The Best Time to Visit the Austrian Alps
Timing matters more in the Alps than almost anywhere. Here is what each part of the year does best, and the dates worth planning around in 2026/27.
Month by month
| Period | At its best for | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| December | Christmas and New Year in the chalet, early-season glacier skiing at Sölden and Kaprun | The most requested weeks of the year, and Saturday changeovers are strictly enforced. Book 9–12 months ahead. |
| January | Cold, dry snow; quiet pistes; the best value of the winter | The Hahnenkamm races fill Kitzbühel from 18 to 24 January 2027. |
| February | Peak conditions everywhere | European half-term holidays bring the busiest slopes. |
| March | Freeride in St. Anton, spring sun on the terraces, Top of the Mountain concerts | Ischgl’s Easter Concert on the Idalp is on 28 March 2027. |
| April | Spring snow, glacier skiing, late-season quiet | Lower resorts begin closing. Saturday changeovers apply until 15 April. |
| June–August | The Grossglockner road, high trails, alpine lakes, the Kitzsteinhorn glacier | Rates fall considerably against winter and arrival days are flexible, with a two-night minimum. |
| September–October | Clear air, empty trails, the last of the high passes | Arguably the best light of the year. The Grossglockner road closes in early November. |
Key dates for winter 2026/27
| Date | Event | Resort |
|---|---|---|
| 24–25 Oct 2026 | Alpine Ski World Cup opening | Sölden |
| 6 Nov 2026 | KitzSki season opens (planned) | Kitzbühel |
| 26 Nov 2026 | Silvretta Arena season opens | Ischgl |
| 28 Nov 2026 | Top of the Mountain Opening Concert (Westlife) | Ischgl |
| 1 Dec 2026 | Winter season begins: Saturday to Saturday stays | All |
| 18–24 Jan 2027 | 87th Hahnenkamm Races; downhill on Sat 23 Jan | Kitzbühel |
| 28 Mar 2027 | Top of the Mountain Easter Concert | Ischgl |
| 15 Apr 2027 | Winter season ends; flexible summer arrivals begin | All |
| 17 Apr 2027 | Top of the Mountain Spring Concert | Ischgl |
| 1 May 2027 | Top of the Mountain Closing Concert | Ischgl |
Which resort for which month?
For December and April, choose high or glacier resorts: Sölden, Ischgl or Zell am See with the Kitzsteinhorn. January and March reward the Arlberg, where Lech and St. Anton have deep snow and fewer crowds. For summer, Zell am See and Sölden have the most to do, followed by Kitzbühel.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to ski in Austria?
January and March usually combine good snow with fewer crowds. February is peak season, with the best conditions and the busiest slopes.
Which Austrian resorts are best for early or late-season skiing?
Sölden and the Kitzsteinhorn above Kaprun, thanks to their glaciers, and Ischgl, which reaches about 2,900 m.
Is Austria worth visiting in summer?
Yes. Lakes, high trails, the Grossglockner road and glacier skiing make summer a full season, with flexible arrival days and lower rates.
How far ahead should I book Christmas or New Year?
Nine to twelve months ahead. These are the most requested weeks of the year.