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5 of the best resorts in Austria for beginners
One of the top ski destinations in the world, the Austrian Alps is a veritable winter wonderland for snow-seeking newbies looking to book their first ski holiday. Guaranteed to leave you glowing no matter how cold it gets out on the slopes, ski trips to Austria are an attractive alternative to the iconic peaks of France and Italy, offering some of the best beginner ski holidays for those new to the sport.
An ideal alpine ski destination for those just getting started, Austria has all you need for the best beginner's ski trip: plenty of snow, friendly and patient ski instructors, ski-in/ski-out accommodation options, and gentle, cruisy slopes. Not to mention some of the liveliest bars and clubs in the Alps - perfect for celebrating your first-ever runs down a mountain!
Thanks to its ‘Gemütlichkeit’ culture, Austria has a reputation as one of the friendliest skiing destinations in the world. This evocative term captures the Austrian essence of cosy warmth, belonging, and good cheer - shoutout to all the après-ski lovers! For us at Heidi, ‘Gemütlichkeit’ conjures up visions of crackling fireplaces, steaming mugs of Glühwein, and soothing spa treatments. Bliss.
Here are five of the best ski resorts for beginners in Austria we recommend for those just getting started:
1. Seefeld
An ideal destination for beginners, non-skiers and families, the Tirolean village of Seefeld is also perfect for those seeking a winter city break while embarking on their first ski holiday. Jam-packed with traditional Austrian charm, just a 30-minute train ride from the bright lights of Innsbruck, Seefeld offers leisurely skiing amid stunning alpine surrounds. Picture bright, candy-coloured buildings, frosty mountain peaks, sunny plateaus, and car-free streets with the clip-clop of horse-drawn carts. Wunderschön!
Seefeld is home to one of the best ski schools in Austria. Start your first day with a private ski lesson to learn the ropes before taking to the small skiing area of Geigenbühelnear to practise your snow ploughs. Once your confidence grows, head to Gschwandtkopf for wide, cruisy blue runs and well-groomed southern slopes overlooking panoramic views of the Austrian Alps.
When you're done on the downhills, mix it up and try Seefeld's abundant Langlauf cross-country skiing trails. Alternatively, swap the skis for some ice skating, Austrian spas and saunas, stylish shopping opportunities, and over 50 fantastic local restaurants serving mouth-watering Tirolean specialities.
When to go: Craving some Christmas magic? Book in December for dazzling festive celebrations or in February for fun Fasching parades and Seefeld's best snow cover.
2. Zell am See
At the foothills of Schmittenhöhe mountain, on the lapping shores of Lake Zell, sits the magnificent resort of Zell Am See. A favourite with beginners, intermediates, and ski-weekend fanatics, this is our most popular Austrian resort - home to easy-going runs, out-of-this-world panoramas, and snow-sure high altitudes.
Start your first day warming up at the chilled-out nursery area before gliding through snow-dusted forests on nearby laid-back groomers. Further up the mountain, challenge newfound skills on a mix of tree-lined trails and wide-open pistes while enjoying jaw-dropping panoramas (ideal for a quick “look where I am” selfie!). For more adventures, grab a bus to neighbouring Kaprun to take advantage of sky-high altitude pistes on the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, which has plenty of beginner-friendly trails and practice areas.
Drop your skis back at the hotel and embark on a guided snowshoe hike, or - if it's cold enough - head to Lake Zell for epic outdoor ice skating. If you're feeling brave, try out the "Gipfelwelt 3000" panoramic viewing platform to see eye-to-eye with Austria's highest mountains. As night descends, fuel up empty tums with hearty Austrian grub at the village's many eateries, ready for another day on the slopes.
When to go: Enjoy cheaper skiing weekends in March and April thanks to the Kitzsteinhorn glacier's long, snowy ski season.
