Ski season: mid-November - early May.

Ski pass cost: from 210 to 240 euros depending on the season (during the periods from November 24 to December 23, from January 7 to 20, from April 18 to May 1, the cost of the ski pass is reduced). Children's passes are cheaper - about 150 euros.

Bad Gastein

If Ischgl is the “Austrian Courchevel”, then Bad Gastein, located near Salzburg, is called the “Austrian Monte Carlo” - thanks to the oldest mountain casino, the town’s classic European architecture and a wide range of après-ski options. The ski resort has several thermal springs and the corresponding infrastructure (salons for spas and beauty treatments, radon baths, salt adits), thanks to which tourists can combine a ski holiday with relaxation in the sauna and general wellness.

Trails: up to 220 kilometers of perfectly prepared slopes at altitudes up to 2700 m. More than 60% are red slopes (of medium difficulty). The resort also has cross-country ski trails, a fan park and two half-pipes for snowboarders. There are opportunities for virgin skiing.

Ski season: December - March.

Ski pass cost: about 200 euros for six days. For children (under 15 years old) and youth (under 19 years old) prices are one and a half to two times lower.

Kitzbühel

One of the most famous and popular ski resorts not only in Austria, but throughout the world. The ancient town of Kitzbühel began welcoming skiers back in the 1920s and is now considered the cradle of alpine skiing Austria. You can ride not only in the (very expensive) Kitzbühel itself, but also in the surrounding regions connected to the “cradle” by a common trail system.

For example, it’s a stone’s throw from Kitzbühel to the Söll region, which unites several small ski villages with more than humane costs of living and an abundance of easy “family” slopes.

Trails: up to 200 km of well-equipped and groomed trails, more than a third of which are intended for beginner skiers, including children. However, this does not mean that a professional in Kitzbühel has no place to turn around: here is the steepest slalom track in the Alps, Streif, which hosts the world's most serious downhill competitions: a slope angle of 85 degrees ensures a descent speed of up to 140 km/h.

Ski season: December - March.

Ski pass cost: about 200 euros for six days. The resort offers a discount for children (up to 15 years old) and youth (up to 19 years old). Ski passes for 12 days are also available for around 320 euros.

Mayrhofen

Located in the Ziller Valley (also called the Tyrolean Valley), the resort is considered a real ski mecca of the Alps. Mayrhofen connects four narrow mountain valleys, each of which offers varied skiing opportunities. But, of course, the most famous is the Tuxertal valley, leading to the largest glacier in Austria - Hintertux, thanks to which skiing is possible all year round in Mayrhofen. In general, the Tyrolean Valley unites ten ski regions at altitudes from 550 m to 3286 m, connected by both common trails and excellent bus service. Therefore, to ride the legendary Hintertux or relax in the water park in the evenings, you don’t have to live in Mayrhofen itself: you can find inexpensive apartments in one of the villages nearby.

Trails:up to 150 km of groomed trails, most of which belong to the blue (entry level of difficulty) or red (intermediate) categories. The length of the black slopes is up to 20 km: this also includes a slope with the eloquent name “Harakiri”, the slope of which reaches 78 degrees.

Ski season: all year round.

Ski pass cost: 205 euros for 6 days or 377 euros for 13. Children (under 15 years old) and youth (under 19 years old) are provided with significant discounts: prices for a children's ski pass start from 92 euros for 6 days of skiing.

Kaprun

For real fabulous place for those who want not only to have a great ride, but also to breathe in the atmosphere of the real, original Alps. Touching provincial town located at the foot of the Kitzsteinhorn mountain with a height of 3203 m, from which the “tongue” of the Kaprun glacier stretches, providing the opportunity for year-round skiing.

Kaprun itself is more like a classic alpine village framed by a mountain wall: there is no snobbery, noise, or fuss, and therefore it is ideal for family vacation. The local will give tourists a special atmosphere medieval castle and prepared trails for mountain walks in any season. For many years, the signature attraction of the ski resort was the mountain train, which could take you to the glacier area, but it was replaced by a cable car - which is also good.

