Skiing and Food in Austria’s Alps

Austria’s ski scene isn’t just about carving turns—it’s also a feast for the senses. From the cosmopolitan flair of Innsbruck to the high-altitude indulgence of Ischgl, these resorts serve up serious culinary credentials alongside their snowy appeal. Zillertal tempts with hearty Tyrolean fare and stylish mountain huts, while Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau offers rustic charm and locally sourced specialities in a quieter alpine setting. Innsbruck meanwhile has a vast range of dining options, as well as its many other attractions and visitors benefit from the Ski plus City Pass which covers 12 resorts and city attractions—ideal for ski breaks with flexibility. Whether it’s fine dining with glacier views or traditional dishes by a crackling fire, these regions prove that great skiing and great food go hand in hand. Come hungry—Austria’s mountains are ready to impress.

This region also offers more than just world-class skiing and fabulous food —it invites you to experience Austria’s Lebensgefühl, its unique “feeling of life.” It’s not just the pistes that make Tirol unforgettable, but the people who shape every moment: the ski instructors who greet you with a grin, the lift operators who know your name by day two, the chefs, bartenders, and kids’ club teams who turn hospitality into an art form. Their warmth, pride, and passion infuse every slope, spa, and schnitzel. 

Innsbruck

Beyond its snow-dusted peaks and Olympic legacy, Innsbruck is quietly redefining what a modern mountain city can be. Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword here — it’s baked into the region’s infrastructure, from the solar-powered lifts at Axamer Lizum to the city’s ambitious climate-neutral goals. The Nordkette cable car, for instance, runs on hydroelectric power and connects directly to the city’s tram network, allowing skiers to go from hotel lobby to high alpine terrain without ever touching a car key.

Rail access is another strength. The city sits at a crossroads of European train routes, with direct connections to major cities. For UK travellers, the journey via Eurostar and Nightjet offers a low-carbon alternative to flying. Waking up to views of the Tyrolean Alps from a sleeper cabin is a memory that lingers long after the ski boots are packed away.

Once in town, the compact layout makes it easy to explore on foot. The pedestrianised Old Town is a maze of medieval arcades and pastel facades, anchored by the famous Golden Roof — a 15th-century balcony gilded with 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles. But Innsbruck’s charm lies in its contrasts. Just steps from this historic centre, you’ll find contemporary architecture like the Zaha Hadid-designed Bergisel Ski Jump, a swooping glass-and-steel structure that doubles as a panoramic café and viewing platform.

Culturally, Innsbruck punches above its weight. The Tyrolean State Museum offers a deep dive into alpine history, while the city’s baroque cathedral and imperial palace speak to its Habsburg heritage. For something more offbeat, the Audioversum Science Centre blends sound art and interactive tech — ideal for families or curious minds looking to escape a whiteout day.

Food-wise, the city is a melting pot of mountain flavours and modern flair. Traditional dishes like Tiroler Gröstl (a hearty hash of potatoes, beef, and onions) sit comfortably alongside vegan schnitzels and locally brewed kombucha. The Markthalle, a riverside food market, is a great place to sample regional cheeses, cured meats, and fresh pastries — or grab a picnic before heading up the Patscherkofel for sunset views.

In terms of the skiing, Innsbruck’s “Ski plus City Pass” remains one of the most versatile lift tickets in Europe. It covers 12 resorts, from the high-altitude slopes of Kühtai to the family-friendly runs at Muttereralm, plus access to city attractions like museums and swimming pools. This hybrid model is perfect for mixed groups or longer stays, where a day off the mountain doesn’t mean a day wasted.

Image © Innsbruck-Tourismus_photographer_Eye-5-Jonas-Schwarzwaelder

For those chasing powder, the Stubai Glacier — just under an hour away — offers reliable snow from October to June, with wide-open pistes and a freeride terrain park that attracts pros and ambitious intermediates alike. Meanwhile, Nordkette’s steep couloirs and jaw-dropping views over the city are a rite of passage for advanced skiers. It’s one of the few places in Europe where you can ski a steep black-rated chute and be back in a city-centre cocktail bar within the hour.

Accommodation in Innsbruck ranges from sleek design-led hotels like Hotel Adlers and Hotel Stage 12 to budget-friendly options. Many properties now boast green certifications, incorporating energy-efficient heating, water-saving systems, and menus featuring locally sourced ingredients.

