The 10 Most Famous Ski Resorts for British Skiers

There are few places in the world like Ischgl. With lifts that reach 2,800 metres in altitude, it’s a truly snow-sure ski resort where the fun starts in November and doesn’t let up until May. And it’s big, too: Spread over the Swiss-Austrian border, there are 239 kilometres of pistes served by swift and modern ski lifts. But Ischgl is about more than just skiing or snowboarding. It’s also known for its pulsing town centre, filled with high-class shops, Michelin-standard restaurants and throbbing après-ski bars. This, along with the world-class mountain-top concerts that start and end the season, set Ischgl apart.

When to go? Ischgl is open for skiing from November to May

How to get there? Ischgl is a 1 hr 10 minute transfer from Innsbruck Airport, which is served by daily scheduled flights and numerous charter flights from UK airports.

In the Tiroler Zugsptiz Arena, you can choose between seven charming and family-friendly ski resorts, each as atmospheric as the next. There are the three runs of Wetterstein, Berwang and Bichlbach, the varied slopes of Ehrwalder Alm and Grubigstein and the endless panoramas from Zugspitzplatt and Marienberg. In total that’s 139 kilometres of fun and varied pistes to explore. You could kick off your day watching the sunrise with the First Tracks programme, have lunch at a traditional mountain hut and finish off the day with floodlit tobogganing. Or just take it easy and absorb the nature and beauty that set this region apart.

When to go? The Tiroler Zugspitz Arena is open for skiing from November to May

How to get there? The Tiroler Zugspitz Arena is a 1 hr 15 minute transfer from Innsbruck Airport, which is served by daily scheduled flights and numerous charter flights from UK airports.

The Ötztal valley is home to not just one but two, high-class, high-altitude ski resorts. The first, Sölden, extends from the valley all the way up to the snow-sure Rettenbach glacier at 3,340 metres. But good snow is not the only famous thing in Sölden. It’s also home to the iconic iceQ restaurant, which starred in James Bond blockbuster Spectre.

The Ötztal’s other architectural star is 20 minutes down the valley in the 110-kilometre ski resort of Obergurgl-Hochgurgl. Sat at 3,080 metres above sea level, this panoramic bar has breathtaking views over the pitch-perfect and snow-covered slopes of the Ötztal valley.

Watch Ski Club of Great Britain’s '7 in 7' episode of Sölden ski resort and Obergurgl ski resort on YouTube.

When to go? Sölden and Obergurgl-Hochgurgl are open for skiing from November to May

How to get there? Sölden is a 1 hr 10 minute transfer, Obergurgl a 1 hr 30 minute from Innsbruck Airport, which is served by daily scheduled flights and numerous charter flights from UK airports.

In Innsbruck, you can wake up in the centre of buzzing, culture-filled city, but eat breakfast at 2,000 metres. The capital of the Tirol region, it’s filled with must-see buildings and charming cafes. But it’s also surrounded by mountains, with nine distinct ski areas all just a snowball’s throw away. Nordkette, which can be reached from the city centre, is a haven for powder skiers, as are the high resorts Axamer Lizum and Stubai glacier. Beginners love quiet, tree-lined spots like Patscherkofel and Muttereralm, while snow-sure Kühtai, with its doorstep skiing, is a great pick for families.

Watch Ski Club of Great Britain’s '7 in 7' episode of Innsbruck on YouTube.

When to go? Innsbruck Christmas Markets start in November and run until early January and it is possible to ski from November until the end of the season.

How to get there? Innsbruck Airport is served by daily scheduled flights and numerous charter flights from UK airports. easyJet flies directly from London Gatwick, Bristol and Liverpool to Innsbruck. British Airways has direct routes from London Heathrow and London Gatwick to Innsbruck.

Ski Juwel is a special place. Made up of the areas of Alpbachtal and Wildschönau, it offers both incredible skiing and quaint, untouched villages. In fact, Alpbach, with its wooden chalets and stunning backdrop, is often said to be the most beautiful village in Austria. On the mountain, there’s something for everyone. The 109 kilometres of pistes are mainly intermediate-friendly blues and reds, though there are also black and freeride routes to challenge experts. Excellent ski schools and off-slope activities make it a hit for families, while gourmands will love the traditional mountain huts, local schnapps and unique culinary heritage.

