Ski resorts in austria. Photo resorts Kirchberg and Kitzbühel

Austria is famous all over the world for composers, beer and schnitz. But no less important fame for this small country is given by the stunning alpine ski resorts, the rumor about which flies through the entire globe. Alpine climate, snow-white slopes, amazing service - all this can be seen in Austria.

In total, there are slightly less than 400 resorts in Austria. Most skiers choose alpine places, because in this country prices are relatively lower than those of neighboring countries- France, Switzerland, Germany. And the quality in some is even better than expensive settlements.

But before choosing a resort, it is worth remembering that the alpine slopes are not for beginners, and most of them do not have “green slopes”. Of course, ski schools are present, but if you want to dash off your experience, then it is better to choose easier mountains.

Ski resorts in Austria on the map (TOP-5):

Ischgl

Now this resort is considered one of the most visited. And the statistics don't lie. They love it for its excellent slopes, because even during the thaw, skiers will not be disappointed - there are snow cannons everywhere.

Various trails are suitable for amateurs and professionals: wide plains can be found for cross-country skiing, but thrill-seekers will find bright "red" and "black" trails.

The ratio of the tracks is as follows:

• "Greens" - 0
• "Blue" - 40
• "Reds" - 80
• "Black" - 15

The total length of the tracks is 230 kilometers.

Photos of the ski resort Ischgl:

Modern lifts bring athletes in a matter of minutes. Here you can also see the first in the world two-story lift, which can accommodate up to 180 people.

Other types of lifts:

• 23 chairlifts
• 3 cabins
• 2 funiculars

Lift pass has the same price in both "high" and "low" seasons - 45 euros per day.

Read the full article about the Ischgl ski resort.

Hotels in Ischgl:

Sölden

This resort is known for hosting the first stage of the Alpine Skiing World Cup since 2002. And Sölden itself attracts tourists with a large selection of slopes and trails, of which there are 146.

In addition, there are two glaciers here - Rettenbach and Tiefenbach. On cable cars ah, you can climb to a height of 3300 meters. And also for quiet rest body and soul not far from the resort is the Aquadom health center.

Photos of the Sölden resort:

In the "high" season a ski pass per day will cost 50 euros, and in "low" 46 euros.

Prices for hotels in Sölden:

St. Anton

We can say that this is where the origins of the Austrian ski holidays begin. Back in the 30s of the last century, Hannes Schneider opened the first ski school on the site of today's resort. A little later, the neighboring village of Zurs became famous for the country's first ski lift.

The eternally snow-covered St. Anton is a very diverse place - 100 runs, 96 lifts, and some of them have warm seats. Local schools have smart and educated instructors who will teach you how to ride even from scratch. And in the settlement itself there are always types of evening and night rest.

The price of a ski pass for both seasons is 50 euro / day.

Photos of the resort St. Anton:

Hotels in St. Anton:

Saalbach-Hinterglemm

When asked what is the largest mountain arena in Austria, it is worth answering about the resort, which includes Saalbach, Hinterglemm and Leogang. They say about him that you can travel all day along the slopes and never ride the same lift.

200 kilometers of pistes are divided into:

• 29 blue
• 26 "red"
• 5 blacks.

There are no “greens” here, but professionals will fall in love with a difficult track 4 kilometers long. If the skier is still not confident in his skills, then it is advised to try the easy slopes below the forest level.

Resort photos Saalbach-Hinterglemm:

Lift pass in the "high" season will cost 47 euro / day, and at "low" 40 euros.

Hotels in Saalbach:

Kirchberg and Kitzbühel

Both resorts are located next to each other - the distance between them is only 6 kilometers. It is here that you can feel the real Tyrolean atmosphere. It is sometimes said that its name is inseparable from the concept of "skiing". But in the small Kirchberg is the famous Streif track.

There are practically no queues for the lifts here - each has about 70 lifts of different types.

Photos of the resorts Kirchberg and Kitzbühel:

A lift pass purchased from one of these resorts is valid throughout Tyrol. It will cost 47 euros in the "high" season, and 42 euros to "low".

Hotels in Kitzbühel:

Climate, weather and seasons in Austria

The Alps primarily affect the country's climate - they do not let more precipitation into the interior of the country. But on the outskirts of the mountains falls up to 3000 mm per year. But it is also never cold in the country - in winter in the capital, on average, +3, and in ski resorts it drops to a maximum of -5 degrees and a little lower at higher points.

Austrian summers are warm, sometimes even hot, but there is still no scorching sun there. Dry weather helps to weather the heat. If in winter most of the tourists rush to the mountains, then in spring and early summer it is best to visit the sights and tourist places country. People often come here to relax on the warm lakes of Carinthia.

In autumn, you can enjoy the nature of Austria and feel a real influx of inspiration to the music of Mozart. The mild weather will allow you to walk along the streets of ancient cities and not be afraid of a sudden downpour.

Accommodation and meals cost

Housing prices primarily depend on the season - from December to February and from July to August they are the highest, since the influx of tourists these days is the largest. Of course, you can find an inexpensive apartment for 35 euros per day, but there is an option and relax in a big way in a spacious cottage, the cost, respectively, will rise several times.

Also listed popular places residences are great hotels and hotels at an affordable price. In the villages of the resorts, you can always settle near the center and have access to all the entertainment within walking distance.

