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Austrian Tyrol is among the best ski destinations in the world, with resorts that cater for all levels of ability as well as for children. Meanwhile, snow-making facilities coupled with many high-altitude resorts make it one of the most snow-sure ski regions around.
We take a look at some of the best ski resorts in the alpine paradise of Tyrol.
Not only is the Zillertal Arena the largest resort in the Zillertal region but also among the most snow-sure. It extends from Zell in Zillertal to Wald-Konigsleiten and offers 150 kilometres of slopes, one of the longest valley runs in all of Austria, 52 ski lifts, excellent options for all the family, and over 30 huts and restaurants.
Not far from Innsbruck, tucked among the Mittelgebirge, you can find the Glungezer ski resort – a resort that is slowly establishing itself as one of the region’s hidden gems. The landscape is truly stunning, the skiing options versatile, and its 15km descent into the valley a must-ski! There is a separate area for freeskiers and snowboarders.
The largest interconnected ski run in Austria and perhaps the finest of them all… this is a ski resort with everything; from awe-inspiring views, over 300km of interconnected ski runs (200km off-piste), with areas suited to all skill levels, as well as fun snow parks and racing circuits, carving areas and high-tech chairlifts. Oh, and the apres-ski isn’t bad either…
If Ski Arlberg is the biggest then Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis is almost certainly the most family friendly. Aside from the 214km of pistes and 30km of cross-country, there are all kinds of winter sports available to practice, as well as a number of features created with children in mind, chief among them Berta’s Fairytale Express: a double conveyor belt in a transparent glass tunnel with moving fairy tale characters to keep the kids entertained as they make the climb up to the practice slope.
Another family-friendly resort, The Ski Jewel Wildschonau offers breath-taking vistas as well as all the amenities one would need for a perfect family ski holiday, with 5 ski schools, ski kindergartens, snow parks and moguls, and many of the routes classed as blue, while the red runs are not that tough. There are plenty of ski lifts, so no one is left waiting around for too long either! Last but not least, the site’s snowmaking facilities are there to ensure no one is left disappointed.
One of the highest ski resorts in Austria, and also one of the highest quality, Sölden is spread over 3 mountains - Gaislachkogl, Tiefenbachkogl, and Schwarze Schneid - and provides 144km of pistes, supported by snow-making facilities to guarantee all-season-long skiing. In recent years, its featuring in the James Bond film Spectre has only increased its standing among winter sports enthusiasts, while its status as a venue for all manner of events (including the Electric Mountain Festival), alongside its excellent nightlife, has earned it the moniker “the Ibiza of the Alps”.
A popular ‘all-rounder’, Ischgl possesses 172km of slopes, with a great many of the runs easy and wide - and ideal for intermediate skiers. It also provides areas especially for kids, while the apres-ski and chic, vibrant nightlife make it a favourite among young adults too.
Another large resort, offering some 270km of interconnected slopes, supported by 83 cable cars and ski lifts, as well as floodlights to facilitate night-skiing, SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser can be considered among the best ski resorts in Tyrol. A wide range of tracks are available – from beginner to advanced and even racecourses where you can test you speed. The resort also hosts childcare services, contests and several music festivals, not to mention several snow parks for snowboarders and freestylers - meaning there really is something for everyone!
While not the biggest ski resort in Austria (its runs total 44km), what the Grossglockner ski resort in Kals-Matrei lacks in size it more than makes up for in spectacular panoramas. It also boasts top facilities for families, with practice slopes, toboggan runs, plenty of blue-rated runs and a large zone for children. Its high altitude ensures it has plenty of snow all season long. Meanwhile, it is home the Adler Lounge, Austria’s highest fine-dining restaurant.
A firm favourite among snowboarders and free-riders, not to mention host to fantastic toboggan runs, the KitzSki resort in Kitzbühel possesses 170km of slopes, ranging from beginner to advanced. In recent years it has begun to feature regularly on lists of the best ski resorts in the world.