Innsbruck’s appeal isn’t just in what it offers, but how effortlessly it blends it all. It’s a place where you can ski in the morning, tour an imperial palace in the afternoon, and catch a jazz quartet in a vaulted cellar by night. For UK travellers seeking a winter escape that’s both dynamic and conscious, Innsbruck delivers — with altitude, attitude, and a whole lot of heart.

Ischgl

Tucked into the Paznaun Valley in Tyrol, legendary Ischgl has long been a major draw to Europe’s snow fans—offering not just world-class skiing, but a lifestyle that fuses mountain adventure with a sophisticated edge. With its sleek lift infrastructure, vast terrain, and famously lively après-ski, Ischgl is unapologetically bold, and this winter it’s stepping things up yet again with some cool new lifts.

The Silvretta Arena, shared with Swiss neighbour Samnaun, offers 239 km of slopes reaching up to 2,872 metres, with terrain that suits cruisers, carvers, and powder hounds alike. The resort’s high altitude coupled with extensive snowmaking ensure reliable conditions well into spring, with the season stretching from late November to early May. Freeriders revel in the bowls and cliff drops, while intermediates enjoy long, scenic descents like the 11 km run from the summit to the village. Night skiing, terrain parks, and the famed Smuggler’s Trail to Samnaun add variety to the mix.

This winter, Ischgl unveils a €50 million investment in lift infrastructure, replacing three key chairlifts with state-of-the-art 8-person bubble lifts featuring heated seats and weather shields. The Höllboden C1 and Sassgalun C3 lifts will debut for the 2025/26 season, boosting capacity and comfort on intermediate terrain. The third, Höllkar C2, will follow in 2026/27, serving beginner and intermediate slopes with a swift 5-minute ride time. These upgrades reflect Ischgl’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve—offering not just speed, but style.

Another headline this season is Ischgl’s inclusion in the Ikon Pass, making it one of the few Austrian resorts accessible to skiers worldwide who’ve bought the global multi-resort season pass. Ikon Pass holders gain direct access to the Silvretta Arena, opening up spring skiing opportunities and aligning Ischgl with top-tier destinations like Aspen, Jackson Hole, and Zermatt.

But skiing is just the start. Ischgl’s après-ski scene is legendary, with venues like Trofana Alm and Niki’s Stadl offering live music, dancing, and champagne-fuelled revelry from mid-afternoon onward. The resort opens and closes its season with its famed Top Of The Mountain open-air concerts that have featured global stars like Elton John, Robbie Williams. The Killers, and Kylie Minogue among dozens of other superstars. Tickets can be purchased as part of your ski pass.

Off the slopes, Ischgl offers 48 km of cross-country trails, winter hiking paths, and a 7 km toboggan run that’s as popular for its party vibe as its descent. The Silvretta Therme is a haven of relaxation, with panoramic pools, saunas, and wellness treatments that contrast beautifully with the adrenaline of the mountain. If the weather turns, visitors can explore boutique shopping, art galleries, or simply indulge in the resort’s culinary scene.

Dining in Ischgl is a highlight in itself. From rustic mountain huts to Michelin-starred restaurants, the resort caters to every palate. Local specialities like Tiroler Gröstl and Kaiserschmarrn are served with flair, while gourmet spots like Paznauner Stube elevate alpine cuisine to fine dining. The culinary scene is deeply entwined with Ischgl’s identity—refined, indulgent, and always memorable.

For those seeking exceptional value, Ischgl offers a range of package deals and accommodation options, from luxury hotels to family-run pensions. The resort’s official site regularly updates offers, including lift pass bundles and seasonal discounts. With the Ikon Pass now in play, holders can also benefit from multi-resort access and spring skiing perks.

Environmentally, Ischgl continues to invest in sustainable practices. Its modern lift systems are energy-efficient, and the resort supports regional biodiversity through reforestation and habitat protection. Public transport links are strong, with regular buses from nearby Landeck-Zams station and connections from Innsbruck airport. Rail travellers can reach Ischgl via the ÖBB network, making it a viable option for low-impact travel.

Whether you come for the skiing, the nightlife, or the sheer spectacle of it all, Ischgl delivers a winter experience that’s as polished as it is playful. With new lifts, global pass access, and its signature blend of alpine luxury and party spirit, this Tirolean titan is ready to impress once again for winter 25-26.

Zillertal

© Mountopolis

In the heart of Tirol, the Zillertal valley offers a winter experience that’s both extensive and intimate at the same time. With nearly 550 kilometres of pistes, four major ski areas, and Austria’s longest ski season courtesy of the Hintertux Glacier, it’s a destination that delivers scale without sacrificing charm. But Zillertal’s appeal goes far beyond the slopes — it’s a place where mountain culture, culinary creativity, and heartfelt hospitality converge to create something truly memorable.

