Experience the best skiing in Austria

Here in Carinthia, on the southern side of the Alps, it’s not about “higher, faster, further”, but active fun and embracing the joy of life. All set amidst a varied mountain landscape studded with picturesque lakes. Add some of the best places to ski in Austria and you have perfect conditions for a winter holiday.

The best snow conditions at Austria ski resorts are generally to be found in mid-January, the coldest time of the year. Hitting the slopes from late February is a good time for sun-seekers as temperatures become progressively milder. The most crowded time on the ski lifts is the Christmas/New Year period, although this is a magical time of year to visit. If you want to avoid crowds, ski Austria before Christmas, after the first week of January, or during the middle two weeks of March. Skiing in Austria in April is also a great option outside of the Easter holiday.

The ski season in Carinthia is unusually long, with many ski resorts opening from November through to May thanks to microclimates that provide plenty of powder as well as higher-than-average sunshine. Strong snow-making coverage at Austria ski resorts supports nature in guaranteeing snow-secure skiing.

Ski schools in Austria have well-trained, experienced instructors to teach beginners the right technique in the snow from the start, while having fun. This reduces physical effort and also the risk of accidents, meaning that beginners can enjoy skiing from their very first lesson. 

The Moelltal Glacier is particularly well equipped for beginner skiers, with very good practice areas at the middle station and easy runs on the glacier and on the slopes down to the Klühspies panorama lift.

The Turracher Höhe ski area has beginners’ slopes at the Übungswiesenlift, the Wildkopflift and Zirbelwaldbahn lifts, as well as pistes for more confident beginners, meaning that newcomers to ski holidays in Austria can explore a great selection of slopes.

Katschberg has wide slopes and good practice areas on both the Katschberghöhe or in St. Margarethen.

Plenty of sun, the mild climate on the south side of the Alps and wide, safe slopes ensure that ski lessons in Carinthia are a complete success for families with children. Innerkrems is known as the ‘Family Valley’, offering perfect winter holidays to suit every taste and budget and focusing on family skiing. At Turracher Höhe, kids love the mascot ‘Nocky’ and this Austria ski resort has a Kids Slope and a snowpark with a family-line. Nassfeld has no less than three children’s practise areas and a Funslope Park. Set your kids up for a lifetime of fun on the snow with ski holidays in Austria.

It’s time to feel the snow under your boots again. Although it continues to be difficult to predict how travel regulations will progress during the pandemic, with vaccination rates rising in Europe, ski holidays in Austriafor 2021/22 are looking hopeful. Double vaccinated skiers are likely to be able to travel without quarantine restrictions. So which Austria ski resorts will be open?

Many ski places in Austria are offering very flexible cancellation conditions and we recommend you contact your accommodation to discuss the options. Tour operators are also offering terms and conditions that ensure you can book ski packages in Austria with confidence.

Don’t forget to make the most of your time when you visit Austria in winter by picking up one of the regional ski passes and discount cards.

From exploring the snow-covered mountains on skis to a snowshoe hike through Carinthia’s stunning natural landscapes, the Kärnten Card is the ideal winter companion. Impressive views from the top of the Pyramidenkogel, a spot of culture at Carinthian museums, various mountain lifts and more complete the winter experience. Make them all part of your ski Austria experience with the Winter Kärnten Card from just € 31. Further information: www.kaerntencard.at 

The ‘One for all’ ski pass is the key to 31 ski areas across Carinthia and East Tyrol. There are also regional ski passes with many attractive perks, such as the "Ski and Wellness Weeks" in Bad Kleinkirchheim. www.topskipass.at  Austria ski resorts offer especially amazing value for families. In the Grossglockner/Heiligenblut ski region children under 10 years of age can ski with a “Snowman Ticket” for just € 4 per day.  The Bad Kleinkirchheim/St. Oswald region offers the "Family Euro" so that children up to 12 years of age can ski for just € 1 per day. In Nassfeld and Weissensee, children up to the age of 10 can ski Austria for free. And Sportberg Goldeck’s winter package is popular with families, offering free skiing for children up to 14 years of age.

Start planning your trip to ski in Austria today. Browse the website to find everything you need to know, from short ski breaks to all-inclusive ski holidays. Whether you are looking for a ski in ski out Austria experience or simply the best skiing in Austria, start looking forward to the most fun vacation of the year now!