Austria is often seen as synonymous with the Alps, and it’s no secret that its mountains harbour many of the world’s best ski resorts. With mythical nightlife and ski areas of epic proportions, it’s no wonder so many avid skiers would rather ski here than anywhere else. We’ve hand-picked our selection of the best ski resorts to help you plan your luxury ski holiday to Austria.
This guide has been written in partnership with luxury ski holiday experts Firefly Collection
St Anton
St Anton’s reputation as one of Austria’s great ski resorts precedes it. Its magnificent ski area, short transfer time from Innsbruck, and charming, walkable centre filled with shops and cafés have earned it a loyal following of keen skiers and party-goers. Basking in the sun beneath rugged mountain scenery, St Anton with plenty to see and do for non-skiers, from relaxing at the spa to indoor and outdoor climbing at the Arl.park centre.
Nightlife is one of the major drawcards here. Even if you’ve never visited St Anton, you’ll likely have heard of the legendary après-ski spots Krazy Kangaruh and Mooserwirt. Yet the skiing is equally as iconic, with the Arlberg ski area comprising a colossal 302km of pistes. Excellent snow conditions are virtually guaranteed for much of the season, and the area is particularly good for experienced skiers and backcountry enthusiasts, with an enviable selection of black slopes and off-piste terrain. An unmissable date in St Anton’s yearly calendar is the ‘White Thrill’ alpine ski race, a test of speed and endurance as over 500 skiers compete for the fastest descent from the steep Valluga Ridge.
Quick Facts About St Anton
- Ski Area: Arlberg
- Total Pistes: 320km
- No. of Lifts: 97
- Resort Altitude: 1300m
- Top lift Altitude: 2810m
Lech
Arguably Austria’s most glamourous ski resort, Lech is also one of its best, with a modern (and always improving) lift system and array of ski-in bars and restaurants that soak up the afternoon sun. Its location is hard to beat, at the centre of Austria’s largest linked ski area, the Arlberg domain. With access to 302km of snow-sure slopes connecting it to several other sought-after resorts including St Anton, there’s something to suit every level of skier.
The Austrian resort of Lech is also a gastronomic destination, home to a very high density of award-winning restaurants. Visitors are spoiled for choice with the high-quality restaurants, as well as the sophisticated nightlife, punctuated by the yearly ‘Arlberg Weinberg’ wine event which attracts wine-lovers to Lech each December.
It’s not the only festival in Lech’s calendar, however, with the Tanzcafé Arlberg live music festival taking place here every winter. Combined with a varied selection of activities, including scenic horse-drawn sleigh rides, Lech is as much a destination for non-skiers as it is for winter sports enthusiasts.
Quick Facts About Lech
- Ski Area: Arlberg
- Total Pistes: 302km
- No. of Lifts: 97
- Resort Altitude: 1450m
- Top lift Altitude: 2810m
Kitzbuhel
Featuring charming cobbled lanes lined with brightly coloured chalets and a car-free, historic centre, the ski resort of Kitzbuhel is something of a destination in its own right, before you even reach the slopes. It’s certainly one of the best ski resorts in Austria for non-skiers, who can easily spend a week exploring this picturesque town, attending one of its many events, or even taking the short trip to Kirchberg to try the thrilling Gaisberg toboggan run.
Further up the mountain, the Kitzski domain boasts 233km of slopes, many of which are delightful undulating runs perfect for intermediates. However, skiers looking for a challenge can tackle the infamous ‘Streif’ piste, which has hosted the Hahnenkamm downhill race since 1931. In January you can watch the professionals compete on this very course, or alternatively catch the Snow Polo World Cup which Kitzbuhel hosts each year.
Après-ski is one of Kitzbuhel’s highlights, and whatever takes your fancy you’ll find it here. Try the Londoner for a classic British-style pub, Club Take Five for chic post-ski drinks, or KitznBar for a cosy alternative to après.
Quick Facts About Kitzbuhel
- Ski Area: Kitzski
- Total Pistes: 233km
- No. of Lifts: 58
- Resort Altitude: 800m
- Top lift Altitude: 2000m
St Christoph
For those who seek world-class skiing in a smaller, more peaceful package, upmarket St Christoph is surely the best ski resort in Austria. The pace is slower here and the slopes a little quieter, yet with St Anton just 10 minutes away by car, raucous après-ski is never far away. St Christoph has its own gems, too, such as the gourmet restaurant Hospiz Alm, which offers slopeside dining and an incredible wine selection to round off a day on the mountain. Non-skiers are catered for with the Contemporary Art and Concert Hall hosting exhibitions and concerts.
St Christoph occupies a privileged position at the heart of the Arlberg ski area, surrounded by 302km of pistes and benefiting from quick access to St Anton, Stuben, Zürs and Lech. It boasts an impressive snow record; intermediates and advanced skiers alike will be delighted with the range of skiing on offer, particularly the Valluga area for off-piste adventurers.
Quick Facts About St Christoph
- Ski Area: Arlberg
- Total Pistes: 302km
- No. of Lifts: 97
- Resort Altitude: 1800m
- Top lift Altitude: 2810m
Leogang
While the rest of the Austrian Alps are busy dancing on tables to thumping music, the ski resort of Leogang does things a little differently. With a wonderful family-friendly atmosphere and superb intermediate skiing, it’s a first-choice resort for groups with children or nervous skiers who need a confidence boost. Part of the Skicircus domain, it’s linked to Saalbach, Hinterglemm and Fieberbrunn via 270km of pistes, including plenty of wide, sweeping runs where you can practise your turns.
For the non-skiers in your group, there are some eclectic activities to try, from llama trekking in nearby Fieberbrunn to the mile-long Flying Fox XXL zipline reaching speeds of 80kmph. If you prefer something a little more relaxed, why not head to one of the many fantastic mountain restaurants or enjoy an apéritif at KrallerAlm, Leogang’s much-loved après-ski spot.
Quick Facts About Leogang
- Ski Area: Skicircus
- Total Pistes: 270km
- No. of Lifts: 70
- Resort Altitude: 788m
- Top lift Altitude: 2096m
Discover More
Explore the finest collection of luxury ski chalets in Austria here.
Or if you would like some independent advice about where to go for your next ski holiday, speak to the experts at Firefly Collection
