6 Best Ski Resorts in Austria
Looking for the ultimate ski experience in Austria? Check out our list of the 6 best ski resorts in Austria!
Austria is a world-class ski destination that boasts stunning landscapes, challenging slopes, and top-notch facilities. With over 400 ski resorts scattered throughout the country, choosing the perfect one for your winter holiday can be overwhelming. To help you out, we have compiled a list of the six best ski resorts in Austria. Whether you're a beginner or an expert skier, these resorts offer a range of terrain, breathtaking views, and a variety of après-ski activities that are sure to make your trip unforgettable. So, grab your skis, snowboard or just pack your warm clothes and get ready to hit the slopes in Austria.
I also created a public google map that you can enjoy. The map is updated with ski resorts, airports, best restaurants in the resorts, and excellent sports and spa hotels:
Kitzbühel
The Kitzbühel Ski Resort in Austria is considered the quintessential ski destination, with ski lifts that stretch from the center of a real town, vast terrain in classic Austrian countryside, and an après ski scene that rivals the best in the world, making it an unforgettable skiing and snowboarding experience. Kitzbühel is part of KitzSki, a network of interconnected lifts and pistes that also includes Kirchberg to the west, and extends south through Jochberg into the Salzburg state at Hollersbach im Pinzgau. The resort offers huge and superb quality piste trail networks, super modern ski lifts, and classic Austrian off-piste powder skiing. The Kitzbühel ski resort is mostly located in the Tyrol state of Austria, midway between the cities of Innsbruck and Salzburg, and can easily be accessed by train or by car. The town of Kitzbühel is a great place to stay for those who want to be in the middle of the action.
Accommodation:
For those desperate to be in the thick of the action, the town of Kitzbühel is the place to stay. Kitzbuehel is a picture-postcard Austrian town with a delightful pedestrianised main street lined with boutiques, restaurants, cafes & bars. Staying here does come at a premium, but you can't beat the convenience of having the ski lifts an easy walk from your hotel, apartment or chalet. Most visitors to the Kitzbühel ski resort opt to stay in the neighbouring villages of Kirchberg or Jochberg, which have cheaper and more varied accommodation options, yet still close to the lifts. There are also several other smaller villages in the region which offer alternative lodging options, including the Pinzgau valley, which is served by the Mittersill station on the Pinzgau railway line.
The accommodation options in Kitzbühel, Kirchberg and the surrounding area cater to all budgets, from basic pensions and hostels to high-end luxury hotels and chalets. Many visitors to Kitzbühel prefer the flexibility of self-catering accommodation, and there are plenty of apartments and chalets available for rent. For those looking for a more traditional Alpine experience, there are several charming chalets and guesthouses dotted throughout the resort.
Après Ski:
Kitzbühel is famous for its après ski scene, and there is no shortage of bars, pubs, and clubs in the town and on the slopes. The après ski starts early and goes late, with many bars offering live music and DJs. Some of the most popular après ski spots include the Londoner Pub, the Streifalm, and the Eisbar. For those looking for a more refined experience, there are several high-end cocktail bars and wine bars in Kitzbühel.
Non-Ski Activities:
If skiing or snowboarding isn't your thing, there are plenty of other activities to keep you busy in Kitzbühel. The town has a rich history and culture, with several museums and art galleries worth exploring. There are also several spas and wellness centres in the area, offering a range of treatments and relaxation options. Other popular activities include snowshoeing, ice-skating, tobogganing, and sleigh rides.
In conclusion, Kitzbühel ski resort is a world-class destination that offers something for everyone. With its extensive lift system, huge terrain, and vibrant après ski scene, it's no wonder that Kitzbühel is one of the most popular ski resorts in Austria. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, a skier or a snowboarder, Kitzbühel has something to offer. So pack your bags, grab your skis, and head to Kitzbühel for an unforgettable winter holiday.
When it comes to dining, Kitzbühel has a plethora of options ranging from casual mountain huts to fine dining restaurants. You can sample traditional Austrian dishes such as schnitzel, kaiserschmarrn, and fondue, as well as international cuisine.
