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Austria – the Alpine Winter Sports Paradise

© by Österreich Werbung, Photo: Josef Mallaun

Austria is synonymous with alpine skiing. With around 400 ski resorts, we can safely call Austria a winter sports paradise.

Tirol is probably what first comes into most people’s minds when considering skiing in Austria. However, the fact is that all the states, except Burgenland in the far east, have ski resorts. Not a surprise, as the Alps dominate the Austrian landscape. Factors that make Austria a true winter sports paradise are the wide variety of facilities and attractions at the ski resorts. So whether you are looking for a family-friendly or party place, for super luxury for the wealthy or just spartan cabins for ski bums, Austria’s alpine winter sports paradise has something for everyone.

The skiing season

The primary season usually starts in December, but for those who cannot wait, there are some high-altitude ski resorts with glaciers where you can generally ski already in October or November. Check the websites for Kühtai, Obergurgl-Hochgurgl, Kaunertal, Ischgl, Dachstein, Hintertux, Piztal and Kitzsteinhorn. The latter two are located over 3000 meters. Climate and snow depths can be very local and vary widely, even in the winter. The same applies to how long the snow is lying over the winter and into the spring. Places like Lungau or Obertauern are known to be snow-rich places with long seasons, even if they are not among the highest in the Alps. You can often ski at most ski resorts from mid-December to late March or early April. As in many other European countries, Austria has winter holidays (school free) in February, making this the most expensive month, and you should book well in advance to get the best offers.

High standards

Austria has strict safety regulations, and all ski centres must adhere to high technical standards in their facilities. The lift systems are of top quality and well-maintained, and safety is of the highest concern. However, it isn’t only laws and regulations that promote high standards but also stiff competition. Both compete among the countless ski resorts in Austria and from neighbouring countries. Thus, to attract a steady stream of tourists, Austria must have the best, most challenging and funniest ski resorts to stay on top of the game. Furthermore, Austria is a good choice because prices are generally lower than in France and Switzerland.

< Click on the images to enlarge >

Tourism with style

You will find everything from 5-star luxury hotels to small, cosy family-run guesthouses. With a few exceptions, Austria has avoided building large hotel complexes of concrete skyscrapers or ugly artificial tourist machines. Instead, ski resorts in Austria have usually sprung up with the construction of a lift system near an existing city, town or village. Thus, because the Austrians try to preserve and take care of traditional or historic houses, you mostly find genuine and historic places to spend your vacation. One good example of a ski resort where you can combine excellent and varied skiing with an authentic Austrian village is Hinterstoder in Upper Austria. Notwithstanding, some ski resorts/villages have been built from scratch in places where there didn’t use to be any larger settlements.

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Aprés ski

What happens after parking your equipment for the day is equally essential for many as the actual time spent on snow. Here, too, what’s on offer varies widely. Austria no longer means only Glühwein and ompa music. Those times are long gone. Instead, ski resorts that offer their visitors fun late into the night drive a wide range of entertainment to satisfy people of different tastes of all ages. International DJs and entertainers come regularly and perform at ski resorts. St. Anton, for example, with venues such as the Krazy Kanguruh and the Mooserwirt, has become legendary for its after-ski parties.

Artificial snow

The only point where the Alpine Paradise Austria might lag a little behind its competitors in France, Switzerland or Italy is the access to artificial snow. The Alpine regions in Austria have had stable snow conditions in many places. Moreover, Austria is trying to avoid unwanted environmental consequences from unrestricted artificial snow production. On the other hand, climate change also forces Austrian ski resorts to increase the number of slopes with artificial snow to ensure their lifts run the entire season. For you, it means excellent skiing conditions and long seasons.

More information about the winter sports paradise of Austria can be found at Austria.info

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Written by Arnold Weisz

Globetrotting multilingual communications specialist born in Vienna, Austria – with passion for scuba diving, golf and culinary delights! 15 years of experience as a scuba- and travel reporter for among others: X-Ray Dive Magazine and Dykking.