Trails: about 50 km of prepared blue and red slopes, as well as over 30 km of cross-country ski trails. If you wish, after enjoying the alpine atmosphere of Kaprun, you can easily and quickly get from the town by bus to Zell am See - a more modern and noisy resort with an abundance of different trails, including black ones.

Ski season: all year round.

Ski pass cost: 209 euros for 6 days. For children (under 15 years old) and youth (under 19 years old) prices are reduced by approximately one and a half to two times.

Where to go if you...

…just learn how to ski and snowboard: Mayrhofen, Zell am See, Kaprun, Lech, Serfaus, Obertauern;

…you ride confidently and love speed: Ischgl, Bad Gastein, Kitzbühel, Mayrhofen, Zell am See, St. Anton, Serfaus, Saalbach;

…love off-piste skiing and freeride: Ischgl, Kitzbühel, Zell am See, Mayrhofen, Lech, Serfaus, Saalbach, Obertauern;

...prefer snowboarding: Ischgl, Mayrhofen and the entire Zillertal region, Bad Gastein, Sölden;

…appreciate not only the mountains, but also cross-country skiing: Mayrhofen, Kaprun, Zell am See, Innsbruck;

…love to roll down the slope straight to the hotel door: Hochgurl, Obergurgl, Obertauern, Zürs;

...craving a varied holiday with a daily change of activities: Ischgl, Sölden, Lech, St. Anton, Saalbach-Hinterglemm;

…would like to have a peaceful holiday with your family and children: Kitzbühel, Kaprun, Mayrhofen, Zell am See, Serfaus;

...don’t ski, but want to feel the atmosphere of a ski resort and not get bored: Kitzbühel, Kaprun, Bad Gastein, Seefeld, Innsbruck;

…love to eat delicious food: Ischgl, Kitzbühel, Bad Gastein, Mayrhofen, Seefeld, Innsbruck, Kirchberg, Seefeld;

...need a variety of evening entertainment, parties and shopping: Ischgl, Mayrhofen, St. Anton, Obertaurn, Bad Gastein, Innsbruck, Seefeld.

Austria - this is, first of all, alpine skiing and snowboarding. The country traditionally ranks first in terms of attendance by Russian skiers.

Why ski Austria so popular?

  • a huge selection of ski areas;
  • great attention to skiers of different skill levels;
  • excellent ski schools;
  • modern, constantly updated resort infrastructure;
  • perfectly prepared slopes;
  • first-class hotels with a homely atmosphere;
  • reasonable pricing policy in restaurants, equipment rental shops and hotels;
  • Numerous après-ski options.

And cozy mountain huts and peasant estates, alpine glaciers and meadows create a wonderful backdrop for skiing and snowboarding!

When is the best time to go to Austria?

The best time for a ski holiday is Catholic Christmas and New Year's week, from the second week of February to mid-March. The first week of January during the Orthodox Christmas period and Russian children's school holidays- traditionally the most convenient time of rest for Russian skiers.

What do you need to be prepared for?

In hotels: One of the attractions of Austrian hotels is that after the reception closes, the front door can only be opened with the key to your room.
Solution: Take your keys with you if you go for a walk in the evening.

At ski equipment rental offices: There are very few basic models of equipment (the cheapest according to price lists). And “top” equipment is 1.5-2 times more expensive.
Solution: take your skis with you or book in advance (preferably by e-mail, telephone orders are often lost).

With credit cards: the vast majority of restaurants, hotels and even ski pass sales points do not accept payment credit cards.
Solution: Have the necessary cash reserves with you.

The language barrier: service workers (hotels, restaurants), as a rule, own English language. But taxi and bus drivers, employees of many municipal services, as well as owners of private boarding houses communicate exclusively in German.
Solution: learn a few common phrases in German. Our phrasebook will help you with this.

Alpine skiing in Austria is the best service in the world and maximum adrenaline!

Austrian Alps

The Austrian Alps, in addition to the pre-alpine hills in the East, include three main mountain ranges: the Northern Limestone Alps (NCA), High Alps(SA) and Southern Limestone Alps (SLIA). SIA have many natural valleys that shelter such creations of human hands as, and. VA start from the Oetztal valley (,) and stretch through to and. VA have several comfortable passes, and car roads The Brennerpass and Grossglockner-Hochalpenstrasse are perhaps the most famous complex combinations of tunnels, bridges and fantastic landscapes in Europe. JIA is Austria's natural border with Italy and Slovenia.

The Austrian Alps are lower than the neighboring Western Italian, Swiss and French, but special climatic conditions Associated with high natural humidity and the more northern (relative to its neighbors) position of the country, while the heavenly office observes the low temperatures required for winter, they delight in the exceptional quality of snow, especially in high mountain resorts.

The birthplace of modern alpine skiing

The name of Austria is forever associated with modern ski technology. As you know, until the end of the century before last, the main skiing technique was the Scandinavian telemark (an exquisite style that amazes with its originality and unexpected grace on modern slopes, just like some old-timer convertible on modern highways!). This retro style was based on the use of bindings not unlike cross-country ski bindings. At the beginning of the last century, the Austrian Hannes Schneider radically fixed the heel of a skier, using the “snow plow” technique, which allows him to constantly control the pressure on the entire sliding surface. The popularization of the new method deserves special mention: along with organizing competitions that attracted the attention of professionals to the new technique, Schneider also used the then young cinema to spread his school among amateurs. And already in the 30s, after H. Schneider’s school moved to the USA, the new technology became almost worldwide.

Seasonality

High season: Catholic Christmas and New Year's week (December 22 - January 2), as well as from the second week of February to mid-March. The first week of January during the Orthodox Christmas period and Russian children's school holidays is traditionally the most convenient time for Russian skiers to rest.

Low season: from early December to Christmas, mid-January (from 13.01 to 27.01), from the end of March to the end of April.

Visa

On December 1, 1997, the Republic of Austria joined the Schengen area.
The deadline for submitting a visa application is 10 days before the start of the trip (in high season - 2-3 weeks)
The visa processing time is 7 calendar days (in high season - up to 14 working days).

Documents required to apply to the Embassy of the Republic of Austria in Moscow:

    A foreign passport, the validity of which expires no earlier than 3 months after the end of the trip,

  • 1 completed form,

    Certificate from place of employment indicating annual income,

    Medical insurance against accident, valid in the territory of the Schengen countries during the trip,

    Invitation from the host (hotel),

    Air tickets (or a printout of your air ticket reservation).

    48 EUR when submitting documents independently, 60 EUR when submitting documents through a travel agency

Telephone codes

Austria (from Moscow): 8-10-43-[area code] - subscriber number.
Austria (to Moscow, from any phone): 007-[city code in Russia (Moscow - 495) or network code mobile communications] - [subscriber number].
Austria. Vienna (from Moscow): 8-10-43-1- [subscriber number]
Austria. Salzburg (from Moscow): 8-10-43-662- [subscriber number]
Austria. Innsbruck (from Moscow): 8-10-43-512- [subscriber number].

Features of the Austrian service

Hotels. One of the attractions of Austrian hotels is that after the reception closes, the front door can only be opened with the key to your room... Don't forget to take the keys with you if you go out for a walk in the evening. Saunas. The Austrians know and love the bathhouse no less than the Russians. It is customary here to steam (for hygienic reasons) not with brooms, but with towels. The real virtuosos of their craft - the local bathhouse attendants (bademeisters) - have deep traditions of steaming and do not understand the dry Finnish sauna or the cool Roman sanariums, just like us. However, there is almost no chance of “meeting” a real steamer in a hotel sauna: the ritual of “steaming” (Aufguss) is most often performed according to a schedule in “public” saunas of resort water-thermal complexes and consists of 2 (according to the mood of the public - 3- x) flavored giveaways. It is customary to go to public saunas “without covering”, and this rule is not subject to discussion either in Austria or Germany and has no exceptions.

