Austria, with its majestic Alps, charming villages, and world-class ski resorts, is a skier’s paradise. Renowned for its reliable snow, modern lift systems, and vibrant après-ski scene, the country offers an unparalleled winter holiday experience. A two-week ski trip in 2025 allows you to explore multiple resorts, savor Austrian cuisine, and immerse yourself in the Tyrolean culture. This comprehensive guide outlines the best destinations, activities, and tips for an unforgettable 14-day ski adventure in Austria, tailored for beginners, experts, families, and party-goers.

Why Ski in Austria?

Austria’s ski resorts combine breathtaking scenery with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Compared to France or Switzerland, Austria offers better value, with lift passes, food, and accommodations often 20% cheaper. Resorts like St. Anton, Kitzbühel, and Mayrhofen cater to all skill levels, while glacier skiing in Sölden and Hintertux ensures snow year-round. Austria’s après-ski is legendary, with slope-side bars pumping Europop and schnapps-fueled parties. Short transfer times from Innsbruck or Salzburg (1–2 hours) make it ideal for maximizing slope time. Whether you’re carving the infamous Harakiri slope or relaxing in a spa, Austria delivers a perfect blend of adventure and charm.

Week 1: St. Anton and Lech – The Arlberg Adventure

Why Start Here? The Arlberg region, home to St. Anton and Lech, boasts Austria’s largest linked ski area with 305 km of pistes and a vibrant après-ski scene.
Resorts: St. Anton (1,300–2,811 m), Lech (1,450–2,450 m)
Highlights: Kandahar couloirs, Rendl snowpark, Mooserwirt après-ski
Trip Duration: 7 days

Days 1–4: St. Anton – Powder and Party

Begin your journey in St. Anton am Arlberg, a quintessential Austrian resort known for its challenging terrain and lively nightlife. With 180 km of freeride trails and the Kandahar couloirs, St. Anton is a haven for expert skiers. Intermediates enjoy the vast blues and reds, while beginners can learn at the St. Anton Ski School, praised for its English-speaking instructors. The resort’s snowpark at Rendl is a hit for snowboarders, and off-piste skiing thrives with reliable powder from December to April.

Spend your mornings carving the Valluga’s steeps or cruising the Galzig runs. For lunch, stop at Hospiz Alm in St. Christoph for schnitzel and panoramic views. Afternoons are for après-ski at Mooserwirt or Krazy Kanguruh, where DJs and live bands create a festival-like vibe. Evenings offer dining at Museum Restaurant, housed in a 1911 ski club building, serving Tyrolean specialties like Käsespätzle. Stay at Hotel Schwarzer Adler, a family-run gem with a spa and ski-in/ski-out access, costing ~€150/night.

Non-ski activities include ice skating at the St. Anton rink or wellness at Arlberg WellCom, with saunas and pools. For a cultural touch, visit the St. Anton Museum to learn about the resort’s ski history. On Day 4, take a guided off-piste tour with Piste to Powder for €120, exploring hidden gullies with a local guide.

Pro Tip: Book lift passes early via the Ski Arlberg app for discounts, and reserve après-ski tables at Mooserwirt to secure a spot.

Days 5–7: Lech – Glamour and Groomed Pistes

On Day 5, transfer to Lech (30 minutes by bus, ~€5), a glamorous resort favored by royalty and celebrities. Lech’s 230 km of pistes, part of the Arlberg network, are ideal for intermediates, with wide, cruisy blues like the White Ring circuit. Beginners benefit from the Oberlech ski school’s gentle slopes, while experts tackle the Langen runs. Snow conditions are excellent, thanks to Lech’s 1,450 m altitude and snowmaking facilities.

Mornings are for skiing the Madloch or Zugerberg areas, with lunch at Balmalp, known for its goulash and mountain views. Après-ski in Lech is more refined—sip champagne at Hotel Gasthof Post’s bar or relax at Krone Bar. Stay at Hotel Bergkristall, a cozy chalet with half-board for €130/night. For non-skiers, try snowshoeing with a guide (€50) or visit the Huber Hus Museum for Lech’s farming heritage.

On Day 7, join a White Ring Challenge, a 22 km ski circuit connecting Lech and Zürs, offering bragging rights and stunning vistas. End your week with dinner at Schneggarei, serving modern Austrian dishes like venison with lingonberries.

Pro Tip: Rent equipment in St. Anton before heading to Lech, as rentals are cheaper there. Check snow forecasts via OnTheSnow for optimal skiing days.

Week 2: Mayrhofen and Kitzbühel – Variety and Tradition

Why Continue Here? Mayrhofen offers vibrant nightlife and challenging slopes, while Kitzbühel blends medieval charm with world-class skiing.
Resorts: Mayrhofen (630–2,500 m), Kitzbühel (800–2,000 m)
Highlights: Harakiri slope, Snowbombing festival, Hahnenkamm race legacy
Trip Duration: 7 days

Days 8–11: Mayrhofen – Thrills and Snowbombing

On Day 8, travel to Mayrhofen (2.5 hours from Lech by train via Innsbruck, ~€30). Known for its steep Harakiri slope (78% gradient), Mayrhofen is a thrill-seeker’s dream. The resort’s 240 km of pistes across Ahorn and Penken mountains cater to all levels, with leisurely blues on Ahorn and heart-pounding blacks on Penken. The Penken Park is a snowboarder’s paradise, featuring jumps and rails.

