Austria: The Top Ski Destination for 2025/26

Austria’s snowy peaks, modern ski infrastructure, and exceptional value make it the standout choice for winter holidays in 2025/26. More travellers are choosing Austria over France thanks to its unbeatable combination of world-class resorts, traditional charm, shorter transfers, and more affordable skiing. Whether you’re a first-time skier, a family, or a seasoned expert, Austria delivers the perfect ski experience for every group size and budget.

Why Choose Austria Instead of France?

While France is known for its enormous ski domains, Austria has become the preferred choice for skiers seeking value, efficiency, charm, and world-class snow reliability. Austria stands out thanks to:

Shorter, easier airport transfers from Innsbruck, Salzburg, Munich, Zurich and Vienna.
Lower prices for lift passes, dining, ski schools, and accommodation.
Modern, fast ski lifts with heated chairs, high-capacity gondolas, and minimal queues.
Snow-sure slopes, with industry-leading snowmaking across resorts.
Traditional Alpine villages with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Legendary après-ski and a focus on hospitality you won’t always find in high French stations.

Austria combines efficiency with charm — the perfect blend of convenience and authenticity.

Austria vs France: The Key Differences

What Skiers Love About…	Austria	France
Atmosphere & Villages	Charming, traditional Alpine towns with warm hospitality.	Modern resort hubs with plenty of ski-in/ski-out options.
Ski Terrain	Varied pistes, fantastic grooming, and excellent for cruisy mileage.	Huge linked ski areas like the 3 Vallées, Espace Killy & Paradiski.
Lift Systems	Known for very modern lifts, heated chairs & continuous investment.	Fast, extensive networks covering some of Europe’s largest ski areas.
Snow Reliability	Excellent snowmaking coverage & many high-altitude options.	Exceptional high-altitude skiing, particularly in glacier resorts.
Value for Money	Often more affordable for lift passes, dining & family trips.	A wide accommodation range, from budget apartments to premium stays.
Après-Ski Style	Lively and traditional, with iconic venues and warm hospitality.	Varied—everything from cosy bars to world-famous après spots.

Family-Friendly Ski Resorts in Austria

Austria excels for families thanks to its safe villages, English-speaking ski schools, gentle terrain, and affordable lift passes. Some of the best family-friendly ski resorts in Austria include:

Obergurgl: Quiet, snow-sure and traffic-free, with excellent ski schools and wide, beginner-friendly slopes.
Saalbach Hinterglemm: Plenty of blue runs, great childcare options, and a fantastic lift network for mixed-ability groups.
Zell am See / Kaprun: Lakeside charm combined with glacier snow reliability for a perfect all-round family destination.
Söll (SkiWelt): One of Europe’s most family-oriented ski regions with night skiing, easy gradients, and fun slopes.
Mayrhofen (Ahorn): Dedicated beginner areas and a lively but friendly town make it ideal for families and groups.

The Top Austrian Ski Resorts (And Why They Matter)

St Anton am Arlberg – Innsbruck to St Anton transfer, après-ski capital, Arlberg slopes

Known as the “cradle of Alpine skiing,” St Anton sits at the heart of the vast Arlberg region. With 306 km of well-connected pistes, challenging terrain and some of the world’s best après-ski at MooserWirt and Krazy Kanguruh, it’s a true bucket-list destination. A sophisticated lift network links St Anton with Lech and Zürs, while efficient airport transfers from Innsbruck minimise hassle and maximise slope time.

Ischgl – Innsbruck to Ischgl transfer, faster routes from Innsbruck & Munich; nightlife & cross-border skiing

Ischgl’s Silvretta Arena spans 238 km of slopes and boasts ultra-modern lifts, reliable snow, and the chance to ski across the border to Samnaun in Switzerland. With famously energetic nightlife, concerts, and events, Ischgl appeals to both thrill-seekers and leisure travellers. Direct transfers from Innsbruck and Munich ensure you arrive rested and ready for adventure.

Sölden – Innsbruck to Sölden transfer, glacier access & World Cup resort

Host of the FIS World Cup opener, Sölden delivers glacier skiing from October to May, 144+ km of runs and three peaks above 3,000 metres for spectacular views and serious vertical. Quick airport connections from Innsbruck and Munich make Sölden ideal for early and late-season breaks.

