The Alps are famous around the world for their beautiful ski slopes, both on and off-piste.
Austria's Alps host several resorts that feature luxurious accommodations, including hotels and chalets. In this blog, we will highlight the best luxury resorts in Austria, while providing inspiration for your next luxury ski holiday to Austria.
If you’re interested in exploring the reasons why the European Alps are so popular, you can also read our article ‘The allure of the Alps – More than just skiing’.
Read on to learn more about some of the most exclusive luxury ski resorts in Austria, so you know exactly what to expect, what to explore, and where to stay.
Find the Best Resort for Your Ski Holiday to Austria
In no particular order, the five best ski resorts in Austria are:
- Lech
- St. Anton
- Kitzbuhel
- Zurs
- Obergurgl
Lech - Best Ski Resort in Austria for Beginners
The charming village of Lech captures the essence of Austrian skiing with its breathtaking views, exceptional skiing areas, and luxurious accommodations, making it a renowned resort in Europe and beyond.
Lech is located in the Arlberg ski region in western Austria, which forms a significant portion of the Eastern Alps. Lech is a fantastic region for beginners, whether you are a first-time learner as an adult or you are travelling with children. The huge range of blue and green runs gives the freedom to experiment with basic techniques, without the risk of getting out of control and reaching speeds that you are uncomfortable with.
Lech is a favourite of the Austrian Royal Family due to the luxurious nature of the village, as well as how secluded it is. An example of stunning accommodation for small to medium-sized groups can be found in the Chalet Mimi; the chalet sleeps up to fourteen and is filled with incredible features. Spanning over 830 square metres, the accommodation includes an outdoor hot tub, fourteen-metre indoor swimming pool and wine cellar amongst many other entertainment options.
When it comes to making the skiing itself more accessible and enjoyable, the chalet has both ski-in and ski-out access, as well as a ski room with boot warmers. Having direct access to the slopes allows you to spend as much time as possible skiing. Anyone knows that walking from accommodation to the nearest ski lift can be difficult and frustrating, especially if you are skiing with small children and carrying their equipment too. Many of our hotels and chalets have direct chauffeur services to the nearest chair lift, which does indeed make the morning and evening commute far easier. If however, you are looking for the most minimal commute possible, then you will want ski-in and ski-out access.
Explore our luxury chalets and hotels in Lech.
 |
 |
 |
St. Anton - Best Ski Resort in Austria for Après Ski
Neighbouring Lech is St. Anton, a resort more notable for its higher level runs relative to Lech. Because they are so close, it is entirely possible to experience a combination of the two resorts during your holiday.
In terms of the ratio of difficulty in the runs, you can expect beginner to medium levels covering around 80% of the total distance, with the remaining 20% being suitable for advanced skiers only.
Moving away from the skiing directly (although some would say that the next bit is far more important) is the après ski and nightlife available to holidaymakers in St. Anton. There is a huge variety of bars, nightclubs and restaurants ready to be experienced, the most famous of which is Moosewirt.
Moosewirt is known all over Europe for being one of the best ski bars in the Alps; with constant events taking place, a vibrant atmosphere and a wide range of drinks available at the bar, Moosewirt is definitely a place to be visited should you be looking for a party. Saying all of this, if you prefer to stay secluded from the crowds, there are plenty of chalets that offer the more exclusive venues for hosting dinner parties and smaller events in your own group.
A chalet that sleeps twenty (definitely enough for a large dinner party!) is Chalet Eden Rock. The chalet has the potential to be booked privately for one large group, or alternatively, three smaller groups can each select one of the three apartments available: Ariane, Kani and Zari.
In terms of the luxury features to be expected, a sauna, indoor swimming pool complete with jetstream, steam room (and perhaps for the younger generation) Apple TV are all included.
