Alpine adventures in Austria

Thanks to outstanding snow records and a solid reputation, Austria is still a very popular choice for school ski groups. Here are evidences why. 

The all-round school ski trip destination for more than 40 years 

A veteran of the ski world, Austrian resorts continue to draw on their previous successes that brought about the 70s boom, drew in fans of the downhill circuit and saw the first school ski trips being undertaken in the 1960s. Resorts are combining past success with the best aspects of a traditional alpine experience, whilst utilising the best new technology has to offer. Popular across the World Cup circuit, Austrian ski resorts are supported by some of the most modern ski lift systems in Europe providing access to a variety of skiable terrain and top glacier ski areas perfect for all levels.

Leaders in linked ski resorts 

The size of a ski resort is one of the main factors ski Party Leaders will take into consideration when planning a school ski trip. Linked ski resorts are becoming more and more popular due to the opportunity they represent, allowing skiers to access kilometers upon kilometers of piste by list instead of road. Austria has led to pack to this regard, developing bigger, more technologically advanced super resorts such as the vast Arlberg region. 

The cradle of alpine skiing

The Arlberg region, is the largest interconnected ski area in Austria and one of the top 5 in the world with 305 km of piste. It earned its place since the arrival of the Flexenbahn cableway during the season 2016/17, the final link connecting all five ski resorts in the Arlberg region which can now leisurely be reached on skis. Thanks to word-class hospitality and incredible value for money, resorts in the Arlberg attract aficionado skiers from all over the world. Well-known events such as the 22km-long White Ring ski race and The White Rush, a mass race, make the Arlberg region the pinnacle in Austrian ski experiences.

Technology on the slopes

When it comes to technology, Austria’s lift systems far surpass those found in other countries. Austrian resorts have been seen to improve year on year to ensure a smooth transition to the piste. They are at the origin of the trend seeing resorts build partnerships with neighbouring slopes to provide skiers with a greater variety of terrain. Party Leaders will no doubt appreciate the advanced technology our chosen Austrian resorts offer and how easy it is for their students to get around the mountain.  

The alpine experience

Beautifully conversely to the cutting-edge technology of the infrastructure, Austrian resorts maintain their roots and provide visitors with a real alpine experience. Think chocolate-box beauty and you’ve got many of our chosen locations across Austria. Hotels provide ski groups with a comfortable stay, mixing modern day necessities with rustic, natural interiors that bring to mind traditional wooden chalets often synonymous with skiing. The local cuisine offered in many locations is just what the doctor ordered after a long day on the slopes, why not try a hearty käsespätzle, Alpine macaroni, or enjoy a gröstl, a farmers’ dish traditionally made out of leftover meat, vegetables and potatoes. Thanks to modern yet rustic hotels, in postcard-worthy locations, combined with friendly staff and efficient service, Austrian resorts tick all the boxes to deliver an authentic mountain experience. 

On the slopes of Austria 

Austria offers amazingly varied ski terrain, from gentle nursery slopes to glacier skiing at over 3000m. Across the newly linked resorts, Austria is still able to offer skiing on a higher level despite some villages being located lower in the valley. Snow-sure resorts, including Obertauern and Sölden, provide school groups with great options late into the ski season. Head to the famous Kitzsteinhorn Glacier from Zell am See and students will be treated to an array of pristine slopes and snowparks offering both variety to the casual skiers and adrenaline seekers. The added bonus of getting more for your money in the shape of linked resorts and efficient state-of-the-art lift systems puts the cherry on the top in making Austria unbelievable value for money in the school ski market.  

To find out more about Skibound’s Austrian ski resorts, click here.