Lower Austria Ski Resorts

Lower Austria: Small Family-Friendly Ski Resorts

Lower Austria is the largest of the nine federal states that make up the country. The region spans a rich and diverse landscape of mountains, river valleys, pine woods, alpine pastures, and vineyards. The beautiful and historic city of Vienna is also right on the doorstep.... Full Overview

Lower Austria: Small Family-Friendly Ski Resorts

Lower Austria is the largest of the nine federal states that make up the country. The region spans a rich and diverse landscape of mountains, river valleys, pine woods, alpine pastures, and vineyards. The beautiful and historic city of Vienna is also right on the doorstep. Lower Austria is home to numerous ski resorts, smaller than those found in the Tyrol or Salzburg regions.

Semmering-Hirschenkogel (1000-1360m) is one of the major ski areas in Lower Austria and is popular with beginners, families, carvers, and snowboarders. The well prepared slopes offer panoramic views across the Semmering-Rax region and are easily accessed via fast, comfortable lifts.

Certified ski and snowboard instructors offer lessons in English for all levels, from kindergarten through to carving. Freestyle skiers and boarders can hit the funpark ‘Split-Park' complete with a kicker, two jumps, six-metre rail, eight-metre box, nine-metre rainbow rail, fun box, tube, and two chill-out zones. The three-kilometre tobogganing run is an exhilarating nighttime activity with tunnels, light effects, and atmospheric sounds.

Hochkar (1480-1770m) has a good choice of slopes to suit all ski levels. While experts may find the 20 kilometres of slopes slightly limiting, there are some exciting challenges here, including four demanding black runs, a mogul slope, and a permanent race track. Beginners will find six easy blue runs and a gentle nursery slope while intermediates practise on the long runs down from the Leckerplan Mountain.

Hochkar's funpark at the Almlift offers freestylers a range of kickers and rails. Break for lunch at one of the mountain restaurants which serve good, hearty food. At the base of the mountain, skiers will find a lively après ski bar.

Annaberg (800-1334m) is a family-friendly resort popular with the locals. Its well groomed, tree-lined pistes have scenic views across the Otscher Mountain. Year-round skiing is available on the Dachstein Glacier just 30 minutes away.

Lackenhof-Otscher (810-2893m) is a family favourite with a kids' park and magic carpet. Experts can time themselves on the race track while freestylers hit the snowpark.

Monichkirchen-Mariensee (870-1450m) is a sunny resort offering something for everyone, from gentle beginners' slopes to a challenging black run for the pros, accessed by modern, four-seater chairlifts.

Other ski resorts in Lower Austria include St. Corona am Wechsel (840-1420m), Puchberg am Schneeberg (577-2075m), Unterberg - Pernitz (710-1342m), Hohe Wand Wiese (258-370m), and Gemeindealpe (800-1626m). Lower Austria is easily accessed from Vienna Airport and the A1 autobahn. Rail links in this area are extensive and very well-maintained.

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