You don't have to worry about food - grocery stores, cafes, restaurants and bars are everywhere. The quality is great, but you have to pay for it. For lunch, you can pay 10–20 euros. The hotels most often offer a free breakfast.

Other leisure activities at the resorts

Experienced skiers can get bored with skiing all day in a row, and then they want changes and new sensations. Then there is the option to try out a snowboard by renting it; ride a snowmobile with a breeze; experience the beauty of the Alps at night while skiing after sunset.

There are cafes, bars and nightclubs in villages and nearby towns. Another good thing about Austrian resorts is that they always have a decent spa. The shops have a huge assortment of souvenirs and gifts for relatives for every taste. Sometimes there are skating rinks, and playgrounds are arranged for the smallest ones.

It is very difficult to get bored in Austria - it is diverse amazing country... Ski resorts will satisfy even the most sophisticated skier, and he will definitely want to come back here, because it is simply impossible to forget the Alps!

Most of the Austrian territory is occupied by the Alps, so the country's specialization is winter holiday was predetermined. Ski areas in Austria are dotted with small ski villages, in which an atmosphere of coziness reigns and old traditions are maintained. Thousands of small and large resorts boggle the tourist imagination.

This article opens a heading dedicated to the ski resorts of Austria. We will tell you about the most popular ski areas, look for thermal springs and places for quality family vacation... Special attention will be paid to weather and prices.

Popular ski resorts in Austria

Austria is dominated by mid-altitude ski resorts suitable for professionals and beginners alike. The highest slopes are located in the famous province of Tyrol - it is there that the "main" ski resorts of the country are concentrated.

Austria also boasts unique host areas all year round Are Bad Gastein and Zell am See. We will devote separate articles to the following regions:

• ... The jewel of the Stubai Valley, with trails geared primarily towards beginners. Nearby is a major transport hub - Innsbruck. It is through it that you have to get there.
• ... The capital of the Winter Olympics has an excellent ski infrastructure, ideally suited for professional skiers. Snowboarders will also like this picturesque place.
  An important advantage is availability international airport... we posted in a previous article.
• ... The tracks of this largest ski center Austria occupied the slopes of two mountain peaks... For beginners it is perfect place- professional ski schools, soft slopes, an abundance of equipment rental offices.
  Young people will love the abundance of nightclubs, restaurants, bars, modern discos and theatrical performances.
• ... This popular resort is located in the picturesque Otzal Valley. Snowboarders and skiers are thrilled with Sölden - the town's reputation has been built up by the two-kilometer drops that create steep slopes for the pros.

The most extensive ski area in Austria is Tyrol.

Tyrol is notable not only for its picturesque landscapes, but also for a number of elite ski resorts. Note the following:

• Seefeld;
• Innsbruck (plus its surroundings);
• Kirchberg;
• Pitztal;
• Sant Anton;
• Ischgl;
• Serfaus;
• Zillertal Valley.

Six of the best resorts in the country

Among the thousands of ski resorts in Austria, it is very problematic to single out the "best". The reason lies in the fact that the towns and villages in the ski areas are scattered very densely, and the general infrastructure is well thought out by the Austrians. Thus, our review will be reduced to a description of the most popular and revered places by skiers. Let's get started.

1. Lech... This resort belongs to the Arlberg region. You need to go here in winter, since the skiing season ends in March. You can get to Lech by bus running through Innsbruck.
   The service is extremely high and the tracks are in perfect condition. The slopes, equipped for skiers, stretch for 260 kilometers. There are gentle slopes for children.
   Snowboarders will love the halfpipe. Swimming pool, skating rink, discos, bars and restaurants - there is plenty of entertainment in Leh.
2. Ischgl... You will have to fly here in the usual way - via Innsbruck. Then - 100 km by bus (options can be a train or a rented car, you can look for a cheap car rental). Skiing in Ischgl starts in December, and the season ends in May. Ischgl is dominated by high-quality and rather difficult tracks, so experienced skiers flock here. Trails and lifts connected Ischgl with the general infrastructure of the region.
   By the way, the local routes stretch for 238 kilometers. The range of heights is 1400-2860 meters. The difficulty of the slopes is also indicated by the fact that half of the slopes are “red”, another 18% are “black”. Beginners can also try their hand here - there are specially equipped "soft" zones for them. Ischgl is well-respected by snowboarders and is a state-of-the-art platform for board aficionados.
   Weather conditions rarely fail, but if that happens, snow machines and guns come into play.
3. Kaprun... This commune, located in the state of Salzburg, is considered the center of youth fun and glamorous entertainment. The Kitzsteinhorn Glacier has quite steep slopes that attract snowboarders and skiers of all categories. Three picturesque lakes, a museum of hydroelectric power plants, national park with trails for ecotourists - all this will appeal to connoisseurs of attractions. , or at any other time of the year, truly unforgettable.
   The power plant dams can be accessed by funiculars and buses. The main feature of Kaprun is the mountain train, which runs between the city and the glacier.
   Summer in Kaprun is warm (up to 24 degrees), so the ski season ends in March.
4. Salzburg... It is a vast region with many popular ski resorts. We have already written about Kaprun. The second most popular town is the town of Saalbach. Also in the state of Salzburg are the resorts of Zell am See, Maiskogel, Bad Gastein, Obertauern, Bad Hofgastein. All of this is part of the ESP, the European Sporting Region.
5. Schladming... One of the most prestigious European resorts (top 10 world ski rating). The slopes there are equipped for both normal skiing and downhill / slalom downhill skiing. The four peaks entering the ski area are connected by lifts. There are few open areas, the slopes are predominantly wooded. The "red" class is focused on basic board and ski skills, so it will be difficult for beginners here.
   The wonderful landscapes of Schladming are complemented by excellent weather, which allows you to keep the real snow in its original form (though not everywhere).

