The best ski routes and runs in Austria

Are you looking for the most beautiful ski routes and the most challenging runs in Austria? In this blog, we’ve listed the most impressive routes for you, from legendary classics to insider tips for experienced winter sports enthusiasts.
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​​​​​​This blog was written by Bjorn Schwarte, co-founder of Ferienhaus-Tirol.eu

Austria is one of the best destinations for winter sports enthusiasts looking for more than just blue runs. You’ll find legendary descents, long ski routes and challenging sections that really make your day on the slopes special.
In this article, you’ll discover the most beautiful ski routes and descents in Austria.

1. Run of Fame – Ski Arlberg

The Run of Fame is one of Austria’s best-known ski routes and is renowned as a long, panoramic circuit through Ski Arlberg. The route is 85 kilometres long and connects St. Anton, Zürs, Lech and Warth, amongst others. Why it’s special:

• One of the longest ski routes in the Alps.
• Lots of variety: challenging, varied and with stunning scenery.
• Ideal for combining several villages in a single day

Insider tip: start early, preferably around 9.00 am, so you can ski the route at a leisurely pace and have plenty of time for stops along the way. The route can be tackled from almost any point in the area, but an early start gives you the most flexibility.

2. Harakiri – Mayrhofen

The Harakiri in Mayrhofen is Austria’s steepest groomed run, with a gradient of 78% at its steepest point. The run is approximately 2 kilometres long and has a vertical drop of 376 metres.

Why it’s special:

• A pure challenge for highly experienced skiers.
  
• One of Austria’s most famous black runs.
  
• Short, intense and technically demanding

Read our blog “Winter sports in Mayrhofen: everything you need to know for an unforgettable skiing holiday”

3. Black Mamba – Ischgl

The Black Mamba in Ischgl is a challenging black run for skiers who enjoy technical descents. It isn’t a route in the traditional sense, but it is a highlight for anyone looking for a challenging run. What makes it special:

• Steep sections and technical skiing.
  
• A great choice for experienced winter sports enthusiasts.
  
• Easy to combine with a day in a large and varied ski area.

The Silvretta Arena is large and modern, catering to sporty skiers. There are many blue and red runs. The area, with over 25 km of black runs, also offers a challenge for experienced skiers.

4. Streif – Kitzbühel

The Streif is one of the most famous World Cup downhill runs in the world and a true classic for advanced skiers. Although tackling the entire race course isn’t realistic for most winter sports enthusiasts, you can ski sections of it yourself. Why it’s special:

• World-famous race course.
  
• Highly technical and iconic.
  
• A unique experience for anyone visiting Kitzbühel.

Tip: Read our blog ‘Skiing the Streif – the legendary downhill in Kitzbühel"

5. Arena Tour – Zillertal Arena

The Arena Tour is a fun and varied route through the Zillertal Arena and is ideal for skiers who want to see as much of the area as possible. It is not an extreme route, but it is a great choice for a long and varied day’s skiing. The best place to start this route is in Gerlos or Zell am Ziller.
​​​​​​​What makes it special:

• A wide variety of slopes and runs.
  
• Suitable for advanced skiers looking to go on a day trip.
  
• Combines views, flow and fun in a single route

The Zillertal Arena is a highly versatile ski area with plenty of wide blue and red runs. Ideal for beginners and slightly advanced skiers who want to ski at a relaxed pace and go on longer trips. The Zillertal is home to villages such as Königsleiten, Zell am Ziller and Gerlos.

6. Black Ibex – Kaunertaler Gletscher

The Black Ibex on the Kaunertal Glacier is one of the most extreme runs in Austria. With a gradient of up to 87%, it is even steeper than the famous Harakiri. ​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​Why it’s special:

• One of the steepest slopes in the Alps
  
• Located on a glacier with guaranteed snow
  
• Quieter than other resorts

The Kaunertaler Gletscher is a ski resort with guaranteed snow up to over 3,000 metres in altitude. Here you’ll find wide slopes and modern lifts. It’s relatively quiet, perfect for winter sports enthusiasts seeking peace and a challenge.

7. Schwarze Schneid - Sölden

In Sölden you’ll find the Schwarze Schneid, an impressive run from the glacier down into the valley. At around 15 km, it is one of the longest runs in Austria. Expect altitude, speed and spectacular views

• Starts at over 3,000 metres
  
• Long, challenging run
  
• Breathtaking glacier panoramas

The Sölden ski area is renowned for its guaranteed snow thanks to two glaciers and slopes rising above 3,000 metres. Here you’ll find a mix of wide runs and challenging slopes, ideal for advanced skiers.

What makes these routes special?

These ski routes and runs are special because they don’t feel like isolated slopes, but like genuine skiing experiences. They combine length, challenge, popularity and often also stunning views or a distinct sense of the route. They are particularly appealing to winter sports enthusiasts who want more than just standard slopes and are specifically looking for the highlights of a ski resort.

Are you a beginner skier? Then these routes aren’t suitable

Do you have little experience? Then it’s worth knowing that most of the well-known ski routes in Austria aren’t suitable for beginners.

You’ll encounter steep sections, narrow passages and sometimes icy slopes. For example, the Streif in Kitzbühel is not the slope for you. Even experienced winter sports enthusiasts often deliberately choose alternative runs here.

Our advice:
As a beginner, you’re better off heading for wide blue runs in easy-to-navigate ski areas. That will make your winter sports holiday much more enjoyable.

FAQ

What is the most beautiful ski run in Austria?
The Run of Fame in Ski Arlberg is one of the best-known and longest ski runs in Austria.

What is the steepest slope in Austria?
The Harakiri in Mayrhofen is known as Austria’s steepest groomed slope, with a gradient of 78% at its steepest point. However, the Black Ibex on the Kaunertal Glacier is actually the steepest, at 87%!

Which ski route is suitable for advanced skiers?
​​​​​​​The Arena Tour in the Zillertal Arena is a good choice for advanced skiers looking for a long, varied day.