This year The discussion is particularly controversial: In view of the exploding energy costs and the resulting average ten percent increase in ticket prices, the question arises as to whether skiing has finally become a luxury sport? Nevertheless: Despite high prices, skiing holidays are still a fixture for many Austrians. This is also thanks to small and affordable ski areas that specialize in families. And the large ski associations also increasingly have special offers in their programs. Nothing should stand in the way of a successful ski holiday with the family. The lifts in the more than 200 Austrian ski areas are generally top-notch anyway, and the surrounding facilities, from cross-country ski runs and winter hiking trails to hotels and huts, are also impressive. Especially in international comparison.
Wide range of products. "In Austria, there is something to suit every budget - and it is the overall package of price and performance as well as comfort and cuisine that makes our ski resorts so attractive and popular," says former tourism chairwoman Petra Nocker-Schwarzenbacher. The Salzburg hotelier - herself an enthusiastic skier and ski tourer - never tires of promoting the advantages of the local winter offer: "In addition to skiing, wellness and relaxation as well as activities such as winter hiking, tobogganing, ice or cross-country skiing are playing an increasingly important role, and there is a wide and high-quality range of products here too." The Austrian Tourist Board also sees it this way: despite the current economically challenging situation and global travel opportunities, people are longing for activities in the snow and in the mountains. And Austria not only has the right offer for every budget, it is also the diverse activities away from the slopes - keyword relaxation in the snow - that make a winter holiday with us so special. ÖW boss Astrid Steharnig-Staudinger speaks of “quality time, Austrian style” and a still “very good price-performance ratio”.
Holidaymakers, in turn, find a wide range of options in Austria - "from 'low budget' to luxury ski resorts," says State Secretary for Tourism Susanne Kraus-Winkler. Accommodation is also available in all price categories, from private rooms to four- and five-star hotels. Austria also has the image "that we can always offer guaranteed snow."
According to Franz Hörl, chairman of the cable car association, the most important things for guests are the snow guarantee, the slopes being in the best possible condition and the size of the ski area. However, this differs depending on the target group: for some, size is important because of the variety and choice, while for families, smaller, more manageable ski areas are becoming increasingly popular, according to the general consensus. Given the very high standard of offering, skiing in Austria is still cheap compared to European and global competitors, says Hörl, who owns a hotel in Gerlos and is the largest shareholder in the local cable cars: "You also have to consider the comfort that the Austrian cable cars offer." Christoph Eisinger, head of the 760-kilometer-long Ski amadé, the largest Austrian ski association, also says that "the price of skiing is justified in view of the value for a special experience." Guests still get a lot for their money, great slopes and rustic, not overpriced huts. Nevertheless, on average, the cost of a ski holiday has risen above the rate of inflation over the past three decades. "While household incomes have doubled in the three decades, lift prices in the upscale ski resorts have risen by two and a half times - and hotel prices even more," says leisure and tourism researcher Peter Zellmann. While the cable car operators argue that the costs for personnel, construction, energy and investments of more than 500 million euros in infrastructure improvements have risen dramatically, this is of course irrelevant for the average guest: winter holidays are not a cheap pleasure. "But it has always been like this," says Zellmann: "The top third of the population has always gone on ski holidays and still does today. They don't care about the price because they can afford it."
Better offer. Zellmann also puts the increased price level into perspective: "The lift prices are higher, but the range of cable cars is much better today. This can no longer be compared with the 1970s or 1980s." Nevertheless, the general feeling among large sections of the population that skiing has become too expensive is also reflected in the fact that the number of skiers has decreased overall: 25 years ago, 60 percent of Austrians were on the slopes, but now it is only 40 percent - and the trend is continuing to decline. But there are also climatic, demographic, zeitgeist and political reasons for this. Nevertheless, despite rising prices, skiing and winter holidays remain a fixed point for many Austrians.
