Tirol: Where Every Resort Tells Its Own Alpine Story

Ischgl – Big Skiing, Big Events

Few resorts do ‘big’ like Ischgl. One of Austria’s best-known ski destinations, it combines vast high-altitude terrain with an electric event scene. Set in Tirol’s Paznaun Valley, the Silvretta Arena spans 239 kilometres of pistes up to 2,872m and even crosses into Switzerland for international ski adventures. The long season — late November to early May — means snow is almost guaranteed.

New this winter are two modern eight-seater chairlifts, Höllboden C1 and Sassgalun C3, complete with heated seats, weather protection and solar-paneled roofs — proof that comfort and sustainability can go hand in hand. Ischgl also joins the Ikon Pass, adding global access for skiers keen to explore the world’s best resorts.

Off the snow, Ischgl shines just as bright. Expect top-tier hotels, fine dining and the luxurious Silvretta Therme spa. Then there’s the famous Top of the Mountain Concerts, bringing international stars to perform at 2,300 m.

Big skiing, big atmosphere – that’s Ischgl in a nutshell.

Arlberg – The Cradle of Skiing

The Arlberg doesn’t just have history — it is history. Known as the birthplace of Alpine skiing, it’s Austria’s largest interconnected ski area, with 300 kilometres of groomed runs and another 200 kilometres of freeride terrain. Together, the resorts — St Anton, St Christoph, Lech, Zürs, Stuben and Warth-Schröcken — each bring their own personality: St Anton sporty, Lech refined, Stuben quietly traditional.

The scale is impressive, but it’s the depth that keeps people coming back. Michelin-starred dining meets rustic huts; steep powder faces give way to gentle cruisers through pine forest. Off skis, explore winter hiking trails, snowshoe routes or cultural gems like Skyspace Lech, an art installation that plays with alpine light and perspective.

With a blend of heritage, variety and pure ski culture, the Arlberg is a rite of passage – a destination that every skier should experience at least once, and most return to again and again.

Innsbruck – City & Ski

Innsbruck is where city life and mountain adventure coexist. Within an hour’s reach lie 12 ski areas — all covered by the SKI plus CITY Pass — including the freeride slopes of Axamer Lizum and the snow-sure Stubai Glacier.

If you fancy a rest day, swap skis for a toboggan in Kühtai, a winter hike through quiet valleys or a visit to the city’s palaces and museums. Innsbruck’s old town hums year-round, with cafés, markets and mountain views at every turn.

With its own airport, great train connections and all the perks of a city, Innsbruck is the easiest gateway to the Alps — part mountain escape, part cultured city break.

Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis – Family Fun on a Sunny Plateau

High above the Inn Valley, Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis has perfected family skiing. Set on a sunny plateau at 1,400–2,828m, its 214 kilometres of pistes are wide, scenic and snow-sure. A unique underground village subway keeps Serfaus traffic to a minimum, adding to its relaxed feel.

Children can explore various snow worlds — Kinderschneealm, Murmlipark and Berta’s Kinderland — with excellent ski schools and themed ski runs. Off the slopes, there’s 100 kilometres of winter walking trails, 8 kilometres of toboggan runs and family experiences like the Masner Express snowcat ride.

Grown-ups get their share of fun too: Private breakfast dining with Sekt wine at the high-altitude and mirrored Crystal Cube with 360-degree mountaintop views; The adrenaline rush of the Serfauser Sauser zipline; Magical nights with events like Night Flow, Magic Ladis and Adventure Night.

SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental – Big, Bold, Accessible

Sprawling, scenic and full of charm, SkiWelt is one of Austria’s largest linked ski regions — 275 kilometres of interconnected slopes across eight villages: Brixen, Ellmau, Going, Hopfgarten, Itter, Scheffau, Söll, Westendorf. It’s designed for everyone: beginners have forgiving runs, intermediates endless variety, and experts long loops like the SkiWelt Tour, which crosses multiple peaks without repeating a lift.

After sunset, Söll turns on the lights for Austria’s biggest night-skiing area.

Despite its size, the SkiWelt remains authentic with more than 80 family-run huts dishing up homemade food and local schnapps on sunny terraces. It’s also proudly green — powered entirely by renewable energy and home to one of the world’s first solar-powered lifts. Add its location — just an hour from Innsbruck, Salzburg or Munich — and you get a ski experience that’s as easy as it is epic.

From the cultural heart of Innsbruck to the sunshine of Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis and the high-octane energy of Ischgl, Tirol delivers skiing with character. Every resort has its own charm, but all share the same alpine spirit — open arms, deep roots and a love for the mountains.