Spend mornings skiing the Vans Penken Park or the Hohe Mut run in nearby Obergurgl, ideal for intermediates. Lunch at Wirtshaus am Ahorn for Tiroler Gröstl (a potato and meat skillet). Après-ski kicks off at Pilzbar or Brück’n Stadl, with Snowbombing festival vibes in April, headlined by DJs like Fatboy Slim in 2025. Stay at Hotel Neue Post, a traditional Tyrolean hotel with a pool, costing ~€100/night. Evenings are for dining at Wirtshaus zum Griena, offering Zwiebelrostbraten (onion-crusted beef).

Non-skiers can paraglide over the Zillertal Valley (~€120) or visit the Zillertal Dairy for cheese-making tours. On Day 10, take a day trip to Hintertux Glacier (45 minutes, ~€15 by bus), Austria’s only year-round ski area, with 60 km of pistes and glacier views.

Pro Tip: Book group ski lessons (starting Sundays, ~€60 for 3 days) with Mayrhofen’s ski school for beginners or refreshers.

Days 12–14: Kitzbühel – History and Luxury

On Day 12, transfer to Kitzbühel (1.5 hours by train, ~€20), a historic resort famous for the Hahnenkamm downhill race. With 215 km of pistes and a 1,470 m vertical drop, Kitzbühel suits mixed-ability groups. The Streif run challenges experts, while Hagstein’s blues are perfect for intermediates. Beginners thrive at the KitzSki School, with dedicated nursery slopes.

Mornings are for skiing the Pengelstein or Ehrenbachhöhe areas, with lunch at Hochkitzbühel Restaurant for venison stew. Après-ski at Londoner Pub offers a lively vibe, while Streifalm provides a cozy alternative. Stay at Hotel Kaiserhof, a 4-star ski-in/ski-out property with a spa, costing ~€140/night. For non-skiers, explore Kitzbühel’s medieval town, visiting St. Catherine’s Church or the Kitzbühel Museum for alpine history.

On Day 14, join a guided Hahnenkamm Tour (~€25) to ski the iconic racecourse and learn its history. End your trip with dinner at Huberbräu Stüberl, serving Schweinsbraten (roast pork) in a traditional setting.

Pro Tip: Buy a KitzSki pass for discounts on night skiing, available on select evenings.

Beyond the Slopes: Cultural and Culinary Highlights

A two-week ski trip isn’t just about skiing—it’s a chance to dive into Austrian culture. In St. Anton, attend a Tyrolean Evening at a local Gasthof, featuring yodeling and schnapps (€30). In Lech, visit Skyspace Lech, an art installation by James Turrell, offering meditative light displays (€10). Mayrhofen’s Zillertal Beer Brewery offers tours and tastings (~€15), while Kitzbühel’s Farmers’ Market (Saturdays) showcases local cheeses and sausages.

Austrian cuisine fuels your adventure. Warm up with Wiener Schnitzel or Tafelspitz (boiled beef) at mountain huts, paired with a stein of Stiegl beer. Desserts like Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancakes) or Apfelstrudel are must-tries. Expect meals to cost €10–20 at slope-side restaurants and €20–40 in town.

Practical Tips for Your 2-Week Ski Trip

• Getting There: Fly into Innsbruck (INN, 1 hour to St. Anton) or Salzburg (SZG, 1.5 hours to Kitzbühel). Flights from London take ~2 hours. From the US, connect via Frankfurt or Munich (7–9 hours total). British citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for UK transits from January 8, 2025.
• Getting Around: Use trains (ÖBB) between resorts for €20–30 per leg. Local buses or shuttles (e.g., Contiki’s Hopfgarten shuttles) are budget-friendly.
• Accommodation: Book chalets or hotels via Skiworld or SNO for all-inclusive packages, including flights and transfers. Budget €80–150/night for mid-range; €200+ for luxury.
• Lift Passes: Expect €300–400 for a 14-day Arlberg or KitzSki pass. Discounts for children and early bookings apply.
• Ski Rentals: Rent in-resort for €100–150 for two weeks. Book via Contiki or local shops for deals.
• Lessons: Group lessons (3 days, €60) or private lessons (€50/hour) are available.
• Best Time: Mid-January to early April for fresh snow and fewer crowds. March offers warmer slopes.
• Budget: Plan €1,500–2,500 per person (excluding flights) for accommodation, passes, rentals, and meals. Austria is cheaper than France or Switzerland.
• Safety: Check Austria’s snow forecast on OnTheSnow. Wear helmets, and book guided off-piste tours for backcountry skiing. Carry cash for mountain huts, as some don’t accept cards.
• Packing: Bring layers, sunscreen, and goggles. Pack après-ski outfits for St. Anton and Mayrhofen’s nightlife.

Why Austria for a 2-Week Ski Trip?

A two-week ski trip in Austria offers unmatched variety. St. Anton and Lech deliver powder-packed thrills and après-ski energy, while Mayrhofen and Kitzbühel blend adrenaline with tradition. With 270–305 km of pistes per region, you’ll never ski the same run twice. The Skiwelt Wilder Kaiser Brixental near Mayrhofen, with 270 km of runs, is one of Europe’s largest interconnected areas. Austria’s affordability, short transfers, and cultural charm make it ideal for an extended holiday.

From dancing on tables at Mooserwirt to skiing the Hahnenkamm, your Austrian adventure will be filled with stories. Whether you’re a beginner mastering blues or an expert tackling the Streif, Austria’s resorts cater to all. Add cozy chalets, hearty cuisine, and Tyrolean hospitality, and you’ve got a trip that balances adrenaline and relaxation. Book early for 2025 deals via Ski Solutions or Contiki, and hit the slopes for a winter escape you’ll never forget.