Many initiativesThis development is no coincidence, however. Whether large or small, ski areas have come up with more and more ideas in recent years to remain attractive. This starts with ever larger ticket associations and area mergers that hope to succeed with gigantomania, and extends to special offers such as early bird skiing or yoga in the snow, e.g. in Gastein. Differentiation and variety of offers are the order of the day - always with the threat of price criticism from critics breathing down their necks. "For many people, skiing is a way to balance out their everyday life, which is why guests' enjoyment of winter sports should not be spoiled," emphasises Ski amadé boss Eisinger. A lot is therefore being done "so that families can afford to ski": for example, through the Ski amadé Friends Club, which offers many discounts, a loyalty bonus for regular guests, the Junior Weekend Bonus, where children up to 15 can ski for 24 euros at the weekend and teenagers for 36 euros per day, or the Easter family campaign. Children up to 15 years old ski for free if at least one parent buys a 6-day ski pass. And there is also a family bonus where the third child or all others ski for free. There is also a special offer week for children in all five Ski amadé regions. The "Mini's Week" is intended for families with small children, includes an extensive program from the ski schools and can be booked between January 13 and 27, 2024. The offer costs only 164 euros* per child and includes seven nights in the parents' room, a children's ski course, children's ski rental and the children's ski pass. Depending on the region and ski school, the ski courses take place either 3 x 4 hours or 5 x 2 hours.
Pitztal, on the other hand, is introducing a new young family ski pass this winter, which costs from 145 euros for a 3-day ski pass, or from 265 euros for a 6-day ski pass, depending on the season. And families staying in Pitztal can also take advantage of the offer of free children's ski courses for children under 6 on selected dates. In the Karwendel Silver Region, children between the ages of four and twelve receive a free ski course for bookings of seven nights or more, and a similar offer is also available for returning skiers aged 50 and over. Some areas offer special ladies' weeks; others, such as Nassfeld in Carinthia, offer 4=3 promotions. Most have special weekly offers for certain times outside of holiday periods. For example, in the Bregenzerwald, a four-day ski course and six-day lift passes are included in the price of the overnight stay for children between the ages of three and six in one week in January and two weeks in March. This requires a seven-night stay accompanied by at least one adult. And in the Tyrolean, East Tyrolean and Carinthian Ski Hit areas of the Schultz Group, children up to six years of age ski for free and kids and teens between six and 18 years of age receive a 50 percent discount.
The small ski areas can generally boast fewer kilometres of pistes; however, they score points with cheaper fares, which have often only been increased slightly – and the medium-sized Kasberg in Upper Austria has dispensed with them altogether this year. The small ones are also easier to manage, and the children can go out alone with a clear conscience – without the parents having to worry about their offspring getting lost. Many small ones, such as the Heidi-Alm on the Falkert in Carinthia, have deliberately focused on families: "Large ski areas are often really expensive – and we want to counteract that," says Lukas Köfer, hotelier and cable car owner on the Falkert. In the area with the mascot Heidi, there are only eleven kilometres of pistes, but plenty of child-friendly snow activities including ski courses, cross-country skiing, ice skating, tobogganing and winter hiking. This also applies to Kirchbach in Lower Austria, a very small ski area in the Waldviertel, which also focuses on the "niche" of families with children. "With us, families can spend a really relaxed day in the snow. The little ones learn to ski and the parents can always keep an eye on them from the terrace. The car park is right next to the lift; everything is very manageable," says marketing manager Franz Jahn. Snowmaking, cross-country ski trails and opportunities for snowshoeing are also available. The prices are reasonable and the offer is very well received. In the Styrian Lobmingtal, it is not just the locals who frequent the equally small Kleinlobming ski area. Families come from as far away as Graz to enjoy the fun in the snow. "It is ideal for children and the prices are cheaper than in larger areas," says marketing manager Thomas Lang. Here, too, you can take a ski course, go night skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or do laps on the ice rink right next to the ski lift. Even tour operators such as Eurotours (Hofer Reisen or Justaway) have now jumped on the family trend with special offers. "Skiing holidays must remain affordable," says Eurotours boss Helga Freund: "Demand for inexpensive offers is unbroken."
Conclusion: Almost every ski area has discounts and special offers: Before booking your holiday, you should check with your local tourist office or online to find out exactly which ones are available where and when. Thanks to the numerous online platforms, prices are now completely transparent. Another thing to keep in mind is that the smaller areas often only have drag lifts or at most chair lifts, but they are generally less crowded than the large ski areas.