3. Ellmau
There are key things for beginners to look for when choosing a resort: easy-to-reach nursery slopes, good ski schools, convenient ski-in/ski-out accommodation, generous amounts of cruisy greens and blues, and uncrowded, peaceful pistes. Ellmau has them all.
There is a lot for beginners to love here. Situated between the rocky Wilder Kaiser mountains and the charming Kitzbüheler Alps - Ellmau's panoramas are truly out-of-this-world. Learning here is a dream, with not one but two nursery areas. Once you've done some warm-up runs, take to the nearby Astberg mountain for quiet, easy slopes. Fancy challenging yourself? Grab the new state-of-the-art 10-person gondola to access laid-back greens and blues, an impressive ski school, and the beginner's freestyle park at SkiWelt on the snow-sure Kitsteinhorn glacier.
Out on the snow, get the adrenaline pumping with epic winter hiking, lightning-quick toboggan runs, and incredible dog sledging excursions. Alternatively, unwind with horse-drawn carriages, a curling lesson, or a dip in the soothing saunas and spas. As night falls, head to the bars for frothy beers and cheesy Europop or eat your heart out with steamy pork dumplings, mouth-watering apple strudels, and giant portions of buttery Kaischmarrn pancakes.
When to go: Go in January for the season's best snow and peaceful, crowd-free pistes.
4. Saalbach
Charming and lively, with fantastic skiing for all abilities - Saalbach is the perfect pick for large groups with beginner skiers and snowboarders in tow. Set in the enchanting alpine forests of the Glemm Valley, Saalbach is your quintessential Austrian village - think wooden chalets, horse-drawn carriages, and traditional mountain huts serving up tasty Austrian grub.
Miles of wide, perfectly groomed beginner pistes give you plenty to practice on. When you're feeling more confident, access the nearby Ski Circus for over 270km of pistes with easy-to-access nursery areas, cruisy greens, and tree-lined blues to enjoy.
High altitudes of 2100m mean abundant snow flurries for incredible tobogganing, snow tubing, and scenic winter hikes. At night, Saalbach's legendary après scene comes out to party! Whether you're partial to getting cosy with a glass of wine by the fireplace or getting in yet another round of Jägerbombs at the bar, Saalbach has you covered. Ski to slopeside bars to clink frothy beers or hit the numerous nightclubs to dance until the wee hours.
When to go: Plan a Christmas ski trip for twinkling market stalls, steaming mugs of Austria’s signature ‘glühwein’ mulled wine, and bags of chewy spiced Lechbuken cookies.
5. Igls
A ski trip and romantic city break wrapped into one, Igls is the ideal winter escape for couples on their first skiing holiday. Located just 15 minutes from the charming city of Innsbruck by bus or panoramic tram, this small alpine resort is as accessible as it gets.
Begin on the pristine, uncrowded village nursery slopes before heading to the smooth-flowing, relaxed resort blues. Modern snowmaking facilities and north-facing slopes mean great snow from December to April. For more adventures, head to Stubai Glacier. With altitudes reaching 3210m, keep busy with wide beginner slopes and a snow obstacle course.
If your ski legs need a rest, hop on the bus or panoramic tram to Innsbruck to soak in some culture at the Imperial Palace, Imperial Church, Golden Roof, and Ambras Castle. Alternatively, step into the shoes of Olympic champions at Olympiaworld with lightning-quick bobsledding and nail-biting skeleton rides.
When to go: Celebrate Mountain New Year’s Eve with a 3D lighting display on the iconic Colourful Houses of Innsbruck and a rock concert in the city square. Alternatively, grab the cable car to Nordkette for a jaw-dropping fireworks display across the Alps.
New to Heidi? If you're frustrated with typical package holiday restrictions, then we might just be what you're looking for.
You’ll find our ski holidays more customisable than your typical ski package provider, but a lot easier to put together than doing it all yourself. Choose where you want to go from 300+ ski resorts, travel the day you want, stay as long as you like.
For help finding a ski holiday, WhatsApp us, call us on 0117 457 6000, or simply start a search.
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