As one of the best countries for year-round skiing, Austria boasts some lengthy snow seasons.

Being nestled right in the heart of the Alps, this is a country that is on the bucket lists of skiers from all around the world.

You will find that the snow on the ground here remains fluffy and powdery right through into spring and there are more ski areas in Austria than you can shake a stick at.

If you’re thinking of heading to this incredible destination, you’ll probably want to explore as much as you can.

The good news is that many of the top ski resorts in the country are also among the largest. In our updated guide, we will be talking you through everything that is on offer.

Biggest Ski Resorts In Austria

Some ski resorts in the world are famed for their smaller scale and quiet locations but when it comes to Austria, there are some of the most impressive and largest ski areas in the world. We think it would be a crime not to check them out.

1. Ski Arlberg

Made up of two parts; Arlberg West and Arlberg East, this is one of the largest ski areas in the country and lays claim to being the largest interconnected ski area in Austria.

There is more than 305km of skiable terrain here which covers a range of on and off-piste trails. 

The Ski area is served by 88 cable car ways and offers slopes for those at the beginning of their journey through to expert level runs.

If you’re in the mood for a little more diversity in your skiing then the ski area also offers a fun park as well as several other winter activities. 

This award-winning location can certainly boast of being one of the best ski resorts in Austria and if you want a decent apres-ski scene, you won’t be disappointed.

After a day on the slopes discovering the breathtaking views, the local towns have much to offer.

St Anton is widely considered to be the best apres ski town in the Alps and is home to a vast array of bars, clubs, restaurants, and accommodation that come together to make a skiing vacation you won’t forget in a hurry.

More info: https://www.skiarlberg.at/en

2. SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser - Brixental 

Considered to be the largest ski area in Austria, here you will find more than 280km of beautiful runs that offer everything you could want out of a skiing holiday.

There is access to some of the most reputable ski schools in the area and a range of slopes suited to every ability.

For those with a true taste for adventure and who want something more of a challenge, the ski area caters perfectly to the advanced skier. 

There are plenty of advanced runs to be found on the descent from the Hohe Salve Peak as well as ski carving at Kalbersalve.

You’ll also be able to access a wide selection of cross country skiing but if you’re into other winter adventures, there is also the opportunity to indulge in a little winter hiking or tobogganing. And let’s not forget the night skiing options. 

Off the slopes, there are a plethora of beautiful villages nearby, each having something special to offer.

Brixen Im Thale is forged out of an ancient glacier, creating a bowl-like valley that is home to some impressive rock formations that are hugely popular with hikers and nature lovers alike.

More Info: https://www.skiwelt.at/en/

3. Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn 

Located in Salzburg, the Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn stretches over dual valleys and provides links to various other ski areas, making it hugely popular with people who want to explore everything this country has to offer in terms of skiing and winter sports. 

The ski area boasts some of the most beautiful views and landscapes in Austria and this can all be explored on the 270km slopes.

When paying a visit to this ski area, nobody is left out with a range of runs including 140km of blue runs and 18km of black slopes for those with a little more experience. 

What we love about the Skicircus, however, is the amount of freeriding that can be done here. The lifts open from as early as 8 am so you’ll never have to wait to start exploring.

What’s more, there are plenty of other winter activities to keep you and the family happy from hiking, paragliding, tobogganing, and ice skating. 

If you want to make the most of the area, there are some stunning mountain lodges that you can rent and some cozy places to dine and relax.

More Info: https://www.saalbach.com/en

4. Silvretta Arena Ischgl – Samnaun

Ischgl announces itself as a ski area that you will always come back to, and we have to say that we vastly agree with this claim.

Located in the Tyrolean Alps, this amazing resort is the third largest ski area in Austria. It is home to a plethora of events across the winter calendar that draw in sports lovers from all walks of life. 

On the slopes, you will find so much to get stuck into with perfectly groomed runs as well as freeriding and some incredible ski tours.

In total, you’ll be able to explore 239km of slopes set across Austrian valleys that cross over into neighboring Switzerland.