Overall, Kitzbühel ski resort offers an unparalleled skiing and snowboarding experience, with its vast terrain, modern lifts, and lively après-ski scene. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, there is something for everyone at Kitzbühel.
How to reach Kitzbühel in Austria?
The Kitzbühel ski resort is mainly located in the state of Tyrol, Austria, situated between the cities of Innsbruck and Salzburg. It is part of a trio of massive Austrian ski resorts, alongside Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm and Ski Welt. Additionally, the wonderful Zell am See ski resort is conveniently nearby, accessible by train.
Munich (MUC) is the best international airport for accessing Kitzbühel, with Salzburg (SZG) or Innsbruck (INN) serving as alternative options for those traveling from within Europe or the UK. Private airport transfers can be booked easily.
The ski resort can also be easily reached by train, with three stations located near the ski lifts at Kitzbühel main, Kitzbühel Hahnenkamm, and Kirchberg in Tirol. In the Salzburgerland section of the resort, the Hollersbach base can be accessed via the Pinzgau local railway station in Mittersill, which can be reached by train from Zell am See.
Austrian railways (OBB) Railjet train service offers a delightful way to travel to Kitzbühel and Kirchberg in Tirol from Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Zurich, with a full restaurant service on board. Regional trains also serve the area more frequently, but travel time is longer.
St. Anton
The ski resort located in Austria known as St Anton am Arlberg is difficult to match in terms of reputation as a top ski destination. The resort offers a vast amount of off-piste terrain and consistent, deep snow-pack and powder, making it a favorite among expert skiers, families, and intermediates alike. In order to enhance one of the world's great ski resorts, it was fully lift-linked to Ski Arlberg, which is one of the world's largest fully interlinked ski areas.
St Anton's village has a cozy and charming Austrian atmosphere, in contrast to the lively and vibrant après-ski and party scene. Although visitors come for the skiing, they stay for the world-renowned nightlife!
More About St. Anton
The skiing and snowboarding experience at St Anton caters to a diverse range of abilities, but it is particularly remarkable for advanced skiers. Although there are a limited number of black runs available on-piste, the vast off-piste routes and freeride terrain provide a thrilling experience. For expert riders, the tight chutes near the Valluga summit and other areas can be quite intimidating. It is worth noting that while off-piste skiing is exceptional in good snow conditions, most of the terrain is south-facing, which can be affected by the sun if temperatures rise above freezing.
For intermediate skiers, there is a fantastic selection of well-groomed terrain and excellent snow-making facilities, as well as a wide variety of runs to choose from. The "Run of Fame" is an excellent Ski Arlberg Tour for intermediate skiers who are up for a long and challenging day on the slopes. This tour involves skiing 85km and covering 18,000m of vertical terrain. It provides a great opportunity to explore the entire region, but it can get crowded, so it is best to start early and only attempt it once!
St Anton offers easy and mellow novice and beginner runs near the village, which gradually become more challenging as you ascend higher up the mountain. The piste trails at the upper mountain tend to be congested, and the runs can become laden with moguls, which can be daunting for unprepared skiers. However, the learn-to-ski and family skiing facilities located at the St Anton base area in Nasserein and up at St Christoph are excellent.
The lift system at the Sankt Anton ski resort is top-notch, featuring an array of modern cable cars, gondolas, and comfortable chairlifts, many of which come with hoods and heated seats. Five major lifts run from the town centre to all directions (three gondolas and two chairs), making most accommodation either ski-in or within proximity to it.
In 2016/17, the lift system underwent significant enhancements with the installation of four gondola systems (Flexenbahn et al), connecting St Anton with other Ski Arlberg resorts of Zurs, Lech, and Warth Schroecken and opening up new terrain. Additionally, a new gondola was added in the 2019/20 season. The lift ticket covers all ski resorts of Zürs, Lech, Warth Schroecken, and Zug, as highlighted by the Ski Arlberg trail map, featuring a vast interconnected piste trail spanning over 305km, serviced by 88 lifts, along with countless off-piste and freeride areas.
