Latest in Austria

Pitztal Glacier Set to Reopen for the 2026/27 Ski Season on 26 September

Tyrol's highest ski area is gearing up to open a full month ahead of most of the Alps. The Pitztal Glacier is scheduled to start its 2026/27 season on Saturday 26 September, running through to 2 May 2027, with the lower-altitude Rifflsee area following in December. High-altitude terrain up to 3,440 metres gives the glacier a head start on snow, though as always, the actual opening extent will depend on how September's weather plays out. Early online ski pass bookings can save up to 30%.

Sölden's Old Einzeiger Chairlift Gets a Second Life in Montafon

Silvretta Montafon is replacing its ageing Freda chairlift - but not with something new. The resort is having a 1999 four-seater chairlift, retired from Sölden, dismantled, shipped to Vorarlberg and rebuilt with new electronics, cable and clamps. It has to be running before March 2027, when Silvretta Montafon hosts the FIS Snowboard, Freestyle and Freeski World Championships - the biggest winter sports event Vorarlberg has staged. Here's how a reused lift ends up cheaper.

Nassfeld Invests €13 Million in New 6-Seater Chairlift for 2026/27 Season

Nassfeld is putting €13 million into a new 6-seater chairlift, the Tressdorfer Almbahn, connecting Sonnleitn with the Tressdorfer Alm from December 2026. It replaces three ageing drag lifts and will run through summer too, from June 2027, moving up to 2,500 people an hour on the roughly three-minute ride. It's the latest step in Carinthia's largest ski resort building out a genuine year-round offering, following last year's Gartnerkofelbahn gondola.

Silvretta Montafon Plans New 10-Person Gondola to Replace Ageing Hochjoch Lift

Silvretta Montafon wants to retire one of its most distinctive lifts. The plan: a single 10-person gondola running direct from Schruns to 1,870 metres, replacing both the two-stage Hochjoch cable car and the 1985 Kropfen chairlift in one move. Capacity jumps from 620 to 3,000 people an hour, and the mid-station transfer disappears entirely. The public hearing lands August 27, 2026 - construction hasn't been confirmed yet, though lift databases are pointing to 2027.

New Delay for the Sillian-Sexten Ski Connection as Plan Is Reworked

The long-planned ski connection between Sillian in East Tyrol and Sexten in South Tyrol has hit another setback. An environmental review found the planned Austrian-side lift would cut through sensitive habitat, including breeding grounds for rock ptarmigan, so the Schultz Group has scrapped the single-lift plan for two separate lifts with a transfer at Leckfeldalm. New landowner agreements are needed and a fresh application isn't expected before 2027 - the South Tyrol side is unaffected.

Ischgl's Final D-Line Chairlift Takes Shape as Höllkarbahn C2 Construction Begins

The last piece of Ischgl's 50 million euro lift overhaul is underway. With the Höllbodenbahn and Sassgalunbahn already running since 2025, attention has turned to the Höllkarbahn C2 - a new 8-person Doppelmayr D-Line chair with heated seats, weather hoods and room for 89 chairs across 14 pylons. Helicopters have been hauling out the old towers since May, with a November 26 opening targeted. Here's where the build stands and what it means for the Silvretta Arena.

New Grafenberg Gondola to Replace Three Wagrain Lifts Spanning Four Decades

Snow Space Salzburg has released full specs for the new Grafenberg gondola opening winter 2026/27. The 10-person, ~3km system replaces three lifts dating back to 1985, doubles capacity to 4,000 per hour, and includes a new mid-station directly at the G-Link for faster Wagrain-Flachau connections. The old Grafenberg Express 1 gondola gets a second life at Monte Popolo ski area.

German Man Used Forged Documents to Ski for Free at Multiple Tyrolean Resorts

A 30-year-old German man spent last winter skiing for free across multiple Tyrolean resorts using a forged industry pass and an old employee ID - until he got caught at the Stubai Glacier in February. The total damage to lift operators came to almost €4,000. He avoided a criminal record through an Austrian diversion agreement, but will have to repay the outstanding damages plus an additional €600 penalty.

Samnaun's Iconic Twinliner Double-Decker Gondola Gets New Cabins for 2026/27

The Twinliner at Samnaun - the world's first double-decker aerial tramway cabin when it opened in 1995 - is getting a full cabin replacement this northern summer. Both cabins will be swapped out as part of a comprehensive modernisation ahead of the 2026/27 season, with the control system and platform doors also upgraded. It's part of a broader €50 million investment program at the Silvretta Arena Ischgl-Samnaun.