You can ski in Saalbach from December to the end of March.

We are looking for Austrian ski resorts on the map

The listed ski resorts can be found on the map of Austria. Villages and towns are packed tightly, so that you can discover Right place it will be easy.

Ski resort for every taste

The life of Austrians is closely connected with skiing, therefore the resorts are intended for everyone who is interested in quality winter recreation.

Let's list the key areas and levels of skier training, linking them to specific resorts:

• Beginners... Feel free to go to Obertauern, Serfaus, Mayrhofen, Kaprun, Saalbach.
• Confident skiers... You will love Ischgl, Bad Gastein, St. Anton, Saalbach, Kitzbühel, Obergurgl and Galtur.
• Wealthy people... The most elite resorts are Ischgl, Lech, Seefeld, Sant Anton.
• Family holiday... Feel free to take your children to Lech, Serfaus, Kitzbühel, Mayrhofen, Zell am See, Saalbach-Hinterglemm.
• Snowboarders... Sölden, Ischgl, Hintertux, Zillertal, Saalbach will suit you.
• Cross-country skiing... The best cross-country skiing sites are located in the vicinity of Kaprun, Innsbruck, Schladming, Mayrhofen, Zell am See, Saalbach.

Where to go for a beginner skier

We have already written about the friendly tracks of Kaprun and Mayrhofen. Now we have to go to the border area between Vorarlberg and Tyrol - this is where the magnificent Saalbach is stretched. To get here, you need to travel through Salzburg, from which Saalbach is 90 kilometers away. Buses run regularly between the two cities.

Here are the main benefits of the resort:

• 200 tracks of all difficulty levels;
• an abundance of snowboard and ski schools;
• the presence of entertainment facilities with live music;
• bowling alley;
• pool;
• excellent weather conditions.

Also worth paying attention to is Obertauern. "Upper Tower" - this is how the Austrians called the resort, covered with fluffy snow up to the ears. The weather allows skiing here until April. Excellent service combined with reasonable (for an elite resort) prices.

Thermal springs and recreation with children

For those looking to combine skiing with wellness treatments, we recommend visiting the thermal springs. They are concentrated in the following places:

• Burgenland;
• Tyrol;
• Styria;
• Salzburg.

Also pay attention to Upper Austria, where the imperial baths of Bad Ischl are located.

As for Salzburg, here you can enjoy relaxation in the thermal baths, and at the same time visit the spa. The most popular resort in these lands is Gastein.

Lech and Zell am See are ideal for families. You need to go to Lech via Innsbruck. This is a prestigious resort that not everyone can afford.
Among the undeniable advantages are a wide selection of slopes, "soft" slopes and respected ski schools.

The town of Zell am See, nestled on the coast of the picturesque mountain lake... The abundance of short descents will allow children to hone the skills acquired in the lessons with the instructor.

Additional benefits of the resort include:

• kindergartens;
• torchlight processions;
• carnivals;
• medieval architecture;
• natural half-pipe;
• four snowboard parks.

Price panorama

It is rather difficult to calculate the cost of travel to each of the resorts we have described. The budget will depend on the chosen hotel, room, mode of travel (train, plane, personal / rented car) and the number of days of your vacation. Therefore, we will focus on prices related to package tours and ski passes:

• Sant Anton - from 50 euros (day ski pass);
• Ischgl - from 45;
• Serfaus - from 41;
• Saalbach-Hinterglemm - from 40;
• Kitzbuehel - from 42;
• Kirchberg - from 42;
• Innsbruck - from 30;
• Montafon - from 27.

On average, about a thousand dollars per person per week (if you select a package tour). The price will include accommodation, airfare, insurance and visa.

Here are specific examples of package ski tours:

• Lech - 950 dollars / week (a six-day ski pass will cost 214 "green");
• Sant Anton - 1000 (plus $ 193 for a six-day ski pass);
• Saalbach-Hinterglemm - 700 (plus $ 164 for a ski pass);
• Mayerhofen - 900 (for a six-day ski pass you will pay another 164);
• Kitzbühel - 700-900 (and 180 for a ski pass).

By the way, you can go to the same Mayerhofen on your own, pick up a tiny inexpensive hotel and decently relax for a week for 400-500 euros. The resort is year-round - you can go there in the height of summer and enjoy skiing. But Ishtl is significantly more expensive - the minimum budget that you have to lay down for a week is 1000 euros.

Summing up, we note that Austria in winter is to the liking of both seasoned professionals and novice skiers. Many resorts are adapted for children, so it is quite possible to "come off" with the whole family. The main thing is to know what you want and how much you are willing to spend.

