10 Austrian Ski Resorts You Can't Miss On Your Next Trip

While Switzerland's St. Moritz might be the first place most people think of when they ponder indulgent winter escapes, Austria is every bit as glamorous. When you take a winter vacation to this country, you can spend the morning on the slopes and the evening sipping champagne in a refined lounge or dancing the evening away at a high-energy après-ski party. Austria's ski scene is as rich and varied as its culture, which ranges from the impressive ski stations we're visiting here to the classically beautiful attractions and destinations in Vienna.

Resorts here are known for their terrain — from wide runs for novice skiers to steep, challenging routes for skilled athletes — that keep visitors coming back. There's lodging for every type of traveler, whether you want a historic grand hotel, a stylish boutique establishment, or somewhere with a great spa. In this guide to the 10 Austrian ski resorts you can't miss on your next trip, we'll explore a selection of luxurious destinations that are sure to deliver an epic winter getaway. No matter what type of vibe you're after, there's no denying that Austria is one of the best places in the world to ski.

St. Anton am Arlberg is more than a ski resort. As one of Austria's must-see destinations for first-time visitors, skiing here is a rite of passage for serious winter athletes. St. Anton is part of the Arlberg network of ski slopes, an area nicknamed "The Cradle of Alpine Skiing." This iconic destination has been attracting skiers and cold-weather sports enthusiasts since the turn of the 20th century. Today, expert skiers and snowboarders from around the world come for St. Anton's famously challenging terrain, excellent snow conditions, and stunning mountain scenery. There are 85 lifts available to skiers in the interconnected St. Anton-St. Christophe-Stuben resort area. Runs like Nasserein and Galzig are suitable for beginners. Perhaps the most incredible experience for freeriding experts here, though, is booking a one-of-a-kind guided excursion that begins with a ride on the Valluga II cable car.

For an unforgettable dinner, check out Verwallstube, a Michelin-starred restaurant with an elevation of 6,840 feet! Travelers looking for a romantic night out should make a Thursday evening reservation for the establishment's weekly candlelight dinner. St. Anton is home to four other Michelin-rated restaurants, as well: Hospiz Alm, Endlich, Gourmetrestaurant Tannenhof, and Alpine Gourmet Stube. And, for a memorable stay, consider a luxury stay like the Antoinette penthouse at Chalet Austria. The best traditional hotels in St. Anton include Himmlhof, which offers classic Alpine architecture, and Raffl's St. Antoner Hof, a trendier spot with built-in après culture at Raffl's XS restaurant and the slightly gritty Antoner Hof Lounge, which features graffiti on concrete columns amid chandeliers and comfortable seating.

Kitzbühel is renowned worldwide for its legendary Hahnenkamm downhill race, which is now part of the Audi Ski World Cup. Since 1931, this race has been drawing as many as 80,000 spectators to the Tyrol resort town. Over the years, several famous American skiers have competed in the Hahnenkamm, including Olympic icon Bode Miller and Californian Daron Rahlves, who won the race in 2003, marking the first U.S. win in 44 years. Outside of watching the race, experienced skiers come here all season long for Kitzbühel's difficult, highly technical slopes. Among the most popular ski slopes here are the Kitzbüheler Horn, which is also excellent for snowboarders, and the Ganslernhang, which is a world-class 1,936-foot slalom course. For those who want a major challenge, there's the brutal Streif hill, where the Hahnenkamm itself is held. This 10,866-foot downhill course has a thrilling total drop of nearly 3,000 feet.

Off mountain, Kitzbühel's historic town center is a must-see destination. A highlight is the Katharinenkirche, or St. Catherine's Church. Originally constructed in the mid-14th century, this religious site is known for its rare example of a winged altar and its twice-daily carillon bell performances. One of the best places to stay here is Weisses Roessl, a 45-room property that offers amenities like the on-site restaurant Zuma and 24/7 concierge service. For those interested in wellness and easy ski slope access, "The Castle Hotel," Schlosshotel Kitzbühel, is another great lodging option. Known for its globally-inspired spa treatments, this is the perfect accommodation for anyone who wants to unwind after a long day on the slopes. Restaurants like upscale DAS KAPS steakhouse and Rosi's Sonnbergstuben, known for traditional Austrian fare, offer fun away from the snow.

