Heidi Blog
Top 5 Austria ski weekends
For idyllic scenery, varied skiing, and world-renowned après - Austria is the high-altitude winter wonderland made to measure. There's plenty to keep every skier and boarder entertained here, from the thrill-seeking daredevils to the casual winter wonderland enthusiast. Ideal for short weekend ski breaks, a quick 2-hour flight from Gatwick and a 30min transfer from Innsbruck will have you delivered straight into the action. Here are Heidi's top tips on where to ski the best of Austria in just a weekend.
Seefeld
If laid-back alpine terrain skiing amid bright candy-coloured Austrian architecture is your bag, Seefeld has it in spades. Full of traditional Austrian charm and just a 30min transfer from Innsbruck airport, the Tirolean village of Seefeld is Austrian skiing defined.
The small skiing area of Geigenbühel at the village centre offers relaxed, leisurely weekend skiing made for families and first-timers. Beginners can relax on the gentle slopes with stunning panoramic views, while parents can drop their kids at one of Austria’s best ski schools. For seasoned skiers, Gschwandtkopf offers wide, cruisy blues and well-groomed slopes. Meanwhile, thrill-seekers can take the scenic mountain railway to challenge the nail-biting 2000m high Rosshütte and Härmelekopf or head on Seefeld’s abundant Langlauf cross-country trails.
Looking for Christmas magic? Seefeld is ideal for short December ski weekends where New Year and Fasching celebrations occur amid the best snow cover of the season, or book late season to pick up an epic bargain away from the crowds.
Mayrhofen
The beautiful Ziller Valley ski area of Mayrhofen is split into two, with 142km of pistes shared between Ahorn and Penken. Ideal for beginners and families, Ahorn features wide, cruisy peaks and laid-back charm. Meanwhile, thrill-seekers and freestylers descend on Penken for the world-class Van Penken Snowpark and legendary Harakiri run, the steepest in Austria. Still not enough? Step on the free shuttle bus to take on the formidable 3200m Hintertux glacier, with snow-sure slopes that last until summer.
As night descends, ski straight into the party with Mayrhofen’s lively après and nightlife. We recommend planning a late-season getaway to hit the 6-day annual Snowbombing festival where bands and DJs blast the mountains with tunes that’ll have you dancing on the tables til' sun-up - Prost!
Zell am see
Zell Am See is our most popular Austria ski weekend - and it's not hard to see why. Nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps, the skiing from Zell Am See village offers laid-back fun, with nursery areas and easy-going tree-line groomers ideal for beginners and intermediates. Meanwhile, daredevils can explore the few challenging reds and blacks before catching the free shuttle bus to neighbouring Kaprun for high altitudes and off-piste runs on the epic Kitzsteinhorn glacier - a great backup plan for snow-sure cheap ski weekends in off-season.
For a true winter getaway, take to Zell Am See's cobbled medieval streets and explore chic boutiques, bars, and cafes for coffee and cocktails before embarking on a guided snowshoe hike around the lake shoreline and mountain ridges. By night, gather the group for traditional schnitzel and hearty dumplings at the local eateries, or unwind at the Tauern Thermal Spa for a captivating view of Lake Zell amid a sea of snow-dusted peaks.
Kitzbuhel
Voted the 'Best ski resort in the world' three years running, Kitzbühel (or Glitzy Kitz) is famed for its 5* hotels, World Cup races, and high-end après scene. Located amid the dramatic Austrian Alps, Kitzbühel is an idyllic chocolate-box resort perfect for advanced and intermediate skiers seeking a challenging weekend of powerful pistes.
Boarders and skiers can let loose on 230km of tree-lined valleys, wide-open summits, and two terrain parks, all connected by a modern lift system. Advanced skiers looking for thrills can hit the Resterhöhe area for high-altitude fun on fresh, crisp powder, while true daredevils can go head-to-head with The Strief for a downhill experience like no other.
For the ultimate short ski trip, we recommend booking January for snow-sure slopes and entrance to the iconic Hahnenkamm World Cup. For peaceful pistes, March offers cheaper stays and long bluebird days, giving you plenty of spare time (and cash) for a reservation at a Gault Millau-awarded restaurant - yum!
Igls
A short ski holiday and city break wrapped into one, Igls in Austria is ideal for non-skiers and families seeking a true winter escape. With quick 20min transfers from Innsbruck airport, Igls delivers you straight to the action for weekend ski breaks full of chilled-out skiing and snow-dusted fun.
A selection of smooth-flowing reds and blues alongside uncrowded nursery slopes close to the village make Igls perfect for weekend ski trips with the kids. And never fear about missing out on the white stuff, as north-facing slopes and snowmaking facilities ensure good snow from December - April. For the more experienced, tackle the Olympic downhill run or Stubai glacier for freeriding fun that'll get blood pumping.
After skiing, afternoons take the form of nail-biting toboggan rides, snowshoeing at Karwendel Nature Reserve, and ice skating and bobsledding at Olympiaworld. Or grab the panoramic tram for some laid-back retail therapy and a full-on holiday debrief at one of the hip coffee houses or Tyrolean restaurants of Innsbruck.
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