As with all popular ski resorts, St Anton can get busy, and even with the efficient lift system, queues can still form. Visitors may have to assert themselves and line up strategically, especially on busy days, putting aside the politeness they may have experienced in Japanese or Canadian lift queues. Alternatively, visitors can stay in Zürs to avoid the queues altogether!
Snow condition in St. Anton
Located in one of the snowiest regions of Europe, St Anton receives a generous annual snowfall, with nearby Warth Schroecken reputedly getting 11m of snow per year. St Anton itself receives an average of 7m of snow per year, ensuring excellent conditions for powder skiing. Although much of the terrain faces south and receives ample sunlight, the elevation and low temperatures help maintain the snow quality throughout the winter. For the best snow quality and fewer crowds, visitors can head to the north-facing terrain in Stuben and on Rendl.
Non ski activities in St. Anton
St Anton offers more than just skiing with an array of on and off-slope activities to enjoy during your snow holiday. Winter Klettersteg (via ferrata) on Rendl and a 4.5km 500m vertical sledding trail from Gampen into Nasserein are available for thrill-seekers, while limited heli-skiing drops are also an option.
For those who prefer to take it easy off the slopes, St Anton has plenty of activities to offer, including a cinema, curling, sleigh rides, ice-skating, saunas, tobogganing, squash, swimming in the local pool, indoor rock climbing, and leisurely winter hikes. And if shopping is your thing, St Anton has got you covered as well.
Where to stay in St. Anton
Accommodation in St Anton is plentiful and diverse, with options ranging from hotels and chalets to pensions and apartments. The town and surrounding villages have avoided excessive development, which is often seen in other ski resorts, providing visitors with an authentic Austrian experience. Many accommodations offer ski-in convenience and direct access to lifts, with two main centres located near the central village and Nasserein area within walking distance of each other.
In addition to the central village and Nasserein area, St Christoph and Stuben offer quieter options for visitors seeking a break from the excitement of St Anton. St Christoph is located in a sunny location with its own beginner area and chairlift access to the main ski slopes, while Stuben offers more affordable prices and access to near-deserted slopes above the village, though it may be in the shadow for much of the day in winter. Visitors can search and book all St Anton ski accommodation to find the perfect lodging option for their needs and budget.
How to reach St. Anton?
St Anton offers more than just skiing with an array of on and off-slope activities to enjoy during your snow holiday. Winter Klettersteg (via ferrata) on Rendl and a 4.5km 500m vertical sledding trail from Gampen into Nasserein are available for thrill-seekers, while limited heli-skiing drops are also an option.
For those who prefer to take it easy off the slopes, St Anton has plenty of activities to offer, including a cinema, curling, sleigh rides, ice-skating, saunas, tobogganing, squash, swimming in the local pool, indoor rock climbing, and leisurely winter hikes. And if shopping is your thing, St Anton has got you covered as well.
Zillertal Arena
The Zillertal Arena Ski Resort in Austria is a vast area that links the Ziller Valley in Tyrol and Pinzgau in Salzburgerland. It offers a delightful skiing and snowboarding experience in the Austrian Alps, with a massive network of lifts and trails that boast one of the longest skiable verticals in Austria. Additionally, the resort's diversity of villages places it firmly in the must-visit category.
The resort connects the charming villages of Zell am Ziller, Gerlos, Königsleiten, and Hochkrimml. Moreover, it is part of the Zillertaler Superskipass region, which adds another layer of fun and adventure to the already exceptional offerings.
More About Zillertal Arena
Zillertal Arena ski resort in Austria boasts an impressive 153km of trails and 52 major ski lifts. What's more, the resort offers a staggering 1,920m of skiable vertical, which can be accomplished in a 10km run that connects the trails from the Übergangsjoch summit (2,500m) to Zell am Ziller (580m). Although the lower part of the descent is only suitable for advanced skiers, the resort offers over 85km of intermediate-rated trails. Additionally, most of the resort's terrain is above 1,300 to 1,600m, with the highest lifted point at 2,500m. The resort is effectively divided into four sectors - Zell, Gerlos, Königsleiten, and Hochkrimml - but it is fully lift interlinked across the entire resort.