Why not check out the luxury chalets and hotels in St. Anton.
 |
 |
 |
Kitzbuhel - Best Ski Resort in Austria for History
If you are looking for a destination with historical heritage, then Kitzbuhel could be the perfect location for you. The history can be explained via the Kitzbuhel Town Museum, with the exhibitions spanning from the town’s medieval origins to present-day events. Interestingly, Kitzbuhel is also home to the world's highest cable car system at 400m above the ground.
Due to the centre of Kitzbuhel being car-free and pedestrianised, the noise pollution is minimal. This factor also makes it perfect to explore the centre of the town with small children, not having to worry about any vehicles.
The Hotel Kitzhof is just a short walk away from the centre of the town, as well as having a driving service that takes you to and from the slopes. As previously mentioned in the Chalet Mimi, if you are happy to use the drive-in service as opposed to ski-in and ski-out access, then chauffeured services offer everything you require.
The hotel has a spa and wellness centre that will enable your mind and body to relax after a day on the mountain. As well as having a 15-metre swimming pool, sauna and steam bath, individual treatments are available from trained professionals.
Why not check out the luxury hotels in Kitzbuhel.
Zurs - The Best Ski Resort in Austria for Families
Zurs is all about family. From the range of chalets catering for groups from the size of four all the way up to sixteen, the range of childcare facilities and ski schools combined with family-friendly restaurants, if you are looking for a location for a family ski holiday, then Zurs should be high up on your list of consideration.
Zurs is one of the smaller resorts in terms of visitor numbers in Austria, which again makes it popular with families looking to spend quality time secluded from the large crowds you could experience in other resorts.
In terms of small family-friendly chalets, the idyllic Chalet Valluga is an amazing example of what you can expect from Zurs. Sleeping up to four, the penthouse apartment makes for stunning living quarters for a small family. Included in the chalet are features that will make the family experience ever so more comfortable; an open fireplace, relaxation room and swim spa are all included.
The Zurs ski school (Schischule Zürs in the native language) is renowned for the extremely high standards of teaching available for all ages and abilities. So whether you are an adult wanting to get more advanced lessons from some of the world’s best teachers, or you are travelling with a small child looking to experience the first skiing lessons, the ski school has everything covered.
If you have children who are too young to ski, then private childcare is also available. Every childcare day centre is vetted to establish the safety of your family whilst you are out on the slopes. Having just one or two days to yourself or your partner, whilst safe in the knowledge that your children are with trained childcare professionals, can make a huge difference to your holiday experience.
Find out more information on planning a ski holiday with young children and best European ski resorts for childcare in our article ‘Family-Friendly Ski Resorts with Excellent Childcare Options’.
Why not check out the luxury chalets and hotels in Zurs.
 |
 |
 |
Obergurgl - Best Ski Resort in Austria for a Romantic Getaway
This resort presents the perfect opportunity for romantic getaways and small family holidays, similar to Zurs. With a solid range of runs for all abilities, including a substantial amount of off-piste routes to explore, Obergurgl acts as a good all-rounder for your next Austrian ski holiday.
The quaint Austrian village is home to 500 permanent residents, and is situated at 2km above sea level. Because of the small size of the village, it makes an ideal place for a couple’s getaway or small family holiday. Another factor that makes Obergurgl an attractive proposition for romantic holidays is the ban on cars at night in the village, which makes it so much more peaceful.
Add in the stunning views of the Ötztal Alps, and the perfect honeymoon is ready to go!
When it comes to individual hotels to stay in, the Hotel Riml is an excellent choice. Actually located in the very next village along, in Hochgurgl, the hotel has some of the most incredible views of the surrounding countryside. Due to the close proximity of the two villages, the surrounding ski area is actually known as the Obergurgl-Hochgurgl ski area, so there is no need to worry about the distance between the two villages.
The wellness centre is something else; set on the top floor of the hotel, the Sky Relax Area is exclusive to those aged sixteen and over. The centre contains a range of saunas, steam rooms and jacuzzis. A unique luxury of the Hotel Riml is its indoor golfing centre, which is quite an experience.
Why not check out the luxury hotels in Obergurgl.
