Still deciding where to go skiing this winter? Austria is the classic ski destination, with well-groomed slopes, pretty Alpine resorts and excellent après ski.
But where to go? We have added some great new destinations to our selection of Austrian ski breaks – and they are all flexible so you can arrive whenever you like, for a stay of between 3 and 7 nights, and include accommodation, lift pass and ski hire. Most can be booked online though if you have any questions just drop us a line before you book.
Gosau
A quintessentially Austrian resort – picturesque and peaceful - with 142km of linked slopes that are best suited to intermediates who enjoy cruising down red runs and trying out the fun slopes, while more advanced skiers will enjoy the timed runs and mogul fields. There is also a large snowpark for boarders and freestyle skiers.
The resort also offers some lively après ski, and is just 30 mins drive from Bad Ischl if you fancy a dip in its thermal waters during your stay.
Best for: Value
Nearest Airport: Salzburg – 1 hour by car
Gosau
Flachau
With 120km of linked runs to get your teeth into and less than one hour from Salzburg airport, Flachau has it all and caters to all levels of ability, with fun slopes, snow parks, lively après ski bars and activities from snowshoeing to sleigh rides - a week here is not enough!
Best for: All-round resort
Nearest Airport: Salzburg – 50 minutes by car
Bad Gastein
An elegant spa resort cut into the mountainside with steep streets and an eye-catching 200m waterfall, Bad Gastein feels a little like stepping into another era. If you like the idea of wallowing in thermal waters to soothe your aching legs after a day on the slopes, head to the Felsentherme spa.
The Gastein valley includes a number of ski areas (200km of slopes), the biggest of which links Bad Gastein with Bad Hofgastein which should give you plenty to explore on a short ski break. The slopes are best suited to confident intermediates and the area is popular with snowboarders.
Best for: The decadent atmosphere of the resort and the mileage on the slopes
Nearest Airport: Salzburg – 1 hour 15 mins by car
Bad Gastein
Matrei
This little-known resort nestled in the East Tyrol offers high slopes overlooking the Grossglockner mountain (the tallest in Austria) and a state-of-the-art lift system. Though at around 40km of marked runs the ski area is not huge, it is blissfully quiet and scenic, with a number of cosy mountain huts. A good option for families or anyone looking for a laid-back resort.
Best for: A quiet resort with a laid-back vibe
Nearest Airport: Salzburg – 2 hours by car
Kaprun
Next door to the more well-known resort of Zell am See sits the small resort of Kaprun, linked buy a brand-new cable car to the Kitzsteinhorn glacier as of winter 2019. All 3 resorts are included on the same lift pass, giving you a huge number of slopes to choose from, and as the glacier is open in the summer and from early November, you are all but guaranteed snow throughout the season.
Best for: Snow sure resort, early season skiing
Nearest Airport: Salzburg – 1 hour 15 mins by car
Kitzsteinhorn glacier
Bad Ischl
Not technically a ski resort (though there is one lift on the outskirts of the town), Bad Ischl is a historic spa town on the river Traun in the famously picturesque Salzkammergut area. There are free shuttle buses from the town to Gosau and Obertraun, both 30 minutes away and part of the Dachstein West ski area.
Best for: A relaxing ski/spa weekend
Nearest Airport: Salzburg – 1 hour 15 mins by car
Oberstaufen, Germany
Just over the border in Bavaria, sits the German resort of Oberstaufen with a quaint village feel and 45km of ski slopes spread over 4 main areas. Little known internationally, the resort is a popular destination for German skiers, especially families. We feel it sits nicely among our Austrian ski holidays due to the feel of the resort; welcoming, cosy and with lots to do. Ten good reasons to book a ski holiday in Oberstaufen.
Best for: Skiers and non-skiers
Nearest airport: Memmingen – 1 hour by car
We believe our selection of Austrian ski breaks offers great choice and flexibility. We’d love to know what you think! Let us know in the comments. If you have any specific questions on any our packages then contact us directly for further information.
