Bad Gastein
It might sound like something you get after eating too much, but Bad Gastein is a spa town – and indeed, that’s what Bad means in this case. It sits in Salzburg state, and offers a valley full of skiing opportunities.
This is real Austria at its best – and while it isn’t famous as a skiing centre, it certainly should be. The runs on offer here are challenging and not for the beginner. This is borne out by the fact that the area played host to the World Alpine Skiing Championships in the Fifties.
However confident you are on the slopes, you’ll be glad of the spas which are available in many of the hotels. Just make sure the one you book has one ready and waiting.
Some towns aren’t set up to offer anything but skiing, but there is plenty here to give you a real sense of après ski as well. Enjoy…
Hintertux
Hintertux is a small village, but the name also describes the glacier which towers above it. It sits in the Tux valley in perhaps the most famous part of Austria altogether – the Tyrol.
As a village it’s pretty small, but it offers you everything you could want from a holiday. Providing, that is, that your idea of a holiday in the Tyrol is to go skiing as much as possible. You might run out of things to do if you’re not tackling the slopes all the time.
The majority of the runs here are ideal for the intermediate skier, but you should find enough to enjoy if you haven’t strapped on a pair of skis before. You can also try your hand at a proper toboggan run too, if you’ve not been blown away by the quality of the ski slopes already. You won’t get bored on the slopes in Hintertux.
Ischgl
Powdered snow is the name of the game at Ischgl. A classic Tyrolean resort, it is extremely popular and once you’ve tried it for yourself, it’s not hard to see why.
There are slopes here for everyone, and since the resort has been set up to cope with lots of people you won’t have to put up with queuing to get where you want to go. There’s even a carving slope to try out if that’s more your kind of thing.
And if you demand good nightlife from your ski resort, Ischgl gets top marks there too. Many famous names have been linked with this resort, but even if you don’t get to meet any you’ll certainly rub shoulders with plenty of your fellow skiers. It’s even been compared with the incomparable Ibiza as far as the nightlife is concerned, so it’s clearly not for those who like a quiet night in.
Kitzbuhel
This is one of the most famous skiing areas in the whole of Austria. But if you want more from a skiing holiday than slopes, you’ll get it in bucket loads here.
Its location, right in the middle of two mountains, gives it a unique advantage over many other resorts. Its spectacular medieval city scores points among visitors too. The Hahnenkamm Downhill World Cup takes place here every year, giving you an idea of just how good these slopes are.
Cross country skiing is also big here, and when you’re tired and you’ve run out of energy for the day the nightlife will be waiting. Many different types of skiers are attracted to the area, but while some head for the bars, others head for Kitzbuhel itself, to explore the amazing streets that await them. You won’t run short of things to do, whether you’re wearing your skis or not.
Lech
If you want a classic Austrian look to your skiing holiday, Lech fits the bill perfectly. It may also run up a huge one though, since it qualifies as one of the priciest ski resorts in Austria.
With that said though, it is very exclusive and you won’t be overrun by Brits on the lookout for the après ski rather than the skiing. This is a traditional spot to enjoy some Alpine skiing, although it doesn’t offer so much for the beginner. You need money and experience to enjoy Lech to the fullest, and with other joys on offer such as a sleigh ride in the snow, you won’t run short of things to do.
If you’re wondering if you would fit in here, don’t worry. Everyone is welcoming and the comfort and relaxation go hand in hand with the slopes on offer. Once you’ve learned how to ski elsewhere, come to Lech to practise.
Mayrhofen
This is a popular ski resort for one reason – it gives you pretty much all you could want from a ski holiday. The streets are all picture postcard Tyrol style, and the town sits near the Hintertux glacier.
The advantage that Mayrhofen offers is that it’s set up beautifully for skiers of all abilities. There are some really challenging runs that aren’t for the faint hearted, but there are also plenty of runs to enjoy for beginner and intermediate skiers alike.
The ski season is a full five months long here, and the town itself is geared up to entertain and feed its many guests during the whole of that time. Simply wandering around and drinking in the sights in Mayrhofen is an experience in itself.
And don’t miss the Wirtshaus Zum Griena, a centuries old farmhouse that serves the best food just outside of town.
Saalbach-Hinterglemm
This area is located in the state of Salzburg, giving you an excellent chance to explore the local sights as well as strapping on the skis to explore the mountain runs.
Saalbach and Hinterglemm are actually two separate piste areas, but they are close enough together that you can enjoy both areas quite easily within the same holiday.
If you want to see an attractive area, then head for Saalbach. Hinterglemm still has plenty to offer, but it doesn’t have the cosy feel of Saalbach. The good news is that it can accommodate all levels of skier; even the beginners will enjoy testing their skills on the milder of runs.
When it’s time for some après ski, you’ll find that wherever you end up you can have a great time. Make sure you save some energy for a late night ahead, before hitting the slopes again the very next morning.
St Anton
One of the most recognised names for a ski resort in Austria. Short for Sankt Anton am Arlberg, it has less than three thousand inhabitants, and yet it plays host to all manner of skiers every single year.
Often referred to as the “ski capital of Austria”, it could also be the capital of après ski. Make no mistake, this is one resort that all experienced skiers want to go to. It offers runs like you’ve never negotiated before. But it doesn’t ignore the less steady skiers either, so don’t be intimidated if you’re a beginner. Try Rendl and Gampen for starters; in the latter example you can end up at the restaurant if you get your direction right!
The village of St Anton has come a long way since it started life as a farming village. But it has lost none of its traditional Tyrolean charm. It welcomes all skiers at every hour of the day.
Solden
While some towns in the Tyrol are tightly packed together, others languish by the slopes and take up more room. Solden is just such a town.
If you are thinking of taking a skiing holiday here, don’t expect to have quiet relaxing evenings though. The après ski is infamous, and while many enjoy it you might be better off with a quieter resort if that isn’t your kind of thing.
It has more to offer the intermediate and experienced skiers than the beginners, but if you like to party and the odd bit of skiing during the day will satisfy you, then by all means give it a try.
There are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat on the move while you’re on the mountain, but when it’s time for a proper evening meal you will be spoilt for choice there too. Sit down to a traditional Austrian meal and enjoy.
Zell am See
This resort is in the district of Zell am See. It doesn’t offer the best choice of skiing opportunities, but it does offer you the chance to explore the town and see a side of Austria you may have missed.
Situated as it is by the edge of a lake – the Zeller See, or Lake Zeller – it is one of the more unusual of Austria’s many delightful resorts. If you stand at the water’s edge you will see mountains drifting away to your right, reminding you that skiing is never that far away.
In fact while the area is small compared to some other resorts, it does offer a tightly knit area of opportunity. Provided the snow falls and the runs are ready, you will still enjoy trying them out. It’s a better bet if there has been heavy snow, because if it doesn’t materialise there can be no snow at all.