Resort Spotlight: Dachstein West - Austria's Family-Focused Intermediate Playground

Dachstein West runs 48 lifts across 51km of terrain - an unusual ratio that hints at this Austrian resort's real character. With 65% intermediate terrain and a family-focused infrastructure, it's built for a specific market segment.

Samnaun Breaks Ground on New Gondola That Will Reshape Access to the Ischgl-Samnaun Ski Arena

Construction has started on a new 10-person gondola at Samnaun, the Swiss entry point to the cross-border Silvretta Ski Arena Ischgl/Samnaun. The Laret-Champs-Muller lift connects lower-lying hamlets directly to the ski area with a midway station adding flexibility on the slopes. It opens for winter 2027. Here's what's being built.

St. Johann in Tirol Replaces 45-Year-Old Chairlift With New 10-Person Gondola for 2026-27

A two-seater chairlift from 1981 is making way for a 10-person gondola in St. Johann in Tirol - and if you never rode the old Jodlalm double chair, you missed something. Construction is underway now, capacity jumps from a crawl to 2,400 people per hour, and the new gondola runs direct to the Harschbichl summit at 1,603m without a transfer. Opening planned for winter 2026-27. The chairs from the old lift were sold off - someone's getting a unique garden feature.

Resort Spotlight: Golm Ski Resort - Vorarlberg's Family-Focused Alternative to Arlberg Chaos

Golm occupies an interesting position in Austria's Montafon Valley - substantial vertical drop and legitimate terrain spread, but deliberately pitched at families and developing skiers. Whether that's a weakness or strength depends entirely on what you're after.

Zell am See Gets a New Kapellenbahn Chairlift on the Schmittenhöhe for Winter 2026-27

Construction has started on a new Kapellenbahn chairlift on the Schmittenhöhe above Zell am See, with the goal of having it operational for the 2026-27 ski season. The existing 4-seater from 2001 is being replaced by a detachable 8-seater with a capacity of 3,400 people per hour - a 42% increase on the current lift.

Resort Spotlight: Schladming Dachstein - Austria's Racing Pedigree Meets Intermediate Heaven

Schladming Dachstein hosts night races under floodlights every January, but the World Cup circus tells only part of the story. This Styrian resort spreads 123 kilometres across four interconnected mountains with surprisingly little genuine challenge for the grade on the lift pass.

Mayrhofen Ski Resort Review: Six Sectors, One Very Steep Groomed Run, and a Valley Pass That Changes the Maths

Mayrhofen has a reputation that starts with one famously steep groomed run and ends with 548 kilometres of valley-wide terrain. Here's an honest breakdown of all six sectors, the lift system, pricing, and who this resort actually suits.

Epic Pass Adds Zillertal Valley Ski Resorts for 2026-27 Season

Epic Pass is expanding its Austrian coverage for 2026-27, adding Zillertal Arena, Hochzillertal-Hochfügen, and Spieljoch to its existing Mayrhofen and Hintertux Glacier partnerships. The Zillertal Valley additions bring 339 miles of runs and 118 lifts to the pass. Here's what Australian skiers need to know about the region and what the expansion means for trip planning.

Kaunertal Glacier Closes Early Despite Fresh Snow and More Forecast

Kaunertal Glacier is calling its 2025/26 season on May 17 - earlier than planned - despite picking up around 7 cm of fresh snow this week with more forecast before the weekend. Snow depths remain solid at altitude, but warm spells, operating costs, and low capacity utilisation have tipped the decision. The planned KTE snowpark event is also off.

Saalbach Hinterglemm to Host Men's World Cup Downhill and Super-G in February 2027

Saalbach Hinterglemm is back on the FIS Ski World Cup calendar, with two men's speed races confirmed for February 2027. A downhill and Super-G on the Zwölferkogel will replace a scheduled Courchevel stop, following a late calendar adjustment proposed at the FIS Spring Conference. Less than two years after hosting the 2025 World Ski Championships, Saalbach is back in the racing business.