When it comes to a trip to Austria, you think about the weather at the last moment, because against the backdrop of unique attractions, neither rain nor heat will spoil the mood. Austria is such a unique tourist destination that there is definitely something to do here in any month of the year. The main thing is to choose the right direction.

Climatic zones of Austria

Austria has an advantageous geographical position being relatively close to Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, and due to the significant difference in altitude, there are three climatic zones in the country:

• continental climate. It predominates in the eastern region of the country. It is not too rainy here (the level of precipitation rarely exceeds 800 mm per year), and the summer is hot and long. In this case, the daily difference can be quite significant;
• alpine region. The mountainous climate is characterized by long winters and short summers, as well as a large amount of precipitation;
• central region. This territory is characterized by a moderately humid climate, typical for most of the countries of Europe.

Tourist seasons in Austria

Austria attracts tourists all year round: ski resorts, imperial palaces, balls and receptions - thanks to all this, the flow of tourists does not decrease either in winter or in summer.

When planning a trip to Austria, be guided by what exactly attracts you in this country:

excursions. Austria is a country with a very rich history; dozens of composers, artists, poets lived and worked here. Especially rich cultural heritage have Vienna, Salzburg, Baden, Graz... To ensure that nothing interferes with sightseeing, you need to choose a time when there is no heat, but at the same time the risk of getting wet in the rain is minimal. The best time for cultural recreation it is the end of spring and the beginning of autumn;

beach vacation. The swimming season in Austria is not too long, so it is worth going to swim in the mountain lakes in July-August. At this time, the water warms up to 20-23 ° C;

ski vacation. Many well-equipped tracks - business card mountain austria... There are many schools here where instructors will help both children and adults master skiing and snowboarding skills. Some resorts are located in the permafrost zone, but mostly skiing is possible from the beginning of December to the end of March;

recovery. Austria is known for its spa resorts ( Baden, Bad Gastein, Salzkammerung, Bad Hall and others). Thanks to mineral waters and hot springs (the temperature of some waters reaches 60 ° C) effectively treat diseases of the digestive, cardiovascular, respiratory system, musculoskeletal system). The best time for SPA treatments is early spring and late fall;

shopping. If you are attracted by fashionable clothes at affordable prices, then a trip to Austria for the sales season will be an excellent solution. Summer collections in shopping centers on low prices are implemented from the end of July, winter - from the end of December. Collections from previous years can be purchased at a discount throughout the year;

balls. Balls in the 19th century style are the hallmark of Vienna. Tickets for such receptions should be purchased at least six months in advance. Most of the balls are organized in the Hofburg, Schönbrunn Palace and in Vienna Opera... The ball season lasts from New Year to Easter;

festivals. Event life in Austria is very rich, so you can get to any holiday at any time of the year. In addition to national holidays, there are local celebrations that are organized in a particular city or village. Many rural holidays with pagan roots have survived in Austria. Those who came to this country in December should visit the Christkindlmarkt - the Christmas market. The Mozart Festival is held in January. In spring, the most striking events are the religious processions in the towns of Traunkirchen and Hallstatt. In the summer, most of all festivals are held: the opera and theater festival in June, jazz in July, classical music in late July-early August, and so on. Harvest festivals are popular in autumn (for example, Kurbisfest - the pumpkin festival). In addition, there are festivals of electronic music in Linz, operetta in Baden, avant-garde in Graz and so on.

What clothes to take with you

When going on a trip, remember that in Austria it is quite rare to have extreme temperature changes, so you do not have to take your entire wardrobe with you. At the same time, in this country, as in all of Europe, no one especially looks at appearance others. Dressy clothes are necessary only if you plan to visit a theater or an expensive restaurant.

For a summer trip, a few T-shirts or blouses and shorts and skirts will suffice. In case of a cold snap, bring a pair of jeans and a long sleeve sweater. Don't forget a hat or cap.

Be sure to bring comfortable shoes with you, as you will have to walk a lot on this trip. Also, in most cities historical Center is paved with cobblestones, so flat sandals or sports slippers are the best choice.

In the summer, be sure to take your sunglasses with you, and in the off-season it is better not to go out without an umbrella.

Austria Monthly Weather

January

Snow cover has already formed in the mountainous regions of Austria in January. At the same time, the temperature here is quite comfortable for walking in the region of -7 ° C. Sometimes the temperature drops to -15 ° C, but thanks to the fairly dry air, the strong cold is not felt.

Near the lakes, the climate seems colder due to the increased air humidity, while in cities, the temperature is traditionally slightly higher and fluctuates around 0 ° C.

February

Temperatures in February can fluctuate quite a bit. If at the beginning of the month frost at -5-8 ° C is considered normal, then at the end of the month warming to above-zero temperatures is possible. Despite the constantly increasing number of sunny days, it is still quite frosty in Austria, so be sure to take a hat and mittens with you.

Important! At the same time, keep in mind that when you rise every hundred meters, the temperature drops by about half a degree, so at a high mountain resorts even at the end of the month, winter is still in full swing.

March

Temperatures in the first month of spring can vary widely from region to region. If in Vienna the temperature already rises to + 10 ° C, then in the mountainous regions there is still snow cover, the weather is ideal for skiing and snowboarding.

Important! Due to the constantly rising temperatures and the warm wind, which is called foehn here, the danger of avalanches increases, and therefore you should pay particular attention to the weather forecast.

