If you’re looking for something different or trying to get away from the crowds, small Austrian ski resorts are your answer. You don’t need to head to the major ski resorts to have a great time on the slopes. Each destination has its unique charm and advantages compared to bigger ski resorts. Our ski experts have created a guide to the best small ski resorts in Austria.
Alpbach
Alpbach is a small Austrian ski resort that is part of the Ski Juwel area. It is a peaceful ski resort with stunning mountain views. The locals are very welcoming and the buildings have a traditional alpine charm. You can ski 109km of slopes in the area and there are also some great off-piste opportunities too. The slopes are mainly suited to beginner and intermediate skiers, with great links to neighbouring Niederau-Oberau.
There are mainly hotels and guest-housed based accommodation in the area, mostly run by friendly family businesses. If you’re looking for somewhere to eat a favourite is the Boglalm restaurant below the Poglalm mid-station, which serves delicious dumpling soup or Tiroler Grosti. The most popular spot in town to grab a drink is the Hotel Post which often has live music in the evenings.
Filzmoos
Filzmoos is one of the most stunning small ski resorts in Austria. The mountain views on and off the slopes are unique to the area. You can ski 13km of slopes in the area with 8 lifts connecting the pistes. The resort is perfect for beginners and intermediates. However, advanced skiers will enjoy the Michaela Kirchgasser FIS racecourse. It also has a great snow record which makes conditions reliable throughout the season.
Off the mountain, there are charming alpine huts that give off a traditional charm. There are great restaurants and bars to enjoy during your visit too. The Happy Alm and Alm Stadl are great spots to grab a drink and a bite. The Kalahari Bar is also a favourite spot that serves great cocktails with live music. In addition, there is also a leisure centre in the town with both indoor and outdoor pools, saunas and bowling.
Katschberg
Katschberg is one of the best small ski resorts in Austria for families. There is 70km of slopes to enjoy that are most suited to beginner and intermediate skiers. Families will enjoy their time here because of the many child-friendly activities, ski schools and quality childcare. The accommodation is mostly ski-in ski-out maximising your time on the slopes.
The scenery is delightful with wide mountain ranges and beautiful pine forests surrounding the ski resort. There are great places to eat and drink, with plenty of bars and restaurants. The Adlerhorst sitting at 2,222m on the slopes, has incredible views and delicious food. If you want a place to drink, the Wilderer Alm serves homemade schnapps and a great selection of wine.
Kühtai
Situated in between the Ötztal and the Stubai mountain ranges, Kühtai is one of the highest small ski resorts in Austria. This means that there are fantastic snow conditions throughout the ski season. There is 46km of slopes to enjoy with excellent off-piste opportunities too. The piste map is suitable for all levels of skier, with varied slopes.
The village is small and close to the slopes which means access to the slopes is easy. There are numerous hotels and apartments in the area as well as a fitness centre and a few bars. For the best pizza in town, Pizzeria Da Bruno is the place to be. If you want a nice drink after a day on the slopes, the best places are Siglu, Dorfstadl, Eisbar and Alte Stube.
Niederau-Oberau
Part of the beautiful Wildschonau Valley, Niederau-Oberau is a fantastic destination for skiing. There is 109km of slopes in the area with great connections to nearby Alpbach. The terrain is mostly suited to beginner and intermediate skiers. You can also enjoy fantastic off-piste with a local mountain guide if you’re an advanced skier. There’s something for everyone in the ski area.
For a small Austrian ski resort, there are plenty of restaurants with over 20 to choose from. Der Wastlhof is highly regarded as the best place to eat in town, with local cuisine and other dishes on the menu. In addition, there are great bars too. O’Malley’s and Café Treff are the main favourites in the area. Cave Bar is the nightclub in the town if you want to dance the night away.
Obertauern
Located in the Salzburg region, Obertauern is a relatively unknown ski resort but is a delightful place to go skiing. You can ski 100km of snow-sure slopes that are suitable mainly for beginners and intermediates. On and off the slopes there’s a chance to take in the incredible scenery surrounding the ski resort. When there’s a powder day there are fantastic off-piste spots to try with a local mountain guide.
The village has a traditional mountain town feel. There are great ski-in ski-out accommodation options that are great to maximise your time on the slopes. Königsalm in the Latschenhof is one of the most popular places to eat in town, serving traditional cuisine in a rustic setting. The nightlife is lively in the area with some great bars in town. Monkey’s Heaven and The People Bar are both popular spots.
Seefeld
Seefeld is perfect for mixed ability groups and families. It is also one of the top ski resorts for cross-country skiing with an impressive 250km of tracks in the area. In addition, there is 27km of uncrowded alpine slopes. Alpine skiing is mainly suited for intermediate skiers, with great nursery slopes and ski schools too. On and off the slopes you can admire beautiful natural scenery.
The centre of Seefeld village is traffic-free with a mixture of traditional and modern buildings in the area. There are 50 different restaurants in the area, with a superb amount of diverse menus. The most highly recommended places are Südtiroler Stuben, Emilia Romagna, Alt Seefeld and Milchhof. In addition, there are plenty of bars too. Fledermaus, Jeep and Le Dome are the best spots in town. One of the best small Austrian ski resorts.
To find out more about small ski resorts in Austria, please call our ski experts on 0207 471 7700.
