Skiing in Austria? We know where to go
Austria is synonymous with the perfect winter holiday in the mountains. It offers breathtaking Alpine panoramas, well-groomed slopes, modern lifts, and options suitable for all skiing levels — from gentle slopes for families with children to challenges for experienced skiers. And it’s not too far from home. Here are 5 proven resorts that should definitely be on your list if you plan a winter stay in Austria.
How to choose a resort based on what you’re looking for
| What you are looking for | Ideal resort |
| Challenging skiing, black runs, freeride, long descents, prestigious Alpine atmosphere | St. Anton am Arlberg |
| Hochkönig (Maria Alm – Dienten – Mühlbach) | |
| Spital am Semmering / Stuhleck | |
| Nassfeld |
5 Austrian ski resorts worth visiting
St. Anton am Arlberg – the kingdom of Alpine skiing for the demanding
St. Anton is an icon of Austrian skiing, often called “the cradle” of modern downhill skiing. It offers huge terrains, freeride, long descents, and an atmosphere hard to find elsewhere.
Who is the resort suitable for
Experienced skiers or freeriders looking for challenging slopes, long runs, and excellent conditions for black and red runs. Less ideal for complete beginners or families with small children – terrains are steep, queues and prices higher.
What to expect
- Elevation: 1,304 – 2,811 m
- Over 140 slopes, including blue, red, and black – total up to 300 km of slopes
- Over 80 lifts, including gondolas and chairlifts
- Excellent freeride conditions and very good snow cover; high elevation and mountain climate prolong the season
- Good facilities: rentals, ski schools, après-ski, restaurants, and mountain atmosphere
Travel and accessibility
- From Warsaw: approx. 1250 km, 13 hours by car –> Plan route
- From Krakow: approx. 1040 km, 1 hours –> Plan route
- Parking: generally paid at lifts; many visitors prefer hotel parking, ski bus, or public minibuses
Accommodation
Typical are small mountain villages and towns nearby – e.g., St. Anton, Lech / Zürs, St. Christoph, or Stuben am Arlberg. Ideal for authentic Alpine atmosphere, proximity to lifts, and comfort.
SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser – Brixental – relaxed skiing for everyone
SkiWelt is one of the largest and most accessible resorts in Austria. Ideal for families, recreational skiers, and groups with mixed skill levels — thanks to many slopes, villages, lifts, and comfortable facilities.
What to expect
- Over 275 km of groomed slopes and around 81 modern lifts
- Valley runs, fun parks, toboggan runs, ski schools, slopes for kids and beginners
- Largest night skiing areas in Austria – illuminated slopes for night skiing and evening tobogganing
- Several interconnected villages – e.g., Brixen im Thale, Ellmau, Söll, Westendorf, Going, Hopfgarten, Itter, Scheffau, Kelchsau – all with lift access
Travel and accessibility
- From Warsaw: approx. 1050 km, 11 hours by car –> Plan route
- From Krakow: approx. 840 km, 9 hours by car –> Plan route
Parking and transport
Parking in villages near lifts or on parking lots; ski bus available. Many accommodations offer private parking. With a well-developed lift and ski bus network, a car is not needed daily.
Accommodation
Look in villages like Brixen, Ellmau, Söll, Westendorf, etc. Each village has its own style: from rustic guesthouses to apartments and comfortable hotels. You can choose accommodation by budget and preference (family-friendly, social, quiet).
Hochkönig (Maria Alm – Dienten – Mühlbach) – for a quieter family holiday
Hochkönig is ideal for families and beginners who want a relaxed winter holiday. The resort offers wide, gentle slopes, scenic nature, and charming Alpine villages.
Who is the resort suitable for
Families with children, beginners, or skiers seeking easy red and blue slopes and a quiet atmosphere. Not ideal for those seeking challenging black runs or intensive après-ski.
What to expect
- Elevation: 850 – 2,000 m
- 120 km of slopes – mostly blue and red
- 35 lifts connecting Maria Alm, Dienten, and Mühlbach
- Family-friendly ski schools and kid zones
- Beautiful natural scenery and quieter, traditional Alpine villages
Travel and accessibility
- From Warsaw: approx. 1030 km, 10,5 hours by car –> Plan route
- From Krakow: approx. 830 km, 9 hours by car –> Plan route
Accommodation
Stay in Maria Alm, Dienten, or Mühlbach for easy access to lifts and slopes. Options include small hotels, guesthouses, and apartments suitable for families.