20 SKI RESORTS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
| Unterberg (Lower Austria) An insider tip in Lower Austria near Pernitz and home of Michi Dorfmeister. Romantic natural snow area (without snowmaking!) with retro charm, Weißwurst refuge, only drag lifts and a five-kilometer-long valley run. 710 to 1,342 meters high. | 1 day: 36.50 (E), 19.50 (K) 6 days: 174.50 (E), 95.50 (K) slopes: 16 km |
| ski village Kirchbach (Lower Austria) A 500-meter-long drag lift awaits guests in the idyllic Kirchbach. For children and beginners, there is an 80-meter-long beginners' lift, which can be seen directly from the restaurant. A new addition is an 80-meter-long snow tubing track, which has been enthusiastically received by guests. | 1 day: 25,- (E), 20,- (K) 10-point card: (E) 12,- (K) 10,- slopes: 0.6 km |
| Hohe Veitsch (Stmk) The Brunnalm-Hohe Veitsch is located in front of a scenic mountain backdrop in Upper Styria at 1,050 to 1,500 meters above sea level. Very suitable for families, but with slopes of all levels of difficulty, including black ones. Also a very popular area for ski tourers. | 1 day: 43,- (E), 23,- (K) 6 days: 199,- (E), 107,- (K) slopes: 12 km |
| Lobmingtal – Kleinlobming (Stmk) The Kleinlobming ski lift is ideal for a ski trip for the whole family. The extremely beautiful and well-groomed slopes are ideal for beginners and children. Because the skiers of tomorrow are important to us, the children's lift is even free, as it is perfect for preparing for the larger slope. | 1 day: 30.50 (E), 19,- (K) 10 hours 84,- (E), 48,- (K) slopes: 1 km |
| Kaiserau Admont (Stmk) The Kaiserau is perfect for the local population in particular, who want to strap on their skis or snowboard for a few hours. The three kilometres of slopes of all levels of difficulty offer the ideal conditions for learning to ski. Because the area is easy to see, the kids can't get lost. The Kaiserau is clearly positioned as a ski area for beginners and for relaxation in between. | 1 day: 33,- (E), 23,- (K) 5 days: 147,- (E), 102,50 (K) slopes: 3 km |
| Weinebene (Stmk/K) Located on the border of Carinthia and Styria at 1,580 and 1,886 meters. Ski and snowboard paradise where cross-country skiers also get their money's worth. Magic carpet and baby lift for the little ones, snow park and toboggan run. Touring options and hut village near the lifts. | 1 day: 36.50 (E), 21.50 (K) 6 days: 187,- (E), 105,- (K) slopes: 18 km |
| Teichalm (Stmk) A wild, romantic alpine landscape at 1,200 metres above sea level, where skiers, snowboarders, cross-country skiers, tobogganers and winter hikers - but above all families with children - will find what they are looking for. Good gastronomic offerings. | 1 day: 29.50 (E), 19.50 (K) 6 days: 115,- (E), 78,- (K) slopes: 6.5 km |
| Heidi-Alm Falkert (K) Located in the middle of the Carinthian Nockberge at 1,700 to 2,300 meters. Very manageable, rustic area that is ideal for children. Heidi's Schneealm with tubing and wave track as well as slalom and snow park. Beautiful hiking area, ski touring trail, own lake. | 1 day: 34.50 (E), 20.50 (K) 6 days: 187.50 (E), 95,- (K) slopes: 11 km |
| Hochrindl (K) The Hochrindl ski area offers around 20 kilometers of slopes on 9 different pistes ranging from easy, medium to difficult at altitudes of 1,540 to 1,886 meters above sea level. Plus winter hiking trails, toboggan runs, horse-drawn sleigh rides, a mini club for the little ones, a ski school and cross-country trails for amateur and professional cross-country skiers. A winter sports area for the whole family. | 1 day: 46,- (E), 26,- (K) 6 days: 223,- (E), 118,- (K) slopes: 20 km |
| Feistritz/ Hrast (K) The small drag lift on the "Hrast" in Feistritz an der Gail guarantees wonderful piste conditions, which are guaranteed by snowmaking using snow cannons. Ideal for beginners and young families to enjoy the day away from crowded pistes at attractive prices. Modern floodlight system for night skiing. | 1 day: 27,- (E), 21,- (K) Night skiing: 22,- (E), 16,- (K) slopes: 0.6 km |
