Planning an Austrian ski holiday can be overwhelming, choosing from over 440 ski resorts that cover a staggering 7,200 kilometres of slopes!
It’s like when you go to Netflix to pick a movie. Drama or romance? Or an indie flick for something different? Aargh.
We’ve been there, done that so we’ve taken it up ourselves to be your IMDB for Austrian skiing.
TAKE ONE: HISTORY
If you’re looking for your ski trip to be rich in history and action then hit ‘play’ on Innsbruck, host to three Winter Olympics.
The dramatic mountains near Innsbruck city offer miles of runs across nine perfectly powdery resorts. And the Hollywood ending?
You only need one pass to experience all nine resorts and there’s a free shuttle bus to whizz you around!
TAKE TWO: ROM-COM
Credit: Robert-Maybach
For a romantic comedy to work there needs to be a beautiful setting (check), grand gestures (horse-drawn sleigh ride, anyone?), and a chance for the love interest to show up. The Arlberg – Austria’s largest interconnected resort – has it all.
Yes, even a chance for a true rom-com, Harry-meets-Meghan moment as Europe’s royal families use these slopes as their playground. Arlberg is great for groups with mixed ski/board abilities.
TAKE THREE: ACTION
Credit: Werbung Wolfgang Ehn
If you’re drawn to action, then Kitzbühel will impress, thanks to its annual Hahnenkamm Races every January.
Considered the world’s most dangerous downhill racecourse, the town watches through their fingers as the skiers showcase skills that seem part superhero, part-horror flick.
Don’t sweat it though; you don’t have to snowplough their 85%-gradient slope, Kitzbühel has runs for all levels.
TAKE FOUR: FAMILY
Credit: Werbung Herbert Raffalt
Who doesn’t love some good PG fun? On the slopes, Dachstein Salzkammergut provides entertainment for every age and ability.
Whether it’s the kids’ ski club or cool magic carpet rides, or the more challenging slaloms for the grownups, Dachstein delivers.
TAKE FIVE: THRILLER
Credit: Werbung Wolfgang Zajc
If you’re an alpine aficionado then you’ll be looking for advanced ski fields for kicks. Like all good thrillers, there has to be an element of surprise, so we’ve picked Nassfeld.
This lesser-known resort has exhilarating runs, freeride areas and plenty of jibs and jumps. Thanks to its proximity to Italy, Nassfeld also boasts 100 extra hours of sunshine than northern Austrian resorts! More bluebird days, yay!
TAKE SIX: INDIE
Credit: Grossglockner Bergbahnen
The indie ski resort – where low-key and quirky is desirable. Heiligenblut’s combination of on- and off-piste adventures, Insta-perfect village with gothic church, and protected park status make this a hipster winner.
If there was a Sundance award for ski slopes, we’d award it to Heilingenblut.
TAKE SEVEN: CHICK FLICK
Credit: Wolfgang Weinhaeupl
It’s all about finding the right balance within a chick flick. When skiing in Austria, that means going from the slopes to the spa in record time.
That’s why we love Gastein Valley, near Salzburg. If we’re not on the slopes or in the yoga studio, you’ll find us at the Alpentherme Gastein spa. It’s the perfect girlie getaway.
TAKE EIGHT: DRAMA
Kidding! In Austria, the only drama you’ll have is if you don’t go at all! Especially as day passes start from €15 and rarely getting higher than €55.
To discover more amazing places you can enjoy Austrian snow, head to the Austria Tourism website.
Written by Zoe Macfarlane, a KARRYON contributor