The resort's sprawling lift and piste network is particularly appealing to beginners and intermediate skiers and snowboarders, with plenty of groomed slopes available. Beginners are recommended to stay at the Hochkrimml end of the resort, while intermediates will enjoy the slopes around the Rosenalm (in the Zell sector) and the Königsleitenspitze (in the Königsleiten sector). Advanced skiers looking for on-piste challenges should attempt the full 1,920m vertical descent from the Übergangsjoch summit into the Zell am Ziller base.
For off-piste freeriding, the best areas in the resort include off the Übergangsjoch summit, the Krummbachtal from Isskogel, and the Falschbach side of the Königsleitenspitze.
New lifts are being added to the resort, including an 8-seater hooded chair that replaces the old Kapauns double chair and a new linking gondola, the Krimml-X-Press, which will connect Zell and Gerlos. Additionally, the Duxer chair in Hochkrimml will be upgraded to a 6-seater.
The Zillertal Arena lift pass is linked with the nearby Wildkogel Arena, but the Wildkogel lift pass does not include Zillertal Arena. A multi-day lift pass is available for all the other Ziller (& Tuxer) valley ski resorts via the Zillertaler Super Ski Pass, which covers the valley's 542km+ of ski trails and 180 ski lifts, as well as the buses and trains that connect them.
How to reach Zillertal Arena?
Zillertal Arena is conveniently accessible by train, bus, or car, and is situated near Innsbruck. For travelers from Europe or the UK, the nearest airports are Innsbruck (INN) and Munich (MUC), both of which have excellent bus and train connections to the Ziller valley via Jenbach train station. Jenbach is the closest major train station to Zillertal Arena, and from there, the 32km Zillertal Railway (Zillertalbahn) runs regularly during the ski season, stopping at Zell am Ziller. Public buses are also available, although they are less frequent and stylish.
If you're traveling to the region by rental car, consider taking the Gerlos Alpine Road, which links Zillertal to Pinzgau. This tolled road is free for anyone with a valid Zillertal Ski Pass in the winter.
Once you arrive, multi-day ski passes include local trains and buses. The Zell-am-Ziller township and the uplands on both sides of the Ziller valley, such as Zellberg and Rohrberg, are well-connected by buses to the Rosenalm and Karspitz gondola lift stations, providing stress-free access to the resort from all types of accommodations. Ten different bus routes, color-coded and numbered for easy navigation, run at least two to three times in the morning and afternoon, connecting valley villages and hamlets to the ski lifts. Check the Zillertal ski bus and train route map for an overview of transportation in the Zillertal.
Where to stay in Zillertal Arena?
Accommodation options in Zillertal Arena are plentiful, spanning across valleys and mountains from Zillertal to Pinzgau. Ski lifts and the Gerlos Alpine Road connect Zell, Gerlos, Königsleiten, and Hochkrimml. While the lifts and pistes end at Hochkrimml, the road continues into Pinzgau and the village of Krimml.
Zell-am-Ziller, situated at a low elevation of 580m, offers lively and convenient accommodation for exploring not only the ski resort but also all of the other resorts in the valley. Note that there may not be snow in the valley early and late in the season. The higher elevation villages of Gerlos (1,300m elevation), Königsleiten (1,600m), and Hochkrimml (1,640m) provide quieter accommodations with excellent lift and piste access, along with fantastic Austrian Alps hospitality.
Krimml (1,076m) and its famous waterfall in Paznaun valley feel delightfully isolated and are not lift connected into the resort but require a short bus journey up to Hochkrimml.
Ischgl
Ischgl ski resort, located in western Tyrol's Silvretta mountains, is a highly sought-after snow holiday destination in Austria, renowned for its exceptional skiing and snowboarding opportunities, as well as its lively party atmosphere.
This resort shares a border with Switzerland and is connected to the Samnaun ski resort, forming an expansive and varied ski area encompassing over 239km of trails and 45 ski lifts. Ischgl boasts an array of terrain, lifts, and snow quality that will impress skiers and snowboarders of all levels, although the large crowds may not be to everyone's liking.
