Is Austria Becoming the go-to ski holiday destination?

The answer according to the ski holiday specialist lies in a winning combination of affordability, charm, world-class skiing, and an unbeatable après-ski scene. Whether you’re planning a family-friendly ski holiday, a lively group trip, or a luxurious winter getaway, Austria’s ski resorts have something for everyone – did we really trot out that cliché? Well, I’m afraid it’s true. But the key takeaway is that this oldest of skiing nations is often considered more authentic and more welcoming than some of its alpine counterparts.

Not convinced? Here’s some of reasons customers of SNO Ski Holidays give, for why Austria is stealing the spotlight among European ski destinations.

Bang for your holiday buck (or euro)

One of the biggest reasons skiers quote for moving from France and Switzerland in favour of Austria is cost. A ski holiday in Austria can be slightly cheaper, even in a top resort, than in some of the most famous resorts like Val d’Isère, Courchevel, or Méribel, and especially Verbier or Zermatt, without compromising on quality.

• Lift passes can be more affordable, offering access to world-class terrain at a lower price.
• Ski hire, accommodation, and dining tend to cost a little less, meaning you can stay longer or upgrade your experience without breaking the bank.
• Après-ski doesn’t cost quite as much – you’re more likely to find a well-priced beer in Austria than in some of the more exclusive French or Swiss resorts, where prices can be eye-watering.

If you’re planning a family ski holiday or a group trip, these savings add up quickly, making Austria an obvious choice for anyone looking to make the most of their budget without sacrificing quality skiing or comfort. The savings are modest, but the skiing and holiday accommodation us just as high – it’s not like trading down to ski a small resort in Bulgaria, but the savings can still be noticeable.

World class skiing with less crowding

Austria’s ski resorts offer some of the most diverse and exciting terrain in the Alps. But the best part? They’re often less crowded.

• Resorts like Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Ischgl, and Sölden enjoy vast ski areas that rival the biggest and most popular destinations for ski holidays in France.
• The SkiWelt area boasts 284 km of interconnected pistes, placing it among the largest linked ski areas.  There are bigger, but do you really need any more?
• Unlike some of the French mega-resorts, Austria’s ski areas aren’t as prone to bottlenecking, meaning less time waiting in lift queues and more time on the slopes.

For intermediate skiers, Austria is particularly appealing because so many of its resorts have an abundance of long, well-groomed blue and red runs, perfect for when you want to build confidence or cruise at your own pace.

An authentic and quintessentially Alpine experience

While some of France’s and Switzerland’s more famous ski resorts have become glitzy, purpose-built complexes, Austria appears to have done more to retain much of its traditional charm.

• Resorts like Kitzbühel, St. Anton, and Zell am See are still chocolate-box picturesque villages with a rich Alpine heritage, creating a more authentic experience than many of their high-rise counterparts elsewhere.
• Fewer Austrian resorts are designed with the ski-in, ski-out experience in mind, because instead they focus on a warm, welcoming atmosphere among wooden chalets, cobbled streets, and fairy-tale mountain scenery.
• Culturally, Austria can feel more personal and friendly too. Locals are known for their hospitality, and ski culture is deeply ingrained in Austrian life.

This makes Austria particularly appealing to families and couples looking for a cozy/magical ski getaway, and negates the risk of an overly commercialized vibe.

Austria’s après-ski culture is legendary

One of the biggest factors drawing skiers to Austria is the après-ski scene here.

While the French Alps certainly have some great après-ski spots, nowhere compares to Austria when it comes to lively, authentic (there’s that word again) après-ski culture.

• Resorts like St. Anton, Ischgl, and Mayrhofen are famous for their electric après-ski atmosphere, with iconic venues like Mooserwirt, Krazy Kanguruh, and the Ice Bar keeping the party going from early afternoon well into the night.
• Austrian après-ski is often outdoors, communal, and more affordable, making it a huge attraction for groups and party-loving skiers.
• Even in quieter, family-friendly resorts, you’ll still find traditional Austrian mountain huts with live music and a buzzing atmosphere, just without the rowdiness of the bigger après hotspots.

For many of SNO’s larger groups, looking for a fun and social ski holiday, Austria is now considered the best choice in the Alps.

Austria is becoming a leader in luxury ski holidays

Although Austria is often lauded for its affordability, it also offers some of the most luxurious ski experiences in Europe.

• Kitzbühel is one of the most glamorous resorts in the Alps, attracting the elite of European ski society with its 5-star hotels, Michelin-star restaurants, and exclusive spa resorts, yet the great and the good ski here in relative anonymity.
• Lech and Zürs, part of the Arlberg ski area, are famous for high-end boutique hotels, private chalets, and helicopter ski transfers, catering to those who want a truly premium ski experience.
• Even in Austria’s more budget-friendly resorts, luxury wellness hotels and spas abound, so you don’t have to be a millionaire to enjoy top-tier Austrian hospitality and spa treatments.

For couples or high-end travellers looking for a luxurious ski trip, Austria offers all the glamour of Switzerland and France, but often with a slightly more relaxed atmosphere. If you expect a luxurious vacation but don’t like fuss, Austria fits the bill.

More Reliable Snow Conditions and Better-Managed Slopes

Some of Austria’s ski resorts are at a slightly lower altitudes than their French and Swiss counterparts, which sometimes leads to the misconception that they don’t have as reliable snow. But the opposite is true:

• Ski areas, including Obergurgl, Sölden, and Ischgl, are known for their excellent snow reliability, often maintaining better conditions than higher-altitude resorts in other countries.
• Austria has world-class snowmaking facilities, ensuring excellent piste conditions even in lower-altitude resorts, but they also take their eco-credentials seriously and don’t allow additives in the snow cannons.
• Slope grooming in Austria is meticulously but again they are pushing the eco-envelope by pioneering some of the world’s first electric EV piste bashers.

Eco-Austria shows the future of ski holidays

As we look to the future of winter-sports travel, holiday-makers are increasingly using the green credentials of a destination to choose a more eco-friendly ski holiday and Austria is in the vanguard of reducing the environmental impact of their resorts.

SNO is confident this surge in Austria’s popularity isn’t a passing trend.  It’s the result of good value, superior skiing conditions, unbeatable après-ski, and an incredibly authentic alpine experience born of a nation a people made of and in the mountains.

Will you go skiing in Austria this winter?