April

April is a turning point when winter finally recedes. Strong but warm winds blow at this time. The average daily temperature already reaches 10-12 ° C. At the end of April in Vienna, the weather is already becoming truly summer, and the air temperature can reach 20-22 ° C.

Cloudy days are rare and fog can sometimes appear.

May

Sunny and warm days prevail in May. The average daytime temperature is 17-20 ° C, while at night the thermometer rarely drops below 7-10 ° C.

You can still find snow in the high-mountain resorts, but the ski season is actually over.

Important! Due to the unstable temperature, you need to take both summer and warm clothes with you.

June

In June, the weather in Austria is ideal for walking, and therefore the main influx of tourists falls on this month. June is the most comfortable month in terms of temperature, as a rule at this time in most places in Austria 19-24 ° C.

Rainfall in June is very rare, although sometimes cloudy days are. The wind is generally very light.

The water in the lakes is already warming up quite well, so the "hot" season begins in the resorts.

July

July - high holiday season... This time is ideal for relaxing on the shores of mountain lakes and walking along alpine paths. The temperature in the mountains in the region of 25 ° C makes the stay in the mountain resorts ideal.

The wind is very light, cloudy days are rare.

August

The weather in August can be quite different depending on the region. average temperature air is about 27 ° C. In Vienna and other lowland cities, temperatures can reach 30-33 ° C, which makes walks and excursions tiring. For this reason, this month's vacation is worth spending in the cooler mountain regions.

September

September is great for hiking on the main attractions of the country. At this time it is still warm, but not hot already. It is generally sunny in September, although a few days can be rainy.

The lake water is already too cold for most vacationers, so bathing season can already be considered closed.

Important! When traveling to Austria in September, do not forget with you an umbrella, closed shoes and a warm jacket.

October

In October, rain is frequent. The temperature on the plains is quite high (up to 18-20 ° C), but in the mountains it can already be cool, and in the morning there are sometimes frosts.

At the end of October, ski resorts located on the glaciers are already starting to work.

November

November is one of the most unpredictable months of the year. Sometimes the temperature rises to 10-15 ° С, but mostly the thermometer does not cross the 5 ° С mark. Frosts are possible at night.

The sky is almost always overcast, it often rains or sleeps.

The wardrobe depends on where exactly the trip is planned, but warm shoes, gloves and an umbrella should in any case be in the wardrobe.

December

In December, the influx of tourists increases again, attracted by Christmas markets and festivals. For a comfortable walk along the elegant streets, take warm clothes, a hat and mittens with you.

In the mountains, the weather is even colder, so it is better to take as many warm pants and sweaters as possible.

Weather in cities and resorts by months

Vein

Graz

Salzburg

Austria - this is, first of all, alpine skiing and snowboarding... The country traditionally ranks first in terms of attendance by Russian skiers.

Why ski Austria so popular?

• a huge selection of ski areas;
• great attention to skiers of different skill levels;
• excellent ski schools;
• modern, constantly updated infrastructure of the resorts;
• perfectly prepared slopes;
• first-class hotels with a homely atmosphere;
• reasonable pricing policy in restaurants, equipment rental shops and hotels;
• numerous opportunities for après-ski holidays.

Cozy mountain huts and farmsteads, alpine glaciers and meadows create a wonderful backdrop for skiing and snowboarding!

When is the best time to go to Austria?

The best time for a ski holiday is Catholic Christmas and New Year's week, from the second week of February to mid-March. The first week of January during the period of Orthodox Christmas and Russian children's school holidays- traditionally the most convenient time for Russian skiers to rest.

What do you need to be prepared for?

In hotels: One of the attractions of Austrian hotels is that after the reception is closed, the front door can only be opened with the key to your room.
Solution: take your keys with you if you go for a walk in the evening.

In the offices for the rental of ski equipment: there are very few basic equipment models (the cheapest according to price lists). And "top-end" equipment is 1.5-2 times more expensive.
Solution: take skis with you or book in advance (better by e-mail, phone orders are often lost).

With credit cards: the vast majority of restaurants, hotels and even ski pass sales points do not accept credit cards.
Solution: have with you the necessary supply of cash.

The language barrier: service workers (hotels, restaurants) usually own English language... But taxi drivers, bus drivers, employees of many municipal services, as well as owners of private boarding houses, communicate exclusively in German.
Solution: learn a few common phrases in German... Our phrasebook will help you with this.

Alpine skiing in Austria is the best service in the world and maximum adrenaline!

Austrian alps

The Austrian Alps, besides the pre-Alpine hills in the East, include three main mountain ranges: the Northern Limestone Alps (SIA), the High Alps (VA) and the Southern Limestone Alps (JIA). SIA have many natural valleys, which have sheltered such creations of human hands as, and. BA start from the Oetztal valley (,) and stretch through to and. VA have several comfortable passes, and car roads Brennerpass and Grossglockner-Hochalpenstrasse are perhaps the most famous complex combinations of tunnels, bridges and fantastic landscapes in Europe. JIA is the natural border of Austria with Italy and Slovenia.

The Austrian Alps are lower than the neighboring Western Italian, Swiss and French, but the special climatic conditions associated with high natural humidity and a more northerly (relative to neighbors) position of the country, while observing the low temperatures set for winter by the heavenly office, pleases with the exceptional quality of snow, especially in high-mountain resorts.