Ischgl is famous for its enjoyable après-ski sessions, held in the mountain huts and village, featuring music, drinks, and dancing that often last well into the night, most nights.
More About Ischgl
Ischgl and Samnaun, located in close proximity to each other, complement each other perfectly. Ischgl boasts chilly and daring north-facing terrain, while Samnaun provides sunny south-facing terrain, which is perfect for beginners and intermediate skiers who prefer leisurely cruising. Although the trails are designated as piste, they tend to be on the easier side.
Although Ischgl's skiable vertical of over 1,500 meters may seem intimidating to some, many of the piste trails are relatively straightforward and accessible to most skiers, contributing to its widespread popularity. Idalp is the primary hub for novice and beginner skiers, with an excellent series of snow parks that include ski-thru punching bags! Experienced skiers will appreciate the long and challenging descents off the resort's second highest peak, Palinkopf, which stands at 2,864 meters, as well as the more remote Piz Val Gronda. At the end of the day, several wonderfully long valley trails, which extend up to 11 kilometers, lead all the way down to both Ischgl and Samnaun. One of the most heavily trafficked runs is the 'Smugglers' or 'Duty Free' run, where duty-free shopping is available at the end - a strange and somewhat tacky experience!
Ski lifts at Ischgl are a marvel of modern engineering, as traditional quad chairs are a rarity in this high-tech system. However, this indicates the frenzy that ensues on a powder day, especially given the amazing freeride terrain available. The Piz Val Gronda location is the best spot for these conditions, although the backcountry also offers fantastic opportunities. To enjoy the Silvretta region's full range, purchase a Silvretta Pass, which grants unlimited access to all 74 lifts and 365km of trails in Galtuer, Ischgl-Samnaun, Kappl, and See resorts. Furthermore, free local ski buses connect the resorts and provide an escape from the hustle and bustle of Ischgl. Those who have a guest card and stay in the resort village can typically purchase a cheaper Ischgl-Samnaun-only ticket.
How to reach Ischgl in Austria?
Ischgl is situated in the Paznaun valley, located in the southwest of Tirol, Austria, near the Swiss border. The nearest major center is Landeck-Zams, which is about 30 km north of Ischgl, and around 100 km away from Innsbruck by road. Ischgl is accessible from all airports by train and bus via the Landeck-Zams train station. The closest major airports are Innsbruck (INN), Munich (MUC), and Zurich (ZRH). To ensure safe travel post-COVID-19, it is recommended to search and book all airport transfers to Ischgl in advance.
Landeck-Zams train station is on the primary line between Switzerland and Innsbruck, and skiers can use the free route 260 bus from Landeck to Ischgl. Other free ski buses run up and down the valley, linking all the villages and smaller ski resorts. Day trips to Ischgl from Landeck can be made by free ski bus. Train tickets to Landeck-Zams can be searched and booked, while bus tickets can be purchased from the driver or obtained free of charge if traveling in ski attire.
Visitors who are driving a rental car to Ischgl can find ample day and overnight parking in the modern parking garages within the town precinct. Accessing the region is easy via the motorway from Innsbruck and then up into the Paznauntal.
Accommodation:
Ischgl offers a wide variety of lodging options, ranging from town center to mountain, ski-in/ski-out, and elsewhere in the valley. The proximity to the main ski lift bases determines both availability and price, but given the excellent connections to lifts and trails, anywhere in town is a good choice. With multiple parking garages, underground tunnel links, and walkways, reaching the three main access lifts is easy. Additionally, at least five return trails deposit skiers into their preferred parts of town.
To find ski accommodation in Ischgl, search and book online.
In case Ischgl is fully booked or if what's left does not fit your budget, consider any of the other villages up and down the valley, such as Galtür (and Wirl), Kappl, and See, each of which has its own fantastic ski resort and regular ski-bus connections to Ischgl. The buses traveling from Galtür to Ischgl are generally less crowded than those coming up the valley from Kappl and See. It is also possible to make a day trip to Ischgl from as far as Landeck.