Obergurgl – Innsbruck to Obergurgl transfer, high-altitude, early-season snow

One of Austria’s highest and most snow-sure destinations, Obergurgl is peaceful and family-friendly, with gentle slopes and dependable snow cover. Its season starts early – November 14, 2025 – making it a top pick for the first turns of winter. Easy transfers from Innsbruck and Munich keep travel times short.

Zell am See – Salzburg to Zell am See transfer, scenic lakeside skiing & glacier access

For picturesque charm and reliable snow, Zell am See’s lakeside setting paired with nearby Kaprun glacier skiing offers an unbeatable combination. Airport transfers from Salzburg, Munich, and Innsbruck make the area highly accessible, while its broad range of runs ensures something for every ski level.

Saalbach Hinterglemm – Salzburg to Saalbach transfer, Austria’s biggest ski area

The Saalbach Ski Circus is the largest interconnected ski area in Austria, with over 270 km of pistes, known for its variety and vibrant village life. Fast transfers from Salzburg and Munich mean you spend less time travelling and more time enjoying the slopes.

Mayrhofen – Innsbruck to Mayrhofen transfer, Zillertal valley & snow parks

Renowned for its lively town spirit and varied mountains (Penken and Ahorn), Mayrhofen is great for all levels. The resort offers excellent snow parks, family zones and access to the wider Zillertal valley. Airport transfers from Innsbruck, Munich, and Salzburg provide seamless access to the region’s powder and freestyle terrain.

Lech – Innsbruck to Lech transfer, Arlberg luxury & premium skiing

Prestigious Lech and neighbouring Zürs epitomise Tyrolean luxury, featuring wide, uncrowded slopes, gourmet dining, and charming hotels. Easy transport from Zurich and Innsbruck, including private and group transfers, makes Lech a favourite for families and discerning skiers seeking a refined atmosphere.

Kitzbühel – Innsbruck to Kitzbühel transfer, Hahnenkamm race & medieval charm

Home to the legendary Hahnenkamm race, Kitzbühel blends medieval charm with 233 km of pistes ideal for intermediates and experts. Airport transfers from Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Munich remain fast and straightforward — essential during busy race weeks and holiday periods.

Obertauern & Söll – Innsbruck to Söll transfer, high, snow-sure & family-friendly SkiWelt access

Obertauern offers one of Austria’s most snow-sure ski areas, with a long season and plenty of ski-in/ski-out accommodation. Its circular ski layout means you can tour the entire area on skis without removing your equipment, making it both fun and convenient. Transfers from Salzburg keep journey times short.

Söll, part of the vast SkiWelt region, is a family favourite with wide, gentle runs, night skiing and fun slope areas for children. Quick arrivals from Innsbruck, Salzburg and Munich make Söll an excellent choice for families and mixed-ability groups.

How Our Austria Ski Transfers Stand Out

Easy and reliable airport transfers are at the heart of Austria’s appeal. Whether booking a private vehicle, shared shuttle, or luxury minibus, travellers benefit from regular, direct services across all major gateways. Advanced booking locks in the best prices and ensures equipment and luggage can be accommodated at no extra charge.

Direct to your hotel or chalet (door-to-door), minimising wait times and changes.
Maximum 90-minute wait for shared services, offering flexibility for short breaks and midweek travel.
Luggage, skis, boards, and child seats always included.
Transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and all-season support in resort.

With authentic Alpine atmosphere, excellent value, and world-class facilities, Austria leads the way for European ski holidays this season. For skiers and snowboarders considering alternatives to France, Austria’s combination of top resorts and effortless airport transfers makes it the destination of choice — whether for families, groups, or solo adventurers.

Top Austrian Transfer Destinations Prices

Destination	Airport	Shared Price (from)	Highlights
St Anton	Innsbruck	£79.94 pp	1hr 30 mins, famous après-ski, large connected area, door-to-door transfer.
Ischgl	Innsbruck	£89.00 pp	1hr 45 mins, cross-border skiing, top nightlife, direct service.
Mayrhofen	Innsbruck	£63.33 pp	1hr 30 mins, huge area, direct valley links, quickest route to slopes.
Sölden	Innsbruck	£79.00 pp	Glacier skiing, FIS World Cup resort, modern lifts, 90-minute direct transfer.
Obergurgl	Innsbruck	£83.20 pp	High-altitude, early snow, fast shared transfer, quieter slopes.

*All prices are examples based on off-peak travel and may vary depending on season, availability, and group size. For the most accurate price, please use the quote generator.