Home of modern alpine skiing

The name of Austria is forever associated with modern ski technology. As you know, until the end of the century before last, the main skiing technique was the Scandinavian Telemark (refined style, striking in its originality and unexpected grace on modern slopes, just like some old-timer convertible on modern highways!). This retro style was based on the use of bindings not unlike cross-country ski bindings. At the beginning of the last century, Austrian Hannes Schneider radically fixed the skier's heel, using the "snow plow" technique, which allows constant pressure control on the entire sliding surface. The popularization of the new method deserves special mention: in addition to organizing competitions that attracted the attention of professionals to the new technique, Schneider also used cinematography, which was still young at that time, to spread his school among amateurs. And already in the 30s, after the move of H. Schneider's school to the USA, the new technique received almost worldwide distribution.

Seasonality

High Season: Catholic Christmas and New Years Week (December 22 - January 02) and from the second week of February to mid-March. The first week of January during the period of Orthodox Christmas and Russian children's school holidays is traditionally the most convenient time for Russian skiers to relax.

Low season: from the beginning of December to Christmas, mid-January (13.01 to 27.01), from the end of March to the end of April.

Visa

On December 1, 1997, the Republic of Austria joined the Schengen area.
The deadline for applying for a visa is 10 days before the start of the trip (in high season - 2-3 weeks)
The visa processing time is 7 calendar days (in high season - up to 14 working days).

Documents required for contacting the Embassy of the Republic of Austria in Moscow:

Foreign passport, which expires no earlier than 3 months after the end of the trip,

• 1 completed application form,

  Certificate from the place of work indicating the annual income,

  Medical insurance against an accident, valid in the territory of the Schengen countries during the trip,

  Invitation from the host (hotel),

  Airline tickets (or printout of airline tickets).

  48 EUR for self-submission of documents, 60 EUR for submission of documents through a travel agency

Dialing codes

Austria (from Moscow): 8-10-43- [area code] - subscriber's number.
Austria (to Moscow, from any phone): 007- [city code in Russia (Moscow - 495) or mobile network code] - [subscriber number].
Austria. Vienna (from Moscow): 8-10-43-1- [subscriber number]
Austria. Salzburg (from Moscow): 8-10-43-662- [subscriber number]
Austria. Innsbruck (from Moscow): 8-10-43-512- [subscriber number].

Features of the Austrian service

Hotels. One of the attractions of Austrian hotels is that after the reception is closed, the front door can only be opened with the key to your room ... Do not forget to take your keys with you if you go for a walk in the evening. Saunas. The Austrians know and love the bathhouse no less than the Russians. Steaming (for hygienic reasons) is customary here not with brooms, but with towels. Real virtuosos of their craft - local bath attendants (bademeister's) - have deep traditions of steaming and a dry Finnish sauna or cool Roman sanariums are also not understood, as we do. However, there are almost no chances to “meet” a real bather in a hotel sauna: the “soaring” ritual (Aufguss) is most often performed on a schedule in the “public” saunas of spa water-thermal complexes and consists of 2 (according to the public's mood - 3 x) flavored sacrifices. It is customary to go to public saunas "without cover", and this rule is neither in Austria nor in Germany subject to discussion and has no exceptions.

Ski equipment rental offices. There are two main problems. The first is that there are very few basic models (the cheapest according to price lists). And "top-end" equipment is 1.5-2 times more expensive. There are two options for solving the problem: 1) take your skis with you, 2) book in advance (preferably by e-mail, phone orders are usually lost). The second problem is drying the boots. The problem is painful in the literal sense of the word. Therefore, even if you go to the mountains once a year, have your own ski shoes.

Credit cards. Many restaurants, hotels and even ski pass sales points do not accept credit cards. Have the necessary cash with you. Recall that the most favorable exchange rate for rubles and dollars for euros is in Moscow.

The language barrier. Service workers (hotels, restaurants) usually speak English. But taxi drivers, bus drivers, employees of many municipal services, as well as owners of private guesthouses, use exclusively German to exchange information with the outside world.

Some aspects of selection Austrian resorts for this guide

Our survey of Austrian ski resorts did not include more than 50 ski regions. In addition to objective reasons (small ski area and modest infrastructure and low attractiveness in order to specially fly across half of Europe), we would like to note some subjective points that prevent us from including even those resorts that, according to objective indicators, could be included.

Montfon / Montafon(skiing area from 650 m to 2,300 m, the length of the tracks - 203 km). Montafon is picturesquely located in the western part of Vorarlberg and this is where some of the Swiss ski touring routes end. However, the diminutiveness and "sleepiness" of the resorts included in the region, combined with the fragmentation of ski areas (2 km + 26 km + 5 km + 46 km + 3 km, etc.), forcing the use of ski buses, are a sufficient reason, to visit the typologically similar, but better located Sportwelt Amade (Flachau or Wagrain) or Gasteinertal (Bad Gastein or Bad Hofgastein), not to mention SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser (Hopfgarten or Zell) or Kitzbühel.