The Zillertal Superskipass is your all-access ticket to this alpine playground. Valid from early December to April, it covers every lift across Spieljoch, Hochzillertal and Hochfügen, Zillertal Arena, Mayrhofner Bergbahnen (Mountopolis), and the Ski-& Gletscherwelt Zillertal 3000. That means 180 lifts, 546 kilometres of groomed runs, and the free use of ski buses and most public transport in the valley — a seamless way to explore without the car.

Each ski area has its own flavour. Hochzillertal is known for its early-bird access, with lifts opening as early as 7:30 in the morning — perfect for carving fresh corduroy before breakfast. Mayrhofen’s PenkenPark is a freestyle mecca, with five distinct lines catering to all levels, while the Zillertal Arena’s Höhenfresser Tour offers one of Austria’s biggest vertical drops: a 10km descent from 2,500m to the valley floor. And then there’s the Hintertux Glacier, open nearly year-round, offering snow-sure slopes and panoramic views from 3,250m.

Off the piste, Zillertal’s variety continues. There are 460km of winter hiking trails, 113km of cross-country routes, and 48km of toboggan runs — including the 5.5km Spieljoch track, which winds from the mountain station to the mid-station with guaranteed snow and barrier-free gondola access. For families, the AlbertAdler SpieleWelt by Ravensburger offers indoor fun at the Ahornbahn mountain station, with climbing walls among its many attractions.

Zillertal’s culinary scene is a standout, blending rustic tradition with modern flair. The valley is home to 80 gourmet huts, award-winning restaurants, including two with the prestigious Michelin star rating, and there are also show farms that celebrate regional produce. At the ErlebnisSennerei Zillertal in Mayrhofen, visitors can explore Austria’s first show dairy, complete with audio guides and tasting stations for cheese and yogurt. Meanwhile, the BrauKunstHaus in Zell am Ziller offers a multimedia journey through the brewing process, culminating in tastings of Zillertal Bier and local juices.

On the mountain, the dining options are just as diverse. The Mountain Loft on the Spieljoch serves fresh pizza on its sun deck and gourmet dishes with panoramic views from its top-floor restaurant. The Wiesenalm near Zell am Ziller is known for its homemade Wiesenbier and Wiesenfleck, while the WhiteLounge on Mount Ahorn combines snow-bar vibes with chilled music and sweeping vistas. For something truly unique, the Spannagelhaus on the Hintertux Glacier offers regional delicacies and direct access to the Spannagel marble cave — complete with wellies, helmets, and raincoats for intrepid explorers.

Zillertal’s events calendar adds another layer of vibrancy. March brings Alpicon, a house music festival in Hochzillertal, while April sees the Lederhosen Wedeltage — a joyous blend of skiing and traditional costume. Snowbombing in Mayrhofen is a legendary week of music and mountain antics in early April, and the Hintertux Glacier Open Air transforms the Sommerberg Arena into a high-altitude concert venue. For younger riders, the Valley Ralley freestyle snowboard tour offers a platform to shine across Zillertal’s snow parks

Sustainability is woven into the region’s ethos. The Zillertal Alps High Mountain Nature Park spans 422 square kilometres — 40% of the valley — and promotes low-impact touring with marked protection zones and expert-led excursions. It’s a model of coexistence between nature, wildlife, and cultural heritage, with reforestation and wildlife rest areas carefully managed. Touring with a local guide reveals hidden corners of the landscape that remain untouched by mass tourism.

Accommodation options reflect Zillertal’s diversity. HUBER’S Boutiquehotel offers a Ski & Gourmet package with half-board, a gourmet tasting menu, and discounts on rentals. Hotel Neue Post combines slope access with spa indulgence, while Coolnest — “probably the coolest hotel in the Alps” — delivers rooftop pool views, design-led rooms, and a stay-seven-pay-six offer for longer getaways.

For photographers and Instagrammers, Zillertal doesn’t disappoint. The Hochfügen Photopoint captures slope-side smiles with a panoramic backdrop, while the Arena Champions Challenge rewards skiers who complete six of 14 photo and speed stations with a personalised Champions Book. The panoramic terrace on the Hintertux Glacier offers views from the highest accessible point in the valley, and the WhiteLounge doubles as a top-tier photo spot.

