Why you should choose Austria for your solo ski holidays
Are you a solo skier wondering where to ski in 2023? With over 1,700 ski resorts to choose from in Europe, it’s hard to know how to narrow things down. For Single Parents on Holiday, Austria has always been the number 1 choice for ski trips. It boasts excellent ski regions with modern lifts, superb hotels, and some of the best après-ski in the world. Find out what else Austria is famous for and why it is simply the best choice for singles ski holidays, especially if you are a solo skier in your 40s, 50s, 60s, or even 70s.
1. The best ski resorts in the world
With more than 7,000 kilometres of slopes served by no less than 2,500 ski lifts, Austria offers an abundance of choice for skiers of all levels. Pistes are maintained to a superb standard throughout the ski season, and a modern lift system with state-of-the-art cable cars and heated chairlifts is a given in nearly all of Austria’s ski resorts. You can choose between popular ski resorts, such as Mayrhofen and Kitzbühel, or go for a quieter base for your ski trip – the choice is all yours. The most best ski resorts in Austria, and arguably the most famous regions, can be found in the counties of Tyrol, Salzburg, Vorarlberg, and Styria. Many ski resorts, such as Kitzbühel, St. Anton, Zürs, Ischgl, Mayrhofen, and Schladming are world famous and have repeatedly been voted amongst the 10 best ski resorts in Europe.
2. Value for money
Austria simply offers the best value for money compared to other European ski nations. Lift passes, drinks, eating out, hotels and chalets – you get more bang for your buck compared to France, Italy, and Switzerland. Lunch at a hut in the mountains enjoying a delicious Schnitzel, sausages, Gröstl or other Austrian hut favourites will not cost you more than €10 to €15, while in Switzerland and France you can just about get a bowl of chips for that price.
The same applies to accommodation and ski schools. In Austria, there are countless B&Bs and 3 star hotels offering excellent value for money. For a little bit of luxury, there are plenty of 4- and 5-star hotels that offer good value for money, with proximity to the slopes, half or full board, and excellent spa facilities. Austrian ski schools have the reputation of being the best in the world, but have always been considerably cheaper than their counterparts in other European ski destinations. So, if you are a novice skier, what better reason to start skiing in your 50s and 60s?
3. Traditional Alpine villages with direct access to the slopes
Many Austrian ski resorts still have a village feel as they grew organically over many years. Most ski resorts are actual working villages with village squares, churches, shops, schools, restaurants, and bars. They offer the perfect setting for a ski trip with direct access to lifts and pistes: Many hotels are ski in/ski out hotels or otherwise in short walking distance of the lifts. And if you are staying just outside the village, you can be sure that there will be a regular ski shuttle taking you to the lifts from right outside your hotel.
4. The best après-ski in the world
Austria’s après-ski culture is unrivalled worldwide. From all-nighters in the villages to smaller gatherings in mountain huts, the party off-piste goes on and on. With a great feel to it, catchy tunes, dancing on tables and the obligatory Jägertee and Schnapps, it is an experience not to be missed on any ski holiday. There are many famous après-ski destinations across Austria. One of the biggest and possibly best known ski bars in Austria is the Tenne in Schladming, which also hosts regular gigs. Some ski resorts, such as Ischgl and Mayrhofen, are more famous for their après-ski bars than their outstanding ski regions.
5. The best lift infrastructure in Europe
Austria is a ski nation and immensely proud of its heritage. Tourism plays a huge role in the country’s economy and winter tourism represents 50% of Austria’s yearly income through tourism. As a result, millions are invested every year in expanding its already well-established ski resorts. Pistes are perfectly groomed every season, older lifts are replaced with state-of-the-art cable cars and chair lifts, and snow cannons are used everywhere to ensure that the pistes are in perfect condition at all times. Nowhere else in Europe will you find more modern and comfortable cable cars and chair lifts than in Austria.
6. Outstanding Austrian’s hospitality
The German word “Gemütlichkeit” means so much more than hospitality and is hard to explain. The Austrians like it cosy or comfy and will do anything to ensure that their guests feel welcome and just like at home. Open fireplaces are found in nearly every hotel, and mountain huts invite to relax and feel at home after a day on the piste with a mug of mulled wine or hot chocolate. As most Austrian hotels are medium-sized and family-run, you will always feel part of a community here and not like a tourist stuck in an impersonal large hotel complex.
We hope we have convinced you that Austria should be a top choice for singles ski holidays, whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced skier. With the variety of terrain, ski schools, and ski guiding available, Austria is the perfect winter you can learn to ski or improve your technique and master all snow conditions in style.
About Single Parents on Holiday:
To find out more about us, go to Single Parents on Holiday. And if you enjoyed reading this post, please subscribe to our Travel Blog:
