Where to go for a late-season ski holiday, in the Austrian Tirol

There are numerous benefits to booking a late season skiing or snowboarding holiday. Aside from the warmer weather, the slopes are quieter, there are more discounts available, longer days allow visitors to discover more outdoor activities, plus there are a multitude of events to choose from.

Tempted? Here are seven suggestions to start.

St. Anton am Arlberg
Known as the “cradle of Alpine skiing”, St. Anton am Arlberg hosts countless winter-sports enthusiasts throughout the season. With slopes reaching 2,811 metres and more than 300 km of pistes, plus 200 km of off-piste itineraries, there are always new routes to be found. Skiers and snowboarders can challenge themselves to the ‘Run of Fame’, a circuit that winds its way through the entire Arlberg ski area with 65 km of slopes and 18,000 metres vertical. Don’t miss the legendary ‘White Thrill’ race on 23 April 2022: when the lifts close, circa 555 skiers, snowboarders and telemarkers assemble on the Valluga Ridge for the mass start, keen to beat the record of eight minutes and 14 seconds that was achieved by Paul Schwarzacher in 2011.
For more information, visit: www.tyrol.com/regions/a-st-anton-am-arlberg

Stubai
The largest glacier ski resort in Austria is ideal for all levels of skier and snowboarder, whether they are travelling as a family, couple, or group. Its mountains, which peak at more than 3,000 metres above sea level, guarantee lots of snow until June. Families are spoilt for choice with the Big Family Ski Camp, the Kids’ Line in the Stubai Zoo snowpark, and the children’s restaurant at Gamsgarten mountain station. Plus, on 17 April 2022, Stubai will run an Easter egg hunt at Schlick 2000, with each seeker receiving an Easter surprise. Freeride skiers and snowboarders can tackle the Powder Department, which offers a wide range of lines for backcountry addicts. After an exhilarating day, finish with a meal at Schaufelspitz (the world’s highest-located toque-awarded restaurant) at the top of the eye catching Eisgrat cable car; dine on delicious gourmet cuisine and enjoy the magnificent views across valley. And visitors interested in culture will find several museums nearby, plus a birds of prey centre in Telfes.
For more information, visit: www.tyrol.com/regions/a-stubai-tirol

Ötztal
Home to Tirol’s highest mountain, the largest glacier ski resort in the Eastern Alps, and the tallest waterfall in the region, the Ötztal Valley offers first-class spring conditions. Comprising Sölden and Sölden Glacier, the high elevation ski resort of Gurgl, and the family-friendly Hoch-Oetz, the hardest decision is choosing where to go. Sitting at 1,930 metres, Obergurgl is known to be one of Europe’s most snow-sure resorts, and even if it’s running low on the white stuff, snow cannons cover approximately 99 %. Sölden is also known for its reliability, especially with access to two glaciers. From 7-8 April 2022, Sölden celebrates the end of the season with the Electric Mountain Festival. And the renowned Aqua Dome – home to 12 pools, seven saunas and four restaurants and bars – is well worth a visit too. Pull on a fluffy bathrobe and slip on a pair of flip flops and make the most of the spa facilities. Plus, with the ‘Moonlight Bathing’ package on Friday, there’s no need to leave when the stars come out.
For more information, visit: www.tyrol.com/regions/a-oetztal-valley

Kühtai
Only 34 km from Innsbruck, Austria’s highest resort is a good choice for a late season skiing or snowboarding holiday. Part of the Ski Plus City Pass, a ski carousel made up of 13 winter-sports areas, Kühtai has 12 ski lifts accessing more than 40 km of well-groomed slopes ideal for confident skiers and snowboarders, plus 75 per cent of the runs are serviced by snowmaking machines. Visitors should make the most of the north-facing pistes under the Alpenrosenlift and Hohemutbahn lifts. Freestyle skiers should head to the KPark, complete with a series of jumps and rails, while beginners and children can enjoy a more relaxed session at the KidsPark. Leave the marked slopes and check out the ski-touring terrain, especially around the Sulzkogel (3,016 m) and the Pirchkogel (2,828 m) mountains. Or try a spot of night skiing: the piste down from the Zum Kaiser Maximilian hut stays open until 11:30 pm twice a week. And, with the Ski Plus City Pass, guests can always venture into other top resorts close by.
For more information, visit: www.tyrol.com/places/a-kuehtai

Paznaun-Ischgl
Renowned for its legendary Top of the Mountain Spring Concert, Paznaun-Ischgl showcases snow-sure slopes, a traditional-style village with a traffic-free core and a superb modern-lift system. Despite not having a glacier, the resort is high and most of the pistes are north facing and above 2,000 metres. After exploring the 238 km of pistes, skiers and snowboarders can enjoy a chilled drink in one of the welcoming bars, or tuck into a gourmet dinner at one of the award-winning restaurants. On 2 April 2022, a classical artist will take to Ischgl’s famous open-air stage at 2,300 metres for the Top of the Mountain closing concert – enjoy this event with family and friends, before eating a delicious meal back resort. (Concert entry is free with a valid lift pass, which is necessary to access the concert arena.)
For more information, visit: www.tyrol.com/places/a-ischgl

Serfaus
Hope to the second smallest underground railway in the world, and a car-free village, Serfaus – together with Fiss and Ladis – form part of a popular and well-known ski area, known to the locals as the ‘Oberes Gericht’. With slopes reaching 2,828 metres above sea level, it’s ideal for some late season turns. Families often flock to Serfaus because of its wonderful cruisy-blue slopes, large children’s area and Murmlipark – operated by the Skischule Serfaus – which has plenty of attractions for kids and helps them take to the sport. Plus, with almost 70 lifts and cable cars connecting the network of pistes, the three fun parks, and exciting backcountry skiing, there’s plenty of options for more confident skiers and snowboarders.
For more information: www.tyrol.com/places/a-serfaus/ski-snowboard

Hintertux
Skiers and snowboarders who are always after ‘one final run’ should visit Hintertux Glacier, home to the only ski resort in Austria open 365 days a year. Located at the end of the Zillertal Valley, close to the mighty Olperer mountain at 3,476 metres, it offers top powder skiing in winter and excellent conditions on the slopes well into spring. As the season starts drawing to a close in April, guests in Hintertux can still carve down the 12 km run in front of the Frozen Wall or make the most of the kickers at the Betterpark and at the new fun slope near the Sommerbergalm cable car. After each day of skiing, head back down to the base of the gondola where a refreshing glass of beer will be waiting at the Hohenhaus Tenne Hintertux. Sit back in the sun with a pint, soaking up the end-of-season rays.
For more information: www.tyrol.com/things-to-do/sports/skiing/ski-resorts/a-hintertux-glacier

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