Luxury Ski Resorts in Austria

Skiing in Austria

Austria offers a wonderfully varied approach to skiing, from wide, immaculately groomed pistes to steep descents and extensive freeride terrain. The Arlberg is the country's largest interconnected ski area, linking St. Anton, Lech, Zürs and neighbouring villages across more than 300km of pistes, with over 200km of freeride terrain beyond them. Elsewhere, resorts such as Kitzbühel and Ischgl bring their own character to the mountains, whether that means cruising long red runs, tackling famous descents or crossing the Austrian-Swiss border on skis.

But skiing in Austria is as much about the experience between runs as it is the terrain itself. Traditional mountain huts are an integral part of the day, offering somewhere to stop for a warming lunch before heading back onto the slopes, while excellent ski schools make the country particularly welcoming to those still finding their feet. Modern lift systems mean less time spent queuing and more time on the mountain, with night skiing available in some resorts for those who want to keep going after sunset.

The best ski resorts in Austria

Best for luxury: Lech

Lech has long had a reputation for understated luxury, and it is easy to see why. Traditional wooden chalets and farmhouses line the village, while a sophisticated selection of hotels, restaurants and boutiques gives the resort a polished feel without losing its sense of place. At 1,450m, it also offers direct access to the extensive Arlberg ski area, meaning days can be spent exploring far beyond the village before returning to Lech's quieter pace. It is this balance of exceptional skiing, refined surroundings and traditional character that has made Lech one of Austria's most enduring luxury destinations.

Explore Lech

Best for families: Kitzbühel

Kitzbühel is an easy choice for families who want a ski holiday with plenty to enjoy away from the slopes. Its colourful medieval centre gives the resort a sense of history rarely found in purpose-built ski destinations, with pedestrian streets, cafés and boutiques providing plenty of distractions between ski days. On the mountain, the terrain caters to a broad range of abilities, while the famous Hahnenkamm and Streif bring a touch of world-class sporting drama to the resort each winter. The result is a destination that manages to feel both exciting and wonderfully easy-going for a family holiday.

Explore Kitzbühel

Best for après-ski: St. Anton

St. Anton has earned its reputation as one of the great après-ski destinations in the Alps, where the day on the mountain can segue almost seamlessly into an evening of music, drinks and dancing. The legendary Mooserwirt is the name most closely associated with the resort, but it is the wider atmosphere that makes St. Anton stand out, with bars and mountain huts drawing skiers in as the lifts close. Its appeal is not limited to the après scene, either. As part of the Arlberg, St. Anton offers more than 300km of pistes and over 200km of freeride terrain, so there is plenty to keep experienced skiers occupied before the afternoon begins.

Explore St. Anton

Best for traditional alpine character: Zürs

Zürs offers a quieter interpretation of the Austrian ski experience, with a small, elegant village set high at 1,720m and accommodation that sits naturally alongside the slopes. Its compact size gives it an intimate atmosphere, but this should not be mistaken for a lack of skiing. Zürs forms part of the Arlberg, giving skiers access to the wider network of terrain towards Lech and St. Anton before returning to the relative calm of the village. For clients who value traditional alpine surroundings, easy access to exceptional skiing and peaceful evenings, Zürs strikes a particularly appealing balance.

Explore Zürs 

Beyond the slopes

There is plenty to do in Austria when you are ready to swap skis for something slower. Snowshoeing and winter walks offer a chance to explore the mountains at a gentler pace, while tobogganing and cross-country skiing bring a little more adventure without requiring a full day on the pistes. For something altogether more restorative, many resorts have excellent wellness facilities and thermal baths, making it easy to build a day around a long lunch, a treatment and an afternoon spent taking in the mountain views.

Away from the mountains, Austria's villages are a pleasure to explore in their own right. Kitzbühel's historic streets lend themselves to an afternoon of browsing boutiques and cafés, while Lech offers a more polished mix of shops, galleries and traditional architecture. For families and mixed groups in particular, this variety means a ski holiday need not revolve around skiing from morning until late afternoon.

Après-ski and dining in Austria

Après-ski is part of the fabric of an Austrian ski holiday, but each resort has its own take on it. In St. Anton and Ischgl, the transition from skiing to après-ski can be almost seamless, with mountain bars filling up as the lifts close and the atmosphere carrying on into the evening. Lech and Zürs are more understated, favouring elegant hotel bars, intimate restaurants and long evenings over a livelier party scene. Wherever you stay, there is a distinctly Austrian pleasure in taking your time at the end of the day rather than simply heading back to the chalet.

Food is just as central to the experience. Traditional mountain huts serve hearty Austrian classics, with Kaiserschmarren (A rich, airy pancake torn into pieces, caramelised in the pan and finished with icing sugar), soups and regional specialities providing a welcome break from the cold, while the country's more sophisticated resorts have developed impressive fine-dining scenes of their own. Lech, in particular, combines award-winning restaurants with traditional inns, so a day on the mountain can end with anything from a simple meal in a wooden hut to an elaborate dinner in the village.

FAQs

What is skiing in Austria like compared with France?

Skiing in Austria is known for extensive ski areas, efficient lift systems, traditional mountain villages, excellent mountain restaurants and a strong après-ski culture. Compared with France, Austrian ski resorts tend to place more emphasis on the village experience and traditional alpine hospitality.

What is the Arlberg ski area and which resorts does it include?

The Arlberg is Austria's largest interconnected ski area and one of the largest ski areas in the Alps. It includes the ski resorts of St Anton, St Christoph, Stuben, Zürs and Lech, with more than 300km of marked pistes, over 200km of freeride terrain and 85 lifts. The Arlberg is particularly well known for its varied skiing, high-altitude terrain and combination of sophisticated resorts and lively après-ski.

Which Austrian ski resorts are best for a luxury holiday?

Lech and Zürs are known for luxury hotels, fine dining, Ski-in/Ski-out accommodation and a refined atmosphere, while Kitzbühel combines luxury with a historic town centre. St Anton and Ischgl offer luxury accommodation alongside extensive skiing, lively après-ski and a more energetic atmosphere.

What are the best Austrian ski resorts for Christmas?

Austria is particularly appealing at Christmas thanks to its traditional villages, festive markets, decorated town centres and strong Christmas traditions. Higher-altitude resorts such as Zürs and Lech also offer excellent access to the Arlberg ski area, while Kitzbühel provides a particularly atmospheric historic setting for a festive ski holiday.

What food is Austria known for on a ski holiday?

Austria is known for hearty mountain cuisine and traditional dishes that are particularly popular during a ski holiday. Classic Austrian ski food includes Wiener Schnitzel, Tiroler Gröstl, Käsespätzle and Kaiserschmarren, a fluffy shredded pancake caramelised in butter and served with icing sugar and fruit compote. Traditional mountain huts are an important part of Austrian ski culture, offering regional dishes alongside more sophisticated dining in the resorts.