| Forsteralm (Upper Austria) The Upper Austrian family ski area near Waidhofen/Ybbs is only 720 to 1,078 meters above sea level. Two lifts; the practice lift is free for beginners and children. Ski kindergarten with magic carpet and fairytale meadow. But also touring options and black FIS slopes. | 1 day: 26,- (E), 17,- (K) Season ticket: 260,- (E), 170,- (K) slopes: 4 km |
| St. Johann am Hahnbaum (S) In the middle of St. Johann im Pongau, right in the town center, you can learn to ski. Families with children and novice skiers in particular will get their money's worth at Hahnbaum. There is also a natural toboggan run and a mini-cross course. | 1 day: 27,- (E), 10,- (K) free platter lift slopes: 2.5 km |
| Unken-Heutal (S) Salzburg high valley at an altitude of 1,000 to 1,600 meters. Ideal for almost all winter sports and hiking in the snow. Four drag lifts, a toboggan run. The home of former slalom star Reinfried Herbst is also interesting for ski tourers and freeriders. | 1 day: 35,- (E), 18,- (K) 5 days: 152,- (E), 83,- (K) slopes: 11 km |
| Winterpark Postalm (S) The Postalm on Lake Wolfgangsee enchants with its wonderful winter landscape, guaranteed snow and freedom from fog. A challenge for winter sports lovers are the perfectly groomed cross-country ski trails on the Postalm, which are more than 20 kilometers long. Austria's largest high plateau at an altitude of 1,200 meters. Plus: the opportunity for "cross-country skiing". | 1 day: 45,- (E), 18,- (K) 6 days: 240,- (E), 78,- (K) slopes: 12 km |
| Hallein Bad Dürrnberg (S) Area with eight kilometers of slopes below the Zinkenkogel, which is also interesting for ski tourers. For the little ones there is the Zinki children's land and snow tubing. As well as an all-inclusive offer with four hours of fun on the slopes including beer or ski water and the dish of the day. | 1 day: 34.50 (E), 20.50 (K) 4-hour all-inclusive 40.20 (E), 27.70 (K), 6 days: 151.50 (E), 87,- (K) slopes: 8 km |
| Vent (T) Austria's highest church village is in Tyrol; the ski area goes from 1,900 to 2,680 meters. Fairly easy slopes, starting point for high alpine ski tours. Four lifts, a toboggan run. Possibility of horse-drawn sleigh rides and high-altitude hiking. Additional children's discount. | 1 day: 47.50 (E), 24,- (K) 6 days: 249.50 (E), 126,- (K) slopes: 15 km |
| Karwendel-Bergbahn Pertisau (T) Family ski area located at 940 to 1,510 meters above sea level, which impresses beginners and experts with its quality and atmosphere. Ski school, courses for returning skiers. New ski and heated boot depot at the valley station. | 1 day: 33.50 (E), 22,-(K) 6 days: 165,- (E), 108,- (K) slopes: 12 km |
| Thiersee (T) Skiing in Hinterthiersee at the Haltjoch is very well known and has a long tradition. The Thiersee high valley is known for its snow reliability. Special attention is paid to children and young families. Completely relaxed and peaceful, away from the large ski areas, which are often too stressful and too large for beginners. | 1 day: 25,- (E), 20,- (K) 6 days: 101,- (E), 77,- (K) slopes: 4 km |
| Laterns Gapfohl (Vbg) A typical family ski area in Vorarlberg with slopes that are not too steep and a snow hole. 1,100 to 1,785 meters high and equipped with chair lifts and drag lifts. With a fun slope, toboggan run and its own children's area. Also ideal for ski tours and snowshoe hikes. | 1 day: 46,- (E), 24,- (K) slopes: 27 km |
| Ski lifts Raggal (Vbg) For around 50 years, the versatile village ski area of Raggal has been a meeting place for winter sports enthusiasts. Ski facility with 3 drag lifts, at 1,000 to 1,500 meters above sea level, very inexpensive for beginners thanks to the points card (pay according to lift rides). Slopes for different levels of difficulty. | 1 day: 25.50 (E), 17.50 (K) 2 days: 40,- (E), 28,- (K) slopes: 7 km |