Why North American Ski Resorts Don't Invest in Lifts Like Europe Does

In the 2025/26 season, the four core Alpine nations spent $1.09 billion on new lift infrastructure. North America managed $317 million. That's a 3.4x gap - and it has nothing to do with snow quality or resort size. After building a database of 226 new lift installations across 32 countries and a full financial comparative report, the answer comes down to ownership structures, regulatory constraints, and 150 years of European mountain history that North America simply doesn't have.

European Alps Snow Forecast: 20-30cm Expected This Week

A modest cold front will deliver snow to high-altitude European resorts from Monday through Thursday, with the western and southern Alps favoured. Val Thorens and Cervinia could see up to 30cm, while many Austrian resorts miss out entirely. Snow levels fluctuate between 1,800-2,400 metres.

Global Skier Visits Hit Record 399 Million in 2024-25 - Here's Who's Leading

The 2024-25 ski season set a new global record with 399 million skier visits worldwide - more people on snow than ever before. Nine countries account for nearly 80% of that total, with the US, France, and Austria holding the top three spots. Japan posted the biggest jump of any major market, driven largely by Australian and North American visitors chasing powder.

St. Anton's White Rush Race: 555 Competitors on Slushy Moguls

St. Anton's annual Der Weisse Rausch race sends 555 skiers and snowboarders down 7.3 kilometres of slushy, mogulled terrain after the lifts close. The course includes uphill boot-packing and a final obstacle section that participants navigate with skis in hand.

Top 5 Runs at Obertauern: A Piste-by-Piste Breakdown of Austria's Snow-Sure Resort

Obertauern sits at 1,740 metres in Austria's Salzburg region, making it one of the most snow-reliable resorts in the country. With 100 kilometres of pistes and a unique ski circuit layout, there's plenty to explore. Here's a rundown of the five best runs from a day on the mountain - from mellow morning groomers to leg-burning steep stuff - plus a couple of honourable mentions that deserved a spot.

Top 5 Runs at Hintertux Glacier - Zillertal Valley, Austria

Hintertux Glacier in Austria's Zillertal Valley climbs to 3,250 metres with 60 kilometres of pistes and 21 lifts. The terrain covers everything from wide glacier cruisers to steep freeride gullies dropping into alpine valleys. Here are the five runs that stood out most during a day on the mountain.

Japanese Snowboarders Dominate Austrian and German Masters Big Air at Kitzsteinhorn

The fifth edition of the Austrian and German Masters wrapped up at the Kitzsteinhorn on April 8, doubling as a European Cup Big Air event with 70 riders from 19 nations competing. Japan's Hiromu Watanabe took the men's win while Sofia Afanaseva claimed the women's title. National championship honours went to Niklas Huber and Heli Bockhorn for Germany, and Lennox König and Ilvy Paul for Austria.

Obertauern: Austria's Snow Bowl and the Sleeper Resort You Should Know About

Obertauern wasn't on the itinerary at all, but it turned out to be one of the highlights of a three-week Europe ski trip. Known as the "snow bowl of Austria," this circular resort surrounds the village with skiing on all sides and offers terrain that punches well above what you'd expect from a resort most Australians have never heard of. Here's an honest look at what we found on a full day exploring.

Freerider Found Dead in Avalanche Near Obertauern After Two-Day Search Involving 60 Rescuers

A 40-year-old Slovakian freerider has been found dead after being buried in an avalanche near Plattenspitze, above the Austrian ski resort of Obertauern. Around 60 mountain rescuers were involved in the two-day search before the skier was located roughly 2.5 metres deep using RECCO detection. He had deployed his avalanche airbag but was not carrying a transceiver. Austria's avalanche death toll this season now sits at 31 - more than double the 10-year average.

Schladming-Dachstein: An Unplanned Detour to Planai and Hauser Kaibling

Sometimes the best ski days are the ones you didn't plan. A two-hour drive through heavy traffic led to an impromptu afternoon at Planai Schladming, one of four connected peaks in the Schladming-Dachstein region. Here's what a half-day of exploring turned up - from World Cup race pistes and eight-seater chairs everywhere to a 1,200-metre top-to-bottom run that justified the whole detour.

Snow Space Salzburg Day 2: Flachau, Zauchensee and the Absolute Park

Day two in Snow Space Salzburg started from Flachau's free car park and covered the resort's other half - the Absolute Park terrain park, a bus connection to Zauchensee's World Cup arena, and a top-to-bottom run from 2,100 metres. Here's how the Flachau side stacks up, including what worked, what didn't, and why Austrian free parking deserves more credit than it gets.

