St Anton
Flo Maderebner / Pexels
Often hailed as the crown jewel of Austrian ski holidays, St Anton is a destination that perfectly blends tradition with world-class skiing.
Known not only for its legendary slopes but also one of the world’s most lively après-ski scenes, it attracts skiers and snowboarders from around the globe who seeking exhilarating and an Alpine adventure.
The resort forms part of the Arlberg ski area, which boasts 305km of interconnected slopes and 88 lifts, making it one of the largest ski areas in Austria.
Popular après-ski spots such as MooserWirt and Krazy Kanguruh are famed for their wild atmosphere, and DJ Gerhard’s Eurotrashy disco beats at ‘The Moose’ ensure the fun continues long after the lifts close.
Conversely, the charming village is a mix of cozy chalets and luxurious hotels, including the iconic Hotel Arlberg St Anton which is known for its exceptional service and spa facilities.
Ischgl
Flo Maderebner / Pexels
Ischgl, on the other hand, stands out as Austria’s most up-market ski resort “where the posh go to party”.
Both a luxurious and a decadent experience, with its high-end boutiques, five-star hotels, and gourmet dining options, all set against the backdrop of pristine snowy peaks.
Part of the Silvretta Arena ski area, Ischgl provides access to 239 kilometers of impeccably groomed pistes and seamless connections to the Swiss resort of Samnaun.
The village is home to ultra-luxurious accommodations like the Schlosshotel Ischgl, featuring opulent suites and a renowned spa.
Food enthusiasts flock to Stüva, a Michelin-starred restaurant helmed by chef Benjamin Parth, for its creative interpretations of Alpine cuisine.
Beyond skiing, Ischgl's legendary Top of the Mountain Concerts, held at the end of the season, attract global music stars and provide an unforgettable experience for visitors. This season was just opened with a bang at the opening party – a gig headlined by pop superstar Ellie Goulding.
Zell am See-Kaprun
Daniel Frank / Pexels
The scenic medieval lakeside town of Zell am See is situated in SalzburgerLand and can be easily reached an hour’s drive from Salzburg Airport.
The town shares the same lift pass as the equally picturesque village of Kaprun a few miles down the road.
Beginners and advanced skiers alike are well catered for here. Take a combination of gondola and chairlifts from Zell am See town centre: for intermediate skiing, head to the 2,000m Schmittenhöhe mountain, while snow-sure skiing is guaranteed on the 3,000m slopes of Kaprun’s Kitzsteinhorn Glacier.
Beginners or those returning to the sport can hit the wide range of nursery slopes or polish up their skills at any one of the area’s 12 different ski schools.
Created in the 2016 season is a piste going 3/4 of the way down towards Viehhofen (Glemm valley), and served by the ZellamSeeXpress gondola. Throughout the winter a 3.3km red piste lined with snow machines leads you to the gondola station, allowing guests on the Schmitten to explore the other side.
Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn
GAPS / istockphoto
Skiers who want a more lively experience should try the impressively named Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn, one of Austria’s largest interconnected ski resorts. The resort is comprised of four ski areas and stretches from Tirol to SalzburgerLand.
Each area has its own merits. Fieberbrunn transforms into a free-rider’s paradise every winter when the Swatch freeride world tour graces its slopes.
Saalbach is home to ‘Rave on Snow’, the world’s biggest winter festival of electronic music, and Saalfelden Leogang’s annual ski marathon attracts professionals and cross-country skiers alike.
Luckily, there’s room for everyone: 270km of immaculate pistes, 70 modern lifts and an enjoyable circuit which can be skied from either direction explain the resort’s appeal to skiers, snowboarders and tobogganers alike.
Foodies will find culinary heaven with first-class gourmet delights in a range of mountain eateries. Meanwhile, party lovers will relish the lively après ski scene, when 60 huts throw open their doors and offer a warm Austrian welcome. Just be careful you don’t indulge too heavily if you want to make the morning run.
But Which Is the BEST Ski Resort in Austria?
If you want the Tl:Dr labelling one destination as “the best” you’ll be disappointed in this article, but not in an Austrian ski holiday.
From the iconic slopes and dialled-up-to-eleven après-ski of St Anton, to the luxurious atmosphere and gourmet experiences of Ischgl, there’s a perfect Alpine escape for every skier in Austria.
Zell am See and Kaprun charm visitors with their breathtaking lakeside scenery and snow-sure glaciers, while the expansive Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn combines diverse terrain with fun festivals and family-friendly skiing.
Whether you're drawn to the challenge of freeriding, the allure of fine dining, or the thrill of perfectly groomed pistes, Austria promises an unforgettable winter adventure filled with natural beauty, cultural warmth, and world-class skiing.
For more information visit: austria.info