Lech Zürs am Arlberg is one of Austria's most exclusive ski enclaves. Not far from St. Anton, Lech Zürs is also part of the greater Ski Arlberg region, which offers nearly 200 miles of pistes in total! In this town, though, many travelers, including A-list celebrities like supermodel Claudia Schiffer, come to see and be seen. Lech regularly hosts Queen Maxima and her Dutch royal family and Grace Kelly's daughter, Princess Caroline, alongside Spanish and Jordanian royals. Princess Diana also famously loved holidays here. Unlike some of the best destinations to spot a celebrity in the Bahamas, Lech isn't flashy. Elegant, understated hotels are the norm here, but they come at a price: Hotel Arlberg, Grand Resort Züserhof, and Post Lech all run about $1,000 a night. Lech is home to 15 Michelin-recommended restaurants, such as cozy Murmeli, which offers gorgeous views, and the Japanese-inspired ultra-gourmet spot, Jägerstube & Walserstube. The town also boasts high-end shopping, like Sagmeister department store, which stocks Brunello Cucinelli, Gucci, and Moncler.

Even with these elegant establishments to visit, the skiing at Lech is the real star. The region offers a variety of slopes, including easy, family-friendly options like the Familienabfahrt and the Seekopf Standard. Adventurous skiers might want to check out the challenging Osthang ski route or traverse the world-famous White Ring. The latter is a famous route that rewards skiers with a gorgeous view from the Rüfikopf viewing platform, which is also home to a fondue restaurant. From here, experienced athletes can pick up the Langer Zug trail, which is the toughest, most exhilarating section of the White Ring.

Austria is home to many hidden gem ski resorts, and Ischgl is definitely among them. It has reliable snow, gorgeous terrain, and an exceptional après-ski nightlife that has earned it the nickname "Ibiza of the Alps." In addition to hosting mountainside concerts by popular artists like Demi Lovato, Ischgl offers exceptional slopes for both skiers and snowboarders. Its high-altitude location — the tallest peak here is 9,423-foot Greitspitze — means that Ischgl's ski season is lengthy, lasting from November to May. Though Ischgl is not the ideal resort for beginning skiers, it is a great choice for those with some experience who want to enjoy themselves on wide runs without getting discouraged by expert-only pistes. That said, there are some high-level slopes here, like the Lange Wand's super-steep 14a.

One of Ischgl's major perks is that skiers can cross the border into Switzerland, stopping at the duty-free town of Samnaun. This is a bucket-list run for many skiers who want to take an international adventure while still making it back to Austria in time for après-ski, which is where Ischgl really shines. Some of the best places to hang out are: Paznauner Taja Lodge, known for its rustic, hut-style architecture and mountain location; Kuhstall ("Cowshed"), a barn-inspired bar known for its burgers and late-night entertainment; and Champagnerclub, where there's a less rowdy atmosphere overall. Despite its party reputation, Ischgl offers refined lodging options like Hotel Post Ischgl, where fur blankets keep guests warm, and Trofana Royal, which has been the town's premier hotel since 1996.

Sölden is one of Austria's most thrilling winter destinations, celebrated for its glacier skiing and long season that runs from October to May. The town is home to two glaciers, the Rettenbach and the Tiefenbach, both of which offer exhilarating ski experiences. Their most unique feature is the tunnel that connects the twin glacial pistes. Besides its hallmark glaciers, Sölden is known for its "Big3" peaks. The Gaislachkogl, Tiefenbachkogl, and Schwarze Schneid mountains each stand over 10,000 feet tall, all with panoramic viewing decks. Gaislachkogl draws international acclaim for its connection to the James Bond film, "Spectre." Scenes from the movie were shot here, and visitors can cross a suspension bridge from the peak's viewpoint to the filming site. The mountain is also home to the 007 ELEMENTS installation, which takes visitors on a nine-room journey through the world of Bond.

Once you come down from the mountaintop (literally), the après-ski scene in Sölden runs the gamut from nightclubs like neon-lit Katapult to local hotspots like Marco's to refined lounges like Skybar 2.100 Schöne Aussucht. After the party ends, one of Sölden's most notable features is that its hotels offer incredible spa and wellness experiences. The Secret Hotel's Spa LE FEEL is equipped with a Finnish sauna, interior and exterior infinity pools, and a steam bath, just to name a few amenities. Meanwhile, every moment at Hotel Bergland is engineered with relaxation in mind. Its popular Sky Spa features a glass-enclosed pool at 7,200 feet, plus a full menu of cosmetic and therapeutic treatments.

