The Austrian ski resorts are as varied as those to be found in either the French or the Swiss alps. From the high altitude, lunar-like bowls of Ischgl to the tranquil lake-side town of Zell am See, there is an Austrian resort for everyone.

Article written by Mark Warner Property

Where you decide to focus your property search will not only depend on budget but also what type of skier you are, and what you look for in a winter holiday.

The Piste Basher

If you like nothing more than clocking up the miles and skiing endless kms of well-linked piste then the Austrian resorts are surely too small? Aren’t they?

Saalbach-Hinterglemm would argue not. The 220kms of piste form the world-famous Saalbach Ski Circus that allows you to complete a full loop of the entire ski region. Good skiers should be able to manage the round circuit in a day – even after allowing for a hearty lunch in one of the many charming restaurants.

Saalbach offers excellent value for money with studios starting from EUR 140,000 – just make sure that you’re on the sunny side of the valley! Chalets are few and far between, but expect to pay from EUR 800,000.

Alternatives? Try Ischgl or Solden

The Alpine Enthusiast

Zell am See is the destination of choice for those looking for a variety of alpine activities throughout the year.

Together with the nearby glacier at Kaprun, the Zell am See ski area covers a decent enough 148kms of piste, but it is the summer activities that really make this the destination of choice for the year-round alpine enthusiast.

Zell am See is perched on the edge of beautiful Lake Zell where the water warms to a balmy 22 degrees during the long summer months. There are activities galore both on and off the water.

Small apartments can be found from just over EUR 200,000 while chalets start from around EUR 900,000. Expect to pay more in the very centre of the resort where close proximity to the ski lifts and the lake keep prices at a premium.

Alternatives? Bad Gastein has quite a following with Scandinavian buyers.

The Family Man

With the young family in tow you’re probably not too worried about the après ski or high altitude peaks? A decent ski school, ice rink, swimming pool and a good selection of blue and red runs will do very nicely thank you.

Luckily Austria caters for you in abundance. Try Neukirchen and Bramberg – the two villages that make up the Wildkogel ski arena. Along with a good selction of family friendly pistes you will also find Europe’s longest toboggan run.

Alternatively, join the Dutch tourists in one of the villages that makes up the Hochkonig ski area – Maria Alm, Dienten or Hinterthal. This is family skiing at its best with lots of long, wide pistes that snake their way through the pine forests.

Prices are particularly family friendly here also with older re-sale apartments from little over EUR 140,000 and detached chalets from EUR 500,000.

Alternatives? Dorfgastein, Seefeld and many others!! 

The Fashionista

If your French ski resort of choice is Megeve or Courchevel then Kitzbuhel is surely the place for you. Why waste your whole day on the piste when you can be browsing the boutiques of Louis Vitton or Chanel in the historic town centre. That is, if you can pull yourself out from under the sheep skin rugs that the kind waiter has put over your legs at lunch.

You’ll need deep pockets though. Apartments in this most fashionable Austrian resort start from EUR 500,000 and chalets from EUR 1.5m.

Alternatives? Try Lech or St Anton

For further information on buying property in Austria including resort guides, mortgages, taxes and legal issues please feel free to download our new guide to Investing in Austrian Property.