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T e Travel Guide


Promotional Content • Saturday 6th September 2025


Where to ski in Austria this season Austria’s mix of beginner slopes, black runs and mountainside culture works for all — from fun-seeking families to hardcore off -pisters. Words: Mike MacEacheran T


raditionally, Europe’s best all-rounder, Austria looks set to give France a run for its money this season as the


favourite destination — certainly among British skiers. T ere’s the diversity of resorts — from some of the highest in the Alps, to expertly maintained beginners’ slopes set in historic mountain villages — plus ever-easier access. T e increase of cheap fl ight connections to the likes of Innsbruck, Salzburg, Linz and Klagenfurt, means those with summit gleams in their eyes can easily experience a winter lifestyle where powder highs and oompah- pop-fuelled apres-ski is the norm. Too often, skiers stick to what


they know, but even Austria feels the urge to push us in other directions. In Ötztal, ice-diving workshops in Lake Piburg and crevasse abseils in Obergurgl now marry extreme action with the more populist desire of chasing fresh snow. Happily, there’s plenty of downtime on off er at the vast spa-leisure centre, Erlebnistherme Zillertal, reopening in Fügen after a major facelift. And then there’s Austria’s reliably


beautiful ski landscape, where skyscraping peaks back chocolate-box hamlets of gingerbread cabins and oodles of old-fashioned Alpine charm. Whether you’re skiing, partying


or enjoying one of Austria’s many mountain festivals, a visit to these Eastern Alps this winter may be


the best version of a ski trip you’ve ever had.


Here’s where to hit the slopes in Austria this season: Best for book worms: Montafon Before the days of his travels in Florida, East Africa and Cuba, Ernest Hemingway spent two seasons ski touring in Vorarlberg, with its powder stirring him to write T e Snows of Kilimanjaro. T ese days, it’s equally motivating, if less hard work, with 79 cable-cars and lifts connecting 185 miles of ski routes and prize- winning pistes.


Best for mixed abilities: SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental Panoramic summit viewing platforms are popping up everywhere in the Alps, and the latest in Tyrol is at the top station of the Zinsberg cable-car in Brixen. Following the stunning vista, you can further blow your mind playing snakes and ladders across 167 miles of piste, including Austria’s largest night-skiing area.


Best for beginners: Obergurgl Found nestled in the beautiful Ötztal Valley, Obergurgl is for novices yet to pull the trigger. T e terrain, mostly blue- and red-graded runs, is covered by heavily discounted lift passes, a hallmark of the so-called ‘Diamond of the Alps’. Kids can ski from around £25 a day.


Best for luxury: Lech Lech is the sort of place where you won’t get much change from €10,000 (£8,625) for a few nights’ ski and sleep. T e ultra-luxe pads by Arula Chalets and Pepper Collection are among the Alps’ swankiest, with deluxe cinemas, top-rated concierges and notable chefs. But there are more sensibly priced stays, too, so thrilling runs like the legendary White Ring connecting to Zürs can be enjoyed at a range of price points.


Best for families: Zell am See-Kaprun Every ski resort would benefi t from having its own mascot. T e Narnia-like Schmittenhohe peak in Zell has its very own fi erce dragon, Schmidolin — a red-quiff ed creature, who’s often spotted on skis, to the delight of children. Add fl oodlit tobogganing until 10pm and the reliable glacier at Kitzsteinhorn for spring skiing, and family fun for kids of all ages is guaranteed.


BICYCLE OUTSIDE LACOCK BAKERY, LACOCK VILLAGE, WILTSHIRE/ALAMY


Best for off -piste: St Anton T e popularity of Arlberg’s star resort is founded on its off -piste terrain and legendary apres-ski — the word that springs to mind is wild. Surviving nights out at Mooserwirt and Krazy Kanguruh is practically a badge of honour in the region. Rising early is mandatory, though, as is ripping round the Run of Fame, the Alps’ longest continuous ski circuit.


THE BEAUTIFUL HOCHGURGL-OBERGURGL SKI AREA, TIROL/ALAMY


Best for downhill racers: Bad Kleinkirchheim Franz Klammer, Austria’s most famous downhill ski racer, earned his stripes in Carinthia, a region that’s opening up, thanks to an increase in fl ights between London and Klagenfurt. For the fi rst season, SkiWeekends, Flexiski and Ski Club Freshtracks now off er package trips here and, so far, few British accents echo along its tree- lined pistes. Are the adrenaline addicts among you up for the ultimate challenge?


Best for culture: Bad Gastein Bad Gastein’s currency is high culture, from classical concerts to the largest art festival in the Alps (February), when the slopes are carpeted in ice sculpture. Snow Jazz (March), brings music to the mountains rarely seen elsewhere. Between piano solos, run your skis down 125 miles of ivory pistes.


GLAZED PORK BELLY AT THE THREE DAGGERS PUB/BEN PHILIPS


T is article fi rst appeared in the National Geographic Traveller (UK) Winter Sports 2024/2025 guide. nationalgeographic.com/travel


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