Like lots of people, you might have been mesmerised by the show put on during the recent Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. For 17 days, the world’s top winter sports specialists pitted their skills against one another in search of a place on the podium. Seeing these athletes in action may have inspired you to hit the slopes on your very own skiing holiday.

Whether you’ve never tried the sport before or you’re a seasoned expert, Austria could be the perfect destination for you. The country is home to an array of resorts that cater to people of all abilities, and with facilities to accommodate the intrepid skier, you can also make the most of catered ski chalets in Austria.

Taking Up the Skis

If you’re a novice on the slopes, Alpbach might be a great place to start. Located on a sunny plateau at around 1,000 metres above sea level, this is a lovely vacation spot. In fact, in years gone by it has been voted the most beautiful village in Austria. The praise hasn’t ended there, either: it was also recognized as Europe’s most beautiful floral village. If you’re there to ski, though, it boasts 145 kilometres of well-manicured runs and 20 kilometres of cross-country skiing trails — that’s what matters!

Lech is another great place to start off with easy runs for those who’ve not tackled the slopes before. If you’re already familiar with the skis and would like to step up a level — and are feeling brave — you may want to consider skiing in Lech. Some of the slopes can be a little steep but aren’t impossible. If you’re an autograph hunter, you might also see one or two celebrities on the slopes!

slopes and ski

For the Old Hands (or Feet)

One of the best Austrian resorts for advanced skiers is St Anton and is considered one of the top three resorts across the continent for serious skiers. The main mountain has exciting red run slopes. Meanwhile, if you’ve partied a little too hard the night before or you simply fancy taking it easy, there are some more straightforward runs on the other side of the valley where you can ski away that thumping headache or your cares!

When it comes to skiing, Austria offers something for skiers of all levels. If you caught the bug from watching athletes whizz down the slopes at the Winter Olympics and are now looking for a place to indulge in your newfound passion, look no further: Austria is ready for your visit!