The cold air hits your face as the cable car rises above Sankt Anton, and below you the village shrinks to a cluster of toy buildings while the peaks of the Arlberg stretch out in every direction, white and sharp against a winter sky the colour of steel. Austria is a skier’s paradise, the country that invented modern skiing and integrated it into its national identity more completely than any other. The resorts here are not just places to ski. They are villages with centuries of history, family-run hotels, and an atmosphere of gemütlichkeit that the French mega-resorts cannot match.
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Sankt Anton: The Cradle of Alpine Skiing
Sankt Anton am Arlberg is one of the great ski resorts of the world. The first ski club in Austria was founded here in 1901, and the Arlberg technique, developed by Hannes Schneider in the 1920s, remains the basis of modern ski instruction worldwide. The resort is part of the Arlberg ski area, the largest interconnected ski area in Austria with 305 kilometres of pistes. The terrain is challenging, with steep slopes, deep powder, and off-piste routes that attract expert skiers from around the world. The après-ski scene at the MooserWirt and the Krazy Kanguruh is legendary. These are not bars where you sit down and have a quiet drink. They are parties on skis, where the music starts at 3 pm and continues until the last skier gives up. Sankt Anton is expensive, but the combination of world-class skiing and legendary nightlife makes it worth the premium.
Saalbach-Hinterglemm: Endless Cruising
Saalbach-Hinterglemm, known as the Ski Circus, offers 270 kilometres of pistes and 70 lifts across two connected valleys. The terrain is ideal for intermediate skiers, with long, wide cruisers that let you build up a rhythm and cover serious distance in a day. The après-ski scene is famously lively, with the Goasstall and the Seppi Bar providing the soundtrack to the late afternoon. Saalbach is better value than Sankt Anton. Accommodation is more affordable, lift passes are cheaper, and the quality of the skiing is comparable. The resort is also home to some of the best ski schools in Austria, making it an excellent choice for families or anyone looking to improve their technique.
Kitzbuhel: glamour on the Streif
Kitzbuhel is the most fashionable and expensive ski resort in Austria. The medieval town centre, with its cobblestone streets, designer shops, and high-end hotels, looks like a Christmas card come to life. But the real attraction is the Streif, the downhill ski run that hosts the Hahnenkamm race, the most terrifying event on the World Cup circuit. The Streif drops 860 metres over 3.3 kilometres, with gradients that reach 85 percent. Watching the race in January is a bucket-list experience. Skiing the Streif yourself, even at a cautious pace, gives you a profound respect for the athletes who race it at 140 kilometres per hour. Kitzbuhel is not for budget travellers, but for those who want to combine skiing with luxury, it is unmatched.
Mayrhofen: Adventure in the Zillertal
Mayrhofen, in the Zillertal valley, offers a lively, more affordable alternative to the big-name resorts. The skiing on the Penken and Ahorn mountains is excellent for intermediates, and the après-ski scene is famously rowdy. The resort is also home to the Harakiri, known as the suicide slope, which at 78 percent gradient is the steepest prepared slope in Austria. The snowboard scene in Mayrhofen is strong, and the resort hosts regular events and competitions. The surrounding Zillertal valley is one of the most beautiful in the Alps, with waterfalls, traditional farms, and hiking trails that are worth exploring even in winter. Accommodation in the nearby villages of Hippach and Schwendau is cheaper than in Mayrhofen itself, with free shuttle buses connecting them to the lifts.
Obergurgl-Hochgurgl: Snow-Sure and Family-Friendly
Obergurgl-Hochgurgl is one of the highest ski resorts in Austria, with slopes that reach 3,080 metres. The snow is reliable from November through May, making it the safest bet for early and late-season skiing. The resort is quieter and more family-friendly than Sankt Anton or Kitzbuhel, with wide, well-groomed pistes that are perfect for intermediates and families. The views of the Otztal Alps are among the most dramatic in the country, and the resort offers excellent ski schools and childcare facilities. The après-ski is more relaxed, with cosy bars and restaurants that focus on good food rather than loud music. For families and those who prioritise skiing over partying, Obergurgl-Hochgurgl is the best choice in the Austrian Alps.
Have you skied the Arlberg, tackled the Streif, or discovered your own favourite Austrian resort?
Published in: Austria. Updated June 11 2026.
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