Nauders(skiing area from 1400 m to 2850 m, the length of the tracks - 111 km). This no less picturesque resort is a place of real tourist pilgrimage, but ... summer period! If for a summer relaxing holiday in the mountains is very mediocre ski infrastructure, run-of-the-mill hotels and a poorly developed evening entertainment industry are not a hindrance, then in winter these shortcomings take on serious importance. For comparison, we can cite the bare facts: 55 km of slopes in Kaprun (ESR) are served by 28 lifts, and in Nauders 66 km of tracks are served by only 14, that is, there are 4.7 km of slopes for 1 lift, and 1.96 km in Kaprun. ... And if we take into account that the number of guests in Kaprun and in Nauders does not differ by an order of magnitude (5,500 people and 4,011 people, respectively), then it becomes obvious that the lifts in Nauders are overloaded in comparison with Kaprun. The remoteness of the hotels from the ski lifts completes a number of subjective arguments "against".

Regarding the small glacial zones presented in our guide, we would like to note that the value of the resorts offering guaranteed snow, even from the point of view of common sense, should not be questioned. For this simple reason, we have tried to include in "our program" all the main glacial ski areas. Only the Kaunertal glacier remained outside the framework (skiing zone from 2,150 m to 2,330 m, the length of the tracks is 38 km), which is only 26 km from (Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis) and, by and large, does not need a separate detailed representation.

When it comes to winter holidays, Austria should be given special attention. Most of the country is occupied by the Alps. This means that there are all conditions for have a nice rest... Austria is a large ski region, which is famous throughout the world for its hospitality. There are about 800 ski resorts in the country. So, today we will try to consider a holiday in Austria in winter 2019 - which ski resort to choose?

Austria, or the Austrian Republic, is located in Central Europe... The capital is Vienna. The richest history the region includes the influence of civilizations such as Roman, Celtic, Bavarians, Franks. Austria has experienced many internal wars - wars for power in the regions or for the independence of regions, and many external invasions. She was part of such states as the Holy Roman Empire, Austria-Hungary. Very, very many dynasties were directly associated with this country or ruled over it. The country itself at one time was an aggressor and waged wars of conquest, however, as all countries acted at that time, but by now it has calmed down: now Austria's policy is mainly aimed at the peace and comfort of its citizens, economic development.

Geographically, for this article dedicated to the ski resorts of a beautiful country, it matters that Austria is 70% covered with mountains. Average height in the country - almost a kilometer above sea level. Alps of North Tyrol, Salzburg Alps, Carnic Alps ... many alpine regions belong to this country, which means that there is the possibility of organizing wonderful resorts, which have now reached almost perfection.

The climate is temperate with a continental bias. Everything strongly depends on the season and altitude, in the valleys of Austria it is quite warm, in the mountains there is a different climate. Ski season in Austria, it usually begins in November, its height is December, January, February, and it ends at the end of March.

Security

Austria is a great country for families and for novice travelers (as well as for everyone else) because safety in the country is one of the priorities. Tourists are highly respected and appreciated in Austria. The crime rate in the country is low, all the more this applies to ski resorts, which are mostly visited not by adventurers, but by respectable and purposeful travelers.

The main rule in the ski resorts of Austria is to comply with all safety rules in the mountains. The mountains are majestic, but you should not joke with them, overestimate your strength or show an inappropriate inclination to adventure. You should definitely understand in advance how and what works at the resort, work with an instructor, choose and put on equipment correctly, choose tracks based on your level of sports training. In no case should you go in for sports in the mountains while drunk or being sick, weakened. It is important to keep an eye on the younger members of your family or travel group.

Visa for Russians

Russians need a Schengen visa to visit Austria. A package of documents is being prepared, medical insurance is drawn up, the financial condition of tourists is carefully indicated, tickets and booking confirmation are attached, fingerprints are taken. The main thing is to fill in all the documents correctly. Austrians willingly give visas within a week or a couple of weeks to those who have good intentions and confirm them when applying for a visa.

Ski resorts in Austria: what is special about them?

In general, Austria and alpine skiing are almost synonymous. It is one of the most developed countries for winter sports. It has all the geographical conditions and a truly European level of comfort, as well as an excellent attitude towards tourists. Most resorts also have something to do in isolation from skiing, which will be a great option for a day away from sports, and also suitable for travelers whose family members do not like sports.

The variety and excellent condition of the slopes of Austria is the main plus of the Austrian ski resorts. The slopes are steep and gentle, for beginners, taking a walk, and professional fans of turns. The Austrians constantly monitor the condition of the tracks, the staff constantly maintains an even snow cover.

Some resorts are combined into large zones: you can buy a pass for five resorts at once, so the variety of tracks will be simply huge. Well, as for apreska (a holiday from a ski holiday) - in Austria, in the Alps, there are the best clubs, and a wonderful selection of food and drinks, and shopping areas. In general, the only disadvantage of the ski resorts in this country is that they are really not cheap. There are more luxurious and more budgetary resorts, but in general Austrian prices are quite high. But according to the above - it is clear: there is something to pay for!

Ischgl

The Ischgl ski resort is located in Tyrol. The nearest airport is in Innsbruck. It is part of the Silvretta ski area and is recognized as the most the best resort Austria. Ischgl ranks fourth in popularity in Europe.

The resort has a lot of power - there is everything for winter sports in the best conditions. The length of all trails is 200 kilometers. They are adapted for both beginners and professionals. For fans of thrills, virgin tracks are the best choice. The resort has ski areas with and without forest. There are only no risky steep descents.