Snowboarder Killed in Kühtai Avalanche After Group Enters Variant Terrain Without Emergency Gear

A 49-year-old German snowboarder has died after being completely buried in an avalanche at Kühtai ski resort in Austria's Tyrol region. The group of three entered off-piste terrain without carrying any avalanche emergency equipment. One was partially buried and survived; the third escaped unharmed. A large-scale rescue operation involving mountain rescue, fire brigades, helicopters and police recovered the victim - but not until hours after the slide.

Snow Space Salzburg: A Day Exploring Wargrain, Flachau and the G-Link

Snow Space Salzburg connects multiple resorts across 12 mountains on a single lift pass - but is it worth the trip? We spent a day exploring Wargrain, riding the massive G-Link aerial tram to Flachau, and testing everything from steep black runs to fun slopes. Here's what we found, including why Austrian chairlifts put everyone else to shame and where the snow was (and wasn't) holding up.

SkiGastein, Austria - First Impressions of the Gastein Valley on a Low Snow Day

A first look at SkiGastein in Austria's Gastein Valley - one of Salzburgerland's biggest ski regions. With 83km of pistes and 25 lifts across the main area, it sounds great on paper. But a late start, thin February snow cover, and a lot of cat tracks made for a mixed first day on the hill.

American Skier Seriously Injured in Stubai Alps Avalanche, Austria

Two American backcountry skiers were caught in an avalanche in the Stubai Alps near Neustift im Stubaital, Austria, on April 3. One skier sustained a serious shoulder injury after being swept 200 metres down a steep couloir. Rescue teams airlifted both skiers from the scene.

Ski Slope Burglary Getaway Foiled by Snow Groomer in Ischgl

Two burglars who broke into a restaurant and attempted to escape down Ischgl's ski slopes at 2am were caught after an alert snowcat driver spotted them hiding in trees. Austrian police used snow groomers to reach the remote location and apprehend the suspects.

Italian Tourist Dies After Avalanche Buries Him on Off-Piste Run in Austria

Federico Giubilato, 41, was skiing off-piste in Marchkopf, Austria when an 820-foot-wide avalanche buried him under 5.2 feet of snow. Rescue crews reached him within 30 minutes, but it was too late. His death is one of more than 60 avalanche fatalities across Europe this season.

Austria Avalanche Deaths Bring Season Total to 28 as Persistent Weak Layer Claims Two Experienced Backcountry Skiers

Two experienced backcountry skiers died in an avalanche on Tamlspitze in Austria's Tux Valley on 28 February, pushing the country's seasonal death toll to 28—more than double the 10-year average. The fatalities underscore ongoing instability from a persistent weak layer affecting the Alps.

Europe's 2025–26 Avalanche Season: 119 Deaths and Why the Mountains Are More Dangerous Than They Look

Europe's 2025–26 avalanche season has become one of the deadliest in modern history, with 119 confirmed deaths before the end of February and the season still far from over. A buried weak layer formed in December, combined with successive storms dumping metres of snow on top of it, has created conditions that aren't visible from the surface. Here's a full breakdown of what happened, why, and what it means if you're planning a trip to the Alps.

Freeride World Tour Georgia Pro Cancelled, Restaged at Kühtai in Austria

The third stop of the 2026 Freeride World Tour has been cancelled after unsafe snowpack conditions forced organisers to abandon the Georgia Pro at Tetnuldi resort. Rather than write off the round entirely, the FWT has moved quickly to restage the event at Kühtai near Innsbruck, Austria — a venue that already knows how to host a freeride competition.

SkiGastein Conditions Report February 2026: Eastern Alps Snow Shortage Bites Hard

First-time visit to SkiGastein in Austria's Gastein Valley reveals the harsh reality facing eastern Alpine resorts this season. After a week of powder in the Dolomites, the contrast was brutal. Weeks without fresh snow and freeze-thaw cycles have left terrain icy and challenging. Despite extensive cat tracks and €70 for four hours, higher elevation runs on Schlossalm offered redemption. Overcast skies didn't help. The resort's doing what it can, but I'm not rushing back until conditions improve.

Franzoni Claims Maiden Kitzbühel Downhill Win as Odermatt's Streif Drought Continues

Giovanni Franzoni delivered a career-defining performance to win the Kitzbühel downhill by seven hundredths of a second over Marco Odermatt, who remains winless on the sport's most famous course despite three runner-up finishes. The result caps a remarkable January breakthrough for the 24-year-old Italian.

