
Learn to Ski in Austria
From zero to (piste) hero
There’s something irresistibly attractive about skiing. And it's not the ski goggles, or the softshell jacket. It's the feeling of trying something new. When learning to ski as an adult, you'll quickly notice your courage and curiosity return. And you'll never forget the smile on your face when crushing your first slope. Austria has everything to make getting started feel like a breeze: experienced ski instructors, gentle slopes, and a relaxed no-pressure environment.
The first turn is a small win, the second pure freedom. And then? Sunshine, Kaiserschmarren (shredded pancakes), a breathtaking panorama, and a party to cap the day. Or, in other words, the Austrian joie de vivre. Try something new, discover hidden talents and make friends along the way - that's what skiing in Austria is all about.
Skis, poles, helmet, goggles ...
Equipment: Checklist for beginner skiers
Yes, you do need a bit of equipment to hit the pistes. But the good news is, you can rent most of it right at your ski resort (and buy the rest second-hand). Many regions offer complete rental packages, bookable at your accommodation or the lift valley station. Here's what you need:
Equipment (can all be rented):
Skis & ski shoes
Poles
Helmet
Clothing:
Ski jackets and trousers (rent or buy second-hand)
Gloves (rent or buy)
Ski socks (buy)
Ski thermals (buy)
Ski googles / sun glasses (buy)
Sunscreen with a high SPF factor (buy)
Please note: In SalzburgerLand, Upper Austria, Styria, Lower Austria, Carinthia, Burgenland, and Vienna, children and teens up to the age of 15 are required to wear a helmet by law. However, helmets are recommended for all ages, especially if you're a beginner.
Learn at Austria's ski schools
Ski course: Your first days on the piste
No matter your age, you'll learn much faster and more safely with expert guidance. So, booking a beginner ski course is always a good idea.
On your first day, you'll get to know your equipment, learn how to stand on your skis and stop safely. It might all feel a bit unfamiliar at first, but most people get the hang of it after just a few hours. You'll also learn what to do if you lose balance, and how to get back up safely if you fall.
On the second day, you'll take your first turns and head on slightly longer descents. After three to five days, you'll be able to ski on easy slopes with your ski instructors. Most beginners are able to tackle the pistes on their own after a week.
Learning to ski isn't about becoming an expert overnight. The most important thing is to have fun. And before you'll notice, you'll glide down the piste with minimum effort.
Tip: Want to get a first taste before hitting an actual slope in Austria? Snow domes and dry slopes in the UK are great places to dip your toes in the sport.
FAQs
A region for all ages
Serfaus-Fiss Ladis
Sitting on a sunny high plateau above the upper Tyrolean Inntal Valley, Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis is one of the most welcoming and beginner-friendly spots in the Austrian Alps. Guests can look forward to ...
22 blue pistes (47 km) perfect for beginner skiers
Wide practice slopes and beginner areas in both Serfaus and Fiss-Ladis
Easy valley runs and quickly accessible practice lifts
Ski schools offering beginner courses for all ages (groups or one-on-one)
A mix of flat slopes, conveyor belts and child-friendly areas that ensures quick progress
Packages for beginner skiers:
Where skiing is a feeling
Zillertal
Zillertal is one of the leading winter sports destinations in the Alps. Sitting at up to 3,250 m, with 80% of the region above 1,700 m, means skiing is possible well into April. Here are some additional perks especially for new skiers ...
Blue pistes and practice slopes in every resort in Zillertal
Penken and Ahorn with their practice lifts, easy pistes and snow park are especially beginner-friendly
25 ski schools and more than 500 ski instructors teaching in 17 languages
Countless modern ski rentals, often right at the valley stations, offer expert advice and fitting
Modern cable cars and clear signage on the slopes throughout the region
Packages for beginner skiers:
A true snow paradise
Ischgl
The Paznaun-Ischgl region scores with pristine pistes, modern infrastructure, an international crowd, and an extra tad of luxury, offering beginner skiers the perfect introduction to winter sports ...
All four regions - Galtür, Ischgl, Kappl and See - have dedicated beginner and practice
Wide blue pistes where beginners can practice their newly acquired skills without pressure
Modern infrastructure including practice lifts and ski conveyor belts, e.g. in Ischgl, and ski courses for all ages
Fun activities away from the slopes: ice skating, winter hiking, cross-country skiing, après-ski and shopping
The Silvretta Therme spa to relax your body and mind
Packages for beginner skiers:
In the heart of Ski amadé
Altenmarkt-Zauchensee
Altenmarkt-Zauchensee in the heart of the Salzburg Sport World and Ski amadé is one of the most sporty and varied regions in Austria. It's also a dream for beginners on the slopes. Here's why ...
Radstadt-Altenmarkt offers wide, gentle slopes with practice lifts in the valley, gondolas (no chairlifts!) run from the valley to the mountain
Zauchensee has two practice areas for ski schools as well as a blue run down to the valley from each ski mountain
Zauchensee is especially snow-sure, making it a reliable destination for a first skiing holiday
25 ski huts to stretch your legs and try all the culinary delights the region has to offer
The Erlebnis-Therme Amadé for a relaxing spa treat
Package for beginner skiers: