Getting your money’s worth in ski resorts is a task in itself when booking. Austria has a fantastic choice of ski resorts that have decent prices and high standards. Whether you’re heading on a family ski holiday or wanting a weekend getaway, there’s something for everyone. Our ski experts have created a guide for the best value Austrian ski resorts.
Alpbach
Part of the Ski Juwel ski area, Alpbach has a traditional alpine charm and fantastic skiing. Only an hour away from Innsbruck airport, you immediately save time and money on a transfer to the ski resort. There is 109km of ski runs in the area with great links to the neighbouring ski resort Niederau-Oberau. For a smaller ski resort, there’s a good choice of accommodation for different price points. In addition, there’s a variety of bars and restaurants you can choose from that are suitable for different budgets. The beautiful mountain views on and off the slopes are priceless.
Ellmau
If you’re looking for a best value Austrian ski resort for families, the SkiWelt ski area is the perfect destination. Ellmau in particular has fantastic facilities for childcare and ski tuition. There is 284km of slopes to enjoy with links to nearby ski resorts Söll and Westendorf. The pistes are suitable for all levels of skier and you can even venture further afield to Kitzbühel in the east. In the village, there are 20 restaurants to visit all with different menus to enjoy. Although it’s mainly a family ski destination there’s still a lively après scene with great bars in the area.
Filzmoos
Filzmoos offers peace and quiet with stunning mountain views. This hidden gem is located in the Salzburger Sportwelt region and is only an hour away from Salzburg airport. It has a modest amount of ski runs to joy with 13km of gentle terrain. If you’re an advanced skier there’s only one black run named after former World Cup ski racer Michaela Kirchgasser. There are plenty of charming mountain huts that serve delicious food. Due to the size of the place, there isn’t lively nightlife but there are a couple of bars to enjoy an evening drink in.
Flachau
Part of the Ski Amade region, Flachau is one of the best value Austrian ski resorts. It has a network of pistes that covers 210km which are mainly suitable for intermediate skiers. You can save money and time on travel with only an hour’s transfer from Salzburg airport to the ski resort. Flachau has more of a nightlife and is the home to the annual World Cup night slalom in January. Neighbouring village Flachauwink is a more low key atmosphere with a traditional alpine charm.
Katschberg
One of the main benefits of skiing in Katschberg is the ski-in ski-out accommodation choice. You can ski perfectly groomed slopes with 70km of terrain to enjoy. If you buy a full Lungau ski area pass you can access 131km of pistes. The skiing is excellent for intermediate skiers with a good amount of red runs in the area. There are plenty of lovely cosy restaurants and ski huts to enjoy on the mountain and in the village. Expect classic Austrian alpine cuisine served at most of the restaurants. If you want to let your hair down after a day’s skiing the après options are fantastic with brilliant bars and clubs to visit.
Kühtai
Kühtai is one of the best value Austrian ski resorts because of its 40-minute transfer from Innsbruck and the reliable snow conditions. It has a high altitude of 2,020m-2,660m which makes it snow sure throughout the ski season. The location of the town means that all the accommodation has the main slopes at their doorstep. You can ski 46km of slopes in the area with a backdrop of incredible mountain ranges. There’s a good selection of bars and restaurants to enjoy in the area with a variety of menus on offer.
Maria Alm
Whether you’re heading on a family ski holiday or looking for a great après ski, Maria Alm delivers in many areas. Only an hour and a half away from Salzburg airport, you can maximise your time on the slopes and save money on a transfer. There is 120km of slopes in the Hochkönig ski area, which are mainly suited to intermediate level skiers. After a day on the slopes, it’s great to enjoy a cocktail or beer whilst watching the beautiful sunset go down from the many ski huts.
Schladming-Dachstein
Only just over an hour away from Salzburg airport, Schladming-Dachstein is one of the best value Austrian ski resorts. Famous for the iconic World Cup night slalom, the ski area has access to 238km of slopes. There’s something for all levels of skier, which is great for families and mixed group holidays. In addition, there’s the Dachstein Glacier which makes the ski area have reliable snow conditions. The ski resort has fantastic nightlife with lively bars and clubs to visit when you’re not skiing.
Söll
In the SkiWelt ski area, Söll has short transfers to Innsbruck and Salzburg airport. There’s an expansive piste map with 284km of slopes which are great for all abilities. In addition, the off-slope activities are fantastic for non-skiers or families, with plenty of restaurants, spas and childcare. Despite having a reputation for being a family ski resort, there are excellent après ski bars to enjoy when you’re off the slopes.
Zell am See
Zell am See is one of the most beautiful ski resorts with stunning views of Lake Zell and surrounding mountains. This piece of winter paradise offers 138km of pistes which are mainly suited to intermediate skiers. The snow conditions are reliable throughout the season due to its location and the skiable glacier. In addition, it’s only an hour and a half away from Salzburg airport, which means you can maximise your time on the slopes. There are plenty of restaurants to enjoy with menus that have French, Italian and Austrian influences. On top of that, there’s lively nightlife with great bars to visit after a day on the slopes.
To find out more about the best value Austrian ski resorts, please call our ski experts on 0207 471 7700.
