There’s nothing like a picture-perfect mountain view from a traditional Alpine village. We have selected the prettiest Austrian ski resorts to visit this winter. Whether it’s a beautiful lesser-known Austrian ski resort or it has a stunning view we have picked some fantastic ski destinations. Be ready to drink in the breathtaking views and capture some fantastic mountain pictures. Here are our top 10 prettiest Austrian ski resorts.
1. Alpbach
Located in the Ski Juwel area, Alpbach is a classic Austrian ski resort. Whether you’re on the slopes or in the traditional alpine village, there are stunning mountain backdrops to admire. The ski resort is ideal for beginners and intermediates with 109km of pistes to enjoy. The locals are very welcoming and there’s a good range of accommodation to choose from. It’s a very relaxed destination and is one of the prettiest Austrian ski resorts around.
2. Ellmau
Ellmau is on the north-eastern side of the SkiWelt ski area. The ski resort is perfect for family skiing and has a welcoming atmosphere. The village itself has an alpine charm with a modern twist. The ski resort has spectacular mountain views to admire too. Ellmau is not only one of the prettiest ski resorts in Austria, but it also has fantastic skiing too. SkiWelt is one of the largest linked ski areas in Austria with 284km to explore. The slopes are diverse in level so it’s great for beginners through to advanced level skiers.
3. Kitzbühel
Kitzbühel is one of the most famous ski destinations because of the extraordinary Hahnenkamm downhill race. It doesn’t just have sporting history, it’s also one of the prettiest ski resorts in Austria. The town is largely car-free and it has delightful alpine architecture and winding cobbled streets. The views are beautiful too on and off the mountain. The ski resort has something for everyone with diverse terrain and 234km of pistes to explore. If you’re an advanced skier you can test yourself on one of the hardest slopes in the world, the Streif.
4. Kühtai
Kühtai is a little Austrian ski resort near the Ötztal and the Stubai mountain ranges. It’s one of the highest resorts in Austria with an altitude of 2,020m-2,660m. The peaceful ski resort has breath-taking scenery, making it one of the prettiest ski resorts in Austria. It’s a little ski area with 46km of pistes but has good variety nonetheless. The village itself is a quiet mountain town, perfect to unwind after a day on the slopes.
5. Lech
Part of the Arlberg ski area, Lech is a top-class ski destination in Austria. It has a lot of luxury accommodation options and restaurants to head to. On top of this, the views and alpine architecture, make Lech one of the prettiest Austrian Ski resorts. If you buy a full Arlberg lift pass you can have access to 305km of pistes. The largest amount of ski terrain in Austria. If you fancy lively après it’s easy to access nearby St. Anton on the slopes and by bus in the evening. It’s certainly a ski resort with a touch of class.
6. Obertauern
Another little Austrian ski resort is Obertauern, based in the Salzburg region. It’s a ski resort with a history dating back to the fourth century BC but now has some modern development. Its alpine charm and beautiful scenery make it one of the prettiest ski resorts in Austria. The ski resort has an altitude of 1,740m-2313m, making it pretty snow-sure throughout the season. For a less well-known ski resort, it has a lively après-ski scene to enjoy.
7. Saalbach-Hinterglemm
Saalbach is a beautiful Tirolean village with an alpine charm. Unlike most ski resorts in Austria, the lifts run into the centre of town. Saalbach-Hinterglemm has an impressive 270km of pistes to enjoy and also has a lively après scene. The mountain landscapes are fascinating and the terrain is varied, which is great for mixed ability ski groups. There are plenty of bars and restaurants to enjoy in the evening with a fun atmosphere.
8. Schladming-Dachstein
Home to the famous World Cup night slalom race, Schladming-Dachstein has a big reputation in Austria. The old town is located at the foot of the Planai mountain and has kept its traditional alpine vibes. The mountain landscape views from the slopes are breathtaking. The ski area has 238km of pistes to explore. The Schladming ski area has a lot of tree runs to try and Dachstein Glacier guarantees good snow quality throughout the season. Off the slopes, Schladming-Dachstein has a great nightlife with lively bars and nightclubs.
9. Seefeld
Seefeld has a big cross country skiing reputation, with 250km of routes to try. It also has great alpine skiing for intermediates and beginners, with 27km of pistes. The ski resort is a little stylish village and also has beautiful views. Off the slopes, there are plenty of restaurants, bars and even a casino to choose from. It’s a great place to relax and also enjoy lively après in the evening, depending on your preference. The 50-minute transfer from Salzburg Airport is also a major plus, maximising your time on the slopes.
10. Zell am See
The view of Lake Zell alone, makes Zell am See one of the prettiest ski resorts in Austria. The unique location of the village by the lake and the surrounding towering mountains are breathtaking. As for the village, it has a history dating back to the 13th century. It still has its traditional charm but also has modern developments. The ski resort is very family-friendly, whilst still having a lively nightlife reputation. Zell am See definitely has an Instagram-worthy view.
Speak to our experts on 0207 471 7700 for more information on the prettiest Austrian ski resorts.
