Winter sports in Austria
Photo: Marek Ślusarczyk (Tupungato) Photo portfolio, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Austria is well known for its ski resorts. Most of them are medium-sized, less spectacular and glamorous as the mega-resorts found in Switzerland and France, but they are more cosy, less prone to mass tourism and a little cheaper; particularly for beer.
While most ski tourists in Austria are from Germany, Austria is accessible from all parts of Europe.
UnderstandWinter sport tourism has become a billion euro industry in Austria and helped some towns to attain formidable wealth.
Choosing a ski resortAs a general rule, the larger the ski resort and the higher the elevation above sea level, the higher the price. Ski passes will consume a large proportion of your budget.
Get inUnlike many countries, getting in to Austria for skiing shouldn't imply flying to the capital city first.
EatFood on the ski slopes normally consists of Austrian specialities of the stodgy variety, but is often overpriced.
SleepBook accommodation as far in advance as you can. The number of beds in most resorts is limited, and the later you book the less likely you are to find good value.
PracticalitiesAs with all ski resorts, avalanches are an underestimated hazard.
List of ski resorts
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Winter sports in Austria" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Marek Ślusarczyk (Tupungato) Photo portfolio, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons