First Time Skiing in Austria? Here’s Everything You Need to Know Part 1

This is a long blog, I will warn you now! But bear with me, because there is a lot to discuss, and I love nothing better than sharing my many years of first-hand experience living and working in Austrian ski resorts.

Having skied in many different countries, France, Italy, Norway, and Slovenia, Austria has always been our favourite.

In fact, we loved it so much that in 2008 my husband, daughter, and I moved here.

For over 10 years we ran an apartment house, welcoming ski guests each winter and learning first-hand what makes a ski holiday work well .

During that time, my husband trained to become a qualified Austrian ski instructor and now teaches in both German and English. My daughter worked in ski kindergarten with little ones. And me? I have worked in resort management and at Salzburg airport on some of the busiest Saturdays of the winter ski season. So I know what skiing holidays look like from every angle, as a guest, a host, and behind the scenes.

Between the three of us we have seen it all and perhaps more importantly, we have seen what not to do!

This blog is about sharing those no-nonsense, insider tips with you.

Above all, please remember: skiing is meant to be fun.

PREPARING FOR A SKI HOLIDAY

One of the biggest mistakes I see is people arriving for their first ski holiday with no preparation at all.

You do not need to train for a marathon. But you do need to get your legs ready. Skiing works muscles you don’t normally use. Imagine holding a half-squat for hours, that’s the kind of strain your legs will feel. Day two usually means the famous “ski walk” to breakfast, shuffling along with legs that feel like they belong to someone else. We have all been there, and it is not the best start!

A bit of stretching and leg-strengthening before you travel makes a big difference. Even a few minutes a day will help.

If you already own ski boots wear them around the house to get used to the feel. I used to stand and do the ironing in mine, double punishment.

However if you are a beginner, I strongly recommend renting. You might not take to skiing, or the boots might not suit you and nothing ruins a holiday faster than painful feet.

At least when you rent, you can swap them if they do not feel right. I speak from experience, painful boots are all you will think about all day!

TOP TIP: if rental boots fit you perfectly, you can often buy them or order the same make new. Shops in resort will also adjust them during the week if needed. And most hire shops will let you swap your skis for a snowboard for a day if you fancy trying something different.

WHAT ABOUT SKIS There are pros and cons here too. Taking your own means ski carriage fees, putting them through as bulky items at the airport, waiting to reclaim them, and replacing them every few years as models update.

Renting saves all of that. You arrive to the latest skis, already serviced, and if they do not feel quite right you can simply swap them for a different pair. For most people especially beginners renting is by far the easier and more flexible option. And don’t forget you can also rent a helmet, compulsory for kids and strongly advisable for adults.

WHAT MAKES THE RIGHT RESORT

If everyone in your group is a complete beginner, choosing a resort is fairly straightforward. However there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer here. Share your group’s ages, ski levels, and what matters most (non-skiers, spa, lively vs. quiet), and I’ll suggest resorts that tick the right boxes without separating the family.

In reality, most groups are a mix, one person has skied before, another is just starting out, and someone else is happier off the slopes altogether.

A good family resort should have beginner slopes for first-timers, plenty of variety for those improving, and links to a bigger area for the early risers who want to ski miles.

It also helps when non-skiers can take a gondola to a mountain restaurant, walk across, and join you for lunch. If that is not possible, a cosy café at the bottom of the runs where they can watch the action with a hot chocolate, works perfectly too.

Non-skiers should have plenty to do as well ,cafés, shops, winter walks, horse-drawn sleigh rides, tobogganing, or even a swim in a local pool. Resorts with train stations make day trips to nearby towns or cities easy too.

TRANSFERS are another big plus for Austria. Many resorts are close to the airports, with transfer times often under 2 hours. For example, Zell am See is under 2 hours from Salzburg. Compare that with places like Tignes in France or resorts in Andorra, where package holiday coach transfers can take 5 hours or more.

WHERE YOU STAY ALSO MAKES A DIFFERENCE.

A hotel with half board means easy mealtimes, plus extras like a spa or pool to relax aching muscles. Self-catering is great for families with picky eaters, but do book restaurants in advance during peak weeks if you plan to eat out.

Just as important is location. Being close to the slopes, a lift, or at least a ski bus stop makes mornings much easier, especially with children in tow.

ATMOSPHERE AND FOOD.

Each resort has its own personality. Austria’s après ski is famous, but it varies a lot. Some places are lively with music and dancing into the night. Others are cosy and quiet, shutting down by 10pm.

And the food! Austrian mountain dishes are pure comfort after a day on the slopes: schnitzel with chips, Käsespätzle (Austria’s version of mac and cheese, made with spätzle, mountain cheese, and crispy onions), or Tiroler Gröstl (fried potatoes with meat and a fried egg on top).

TOP TIP: Tiroler Gröstl is a huge favourite of mine, hearty, warming, and usually served in a sizzling skillet.

For dessert, Apfel strudel with vanilla sauce or a giant Germ knödel filled with jam. And for the adults, my husband swears by a hot chocolate with Baileys at the end of the day. “By the time you have eaten your way through schnitzel, Tiroler Gröstl, and strudel (with a cheeky Baileys hot chocolate on the side), you will be well-fuelled for the slopes.

And speaking of the slopes… Ready for the next step? In Part 2, I will share insider tips from my ski instructor husband and my daughter who worked in ski kindergarten, plus all the little details that can make or break your first ski holiday.”