Under two hours from one of Europe's most jaw-dropping Alpine national parks lies Zell am See–Kaprun, two connected ski resort towns. The highlight for many skiers who come here is the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier, which offers slopes for all skill levels. Freeriders are also sure to enjoy the multiple pipe parks in the region; Maisi Park was designed for new riders and kids, while the Schmittenhöhe caters to those who have more experience with kickers, half pipes, rails, and more. One of the highlights for all travelers who come to Kitzsteinhorn is the Gipfelwelt 3000 overlook. A system of cable cars takes passengers almost 10,000 feet up to this platform that offers stunning mountain views. Audi's ICE CAVE is another experience exclusive to this glacier. Both skiers and hikers should stop into this one-of-a-kind bar, where the drinks are served in ice cups!

Zell am See is the larger of the two towns, with a few more restaurant and lodging options available. Seewirt is a popular local farm-to-table spot that mainly serves traditional Austrian foods, while Erlhof, located on the shores of Lake Zell, is the small city's only Michelin-rated establishment. The historic Grand Hotel Zell am See is an excellent place to stay here. In Kaprun, meanwhile, Panoramarestaurant Margarethenstein serves up hearty meals with an unbeatable view. Hilberger's Beisl Kaprun is another great local spot with a warm wood interior and comfortable seating that invites guests to stay awhile. And, on the opposite end of the spectrum, the Lederer Boutique Hotel offers sleek, sustainable lodging for eco-conscious skiers.

Mayrhofen is an Austrian ski resort with a bold personality. Its most infamous claim to fame is that it's the home of the nation's steepest slope, the Harakiri run, known locally as Piste 34. Named after a historic Japanese suicide method that was a way of honorably throwing oneself on a sword, specifically during the Samurai era, this run is not for the faint of heart or for new skiers. For safety reasons, it's important to have plenty of experience on skis before you attempt this intense slope. Devil's Run, officially labeled Piste 12, offers a still-thrilling but more manageable alternative. However, Mayrhofen isn't just for serious adrenaline junkies. There are plenty of runs here, particularly on Mount Penken, for intermediate and advanced skiing enthusiasts. Freestylers will gravitate toward PenkenPark, one of the country's top snow parks. The Mount Ahorn area, meanwhile, is better for novices, though it's worth noting that some travelers find that Mayrhofen isn't a resort geared toward beginners whatsoever.

Mayrhofen village also offers plenty of things to do off the ski slopes. Among the town's best hotels is ZillergrundRock, a resort founded on the belief that nature and sustainable luxury should coexist. With two spas, on-site dining, and well-appointed rooms, this is a beautiful place to stay in Mayrhofen's Zillergrund Nature Park. The Elisabeth Hotel is another great option. This adults-only spot is also known for its wellness initiatives, including treatments at the Elisense Spa. For local dining, Berg & Tal is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, offering traditional Austrian dishes in a cozy Alpine lodge-inspired setting. The restaurant at Gschösswan Inn also offers an excellent experience. This spot, situated directly on Mount Penken, is especially popular with skiers! But it's not all wellness and hearty meals here. The annual Snowbombing music festival brings a major party to Mayrhofen every winter.

Often collectively referred to simply as "Gurgl," Obergurgl–Hochgurgl is a resort duo that offers a decidedly exceptional winter vacation experience. Known for their high altitude — over 6,300 feet above sea level — and exceptional snow quality, these villages offer a quieter, more remote alternative to Austria's busier ski towns. In addition to great backcountry and off-piste runs, Gurgl overall is known for its wide, unobstructed slopes, making it an appealing destination for intermediate skiers and families with children. This is not to say, though, that more advanced skiers will be bored. Obergurgl is the tougher of the neighboring resorts and is home to one of the region's most intimidating slopes: Hohe Mut. Wurmkogl is another difficult run, but it has a great surprise for those willing to brave it. The Top Mountain Star bar on this piste offers amazing views!