Mayrhofen
As you step off the Zillertalbahn in Mayrhofen, a smile spreads across your face. After a stress-free train ride from Innsbruck, you're greeted by the magnificent Penkenbahn gondola, which departs from the center of town and ascends to the Mayrhofen ski resort.
Prepare to experience skier, snowboarder, and party-goer paradise. With state-of-the-art lifts, fantastic piste skiing, fun and challenging off-piste runs, access to expansive interconnected resorts throughout the valley, and a lively après and nightlife scene, Mayrhofen ski resort truly delivers on all fronts.
More About Mayrhofen
When you arrive at Mayrhofen via the Zillertalbahn, the Penkenbahn gondola immediately catches your eye as it ascends to the Mayrhofen ski resort from the town center, eliciting a smile. Mayrhofen ski resort is the ultimate destination for skiers, snowboarders, and party-goers alike. The ski area consists of six interconnected regions with unique names such as Penken, Horberg, Ahorn, Finkenberg, Rastkogel, and Eggalm, except for Ahorn, which stands alone across the valley. The terrain is suitable for all skill levels and covers a vast area on all aspects (sun and shade). Mayrhofen has invested significantly in new lifts, resulting in efficient uphill movement. You can reach the good stuff from the massive Ahorn cable car and Penken gondola that depart directly from town, the Horbergbahn from Hippach, or the new Möslbahn gondolas, followed by a range of modern chairs (including a combination chair/gondola aptly named the Kombibahn). Fast chairs are the norm once you're on the mountain. The Tux cable car links the resort to the Tux valley, including Rastkogel and Eggalm.
Piste trails and off-piste terrain are located near and above the treeline, with some notable exceptions such as ski route 30 to Hippach, the new number 16 to Mösl, and piste trail 5 from Ahorn into Mayrhofen town. Ahorn's piste trail 5 features nearly 1,300 meters of skiable vertical and a northerly aspect, providing a seriously fun top-to-bottom skiing experience. After a fresh snowfall, there are plenty of off-piste options for powder hounds, with numerous challenging steeps and vast alpine bowls. If the snow is deep and low, there are plenty of opportunities to freeride through meadows and trees into the valleys, but beware of barbed wire fences!
Mayrhofen's lower base elevation of 630m has made it vulnerable to Mother Nature's unpredictable moods, resulting in some snow-related setbacks. However, the resort has taken significant measures to make up for any natural shortfall, including substantial investments in snow-making technology. Fortunately, the majority of Mayrhofen's terrain is situated above 1,500m, which means that it is quickly covered when natural snowfall occurs on the resort's alpine meadow terrain.
Non - ski activities in Mayrhofen?
If you or someone in your group isn't interested in skiing or snowboarding, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in Mayrhofen.
For a thrilling and exciting experience, try tandem paragliding from the top of Penken all the way down to the town. If you're looking for something more relaxed, consider taking a scenic gondola or train ride, or go for a winter walk. Another option is to visit the breathtaking Hintertux Glacier and explore the stunning Ice Caves.
How to reach Mayrhofen?
Mayrhofen Ski Resort is situated in the Zillertal (Ziller valley) of Tirol (Tyrol) state, Austria, and is located 67km south-east of Innsbruck. It takes approximately an hour by car to reach Mayrhofen from Innsbruck.
The closest major international gateway airports are Munich (MUC) and Zurich (ZRH), and the airport at Innsbruck (INN) provides convenient access for flights with origins in Europe and the UK. While train is the recommended mode of transport to Mayrhofen, private transfers are a fast and efficient way to get to the resort from the airport, especially for groups of three or more people. All transfers to Mayrhofen can be searched and booked here.
The 32km long Zillertal Railway (Zillertalbahn) offers excellent train and bus transport options during the ski season from Jenbach railway station east of Innsbruck. Although public buses also make the journey, they are less frequent and with less comfort.
Multiple locations in the valley, including the centre of Mayrhofen and the villages and hamlets of Hippach, Moesl, Finkenberg, and Tux, provide access to the slopes of Mayrhofen once in the Zillertal.
Where to stay in Mayrhofen?
Mayrhofen offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. There are many hotels, apartments, chalets, and guesthouses in the town center and surrounding villages.