Ski equipment rental offices. There are two main problems. The first is that there are very few basic models (the cheapest according to price lists). And “top” equipment is 1.5-2 times more expensive. There are two options for solving the problem: 1) take your skis with you, 2) book in advance (preferably by e-mail, telephone orders are usually lost). The second problem is drying the boots. The problem is painful in the truest sense of the word. Therefore, even if you go to the mountains once a year, have your own ski shoes.

Credit cards. Many restaurants, hotels and even ski pass sales points do not accept credit cards. Carry the necessary cash reserves with you. Let us remind you that the most favorable exchange rate for rubles and dollars to euros is in Moscow.

The language barrier. Service workers (hotels, restaurants), as a rule, speak English. But taxi and bus drivers, employees of many municipal services, as well as owners of private boarding houses use exclusively German to exchange information with the outside world.

About some aspects of the selection of Austrian resorts for this guide

Our review of Austrian ski resorts did not include more than 50 ski regions. In addition to the objective reasons (small ski area and modest infrastructure and low attractiveness for specifically flying through half of Europe), we would like to note some subjective points that prevent us from including even those resorts that, according to objective indicators, could be included.

Montafon(ski area from 650 m to 2,300 m, length of slopes - 203 km). Montafon is picturesquely located in the western part of Vorarlberg and is where some of the Swiss ski touring routes end. However, the miniature and “sleepy” nature of the resorts included in the region, combined with the fragmentation of ski areas (2 km + 26 km + 5 km + 46 km + 3 km, etc.), forcing the use of ski buses, are a sufficient reason to visit the typologically similar, but better located Sportwelt Amade (Flachau or Wagrain) or Gasteinertal (Bad Gastein or Bad Hofgastein), not to mention the SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser (Hopfgarten or Söll) or Kitzbühel.

Nauders / Nauders(ski area from 1400 m to 2850 m, length of slopes - 111 km). This one is no less picturesque resort is a place of real tourist pilgrimage, but... in the summer! If for a relaxing summer holiday in the mountains a very mediocre ski infrastructure, mediocre hotels and a poorly developed evening entertainment industry are not a hindrance, then in winter these shortcomings become of serious importance. For comparison, we can cite bare facts: 55 km of slopes in Kaprun (ESR) are served by 28 ski lifts, and in Nauders 66 km of slopes are served by only 14, that is, there are 4.7 km of slopes per ski lift here, and in Kaprun - 1.96 km . And if we take into account that the number of guests in Kaprun and in Nauders differs by an order of magnitude (5,500 people and 4,011 people, respectively), then the congestion of the ski lifts in Nauders compared to Kaprun becomes obvious. The remoteness of hotels from ski lifts completes a number of subjective arguments against.

Regarding the small glacial zones presented in our guide, we would like to note that the value of resorts offering guaranteed snow, even from the point of view of common sense, should not be questioned. For this simple reason, we tried to include all the main glacier ski areas in “our program”. Only the Kaunertal Glacier remains outside the scope (ski area from 2,150 m to 2,330 m, length of pistes - 38 km), which is located only 26 km from (Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis) and, by and large, does not need a separate detailed presentation.

Most of the Austrian territory is occupied by the Alps, so the country's specialization in winter holidays was predetermined. The ski areas in Austria are dotted with small ski villages, where an atmosphere of comfort reigns and ancient traditions are maintained. Thousands of small and major resorts strike the tourist imagination.

This article opens a section dedicated to ski resorts in Austria. We will tell you about the most popular ski areas, look for thermal springs and places for quality family recreation. Particular attention will be paid to weather and prices.

Popular ski resorts in Austria

Mid-rise buildings dominate in Austria ski centers, suitable for professionals and beginner athletes. The highest slopes are located in the famous province of Tyrol - this is where the “main” ski resorts of the country are concentrated.

