Often this small and cozy country is associated among active tourists 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 still uncertainly skiing, but ready for an adrenaline rush and fabulous scenery to go on an exciting journey. Of all the famous resort areas of their hospitable country, the Austrians often recommend some of their favorite places. Here, foreigners are waiting for different opportunities for an exciting and useful winter pastime.
Bad Gastein
The best ski resorts in Austria are extremely diverse, among them there are several places available primarily for wealthy vacationers because of 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. And for tourists with a limited budget, ski resorts in Finland are well suited.
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 knows the local casino and Gatz - a democratic bar where young fans of snowboarding and 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 filled 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. Among the frequent guests of Zell am See you can meet beginner snowboarders and fans of cross-country skiing. In order for vacationers to relax after hours of skiing, the doors of more than 150 restaurants, bars and cafes are open for them.
Leh
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 the sake of skiing and snowboarding. Out of 55 well-equipped tracks, each guest will surely find the one that will satisfy his desires. Young travelers will not remain idle. Separately from their parents, they have fun on a 1.2-kilometer highway specially equipped for them.
Many passionate gourmets who are not indifferent to excellent Austrian wine and national dishes also visit the village. In the evenings, to taste cheese fondue and drink a glass of fine wine, visitors gather at cozy tables in the stylish Krone Stuben, 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 last.
Mayrhofen
Half of the 136 km of magnificent slopes around Mayrhofen - a small Austrian village - is intended for those who already feel quite confident about skiing, but have not yet become professionals. There are many descents here for those who are just starting to show themselves in this winter entertainment. However, experts also look at this resort, considered a youth resort.
Mayrhofen is also famous for the White Lounge - an unusual igloo hotel, in the ice rooms of which thrill seekers seek 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 afternoon, such establishments as the White Lounge and Freiraum become excellent observation platforms due to their location on the mountain slopes.
St. Anton
If one of the curious tourists wants to find out where the first ski cubes appeared on the European continent, then it is believed that St. Anton was this place. Now this ski resort in Austria is known for its challenging slopes and excellent training centers for beginners and children. Most of the 305 km of local routes have long been chosen by professionals who demonstrate unusually virtuoso skating. If desired, anyone can ride all over St. Anton and its environs on a sleigh drawn by fast horses.
The village also has a fairly large ice rink, which was “occupied” by teenagers and youth. After taking an active part in winter activities, vacationers are happy to experience the taste of Austrian dishes in one of 80 restaurants. Young people dance almost until morning in the Underground - a democratic English club. The hall of the cozy Mooserwirt, one of the most famous bars not only of St. Anton, but of the whole Tyrol, is always crowded with cheerful audience. Lunch or dinner at Galzig Verwall, an alpine restaurant, is a gift for those looking for a viewing platform to appreciate the beauty of the snow-capped peaks.
What do 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, nevertheless, many common features can be found between them. This is especially true of the named places that have become leaders in winter recreation:
- in almost all of the places mentioned, December is considered the beginning of the season;
- often they stop receiving guests at the end of March;
- in each town or village, tourists will surely find many entertainment establishments of bars and restaurants;
- The cost of a weekly ski pass, which is universally available for purchase, is 295 €.
The main thing that can be found in every town or village is the benevolence of both local residents and staff. The high rating of ski resorts in Austria determines the country's popularity among multinational travelers.