Zauchensee Replaces 40-Year-Old Schwarzwandbahn With Doppelmayr 10-Person Gondola

After four decades of service, Zauchensee's Schwarzwandbahn has been replaced with a modern Doppelmayr gondola system. The new lift triples capacity to 2,300 people per hour and opens mountain access to pedestrians for the first time, addressing what was likely a significant bottleneck in this Austrian resort.

Ischgl Completes Two New Lifts as Austrian Resort Continues Infrastructure Overhaul

Ischgl has opened two new eight-seat chairlifts, including what it claims is the world's shortest heated eight-seater. The Höllbodenbahn and Sassgalunbahn installations mark the latest phase in the Austrian resort's ongoing lift replacement programme, with another project already scheduled for 2026.

Marco Schwarz Wins Alta Badia Giant Slalom as Lucas Braathen Takes Second for Brazil

Austria's Marco Schwarz claimed his first World Cup victory in two years at Alta Badia's Gran Risa, holding off Brazil's Lucas Braathen by 0.18 seconds in a chaotic Giant Slalom that saw pre-race favourite Marco Odermatt finish sixth and Germany's Fabian Gratz nearly pull off a massive upset.

Kitzsteinhorn Glacier Resort Review: Salzburg's High-Altitude Skiing Destination

Austria's Kitzsteinhorn glacier resort operates from early October through late April, offering 61 kilometres of pistes reaching 3,029 metres above sea level. With reliable snow conditions, unique high-elevation beginner terrain, and access to three resorts through the ALPIN CARD system, this glacier destination delivers consistent skiing for Australian visitors seeking extended European ski seasons.

Teacher Dies After Tree Collision at Nassfeld During School Ski Trip

A 64-year-old Czech teacher has died after veering off-piste and striking a tree at Austria's Nassfeld resort, marking the third European ski fatality in less than a week. The incident occurred in front of students during a school trip, raising questions about supervision protocols.

Major Avalanche at Stubai Glacier Triggers Massive Rescue Operation Involving 250 Personnel

A significant avalanche at Austria's Stubai Glacier on Thursday morning caught eight skiers in off-piste terrain, triggering one of the season's largest rescue operations. While all skiers managed to free themselves before emergency services arrived, three required medical treatment for injuries. The incident involved nearly 250 rescue personnel and highlights the elevated avalanche risk during early season conditions across Austrian ski areas.

French Underdog Takes First World Cup Win as Belgium Claims Historic Slalom Podium in Gurgl

The FIS Slalom World Cup in Gurgl delivered an unexpected shake-up as France's Paco Rassat claimed his first career win and Belgium's Armand Marchant secured his country's first-ever World Cup podium. With established contenders faltering on a technical second run, the result raises questions about form heading into the season.

Obertauern Bans Uphilling as Austrian Resorts Crack Down on Ski Touring

Obertauern has issued a blanket ban on uphilling within resort boundaries for 2025-26, citing safety concerns after years of conflict. The decision adds the Austrian resort to a growing list implementing outright bans rather than managed access, despite local guides questioning the safety rationale.

Zillertal Arena Ski Resort Review: 150km of Terrain Across Four Austrian Villages

After a week in Austria's Zillertal Valley, I finally understood why locals kept insisting I ski Zillertal Arena. This 150km interconnected area spans four villages with nearly 2,000m of vertical, yet remains relatively unknown internationally. From tackling the intimidating piste 10 to finding beer from a 500-year-old brewery mid-mountain, here's my February 2025 assessment.

Steinplatte's New Bäreck Lift: Comfort Upgrade or Unnecessary Extravagance?

Steinplatte ski resort announces plans for a new high-end chairlift to replace an existing route, raising questions about priorities and pricing in an era of climate uncertainty.

Kitzski Kitzbühel Review: Why This Austrian Resort is Ranked Number One in the World

After a decade on my bucket list, I finally made it to Kitzski at Kitzbühel - ranked number one out of 6,000 global resorts. Having skied Mt Buller, Lake Tahoe, and Hokkaido, I approached the claim with scepticism. But after two days exploring 233 kilometres of pistes and skiing sections of the legendary Streif downhill course, I'm convinced. This might truly be the most complete ski resort experience on the planet, combining world-class terrain with authentic alpine village life.