Austria also boasts unique areas that welcome guests all year round - these are Bad Gastein and Zell am See. We will devote separate articles to the following regions:

  • . The pearl of the Stubai Valley, whose slopes are mainly aimed at beginners. A major transport hub, Innsbruck, is located nearby. It is through it that you have to get there.
  • . The capital of the Winter Olympics has an excellent ski infrastructure, ideally suited for professional skiers. Snowboarders will also love this picturesque place.
    An important advantage is the availability international airport. we posted in the previous article.
  • . The routes of this largest ski center Austria occupied the slopes of two mountain peaks at once. For beginners this perfect place– professional ski schools, soft slopes, plenty of equipment rental companies.
    Young people will enjoy the abundance of nightclubs, restaurants, bars, modern discos and theatrical performances.
  • . This popular resort is located in the picturesque Otsal Valley. Snowboarders and skiers are delighted with Sölden - the reputation of this town was created by two-kilometer drops, forming steep slopes for the pros.

The most extensive ski area in Austria is Tyrol.

Tyrol is notable not only for its picturesque landscapes, but also for a number of elite ski resorts. Let us note the following:

  • Seefeld;
  • Innsbruck (plus its surroundings);
  • Kirchberg;
  • Pitztal;
  • Sant Anton;
  • Ischgl;
  • Serfaus;
  • Ziller Valley.

Six best resorts in the country

Among the thousands of ski resorts in Austria, it is very difficult to single out the “best”. The reason lies in the fact that the towns and villages in the ski areas are scattered very densely, and the general infrastructure is well thought out by the Austrians. Thus, our review will be reduced to a description of the most popular and revered places by skiers. Let's get started.

  1. Lech. This resort belongs to the Arlberg region. You need to go here in winter, since the ski season ends in March. You can get to Lech by bus running through Innsbruck.
    The level of service is extremely high, and the tracks are in perfect condition. Slopes equipped for skiers stretch for 260 kilometers. There are gentle slopes for children.
    Snowboarders will love the halfpipe. A swimming pool, skating rink, discos, bars and restaurants - there is plenty of entertainment in Lech.
  2. Ischgl. You will have to fly here in the usual way - through Innsbruck. Then – 100 km by bus (options could be a train or a rented car, you can look for a cheap car rental). Skating in Ischgl begins in December, and the season ends in May. Ischgl is home to high-quality and fairly challenging pistes, which is why experienced skiers flock here. The slopes and lifts united Ischgl with the general infrastructure of the region.
    By the way, the roads there extend for 238 kilometers. The altitude range is 1400-2860 meters. The difficulty of the slopes is also indicated by the fact that half of the slopes are “red”, another 18% are “black”. Beginners can also try their hand here - there are specially equipped “soft” areas for them. Ischgl is well-respected by snowboarders and is a state-of-the-art platform for board enthusiasts.
    Weather conditions rarely fail, but if this happens, snow compaction machines and cannons come into action.
  3. Kaprun. This commune, located in the state of Salzburg, is considered the center of youth fun and glamorous entertainment. The Kitzsteinhorn glacier has quite steep slopes that attract snowboarders and skiers of all categories. Three picturesque lake, hydroelectric power museum, national park with trails for ecotourists - all this will appeal to lovers of attractions. , or at any other time of the year, is truly unforgettable.
    The power plant dams can be reached by cable cars and buses. The main feature of Kaprun is the mountain train that runs between the city and the glacier.
    In summer it is warm in Kaprun (up to 24 degrees), so ski season ends in March.
  4. Salzburg. This is a vast region that includes many popular ski resorts. We have already written about Kaprun. The second most popular town is Saalbach. Also located in the state of Salzburg are the resorts of Zell am See, Maiskogel, Bad Gastein, Obertauern, and Bad Hofgastein. All this is part of the ESR, the European Sports Region.
  5. Schladming. One of the most prestigious European resorts(top 10 world ski rating). The trails there are equipped for both regular skiing and downhill/slalom skiing. The four peaks included in the ski area are connected by lifts. There are few open areas, the slopes are mostly wooded. The “red” class is focused on basic board and ski skills, so it will be a little difficult for beginners.
    The wonderful landscapes of Schladming are complemented by excellent weather, which allows real snow to be preserved in its original form (though not everywhere).

