Often, active tourists associate this small and cozy country with Viennese palace complexes, ancient parks, excellent slopes and the best ski resorts in Austria. In winter, the splendor of the republic's natural landscapes becomes even more impressive, which attracts both connoisseurs of snow-capped mountain slopes and ordinary tourists, who are uncertainly skiing, but ready to go on an exciting journey for the adrenaline and fabulous landscapes. Of all the famous resort areas of their hospitable country, Austrians often recommend a few of their favorite places. Here, foreigners will find various opportunities for an exciting and rewarding winter pastime.
Bad Gastein
The best ski resorts in Austria are extremely diverse, among them there are several places that are available primarily for wealthy vacationers due to the rather high prices for all kinds of services. One of them is Bad Gastein, also well known for its thermal springs and wellness centers. Winter gives its guests a unique opportunity to combine pleasant skiing with healthy radon baths in its own way. And for tourists on a budget, they are well suited ski resorts in Finland.
All 220 km of snow-covered slopes are filled with skiers, differently prepared for the conquest of the mountain slopes. The city cannot boast of a wide variety of entertainment venues, but everyone is well aware of the local casino and Gatz, a democratic bar where young fans of snowboard and alpine skiing prefer to have fun.
Zell am See
Thanks to the picturesque lake, the surroundings around Zell am See, a quiet old town, amaze travelers with fabulous beauty. Most of the 77 km of local trails are packed with beginners or confident skiing holidaymakers.
From this city you can quite easily and quickly get to the glacier that does not melt even in summer. As a result, skiers in these places appear not only in the winter months, but also in the off-season, as well as in the summer. Novice snowboarders and cross-country skiers are frequent visitors to Zell am See. More than 150 restaurants, bars and cafes are open for vacationers to relax after hours of skiing.
Lech
Despite the many drinking establishments, Lech, a small resort village, is unlikely to appeal to fans of noisy discos and carefree fun. This is one of the world's best ski resorts... First of all, people come here for skiing and snowboarding. Out of 55 well-equipped tracks, each guest will definitely be able to find the one that will satisfy his desires. Young travelers will not be left idle either. Separately from their parents, they have fun on a 1.2-kilometer track specially equipped for them.
A lot of passionate gourmets, not indifferent to the excellent Austrian wine and national dishes, also visit the village. In the evenings, to taste cheese fondue and drink a glass of exquisite wine, visitors gather at cozy tables in the stylish Krone Stuben, the more democratic Angelika Kauffmann or in some other restaurant.For tourists considering the best ski resorts in Austria, the rating of the village of Lech is far from the last.
Mayrhofen
Half of the 136 km of great pistes around Mayrhofen, a small Austrian village, are for those who already feel confident enough to ski but are not yet professional. There are many slopes here for those who are just beginning to show themselves in this winter entertainment. However, experts also visit this resort, which is considered a youth resort.
Mayrhofen is also famous for the White Lounge - an unusual igloo hotel, in whose icy rooms thrill-seekers tend to spend the night. But most vacationers prefer to have fun at night in the Ice Bar, famous for its relaxed atmosphere, or in some other club. In the daytime, establishments such as the White Lounge and Freiraum become magnificent viewpoints due to their location on the mountain slopes.
St. Anton
If one of the curious tourists wants to know where the first ski cubes on the European continent appeared, then it is believed that St. Anton was this place. This ski resort in Austria is now known for its challenging slopes and great learning centers for beginners and children. Most of the 305 km of local tracks have long been chosen by professionals who demonstrate unusually virtuoso skiing. If desired, everyone can travel throughout St. Anton and its environs on a sleigh pulled by fast horses.
There is also a fairly large ice skating rink in the village, which was "occupied" by teenagers and young people. After actively participating in winter activities, vacationers will enjoy getting acquainted with the taste of Austrian dishes in one of 80 restaurants. Young people dance almost until the morning in the Underground - a democratic English club. The cozy Mooserwirt, one of the most famous bars not only in St. Anton, but in the whole of Tyrol, is always overflowing with a cheerful audience. Dine or dine at Galzig Verwall, an alpine restaurant, is a gift for those looking for an observation deck to appreciate the beauty of the snow-capped peaks.
What the best ski resorts in Austria have in common
Although small towns and quiet villages in mountainous Austria are distinctive, and their inhabitants always try to emphasize this, there are still many similarities between them. This is especially true of the named places, which have become leaders in winter recreation:
- December is considered to be the beginning of the season in almost every place mentioned;
- they often stop receiving guests at the end of March;
- in every town or village, tourists will surely find many entertainment establishments, bars and restaurants;
- the cost of a weekly ski pass, which is generally available for purchase, is 295 €.
The main thing that can be found in every town or village is the friendliness of both local residents and service personnel. The high rating of Austria's ski resorts determines the popularity of the country among multinational travelers.