6 highest ski resorts in Austria for a snow-sure getaway

As the winter season unfolds, the quest for the perfect snowy getaway begins. Austria is my favourite place to ski in the world, as it offers the perfect blend of world-class skiing, lively après, and friendly locals. 

If you’re after a snow-sure resort or you’re perhaps looking to ski out of the peak season then you’ll likely be after the highest ski resorts in Austria. 

Renowned for its picturesque landscapes, Austria is home to some of the highest and most snow-reliable ski resorts in the world. 

In these resorts you’ll find groomed slopes catering to all skill levels, cosy mountain huts that beckon with warmth and traditional Austrian fare, and gorgeous luxury hotels and spas.

Here is my pick of the highest ski resorts in Austria for a snow-sure getaway to the mountains. 

This post contains affiliate links.

1. Sölden

Best for: James Bond heritage

Resort height: 1,350 – 3,340m

Slopes: 144km

Season: Late October to early May

Nearest airport: Innsbruck (1 hour 15 minutes by car)

Nestled deep in the Ötztal Alps, Sölden is one of my all-time favourite ski resorts – and I think it’s often underrated because it really does offer the whole package.

With its extensive 144 km of slopes, it caters to a wide range of skill levels, but Sölden truly shines for intermediates with its long, linked blues and reds.

As one of the highest ski resorts in Austria, the resort boasts three accessible high peaks over 3,000 metres, ensuring snow reliability and breathtaking panoramic views.

After a day on the slopes, Sölden transforms into an après-ski paradise with its lively bars and clubs, offering the perfect setting to unwind or party into the night.

The resort is also home to a number of truly luxurious hotels – my personal favourite is Das Central Hotel with its stunning rooftop spa and pool.

Other great hotel options include the boutique 5-star Hotel Bergland and the lovely 4-star Die Berg Lifestyle Hotel.  

James Bond heritage

Sölden is not just renowned for its ski slopes and après-ski scene; it also holds a unique place in cinematic history, thanks to its James Bond heritage.

Fans of the spy series will be thrilled to know that Sölden was a key filming location for the 2015 Bond film, Spectre.

The resort is home to the ICE Q Restaurant, a stunning piece of modern architecture that doubled as the Hoffler Klinik in the movie.

Perched atop the Gaislachkogl mountain at 3,048 metres, this glass-walled restaurant offers breathtaking panoramic views that are as dramatic as any Bond scene.

To further celebrate its connection to 007, Sölden also houses the 007 Elements exhibition, a cinematic installation dedicated to the world of James Bond.

I wholeheartedly recommend visiting the exhibition and dining at the restaurant – far from gimmicky, they have both been curated to exceptional standards. 

Read my Sölden ski resort guide for more information and inspiration.

2. Obergurgl-Hochgurgl

Best for: Families

Resort height: 1,800 – 3,030m 

Slopes: 112km

Season: Mid-November to late April

Nearest airport: Innsbruck ( 1 hour 30 minutes by car)

Obergurgl-Hochgurgl, often referred to as the “Diamond of the Alps,” offers a more serene and family-friendly atmosphere compared to the lively Sölden.

It’s another personal favourite of mine, and I’ve been skiing here since I was a kid so it feels a bit like a home-from-home for me.

Its high-altitude location ensures a long season of excellent snow conditions, making it a safe bet for early or late-season skiing.

With 110 km of meticulously groomed slopes, it provides a paradise for beginner and intermediate skiers.

Though experts will also find slopes to love – one of my favourite runs is the hair-raisingly steep black run that starts at the Top Mountain Star restaurant and bar.

The Obergurgl-Hochgurgl resorts are distinguished by their gorgeous natural beauty, quiet slopes, and high-quality, ski-in ski-out accommodation options.

If you’d like to stay in Hochgurgl then I’d recommend booking into Top Hotel Hochgurgl. 

Or if you choose to stay in Obergurgl then I’d consider either Alpen-Wellness Resort Hochfirst or The Crystal VAYA Unique. 

I also have to mention the iconic Nederhütte après bar in Obergurgl. To this day it continues to be my all-time favourite après destination – I can’t really explain it, you just have to go!

3. Pitztal Glacier

Best for: All abilities

Resort height: 1,740 – 3,440m

Slopes: 40km

Season: September to May

Nearest airport: Innsbruck (1 hour 20 minutes by car)

The Pitztal Glacier offers an exceptional skiing experience, with the unique allure of being Austria’s highest glacier and enabling skiing for nearly nine months of the year.

This resort is a haven for those who simply can’t wait for the traditional ski season to begin or aren’t ready to let it end.

The glacier’s elevation ensures consistent snow quality, providing pristine conditions for skiers and snowboarders.

Despite its reputation for high-altitude thrills, Pitztal Glacier is also a family-friendly destination.

Its slopes cater to a range of skill levels, from gentle inclines perfect for beginner skiers to more challenging terrains for the seasoned skier.

The resort is celebrated for its breathtaking natural scenery, offering views that seem to stretch into infinity.

With fewer crowds than more famous resorts, I think this is a great option for a more tranquil retreat.

The addition of the Wildspitzbahn, Austria’s highest cable car, takes visitors to the café at the mountain station.

Here you can enjoy a warm drink accompanied by the epic backdrop of the Tyrolean Alps.

For a comfortable place to stay, I’d recommend either the four-star Hotel Mittagskogel Pitztal or the authentic Hotel Sonnblick Pitztal.

Have a read of my guide to the best ski resorts in Austria for beginners.

4. Hintertux Glacier

Best for: Year-round skiing

Resort height: 1,500 – 3,250m

Slopes: 60km

Season: All year

Nearest airport: Innsbruck (1 hour 30 minutes by car)

Hintertux Glacier stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of winter sports, welcoming enthusiasts with open arms every day of the year.

It’s the only ski resort in Austria that boasts 365 days of skiing and snowboarding, making it a bucket-list destination for those obsessed with the snow.

The resort’s high altitude and the quality of its glacier ensure excellent snow conditions throughout all seasons, offering a reliable retreat for winter sports aficionados.

The Hintertux offers a varied terrain that caters to all levels, but it’s particularly renowned for its freestyle snowpark.

Betterpark Hintertux attracts snowboarders and freestyle skiers from around the globe, and is best visited from April to October.

Adventure seekers will also enjoy exploring the natural ice palace.

It’s an extraordinary network of caves and chambers beneath the glacier’s surface, offering a glimpse into a frozen, otherworldly landscape.

I’d recommend a stay at the gorgeous Hotel Neuhintertux, just 50 metres away from the lifts and town centre. 

5. Kitzsteinhorn

Best for: Freestylers

Resort height: 911 – 3,029m

Slopes: 61km

Season: October to early July

Nearest airport: Salzburg (1 hour 15 minutes by car)

The Kitzsteinhorn, located in Kaprun, is celebrated for its high-altitude skiing and breathtaking alpine scenery.

Offering a wide range of skiing from October through early July, it ensures enthusiasts can chase the snow long before and after the typical season.

The glacier’s impressive altitude guarantees snow reliability, providing pristine conditions for an unforgettable skiing experience.

Kitzsteinhorn is not just about skiing; it’s a paradise for freestyle skiers and snowboarders as well.

The resort features several snowparks, including the famous Kitzsteinhorn Snowpark, which offers creative and challenging setups for freestylers of all levels.

Additionally, the resort’s Gipfelwelt 3000 platform provides beautiful panoramic views of Austria’s highest peaks.

In fact, it’s the highest point in Salzburg and is hence known as the ‘Top of Salzburg’.

Families and beginners are also well catered to, with dedicated areas designed to encourage new skiers in a safe environment.

In terms of accommodation, I’d recommend a stay at either the family-run Hotel Tauernhof in Kaprun or the five-star Salzburgerhof in nearby Zell am See.

6. Ischgl

Best for: Apres-ski 

Resort height: 1,400 – 2,872m

Slopes: 238km

Season: Late November to early May

Nearest airport: Innsbruck ( 1 hour 30 minutes by car)

Ischgl brings an enticing combination of alpine luxury and vibrant après-ski culture, nestled within the stunning Silvretta mountains.

Renowned for its extensive and well-maintained pistes, the resort offers a diverse range of skiing opportunities across an impressive 238km of slopes, suitable for all levels of experience.

The interconnected ski area with the Swiss duty-free zone of Samnaun adds an international flair to your skiing adventure, allowing you to traverse borders on skis.

The resort is just as famous off the slopes, boasting an après-ski scene that’s considered one of the best in Europe.

From high-end restaurants serving gourmet cuisine to lively bars and clubs, Ischgl provides an unparalleled après experience that keeps visitors coming back year after year.

The resort also hosts top-tier concerts and events throughout the season, featuring world-renowned artists and bands.

Luxury hotels are a hallmark of Ischgl, with a wide selection of boutique hotels, chalets, and spa resorts offering the utmost in comfort and style.

Some of my favourites are the Elizabeth Arthotel, the Hotel Trofana Royal and the Schlosshotel Ischgl.

Have you visited any of the highest ski resorts in Austria? Let me know in the comments below!

For more skiing inspiration, you may also like:

• 5 best Austrian ski resorts for beginners
• 7 highest ski resorts in France
• 15 best ski resorts in Europe – ultimate guide
• 12 luxury ski resorts in Europe
• 10 best ski resorts for non-skiers in Europe
• 15 designer ski wear brands
• Top ski resorts for beginners in Europe & North America
• 10 incredible ski resorts in Switzerland