You can ski in Saalbach from December until the end of March.

Looking for Austrian ski resorts on the map

The listed ski resorts can be found on a map of Austria. Villages and towns are packed tightly together, so it will be easy to find the right place.

Ski resort for every taste

The life of Austrians is closely connected with skiing, so the resorts are designed for everyone who is interested in quality winter recreation.

We list the key areas and levels of skier training, linking them with specific resorts:

  • Beginners. Feel free to go to Obertauern, Serfaus, Mayrhofen, Kaprun, Saalbach.
  • Confident skaters. You'll love Ischgl, Bad Gastein, St. Anton, Saalbach, Kitzbühel, Obergurgl and Galtur.
  • Wealthy people. The most elite resorts are Ischgl, Lech, Seefeld, and St. Anton.
  • Family holiday. Feel free to take your children to Lech, Serfaus, Kitzbühel, Mayrhofen, Zell am See, Saalbach-Hinterglemm.
  • Snowboarders. Sölden, Ischgl, Hintertux, Zillertal, Saalbach are suitable for you.
  • Cross-country skiing. The best areas for cross-country skiers are located in the vicinity of Kaprun, Innsbruck, Schladming, Mayrhofen, Zell am See, Saalbach.

Where to go for a beginner skier

We have already written about the friendly slopes of Kaprun and Mayrhofen. Now we have to go to the border region between Vorarlberg and Tyrol - this is where the magnificent Saalbach lies. To get here, you need to travel through Salzburg, from which Saalbach is 90 kilometers away. Buses run regularly between the two cities.

Here are the main advantages of the resort:

  • 200 trails of all difficulty levels;
  • abundance of snowboarding and ski schools;
  • availability of entertainment venues with live music;
  • bowling alley;
  • pool;
  • excellent weather conditions.

Also worth paying attention to is Obertauern. “Upper Tower” is what the Austrians called the resort, which was completely covered in fluffy snow. The weather allows you to ride here until April. Excellent service combined with moderate (for elite resort) prices.

Thermal springs and recreation with children

For those who want to combine skiing with health treatments, we recommend visiting the thermal springs. They are concentrated in the following places:

  • Burgenland;
  • Tyrol;
  • Styria;
  • Salzburg.

Also pay attention to Upper Austria, where the imperial baths of Bad Ischl are located.

As for Salzburg, here you can enjoy a holiday in the thermal baths, and at the same time visit spa salons. Most popular resort in these lands is Gastein.

Lech and Zell am See are ideal for family holidays. You need to go to Lech via Innsbruck. This prestigious resort, which not everyone can afford.
Among the undeniable advantages are a wide selection of slopes, “soft” slopes and reputable ski schools.

The town of Zell am See, nestled on the coast of the picturesque mountain lake. An abundance of short descents will allow children to hone the skills acquired in classes with an instructor.

Additional advantages of the resort include:

  • kindergartens;
  • torchlight processions;
  • carnivals;
  • medieval architecture;
  • natural halfpipe;
  • four snowboard parks.

Price panorama

Calculating the cost of travel to each of the resorts we described is quite difficult. The budget will depend on the chosen hotel, room, method of travel (train, plane, personal/rented car) and the number of days of your vacation. Therefore, we will focus on prices related to package tours and ski passes:

  • Sant Anton – from 50 euros (day ski pass);
  • Ischgl – from 45;
  • Serfaus – from 41;
  • Saalbach-Hinterglemm – from 40;
  • Kitzbühel – from 42;
  • Kirchberg – from 42;
  • Innsbruck – from 30;
  • Montafon – from 27.

On average, it costs about a thousand dollars per person per week (if you choose a package tour). The price will include accommodation, air ticket, insurance and visa.

Here are specific examples of package ski tours:

  • Lech – 950 dollars/week (a six-day ski pass will cost 214 “green”);
  • Sant Anton – 1000 (plus 193 bucks for a six-day ski pass);
  • Saalbach-Hinterglemm – 700 (plus $164 for ski pass);
  • Mayerhofen – 900 (for a six-day ski pass you will pay another 164);
  • Kitzbühel – 700-900 (and 180 for a ski pass).

By the way, you can go to Mayerhofen on your own, pick up a tiny inexpensive hotel and have a decent rest for a week for 400-500 euros. The resort is year-round - you can go there at the height of summer and enjoy skiing. But Ixtl is significantly more expensive - the minimum budget you will have to set aside for a week is 1000 euros.

To summarize, we note that Austria in winter is to the liking of both seasoned professionals and beginner skiers. Many resorts are suitable for children, so it’s quite possible for the whole family to have a blast. The main thing is to know what you want and how much you are willing to spend.

Austria is famous throughout the world for composers, beer and schnitzels. But equally important fame for this small country comes from its stunning Alpine ski resorts, rumors of which fly throughout the entire Earth. High mountain climate, snow-white slopes, amazing service - all this can be seen in Austria.

In total, there are just under 400 resorts in Austria. Most skiers choose alpine places, since prices in this country are relatively lower than neighboring countries- France, Switzerland, Germany. And the quality in some is even better than expensive settlements.

But before choosing a resort, you should remember that the alpine slopes are not for beginners, and there are no “green slopes” on most of them. Of course, there are ski schools, but if you want to build up your experience, it is better to choose easier mountains.

Ski resorts Austria on the map (TOP 5):

Ischgl

Now this resort is considered one of the most visited. And statistics don’t lie. They love it for its excellent slopes, because even during a thaw, skiers will not be disappointed - snow cannons are placed everywhere.

Various tracks are suitable for amateurs and professionals: for cross-country skiing you can find wide plains, but for thrill-seekers there will be bright “red” and “black” tracks.

The ratio of the routes is as follows:

  • "Greens" - 0
  • "Blues" - 40
  • "Reds" - 80
  • "Black" - 15

The total length of the tracks is 230 kilometers.

Photos of the ski resort Ischgl:

Modern lifts transport athletes in a matter of minutes. Here you can see the world's first double decker lift which can accommodate up to 180 people.

Other types of lifts:

  • 23 chairlifts
  • 3 cabins
  • 2 funiculars

The ski pass has the same price in both “high” and “low” seasons - 45 euros per day.

Read the full article about the Ischgl ski resort.

Hotels in Ischgl:

Sölden

This resort is famous for hosting the first stage of the Alpine Ski World Cup since 2002. And Sölden itself attracts tourists with a large selection of slopes and trails, of which there are 146.

In addition, there are two glaciers here - Rettenbach and Tiefenbach. On cable cars You can climb to a height of 3300 meters. And for a peaceful rest of soul and body, not far from the resort there is health Center Aquadom.

Photos of the resort Sölden:

In the “high” season, a ski pass for a day will cost 50 euros, and in “low” 46 euros.

Hotel prices in Sölden:

St. Anton

We can say that this is where the origins of Austrian ski holidays begin. Back in the 30s of the last century, Hannes Schneider opened the first ski school on the site of today's resort. A little later, the neighboring village of Zurs became famous for the country's first ski lift.

Perpetually snow-capped St. Anton is a very diverse place - 100 runs, 96 lifts, and some of them have warm seats. Local schools employ smart and educated instructors who will teach you how to ride even from scratch. And in the settlement itself there are always types of evening and night recreation.

The price of a ski pass for both seasons is 50 euro/day.

Photos of the resort St. Anton:

Hotels in St. Anton:

Saalbach-Hinterglemm

When asked what is the largest mountain arena in Austria, you should undoubtedly answer about the resort, which includes Saalbach, Hinterglemm and Leogang. They say about it that you can travel along the slopes all day and never ride the same lift.