Dachstein West Invests €22M in New Chairlifts: A Critical Look

Dachstein West is spending big on two new 6-seater chairlifts, but what does this really mean for skiers and the region's future? We analyse the investment beyond the marketing spin.

The 35 Coolest New Ski Lifts From This Season's 246 Global Installations

This season brings 246 new ski lift installations across North America and Europe - the biggest infrastructure boom in years. From the 65 North American upgrades and 181 European installations, we've picked the 35 coolest projects worth planning trips around. From Deer Valley's unprecedented seven-lift expansion to Switzerland's world-first Tri-Line gondola technology, here are the game-changing upgrades that'll transform your mountain experience.

FIS Alpine World Cup 2025-26: Men's Calendar Rebalanced After Speed Skier Complaints

The FIS has adjusted the 2025-26 men's Alpine World Cup calendar, adding more downhill events after speed specialists voiced concerns. The revised schedule aims to create a more equitable playing field for the Overall Season Trophy.

Global Ski Industry Rankings: Nine Countries Control 366 Million Annual Visits

The latest international ski tourism data reveals stark industry concentration, with just nine countries dominating global skiing. The USA leads with 60.5 million visits, whilst China shows explosive growth and traditional Alpine destinations face different challenges from climate change to currency strength.

Austria Gains Ground on Switzerland for U.S. Ski Tourists

Austria's winter tourism sees modest growth, with U.S. visitors increasing 15.4% to nearly 1 million overnight stays. However, Switzerland still leads with 1.2 million U.S. stays, despite Austria's larger ski industry and more competitive pricing.

Rosenalmbahn Cable Car Modernisation Set for Summer 2025

Zeller Bergbahnen plans to upgrade the Rosenalmbahn cable car, enhancing comfort and sustainability. The project will commence after the 2025 summer season, with minimal impact on winter operations.

New SkyRide Ahorn Enhances Mayrhofen's Mountain Experience

Mayrhofen introduces the SkyRide Ahorn, offering an open-air gondola experience atop Austria's largest aerial tramway. This new attraction provides panoramic views of the Zillertal mountains and leads to the Greifen Bridge, enhancing the area's hiking options.

Marco Odermatt's Gets A Gondola at Kitzbühel

Swiss ski champion Marco Odermatt was honoured with a personalised gondola at Kitzbühel Ski Resort, commemorating his 2025 Super-G victory on the Streif.

St. Anton am Arlberg Joins Elite 'Club 5' World Cup Venues

St. Anton am Arlberg has been admitted to the prestigious 'Club 5', an association of top World Cup ski racing venues. This recognition bolsters the resort's bid to host the 2033 World Championships.

Vail Resorts CEO Envisions European Megapass Potential

Rob Katz, CEO of Vail Resorts, discusses the potential for introducing a megapass system to European ski resorts, similar to the successful Epic Pass model in North America.

Leadership Change at Ski Amadé: Austria's Largest Ski Association Enters New Era

Ski Amadé, Austria's largest ski association, announces a significant leadership transition as Dr. Christoph Eisinger steps down after over two decades, with Manuel Schnell set to take the helm.

Sölden's Ski Infrastructure Upgrade: New 8-Seater Chairlift and Slope Connections

Sölden ski resort is set to enhance its lift system with a new 8-seater chairlift 'Silberbrünnl' and improved slope connections, offering skiers and riders better access and more diverse terrain options.

Tyrol's Winter Tourism Season Shows Resilience Amid Challenges

Tyrol's 2024/25 winter tourism season faces ups and downs, with slight decreases in arrivals and overnight stays. Despite challenges, the industry remains stable, adapting to changing conditions and maintaining its role as a key economic driver for the region.

Hintertux Park Opening 2025: Freestyle Skiing and Snowboarding Event

The Hintertux Park Opening returns for its 21st year, kicking off the winter season from October 3-5, 2025. This event brings together top riders, amateurs, and industry professionals at the Betterpark Hintertux.

Silvretta Arena Welcomes 2 Million Visitors for 2024/25 Season

The Silvretta Arena Ischgl/Samnaun has achieved a significant milestone, recording over 2 million first-time visitors for the 2024/25 winter season, marking a return to pre-pandemic levels of success.

Sölden Joins Epic Pass for 2025/26 Ski Season

Vail Resorts adds Sölden, Austria to the Epic Pass lineup for the 2025/26 ski season, offering pass holders access to this high-altitude resort known for its reliable snow and modern amenities.