One of the other biggest draws of Ischgl is that it is located near the village of Paznaun which comes alive during the winter months.

If you want to get your teeth into activities off the mountain, there is plenty to explore here.

From hiking to climbing and everything in between, this is a village that caters to the needs of pleasure seekers on all levels.

Of course, you will also find dining and hospitality venues for when it is time to relax.

More Info: https://www.ischgl.com/en 

5. Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis

Hailed as one of the best family ski resorts in Europe, Serfaus Fiss Ladis is ready to welcome skiers of all ages and abilities.

Set in the Tyrolean Alps and with some stunning views across the valleys, the ski resorts here are among the largest and most well-loved in Austria. 

Serfaus Fiss Ladis boasts 16km of ski routes as well as 198km of ski slopes giving you plenty to explore.

123km of these are intermediate level but there is also a good number of blue (47km) and black (28km) slopes for people outside of the average level.

These slopes are served by 39 ski lifts of varying kinds. 

If you’re into freestyle skiing then this is the place to be. The ski area offers six fun areas with a great range of obstacles to challenge yourself and learn new skills. But if you ever get tired of skiing (and we struggle to see that ever happening), there are so many other things to enjoy.

For families, tobogganing is among one of the most popular options but there are also snow horse and carriage rides and winter hikes to enjoy. 

The surrounding villages of Serfaus, Fiss, and Ladis offer lots to see and do when you’re done on the mountain.

Each village has something different to offer but one thing is guaranteed, you’ll experience the charm, history, and breathtaking scenery wherever you go.

More Info: https://www.serfaus-fiss-ladis.at/en

6. Kitzski Kitzbühel/Kirchberg Ski Area

While it may not have the highest elevation at 2000m above sea level, what Kitzski Kitzbuhel does have is an astonishing number of slopes and some mind-blowing terrain.

What’s more, the ski area has a rich and diverse history making it perfect for those who want to experience ski trails that were carved out as far back as 1985!

This stunning location boasts 181km of slopes and 52km of ski trails and is served by 57 ski lifts.

With an amazing backdrop, the resort markets their lifts as not only a way to get up the mountain but also as a great photo op! Because, after all, we all need to be Insta-ready!

Kitzski is a great choice for people who are new to skiing as it has some of the best beginner runs in the country.

With more than 52% of the slopes being blue, this is the ideal place to perfect your skiing skills. But if you’re a little more advanced, don’t be disheartened, there are also 67km of intermediate slopes and 20km of black runs for those who are feeling a little more daring. 

The ski resort isn’t only based around skiing and snowboarding, there are some great opportunities here for winter hikes that are hugely popular with visitors.

You will also find a great selection of accommodation so you can turn your stay into something much more comfortable. 

More Info: https://www.kitzski.at/en/

7. Sölden

Ever fancied trying your hand at glacier skiing? How about heading somewhere with one of the most impressive apres-ski scenes Austria has to offer?

If you are looking for a diverse and adventurous ski area then there aren’t many other places that we would recommend as much as Solden. 

Here, you will find more than 144km of skiable terrain as well as two glaciers, set over three mountains. With an elevation soaring up to 3000m, this is also one of the highest ski resorts in the country.

What’s great about this is that this is one of the only places that you can pretty much guarantee year-round skiing!

Served by an impeccable lift system, adventurers can easily access the range of runs; however, it is worth noting that most of the terrain here is designed to meet an intermediate level.

Even after the sun sets, the 4km floodlight piste is on offer for a spot of night skiing, so you don’t need to turn in once it gets dark. 

But when you are finished on the slopes, Solden has so much more to give.

This is an incredibly lively resort that has a great choice of bars and clubs for those who want to carry the fun on into the night. 

More Info: https://www.soelden.com/winter.html

8. Zillertal Arena

For ski lovers that are looking for reliable snow conditions, Zillertal Arena is one of the best ski areas.

Not only this, but it is a family-friendly area that has a lot to offer every taste and ability. What’s more, this is known to be the largest ski area in the Zillertal region with 147km of pistes that are great for beginner and intermediate skiers. 

With 49km of blue slopes and 87km of red slopes, Zillertal is the perfect place to go to perfect your skiing skills. But if you’ve already got an excellent grip on the sport, you will be pleased to learn that there are also a good few black runs here to put yourself to the test.

There are also a variety of ski tours for varying levels including the Arena Tour which will put you and your family firmly in the center of the adventure. 

We love the family ski area which is perfect for getting the little ones into the skiing spirit and you will also find several ski schools here to help them to get their skills on point.

When you are done on the mountain, you will find some stunning huts containing restaurants and bars where you can unwind with one of the most laid-back and enjoyable apres-ski scenes in Austria.

More Info: https://www.zillertalarena.com/ 

9. Mayrhofen

This is one of the biggest and most diverse ski areas in all of Austria with a range of terrain and slopes to suit everyone.

Spread over the areas of Finkenberg, Rastkogel, and Eggalm, Mayrhofen is home to the steepest ski slope in the country at 78% gradient for skiers who want to taste the adventure. 

Set up to an elevation of 2500m, the snow conditions here are very reliable. Moreover, this is one of the favorite ski resorts for intermediate skiers since almost half of the runs are designed for this level.

Of course, you get a decent amount of beginner and expert slopes with Mayrhofen being home for more than 28km of black runs. 

If playing on the terrain park is more your thing then you won’t be disappointed with the six parks that can be found here.

Penken Park is a great choice for all levels of experience and a great place to get the kids involved in the sport.

However, if you want something a little more fast-paced, you’ll love the slaloms of the Unterberg Racing Paradise.

More Info: https://www.mayrhofen.at/en/

10. Snow Space Salzburg

If you are an avid skier that wants to test your skill and feel an incredible sense of achievement then you won’t feel out of place at Snow Space in Salzburg.

This ski area is home to the 12 peaks trophy which is a challenge that only the most daring skiers will take on; we know you’ve got it in you!

You will ski across 12 peaks and five valleys, experiencing everything that this amazing ski area has to offer. There is a degree of flexibility with the challenge.

Some skiers like to up the pace and complete the circuit in just one day but if you want to appreciate the view then why not spread it over several days?

In terms of ski runs, intermediate skiers will be in their element as 69% of the slopes here are red.

However, if you’re a little more advanced, you may find the 4km of black runs to be a little lacking. 

More Info: https://www.snow-space.com/en/winter

11. Hochkönig – Maria Alm/Dienten/Mühlbach 

Served by 34 ski lifts, the ski area of Hochkonig offers more than 120km of skiable slopes with a particular focus on blue runs.

For those who are setting foot onto the mountain for the first time, this is one of the best areas to discover your skills and get used to this incredible sport. 

However, there is a great selection of red and black runs that will suit more advanced skiers as well as snowshoeing and cross country skiing for those who like to take it off the beaten track.

There are some excellent snow parks and fun slopes here including King's Park and Banked Park where you can try out new tricks and get involved in the social scene.

You will also be able to take part in a range of non-skiing activities here and the winter hikes are among some of the most scenic and impressive in the country. 

Where apres-ski is concerned, the area is renowned for its excellent cuisine. If you’re a bit of a foodie, you’ll be vastly impressed by what’s on offer here.

The culinary Konigstour is particularly popular with winter sports lovers who also have a taste for amazing food. 

More Info: https://www.hochkoenig.at/

Conclusion

For anyone who is looking for long ski seasons, beautifully powdery snow, and some of the best-groomed runs on the planet, the ski areas in Austria are the places to be.

No matter what your skiing ability or what you are looking for, some of the largest ski resorts in this country have it all. 

Of course, there’s a lot of other things to keep you occupied once you have finished on the slopes so don’t forget to explore the excellent apres-ski scene in this Alpine paradise.

For more information or to check out some of the world’s greatest ski resorts, we have everything you need in one place; right here.

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