Watch Ski Club of Great Britain’s '7 in 7' episode of Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau ski resort on YouTube.

When to go? Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau is open for skiing December until April

How to get there? The resorts of Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau are approximately 1 hr transfer from Innsbruck Airport, which is served by daily scheduled flights and numerous charter flights from UK airports.

284 pistes. 90 modern ski lifts. 77 mountains huts. SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser - Brixental is all about big numbers. Well, except for when it comes to travel times: This family-friendly resort is just one hour from Innsbruck, Munich and Salzburg airports, making it a cinch to reach from the UK. Spread across the rolling mountains of the Kitzbühel Alps, the ski area connects nine Tirolean villages. The pistes are wide and well groomed, making them especially good for beginners and intermediates, and the four fun parks are enjoyable for both the young and the old. Later, when the floodlights come on, it turns into Austria’s largest night-skiing area.

Watch Ski Club of Great Britain’s '7 in 7' episode of Söll ski resort on YouTube.

When to go? All these resorts are open for skiing December until April

How to get there? All these resorts are a short family-friendly transfer from Innsbruck Airport, which is served by daily scheduled flights and numerous charter flights from UK airports. There are numerous UK tour operators that specialise in family ski holidays and offer great value and advice. Some of these include: Esprit, Inghams, Crystal Ski Holidays and Neilson.

Tucked away in the Kitzbühel Alps is St Johann in Tirol, a village steeped in tradition but surrounded by nature. With 17 modern lifts and 43 kilometres of pistes, it’s a local favourite, offering everything from wide gentle trails to 1000 metre-long black runs. But it’s about more than just downhill skiing and snowboarding. Explore the enchanting winter scenery by hiking, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Or spend an afternoon shopping for traditional keepsakes, locally-grown treats or high-fashion ski gear. And don’t forget to visit one of the regions rustic mountain huts for home-cooked food like you’ve never tasted it before.

Watch Ski Club of Great Britain’s '7 in 7' episode of St Johann ski resort on YouTube.

When to go? St. Johann is opened from December until April

How to get there? St Johann is a 1 hr 10 minute transfer from Innsbruck Airport, which is served by daily scheduled flights and numerous charter flights from UK airports.

Tucked away on the snowy Arlberg Pass, St Anton is famous the world over for two things: skiing and partying. Its mountains are a mecca for freeriders, with off-piste runs in every direction. But it’s worth coming here to witness the après-ski as well: Come three pm the bars start to fill up and the music and dancing begin.

Watch Ski Club of Great Britain’s '7 in 7' episode of St Anton ski resort on YouTube.

When to go? St. Anton is open for skiing December until April

How to get there? St Anton is a 1 hr 10 minute transfer from Innsbruck Airport, which is served by daily scheduled flights and numerous charter flights from UK airports. Numerous UK tour operators offer week-long and short breaks to St Anton.

Kitzbühel is home to one of the most famous runs in the whole of the Alps: The Streif. It’s here that, every January, the world’s best skiers whizz down the mountain at 140 kph during the Hahnenkamm downhill race. But Kitzbühel is worth visiting anytime in the season for its great views, varied skiing and excellent shopping.

Watch Ski Club of Great Britain’s '7 in 7' episode of Kitzbühel ski resort on YouTube.

When to go? Kitzbühel is open for skiing December until April

How to get there? Kitzbühel is a 1 hr 20 minute transfer from Innsbruck Airport, which is served by daily scheduled flights and numerous charter flights from UK airports.

State-of-the-art lifts, endless pistes and terrain for every level make Mayrhofen a firm favourite. Part of the Zillertal Valley, there’s 515 kilometres of piste to discover, along with terrain parks and acres of off-piste. After a day of exploring, the town itself has a lot to offer, from après-ski bars to first-rate restaurants.

When to go? Mayrhofen is open for skiing December until April

How to get there? Mayrhofen is a 1 hr transfer from Innsbruck Airport, which is served by daily scheduled flights and numerous charter flights from UK airports.