Epic Pass Adds Silvretta Montafon to Austrian Ski Resort Lineup

Vail Resorts expands Epic Pass offerings in Austria, adding Silvretta Montafon for the 2025/26 season. Skiers and riders gain access to over 85 miles of slopes in the Montafon Valley, with Epic Pass sales available at the lowest price until May 26.

Epic Pass Expands with Two Austrian Ski Resorts: Mayrhofen and Hintertux

Vail Resorts adds Mayrhofen and Hintertux to the Epic Pass for the 2025-26 season, offering skiers and riders access to over 120 miles of slopes in Austria's Zillertal Valley, including year-round skiing on the Hintertux Glacier.

Saalbach and Zell am See-Kaprun Join Epic Pass for 2025/26 Season

Vail Resorts expands its Epic Pass offering to include Saalbach and Zell am See-Kaprun in Austria for the 2025/26 ski season. This addition provides pass holders access to two of Austria's premier ski areas, enhancing the global appeal of the Epic Pass.

Ischgl Ski Resort Upgrading with Three New 8-Person Bubble Chairlifts

Ischgl, a popular Austrian ski resort, is investing €50 million to replace three existing lifts with state-of-the-art 8-person bubble chairlifts, enhancing guest comfort and transport capacity.

Global Ski Tourism: Top 9 Countries by Annual Skier Visits

Explore the world's most popular ski destinations as we analyse the top nine countries by annual skier visits. From the United States to Sweden, discover how these nations shape the global ski industry and attract millions of visitors each year.

KitzSki and SkiWelt Merger Talks: Creating Austria's Largest Ski Area

Discussions are underway to merge KitzSki and SkiWelt, potentially forming Austria's largest interconnected ski area with over 500 kilometres of slopes.

Global Ski Industry Shows Resilience in Post-Pandemic Season

The 2023/24 ski season demonstrated the industry's recovery with over 366 million skier visits worldwide, marking the third consecutive year of robust performance according to the latest International Report on Snow & Mountain Tourism.

I Took On "The Challenge": My 65km Ski Circuit Adventure at Saalbach Hinterglemm

Follow my journey as I tackle "The Challenge" at Saalbach Hinterglemm - Austria's most demanding ski circuit spanning 65km with 12,400m of vertical descent across 32 lifts. Starting at dawn and finishing by afternoon, this ultimate test for skiers and riders showcases why the Skicircus outranks even the famous Sellaronda and White Ring circuits.

Kitzbühel's Sound | Escape Festival Boosts Late-Season Tourism

Kitzbühel's Sound | Escape electronic music festival has successfully revitalised the resort's late March weekend, attracting visitors and boosting local businesses. The event featured top DJs and free admission across various venues.

Jungholz Ski Area Acquired by German Company for $1.65 Million

WMM AG, a German company, has purchased the bankrupt Jungholz ski area in Austria for $1.65 million. Plans include reopening for the 2025-26 winter season with new features and affordable pricing.

Innovative ConnX Gondola System to Debut at INTERALPIN Trade Fair

INTERALPIN, the leading trade fair for alpine technologies, will showcase Leitner's groundbreaking ConnX gondola system, revolutionising urban and mountain transport.

Lower Austrian Ski Resorts Thrive Despite Mild Winter

Lower Austrian ski resorts recorded 660,000 visits this season, marking a return to pre-pandemic levels despite challenging weather conditions. The new Lower Austria Mountain Adventure Pass has proven popular among skiers and riders.

Skiing in Europe Is Amazing, But Which Pass Takes You Further

Planning a ski trip to the Alps? This guide breaks down the European resort access offered by major ski passes, helping you choose the best option for your Alpine adventure.

Austrian Ski Resorts Prepare For Spring With 70cms Of Fresh Snow

Austrian ski resorts see significant snowfall, with some areas receiving up to 70cm of fresh powder. Many resorts plan to stay open into May, offering excellent late-season skiing conditions.

Mayrhofen: From Family-Friendly to Austria's Steepest Run in One Massive Resort

Follow my journey through Mayrhofen's massive 10,751-acre terrain as I transition from the family-friendly Ahornbahn to conquering the infamous Harakiri—Austria's steepest slope with its intimidating 78% pitch. Discover a resort that rivals North America's giants with modern lifts, diverse terrain, and unexpected attractions like a birds of prey sanctuary.