And then there’s the insider magic — like the AdlerBühne Ahorn, where bird-of-prey demonstrations unfold right next to the piste. Reached via the open-air SkyRide on the Ahornbahn, it’s a moment of alpine theatre that lingers long after the final descent.

Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau

Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau is one of Tirol’s most charming and child-friendly ski regions, where cosy villages, varied slopes, and heartfelt hospitality come together in a setting that is both authentic and relaxed. Nestled between the Zillertal and Kitzbühel Alps, this resort blends the best of the Alpbachtal and Wildschönau valleys —offering 114 kilometres of pistes, 25 rustic huts, and a winter experience that’s as scenic as it is stress-free.

Families are front and centre here. The Kinderland JUPPI-DO and Schatzberg Zwergenland are tailor-made for little skiers, with gentle slopes, fun zones, and expert supervision. excellent ski schools—including dedicated children’s programs—make learning easy and enjoyable. Older kids can test their skills on the Funslope, KidsCross, Speedcheck, and Skimovie course at Wiedersberger Horn, while parents appreciate the quiet charm of traffic-free villages and top-notch family accommodation.

The ski area spans four mountains—Wiedersberger Horn, Schatzberg, Markbachjoch, and Reither Kogel—each with its own character. Wide, sunny pistes invite relaxed cruising, while sporty descents offer challenge and variety. Night skiing on Reither Kogel adds a magical twist, with six kilometres of floodlit slopes open on Thursdays and Fridays.

Beyond skiing, the region offers a huge variety of winter hiking in Niederau, Wildschönau and cross-country trails. Guided hikes are included with the guest cards (provided free to those staying overnight in both the Alpbachtal and Wildschönau valleys) and scenic routes lead to cosy huts like Norderbergalm and the chapel at Markbachjoch—a peaceful spot to recharge and take in the views.

Tobogganing is a family favourite, with certified runs from Lanerköpfl to Niederau and from the Schatzbergbahn’s middle station in Wildschönau. Toboggans can be rented at valley stations, and the gondola makes the uphill easy. For thrill-seekers, the Alpbachtaler Lauser-Sauser alpine coaster races down the mountain at 42 km/h—complete with jumps, waves, and Austria’s highest traffic circle.

Mountain moments are everywhere. At the Top of Alpbachtal, a 13-metre tall viewing tower offers 360° panoramas from 2,030 meters, with a modern Tyrolean parlour inside. The summit cross on Schatzberg reveals four mountain ranges, while a handmade wooden gate near the Poglbahn station frames the perfect photo of the Alpbach peaks. Don’t miss the wooden bench below Gernalm on run no. 12—a quiet spot to pause and take in the Wildschönau valley.

© Alpbachtal-Tourismus_photographer_Matthias-Sedlak

Local villages add depth and character. Alpbach, often called Austria’s most beautiful village, is the heart of the ski area, with three valley stations and easy access to all terrain. Niederau, is located at the entrance to the charming Wildschönau, a wide and vast valley in the heart of the Kitzbühel Alps.  There are 260 typical wooden farm houses here and natural jewels such as the Schönangeralm seem like they’ve leapt straight out of a picture book.

Dining is a delight, with huts serving regional specialties like Kaiserschmarren from the giant pan at Böglalm, organic beef and pretzel soup at Gipföhit, and panoramic meals at Berggasthof Hornboden. For a taste of tradition, try Wildschönau’s Krautinger schnapps—a beet-based brandy with centuries of history—or the Brandenberger Prügeltorte, a festive cake baked over open flames.

Sustainability is a priority. The resort uses 100% green electricity, operates its own hydroelectric plant, and invests in energy-efficient lifts like the Hornbahn 2000. Certified accommodations and restaurants carry the Austrian and EU Ecolabels, and local farms supply fresh, seasonal products that you can sample in the huts and restaurants.

Getting here is easy. Guests can travel by train with the Nightjet sleeper train and Railjet offers, and free ski buses connect the valley stations. E-car drivers will find 15 charging stations across the region.

Special offers this season include one for families who book a 7-night apartment stay with ski passes for two adults and two children, and kids under six always ski free. Also towards the end of the season, from March 14, 2026, children under 15 get a free pass with the purchase of an adult ticket for three days or more.

In Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau, every day is a chance to make memories—whether you’re carving fresh tracks at dawn, sharing strudel in a sunlit hut, or watching your kids take their first turns. It’s a place where winter feels close, cozy, and full of joy.

Find out more at austria.info

Main Image © Zillertal-Tourismus-GmbH_photographer_Jan-Hanser

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