Most of the tracks in Ischgl are red and black.

Ischgl hotels are the best in the Alps. Five-star establishments are gorgeous here. But there is something to choose for those who are counting on the average price category. There are enough three-star hotels, but very few budget ones. A separate feature of Ischgl is its multi-level structure, some hotels are connected to lifts using escalators underground.

The resort has several different types of lifts. With their help, tourists will be able to get anywhere in Ischgl. In addition to trails, vacationers can visit the water park, saunas, bowling, Turkish bath and much more. The restaurants and bars have a large selection of drinks and various dishes... Snowboarders will also like Ischgl, as there is a whole entertainment area for them with 30 obstacles. It is easy to get from Ischgl to Switzerland with a visa - there is an excellent duty-free zone for shopaholics in the small village of Samnaun.

Bad Gastein

Bad Gastein is located in the Gasteinertal valley. Several villages are located near the resort. This will allow every vacationer to find the most suitable option for himself. The resort is famous for its radon springs, which have healing properties. At the beginning of the last century, Bad Gastein was recognized as the main health resort in Austria. This is the main advantage of the resort - the ability to combine leisure and treatment. In the very center of the town there is even a waterfall, and also pools with thermal water, saunas, spa programs.

The ski slopes are equipped with everything necessary to create optimal conditions for a normal rest. Skiers will not be bored here. High-quality instructional schools, cross-country skiing trails, numerous slopes, swimming pools and much more await every vacationer. Almost all tracks lead directly to settlements... Therefore, the entertainment can be started immediately after crossing the threshold of the house. The resort has 3 toboggan runs.

In addition to treatment and sports, this resort has a lot of entertainment: casinos, bowling, many nightlife, amusement parks for young travelers. The downside of Bad Gastein is its really high cost.

Innsbruck

Is an famous resort: It even hosted both the Olympic and Paralympic Games. It includes several different resorts, excellent infrastructure and an extremely pleasant and calm atmosphere.

The total length of the tracks is over 300 kilometers. In total, there are 9 different resorts near the city, very close to them, maximum - an hour. Ski resorts offer, in fact, skiing, mountaineering, hiking.

The slopes of the Innsbruck resorts are suitable for athletes of all skill levels, from green to black. The resorts of Patcherkofel and Muterer Alm have very easy trails suitable for children. You can also go sledging. And experienced skiers will pay attention to Akzamer-Lizum.

The big plus of Innsbruck is that you can combine a ski vacation here with sightseeing of many attractions: temples, palaces, museums, lots of entertainment for children, a great solution would be to celebrate New Year or Christmas in Innsbruck.

Mayrhofen

The resort is located in the Zillertal valley. The peculiarities of the resort are its relative - in comparison with many other Austrian - affordability, focus on family entertainment, many ski schools. You can even go to Mayrhofen with little ones, because the resort is located about 600 meters above sea level.

Near the resort are the villages of Hippach, Ramsau, Finkenberg. They are even more relaxed than Mayrhoffen, where there are parties. The villages will be a wonderful place for cross-country skiers. Snowboard lovers can go to a special park, which has its own lift, areas for athletes of any level, and many jumps.

The resort has a lot of blue gentle slopes (Ahorn zone), on the other hand, and professionals have a place to ride (the country's steepest track in the Penken zone). Ski basses are quite accessible here and often run to the bottom of the cable cars from anywhere in the resort. Mayrhofen also has the longest cable car.

Staying in Mayrhofen can be quite inexpensive, as mentioned. There are a large number of middle-income family-oriented boarding houses. The guest house can be booked for 3500 rubles per day.

Despite the availability, shopping is very developed in Mayrhofen. There is a farmer's market in the town - if you live in an apartment, cook for yourself, you can easily get the freshest delicacies of Tyrolean cuisine there: sausages, mulled wine, strudel. At Christmas, a large bazaar begins at the resort, one of the most interesting in Austria in general. You can bring a gift from the resort with you for every taste - from exquisite Swarovski products to a traditional Tyrolean blouse made of natural fabric, from chocolate to Nutcracker dolls.

Kaprun and Zell am See

Kaprun is located near the glacier of the same name, where you can ski throughout the year. This is a great resort for those who have just started to join the world. alpine skiing... The hotels are located close to the highways, so the travel time is short.

A special feature of the Kaprun resort is the mountain train, which takes athletes from the city directly to the glacier. The trails are intended mainly for beginners and amateurs. Near the resort there is a real medieval castle, a small church and a lake.

The disadvantages of the resort include the fact that it is not large, but you can go to neighboring Zell am See. Zell am See is part of the European Union united with Kaprun sports region... It is suitable for intermediate athletes.

The peculiarity of the resort can be considered that the slopes of varying difficulty are located in different places, it is impossible to confuse and interfere with someone. There are many hotels in Zell am See for all tastes, except perhaps the most budget ones. The local lake hosts evenings with Austrian music, and Salzburg is also nearby with many attractions.

Summing up, there are a lot of resorts in Austria. The article describes only the most popular or interesting ones, it is impossible to tell about all of them. But if you value a high-quality ski vacation, and even want a unique combination of tradition and modernity, aesthetics of nature and human creations, you should definitely go on a ski vacation in Austria in 2019, no matter which resort you choose.