Austrian resorts and après ski
The memorable Austrian resorts offer the ultimate skiing experience with lots of choice skiing for all levels of boarders and skiers alike. Although the resorts in Austria are generally lower than those in France, this isn't usually an issue during the main season, it is worth checking, however, the snow reports and history before booking a very early or very late date in the season.
Austria is renowned for vibrant Apres ski, especially in resorts such as Mayrhofen and St Anton with venues such as the MooserWirt and Crazy Kangaruh, situated at the top of the last piste. Make sure your ski boots are comfortable enough to dance in and beware that leaving after dark (and slightly over-refreshed) can make finding your skis and doing the last run into town a little challenging. All part of the fun! As in St Anton, apres in Austria often starts on the mountain slopes, why not try a cosy gluhwein at a warm and welcoming mountain hut. In the smaller Austrian resorts the Apres is also good with the friendly atmosphere so typical of Austria.
skiing in Austria
The main ski areas in Austria are the Alberg Ski circus, the Europa Sport Ski, Zillertal Superski and the Skiwelt regions.
The Alberg Ski Circus, with high alpine ski routes, covers the resorts of St Anton, Lech, Zurs and St Christoph. The birthplace of skiing, this region completely justifies it world class reputation, with some of the most challenging skiing both off and on piste. This ski area has 260km of piste, 134 run linked by 83 lifts and there is also a snowboard park.
Europa Sport ski region is fairly snow sure with the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier. This region has 130km of pistes with 59 runs serviced by 56 lifts and can be accessed from Kaprun and Zell am See. There is a snowboard park.
The Zillertal SuperSki Area in the Zillertal valley encompasses 4 ski areas, Fugen/Kaltenbach, Zillertal Arena, Mayrhofen-hippach and Tux-Finenberg as well as the Hintertux Glacier which makes it an all year round ski resort. The area has 662km of pistes, with wide runs, moguls and an awarding winning terrain park. Services by 171 lifts and snow making facilities on 75% of the runs. In fact the Austrian National Tourist office guarantees snow with the Zillertaler SuperSkipass. The ski pass also allows you to travel for free on the trains and buses between resorts. Passes for each ski area can be bought separately
Before the introduction of the Zillertaler Superski pass the SkiWelt Ski Area used to be the biggest in Austria, with an enviable snow record and more than 1000 snow making machines. Great for beginner and intermediates, the SkiWelt ski area joins up 8 villages, including Ellmau, Soll and Scheffau. There are plenty of blue and red runs amongst the 279km of pistes, 91 lifts and more than 70 ski huts, allowing even inexperienced skiers to Ski Safari the area comfortably.