Not sure where to go skiing? Take a look at these resorts in the Austrian Tirol
St. Anton am Arlberg
Recognised around the world as the birth place of alpine skiing, St. Anton am Arlberg offers state-of-the-art lift systems and exciting après ski without losing touch of the rich cultural roots the region was founded on. A variety of gradients make up the 305 km pistes, catering to eager first-timers and snow-hardened experts. An array of ski schools are available for the less experienced, whilst the 200 km of designated off-piste terrain and famous Stanton snow park present some more challenging options. Returning from the slopes, visitors can enjoy a host of après-ski locations available such as the Mooserwirt, Krazy Kanguruh and Bobo’s. At 9 pm every Wednesday, the Ski School Arlberg and the New School-Team of the Ski Club Arlberg put on a spectacular ski demonstration, taking viewers through the history of skiing, exhibiting the advances in both technology and style. For more refined entertainment, the diversity of exceptional restaurants and bars serve authentic local delicacies and exceptional international cuisine; the burgers at Galzig Bistrobar are by all accounts phenomenal.
A six-day ski pass costs from €289 / £259 per adult and €172 / £154 per child.
For more information visit www.stantonamarlberg.com/en
Tiroler Zugspitz Arena
Draped across the Austrian-German border the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena blends striking views and dramatic mountain ranges with beginner-friendly slopes and authentic Austrian villages. Comprising seven smaller ski areas, the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena offers pistes to suit every ability, boasting a high point of close to 3,000 m at Zugspitzplatt, with 58 lifts servicing 105 km of piste. For beginners, there are a host of experienced ski schools across the region whilst more seasoned mountain-goers can make use of the three snow parks as well as the exciting off-piste. Those in search of some high-altitude exercise can make use of the extensive cross-country ski network, some of which can be used free of charge, offering an immersive interaction with the alpine terrain. For some non-ski related entertainment, visitors to the region can explore its natural beauty via a snow-shoe hike or magical horse-drawn sleigh ride. Guests looking to sample some of the rich Bavarian culture of the region can enjoy beers brewed at the Stald-Bräu, Austria’s highest brewery, learn about the history of Germany’s biggest mountain at the Fascination Zugspitze located on the summit of the Zugspitze and stay late to enjoy a sunset fondue with musical entertainment.
A six-day ski pass costs from €247 / £221 per adult and €215 / £198 per child.
For more information visit www.zugspitzarena.com/en
Sölden
With a surface area of 467 km2, Sölden is Austria’s largest municipality. The village only covers around one km2, meaning the vast majority of Sölden’s territory is untouched Alpine mountainside. It is this mountainside that has earned Sölden its reputation as one of the best ski resorts in the Alps; serving as the official European training base for the US Ski Team as well as traditionally hosting the first race of the Ski World Cup every year on the Rettenbach glacier. High in the Ötztal valley, the snow is consistently good from the start of the season in October to the last lift in May; offering gentle pistes for beginners and an array of more challenging slopes for the more advanced. A remote farming village until a few decades ago, the village of Sölden provides exciting après ski, exceptional local and international cuisine and a host of charming cafes whilst remaining firmly connected to its traditional Bavarian roots. Guests can journey to the top of the Gaislachkogl Mountain for a gripping 007 Elements cinematic experience. Based on the 2015 James Bond film, Spectre, which was shot in Sölden, the installation guides visitors through a series of cutting-edge, interactive galleries, offering insight into how the films are made, from the striking title sequences to the thrilling car chases. For a more relaxing excursion, visitors to the region can visit the Aquadome, a thermal spa and wellness resort, complete with seven saunas, 12 indoor and outdoor pools and four on-site restaurants and bars.
A six-day lift pass costs from €264.50 / £237 per adult and €161.50 / £145 per child.
For more information visit www.soelden.com/winter
Kühtai
The highest ski resort in Austria, Kühtai is best known for its family-friendly ski area and consistently snow-sure conditions. At more than 2,000 m above sea level, the resort stays open as late as May, meaning guests can enjoy the warmer months whilst still enjoying fantastic snow. There are a number of magic carpet lifts and drag lifts designed with children and beginners in mind to make learning to ski a less daunting experience. Skiers and snowboarders in search of more exciting runs can make use of the funpark and the ski touring routes of the Sulzkogel (3,016 m) and the Prichkogel (2,828 m). Twice a week the slopes are lit up for night skiing, allowing keen mountain-goers to make the most of skiing or snowboarding until 11:30 at night. Returning to the village, a host of après ski bars cater to visitors in search of a party and a variety of restaurants offer regional specialties and international favourites. And with the city of Innsbruck less than an hour away, visitors can always have a break from the pistes and explore the beautiful ‘Capital of the Alps’, which is home to designer shops, plenty of restaurants serving traditional and modern cuisine and the iconic Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof) that was completed in 1500 for Emperor Maximilian I.
A six-day ski pass costs from €210 / £188 per adult and €105 / £94 per child.
For more information visit www.kuehtai.info/en
Ischgl
The renown nightlife and exceptional skiing means it is no surprise that Ischgl attracts mountain enthusiasts along with international celebrities. The slopes lie between 2,000 m and 2,872 m; having good snow through the season and keeping a variety of off-piste and ski touring options available as well. A host of gentle, wide runs are on offer for skiers and snowboarders getting to grips with the snow whilst the largest snow park in the Alps resides in the resort, laying down the gauntlet to more experienced skiers. Aside from skiing, Ischgl boasts a variety of exciting events and activities. This year sees Lenny Kravitz headline the end of season Top of the Mountain Closing Concert on 30 April 2019. The exalted après-ski scene is part of the resort’s magnetism, ranging from classic piste-side bars to cosy bistros; Ischgl’s reputation as the “Ibiza of the Alps’ is rightfully earned. Nordic walking trails lace the Ischgl mountainside whilst the village centre offers indoor and outdoor tennis courts. Horse-back riding along the trails of the Paznaun Valley and paragliding offer more serene excursions, bringing visitors closer to the natural beauty of Ischgl.
A six-day lift pass costs from €254 / £228 per adult and €152 / £136 per child.
For more information visit www.ischgl.com/en