Perfect Powder Day at Hintertux Glacier: Austria's Year-Round Ski Haven

Experience the magnificent Hintertux Glacier ski resort through fresh powder and bluebird skies. This remote Austrian gem offers impressive 1,750m vertical drops, untouched off-piste terrain, and breathtaking alpine vistas. Join us for a perfect day carving through pristine snow at one of Austria's most spectacular year-round ski destinations.

Salzburg Ski Tourism Breaks Records: January 2025 Sets All-Time High for Overnight Stays

Salzburg's ski regions have achieved unprecedented tourism success with over 7.34 million overnight stays from November 2024 to January 2025. January 2025 set a new all-time record with nearly four million overnight stays, surpassing the previous high from 2020.

Fresh Powder at Sölden: Exploring the Gaislachkogl Peak

Experience day two at Sölden ski resort during a perfect powder day. Follow my journey as I swap skis for a snowboard and explore the massive Gaislachkogl area, discover James Bond filming locations, and complete Austria's longest connected ski run from 3340m down to 1363m.

Exploring Sölden: Austria's Massive Dual Glacier Resort

Discover the immense scale of Sölden ski resort with its impressive 31 lifts, 3 peaks over 3,000m, and 2 glaciers spanning 145km of varied terrain. Follow my journey through this Austrian giant that outclasses even North America's largest resorts.

Ikon Pass 2025/26: New Pricing, Resorts and Benefits Revealed

The Ikon Pass for 2025/26 ski season launches March 13 with price increases, adding Austria's Ischgl resort and unlimited access to Arapahoe Basin. New pass holders gain immediate spring skiing access at up to 17 resorts, alongside enhanced benefits including heli-skiing discounts and brand partnerships.

Conquering Harakiri: Battling Austria's Steepest Ski Slope

Journey through an intense personal challenge on Mayrhofen's legendary Harakiri piste, Austria's steepest ski slope. This firsthand account chronicles a snowboarder's determination to conquer the infamous run, featuring dramatic falls, icy conditions, and ultimate triumph on one of the Alps' most intimidating slopes.

New 12-er NORD Gondola Transforms Saalbach-Hinterglemm For World Championships

The Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm unveils its revolutionary 12er NORD gondola, featuring comfortable 10-seater cabins and enhanced safety measures. This state-of-the-art lift system boosts capacity to 2,600 skiers per hour, marking a significant upgrade for the 2025 FIS Alpine Ski World Championships venue.

New 10-Seater Gondola Upgrades Access at Skicircus Saalbach

The Skicircus of Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn unveils its brand new 10-seater Streuböden gondola, doubling passenger capacity and offering direct slope access from the Fieberbrunn parking area. This state-of-the-art lift features panoramic cabins and sustainable design elements, marking a significant upgrade for the renowned ski resort.

Mountopolis: Complete Guide to Mayrhofen's World-Class Ski Areas for 2024-25

Discover Mountopolis in Austria's Zillertal region, where 142 kilometers of pristine slopes and 60 modern lifts await across Ahorn, Penken, Finkenberg, Rastkogel and Eggalm. From Austria's steepest slope to family-friendly runs, Mayrhofen offers a perfect blend of challenging terrain and leisurely skiing, all set against breathtaking Alpine views.

Revolutionary New Ski Lifts in Europe 2024: 8 Game-Changing Mountain Transport Systems

From the world's steepest aerial tramway in Switzerland to the innovative "Ropetaxi" in LAAX, Europe's ski resorts are unveiling groundbreaking lift technologies for 2024/25. Discover how these engineering marvels are transforming the mountain experience with faster speeds, greater comfort, and enhanced sustainability.

FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup Season Opener in Sölden, Austria

The 2024-25 FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup season kicks off this weekend in Sölden, Austria, featuring the women's and men's Giant Slalom events. Skiers and fans alike are gearing up for an action-packed weekend of world-class alpine racing, with competitions scheduled for October 26 and 27. U.S. viewers can catch the events live on Peacock, with additional coverage on various networks throughout the season.

Central Europe Faces Catastrophic Flooding: Rising Death Toll and Destruction

Devastating Flash Floods Hit St. Anton: Austria's Premier Ski Resort Faces Nature's Fury

COVID-19 Tests Now Required To Access Austrian Ski Resorts