Off slope, Gurgl enjoys a luxurious reputation. Both villages are filled with upscale hotels like the family-friendly Hotel Gurglhof, which offers a modern take on lodge living. For the ultimate in Gurgl luxury, though, the five-star Hochfirst resort boasts a Michelin Key award and exceptional service. Shopping and dining also play a major role in Gurgl's appeal for travelers. See You Obergurgl is a chic lunch or dinner spot with a glass-railed terrace that overlooks the Alps. One of the most exclusive experiences in Obergurgl, though, is to book a private dining experience at The Santé, where only one party is served at a time. In Hochgurgl, top restaurants include the Sporthotel Olymp, where five-course dinners are served in a contemporary rustic space, and Restaurant Timmelsjoch, which can be found at 8,200 feet directly on Austria's border with Italy. For luxury ski attire in Gurgl, check out Sport Lohmann and various Riml Sports outposts.

The Saalbach–Hinterglemm resort anchors one of Austria's most impressive ski areas. The SkiCircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn is a network of slopes so extensive that you could ski all day (and then some) without repeating a slope. With over 160 miles of runs to explore, Saalbach-Hinterglemm is a great destination for those with mixed ski skill levels in their travel parties. Beginners can check out easy blue runs like Turmwiese and Oberschwarzach;  intermediate skiers will enjoy the pistes located off the Leogang and Reiterkogel lifts; and experts will find themselves challenged by the Zwölferkogel World Championship course and the black diamond Nordabfahrt run. Night skiing is a highlight here, offering runs for every skill level on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during the season.

If you're on the hunt for luxury, there's no shortage of high-end lodging and dining in  Saalbach–Hinterglemm. After a long day on the slopes, hotels like Alpinresort ValSaa (only open to guests age 15+), Hotel Saalbacher Hof, and Hotel Thurnerhof (a family-friendly accommodation option) all offer lounges and lobbies where you can unwind amid stunning views. Après-ski experiences are also deeply ingrained in the culture here. Unique spots like Goaßstall, a bar housed in a 300-year-old barn, offer a fantastic on-mountain après experience. Back in town, spots like Taverne nightclub and the chic Woods Cocktailbar offer a modern vibe. Whether your ideal post-ski ritual involves an EDM DJ or a glass of Grüner Veltliner by a fireplace, Saalbach–Hinterglemm has something for every type of winter traveler.

Bad Gastein is one of Austria's most visually stunning ski towns. Where the vast majority of Alpine resorts lean heavily into traditional lodge and ski chalet aesthetics, Bad Gastein flips the script with a glamorous, Belle Époque feel that plays off its spa town history. Situated in the Gastein Valley, one of the main natural features here is the Bad Gastein waterfall, a 1,119-foot-high cascade of mineral water that made this town famous. In the 19th century, Bad Gastein's upscale wellness spas drew high-profile visitors like Franz Joef and his wife, Empress Sisi, and Kaiser Wilhelm. Today, travelers can still enjoy hot springs and a wide range of spa treatments at resorts like Alpentherme. The town is also home to unique wellness experiences, like the Gastein Healing Gallery, which offers radon treatments inside a mountainside thermal tunnel.

On the skiing front, Bad Gastein was home to the 1958 Alpine World Championships and offers easy access to the Gastein ski area, where skiers of all levels will find runs that interest them. Intermediate skiers will find the most terrain here, but there are also plenty of pistes for novices. Advanced skiing enthusiasts aren't likely to be challenged by Bad Gastein's slopes, but the town still offers an exceptionally relaxing vacation. For those traveling with skilled skiers, one great option is to combine a few nights in Bad Gastein with a few nights in Zell am See-Kaprun, less than an hour away. 

Here, high-authority skiing websites and magazines, including Snow Magazine, Ski Mag, The Avant Ski, and Powder Addicts, played a key role. Austria.info, Ski-Austria.com, and the official websites for various Austrian resorts, like St. Anton, Kitzbühel, Sölden, Zell am See-Kaprun, Mayrhofen, Gurgl, Saalbach-Hinterglemm, and Bad Gastein, were also crucial sources. To fill in details, travel publications, such as Airial Travel, National Geographic, and Forbes were utilized. This round-up also used information from the official websites of hotels and restaurants in these resort towns.