Spital am Semmering / Stuhleck – quick trip from the city
Stuhleck is perfect for a weekend or one-day ski trip from Warsaw or Krakow. Its location near the city makes it convenient for a short winter getaway.
Who is the resort suitable for
Beginners, recreational skiers, and those who want easy access to skiing without long travel. Families with children will find gentle slopes and ski schools.
What to expect
- Elevation: 700 – 1,500 m
- 26 km of slopes – mostly blue and red
- 12 lifts, including chairlifts and ski tows
- Night skiing available on selected slopes
- Restaurants, ski rental, and ski school on site
Travel and accessibility
- From Warsaw: approx. 770 km, 8 hours by car –> Plan route
- From Krakow: approx. 570 km, 6,5 hours by car –> Plan route
- Parking available near lifts; easily accessible by car
Accommodation
Small hotels and guesthouses in Spital am Semmering or nearby villages. Perfect for a short trip without the need for long-distance travel.
Nassfeld – sunny slopes for families and recreational skiers
Nassfeld offers sunny slopes and wide terrain that appeal to families and recreational skiers. Excellent value for money and modern lifts make it a popular destination.
Who is the resort suitable for
Families, beginners, and recreational skiers who want sunny, wide slopes with less crowded areas. Also suitable for intermediate skiers looking for enjoyable red slopes.
What to expect
- Elevation: 600 – 2,000 m
- 110 km of slopes – mix of blue, red, and a few black
- 30 modern lifts connecting all areas
- Snow parks, ski schools, and activities for children
- Good restaurants and mountain huts with panoramic views
Travel and accessibility
- From Warsaw: approx. 1060 km, 11 hours by car –> Plan route
- From Krakow: approx. 860 km, 9,5 hours by car –> Plan route
- Parking widely available near lift stations; resort well connected by car
Accommodation
Nassfeld offers hotels, apartments, and family guesthouses near the slopes, allowing direct access to skiing.
Practical tips for your ski trip
- If driving: leave early in the morning, especially on weekends or holidays, to avoid traffic jams on the way to the Alps.
- For larger resorts (St. Anton, SkiWelt), it’s recommended to stay in nearby villages for easy access to lifts, ski buses, and parking.
- For a weekend or one-day trip, Spital am Semmering is ideal – saves travel time and costs.
- For families with children: Hochkönig is perfect – gentle slopes, parks, playgrounds, kids’ programs, and a calmer pace.
- For a full Alpine experience: St. Anton and SkiWelt offer the most slopes, infrastructure, and a mix of challenging skiing days with relaxation and après-ski.
Tips for the road: toll sticker and extra fees
Austrian toll sticker: what you need to know before driving
If you are skiing in Austria by car, you will almost always need an Austrian toll sticker (Vignette). It is mandatory on most motorways and expressways.
Types of Austrian toll stickers
- 10-day sticker – ideal for most ski holidays
- 2-month sticker – useful if traveling multiple times in winter
- Annual sticker
Prices vary slightly by year, but for a passenger car, the 10-day sticker is around €10, the 2-month sticker around €30.
Where to buy the toll sticker
- Online – fastest and most convenient option
- Official portal: ASFINAG
- The online shop is also available in English
- At gas stations before entering Austria
- Directly in Austria at gas stations and tobacco shops
Sections with additional tolls
Some mountain roads and tunnels require extra payment in addition to the Vignette. These include:
- Brenner Pass
- Arlberg Tunnel
- Tauern and Katschberg tunnels
- Grossglockner High Alpine Road (usually closed in winter)
Controls and fines
Austria frequently checks toll compliance using cameras and police. Driving without a sticker may result in a fine up to €120 on the spot, or higher in official proceedings.
- Buy the sticker before departure to avoid stress.
- For electronic stickers, ensure the correct license plate is entered.
- Routes to Nassfeld and Spital am Semmering usually do not have additional toll points.
Austria is an ideal destination for a winter holiday thanks to beautiful Alpine scenery, well-prepared slopes, and modern lifts suitable for every skier. Whether you seek challenging runs, gentle family slopes, or a quick weekend escape, Austrian ski resorts offer a wide range of options. Accommodation can also be paid via Holiday Benefits with Up, Edenred, or Pluxee points. If driving, a Austrian toll sticker is often required, and most resorts provide convenient parking near lifts, while surrounding villages often offer ski buses for easy transfer between slopes and lodging.