If you are looking for luxury accommodation, there are several high-end hotels with top-notch amenities, such as the Elisabeth Hotel Premium Private Retreat, Hotel Alpenhof Kristall, and Sporthotel Manni.
For mid-range options, you can consider Hotel Rose, Alpendomizil Neuhaus, or Hotel Edenlehen. These hotels offer comfortable rooms and convenient access to the ski lifts and other attractions in Mayrhofen.
If you are traveling on a budget, there are also plenty of affordable guesthouses, apartments, and hostels available. Some of the popular options include Gästehaus Hochmuth, Pension Kumbichlhof, and Hostel-Jugendherberge Mayrhofen.
Regardless of where you choose to stay, it's recommended to book in advance, especially during peak ski season, to ensure availability and get the best rates.
Sölden
Sölden Ski Resort, located in the Ötztal (or Oetz valley) of Austria, is one of the largest standalone skiing areas in the country. It boasts both the longest skiable vertical and longest ski trail, making it a must-visit destination when in the Austrian Tyrol. The word "BIG" accurately describes everything about the resort. It features expansive terrain at over 2,000m elevation, 146km of piste trails, skiing available from September to May, three peaks towering over 3,000m, vast beginner ski areas, and an extensive off-piste skiing terrain. Additionally, every lift pass of three days or longer is valid in all resorts in the Oetztal, further expanding the area's scope. However, due to its sheer size, Sölden may not be suitable for discerning Powderhounds and their families.
More about Sölden
Sölden ski resort is known for its colossal size and boasts of having Austria's longest ski trail and skiable vertical. With two glacier ski areas, skiing is available for almost eight months of the year, and the resort has modern, efficient ski lifts. While the off-piste terrain is vast and exciting, the resort may not be for everyone due to overcrowded slopes, a lackluster town, and an abundance of beginner terrain.
During the winter, Sölden receives a high annual snowfall, and most of its terrain is above 2,000 meters, making it one of Europe's most snow-sure ski resorts. The terrain is mostly north and east-facing, which avoids the sun's worst rays.
It's worth noting that day tickets purchased on the morning of skiing can be expensive during high season, so purchasing them online at least five days before using them can result in significant savings of up to €11. Additionally, lift passes of three days or longer duration are valid in nearby ski resorts like Gurgl (Obergurgl-Hochgurgl), Hochoetz-Kuhtai, and Vent.
Where to stay in Sölden
Accommodation in Sölden can be found in the sprawling town that stretches along the main road towards Obergurgl in the Oetz valley. However, the town lacks traditional charm and is primarily functional. If you are seeking a more traditional Austrian ski village, Sölden may not be the right fit. However, the upper areas of Hochsölden, as well as the small villages of Innerwald, Unterwald, and Ausserwald at the top of the funicular, provide options for those looking to move above the town.
For those with their own transportation, alternative lodging options can be found up the valley in Obergurgl Hochgurgl or down the valley in Längenfeld (near the excellent Aqua Dome) and Oetz - a popular choice among Powderhounds due to its affordability, easy access to ski resorts, lack of crowds, and great dining options.
How to reach Sölden
The Austrian Tyrol's Ötztal (Oetz valley) is home to the Soelden ski resort, which towers over the town of the same name. The most convenient gateway cities and airports are Innsbruck (INN), 88km northeast by road, and Munich (MUC), approximately 250km to the north.
Beyond Soelden, the next significant town is Oetz, 31km to the north, followed by the Ötztal Bahnhof another 7km north, which offers train access from Innsbruck, Munich, or Zurich. Buses run up the valley from the Ötztal Bahnhof to Soelden and beyond at least nine times daily. The journey from Innsbruck usually takes less than two hours. You can search and book train tickets to Ötztal Bahnhof online.
Driving to Soelden is straightforward via the motorways to the Oetz valley, and there is ample free parking, including undercover, available for day trippers.
If you're not a fan of public transportation or driving to Soelden and are traveling in a group of three or more people, we suggest considering a private transfer, at the very least from Ötztal Bahnhof, for value and efficiency reasons.