The 200 kilometers of trails are divided into:

  • 29 "blue"
  • 26 "red"
  • 5 "black".

There won't be any green ones here, but professionals will love the challenging 4-kilometer-long track. If the skier is still not confident in his skills, then it is advised to try simple slopes below forest level.

Photos of the resort Saalbach-Hinterglemm:

A ski pass in the “high” season will cost 47 euro/day, and in “low” 40 euros.

Hotels in Saalbach:

Kirchberg and Kitzbühel

Both resorts are located next to each other - the distance between them is only 6 kilometers. This is where you can feel the real Tyrolean atmosphere. It is sometimes said that its name is inseparable from the concept of “skiing”. But in small Kirchberg there is the famous Streif track.

There are practically no queues for the lifts here - each has about 70 lifts of different types.

Photos of the resorts Kirchberg and Kitzbühel:

A ski pass purchased at one of these resorts is valid throughout Tyrol. It will cost 47 euros during the high season, and 42 euros to "low".

Hotels in Kitzbühel:

Climate, weather and seasons in Austria

The Alps primarily influence the country's climate - they do not allow large quantity precipitation inland. But on the outskirts of the mountains, up to 3000 mm falls per year. But the country also never gets cold - in winter in the capital the average is +3, and at ski resorts it drops to a maximum of -5 degrees and a little lower at higher points.

The Austrian summer is warm, sometimes even hot, but there is still no scorching sun there. Dry weather helps cope with the heat. If in winter most tourists flock to the mountains, then in spring and early summer it is best to visit the sights and tourist places countries. People often come here to relax on the warm lakes of Carinthia.

In autumn, you can enjoy the nature of Austria and feel a real influx of inspiration to the music of Mozart. Mild weather will allow you to walk along the streets of ancient cities and not be afraid of a sudden downpour.

Cost of accommodation and food

Housing prices primarily depend on the season - from December to February and from July to August they are highest, since the influx of tourists on these days is the greatest. Of course, you can find an inexpensive apartment for 35 euros per day, but there is an option to relax on a grand scale in a spacious cottage; the cost, accordingly, will rise several times.

In addition, the list of popular places to stay includes excellent hotels and inns affordable price. In resort villages you can always stay close to the center and have access to all the entertainment within walking distance.

You don't have to worry about food - there are grocery stores, cafes, restaurants and bars everywhere. The quality is excellent, but you have to pay for it. You can pay 10–20 euros for lunch. Hotels most often offer free breakfast.

Other leisure activities at resorts

Experienced skiers can get bored of skiing all day in a row, and then they want change and new sensations. Then there is an option to try out a snowboard by renting it; take a breeze on a snowmobile; experience the beauty of the Alps at night while riding after sunset.

In the villages and nearby cities there are cafes, bars, and night clubs. Austrian resorts Another good thing is that there is always a decent spa there. The stores have a huge assortment of souvenirs and gifts for relatives for every taste. Sometimes there are skating rinks, and there are playgrounds for the little ones.

It's very difficult to get bored in Austria - it's a diverse amazing country. The ski resorts will satisfy even the most experienced skier, and he will definitely want to return here, because the Alps are simply impossible to forget!

Thanks to the temperate and continental climate, there are no strong temperature changes here, and even in sweltering heat it is practically not encountered. The country is famous for its ski resorts with slopes of varying difficulty levels and good infrastructure. So conquer Mountain peaks need from to end .

When to go on vacation to Austria on the lakes? August is also considered the peak of the season, when the water reaches +28 oC. It is more comfortable to conduct excursions in the off-season.

Austria in winter

Austria— popular place fans of alpine skiing and snowboarding of any level of training. The diverse landscapes and excellent infrastructure of Innsbruck, Ischgl, Sölden, Mayrhofen, Zell am See and other resorts create a unique atmosphere. The temperature rarely drops below -8 oC, and the dry air makes it easy to endure the local cold. On the plains the temperature stays around 0 oC, and leisure can be combined with excursions to Salzburg, Graz and, of course, Vienna.