What is the best time for winter sports in Austria?
Winter is almost here and you are looking forward to a new winter sports holiday in Austria. The mountains, the snow and the prospect of a cosy chalet make you really excited about it. But then comes the big question: when is the best time to go?
If you go too early, there may not be any snow in the valley yet, and if you choose the popular spring half-term week, you'll pay a lot more and share the slopes with many other people. And in the spring? It's lovely and sunny, but what about the snow quality?
In this blog, you can read about the pros and cons of each period in winter. You can read more about the prices, the crowds and the snow conditions on the slopes in Austria. You can also read about when the season in Austria starts and ends and when it's best to go.
In short: what is the best time to go on a winter sports holiday?
The best time for winter sports in Austria depends on what is important to you. If you are looking for maximum snow reliability, January and early February are ideal in high-altitude areas such as Sölden or Obergurgl. If you prefer peace and quiet and lower prices, March and early December are good choices, provided you choose an area with reliable snow. February is the most popular month due to the school holidays, but it is also the busiest and most expensive. In short: the best time is difficult to determine and each period has its advantages and disadvantages. The main question is what suits your situation best.
Let's first take a closer look at the winter months.
December–early January: enjoy winter sports in the early winter season
The ski resorts are particularly atmospheric at this time of year. Christmas markets pop up everywhere, mountain huts serve mulled wine, and a cosy atmosphere often prevails. During this period, the higher ski resorts in Tyrol, Arlberg and the Ötztal are usually well covered in snow. Families who want to go at Christmas should consider areas such as Ischgl, Sölden or Obergurgl. These areas often have sufficient snow by the end of November or early December. Thanks to their altitude and/or glaciers, you can go there earlier.
Please note that in lower-lying villages, snow can still be scarce in December. These villages often use snow cannons to build up a base, but often have to wait a while for natural snowfall. If you want to go on a winter sports holiday early, focus on areas above 1,500 metres.
What is the high season like in Austria in January and February?
January and February are the high season for winter sports in Austria. These are the months with the best snow and lowest temperatures. January is often quieter after the Christmas holidays, and there is often plenty of fresh snow. February is popular because of the school holidays, but this also means it is much busier and more expensive. Ski passes and chalets are at their most expensive during this period.
For true winter sports enthusiasts looking for guaranteed snow, January and February are the best months. These are the snowiest months, with the thickest snow cover and the most powder.
March - April: what does late winter and spring bring?
In March and April, your entire winter sports experience changes. The days become longer and milder, and you can enjoy skiing in the spring sunshine. Thanks to the snowfall in early winter, there is often still plenty of snow at high altitudes. In mountain areas above 1,500 metres (such as Hintertux, Sölden or Ischgl), the snow usually stays well throughout March. From mid-March onwards, prices often go down and the slopes are a lot less crowded.
In the valley and on south-facing slopes, the snow often becomes slushy in the afternoon due to the sun. But all in all, March is very snow-sure, especially at higher altitudes, and you can enjoy longer days and sunshine during this period.
Winter sports in Austria: when is the snow most reliable?
Do you want guaranteed snow? Then choose January or early February in high ski areas. These are, on average, the snowiest weeks of the year. During this period, the slopes are thickly covered. The best balance between fresh snow and tranquillity is usually found in the first weeks of January (after the Christmas holidays).
When is the cheapest time for winter sports in Austria?
The cheapest periods are outside the holiday peaks. These are usually mid-January and March/April. During these weeks, both ski passes and accommodation are considerably cheaper. The beginning of March, for example, is often much cheaper than February, while the weather is still fine.
Crowds on the slopes: when is it least busy?
The crowds peak during the school holidays (Christmas and spring break). The quietest weeks are the second week of January (immediately after Christmas) and the weeks outside the spring break. The end of March and beginning of April are also often quiet. During this period, the queues at the lifts are short and the slopes are very quiet.
Early winter sports: these are the best areas in Austria
Would you like to go on a winter sports holiday before Christmas or New Year? Then choose areas with high snow reliability. Think of Obertauern, Ischgl (Silvretta Arena), Sölden or glaciers such as Hintertux, Stubai and Kaprun. These regions often have enough snow at the beginning of December due to their altitude, so you are not so dependent on the weather.
How much money can you save between high and low season?
Outside of the holiday periods, prices for ski passes and accommodation are much lower. Outside of high season, you can save hundreds of pounds compared to low season.
High-altitude or lower-altitude ski resort: the differences
A high-altitude ski resort (above 1,500 metres) offers guaranteed snow from December to April. A lower-altitude resort is often cosier and cheaper, but has less guaranteed snow in the early and late seasons. If you are going early or late, choose the altitude. Between January and February, many resorts (including lower-altitude ones) are usually fine.
- Is there enough snow in December?
In many high ski resorts, yes, especially after mid-December. If in doubt, choose a village above 1,800 metres or a glacier area for certainty. - Are prices in January really lower than in February?
Yes. Outside of school holidays, you pay less for accommodation and ski passes. January (without school holidays) is therefore often cheaper than the busy February weeks. - Can you still ski well in March?
Certainly, provided you go high up. In areas such as Hintertux, Ischgl and Sölden, there is still plenty of snow in March. The long, sunny days make it even more enjoyable.
Useful tips for planning your winter sports holiday
We have now discussed the differences and the pros and cons of different periods for winter sports holidays. Here are some more tips to help you plan your winter sports holiday based on your circumstances.
Consider the location of your accommodation
Be sure to choose a village above 1,500 metres if you want to ski early or late in the season.
Avoid school holidays
Large group?
Then book early. Group houses for 12+ people fill up quickly, especially during popular weeks. Be sure to make your reservation before September (and preferably even earlier).
Conclusion: winter sports months explained once again
The best period depends on what you are looking for. Are you looking for guaranteed snow, peace and quiet, a good price or, above all, a cosy and atmospheric area? Are you dependent on holidays because you want to go skiing with your family? Or do you have a lot of freedom because you want to go to Austria with a group of friends?
December is the very first winter sports month. If you want to go on a winter sports holiday early in December, check carefully whether all the ski lifts are already open. The advantage of December is the festive atmosphere around the holidays and the fresh snow on the slopes.
January and February are the peak months. Snow is guaranteed during these months, but it is also busy and expensive.
You can also go on a winter sports holiday in March and April, which is a wonderful time to go skiing with the sun and mild weather. However, be sure to choose higher altitude ski resorts, because the higher you go, the greater the chance of snow.
My name is René Schwarte, founder and co-owner of Ferienhaus-Tirol.eu. With many years of experience in holiday home rentals and deep familiarity with international guest expectations, I understand what makes a vacation truly enjoyable.
Ferienhaus-Tirol.eu offers a wide selection of carefully curated holiday homes, chalets and group accommodations throughout Austria. Whether you're travelling as a couple or with a group of up to 50 people – we help you find the right place with ease.
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