- Austria has more than 95 snowboard resorts with some of the best terrain Europe has to offer.Girl on snowboard image by Peter Kirillov from Fotolia.com
The "World Snowboard Guide" names Austria as the “snowboard capital of Europe,” and it should be, with more than 95 snowboard resorts boasting state-of-the-art facilities, excellent lifts and an assortment of slopes for all abilities. Thanks to Austria’s prime location in the Austrian Alps, snowfall amounts are high, especially in the Northern Tyrol Alps. A variety of resorts are available, with a range of prices, amenities and boarding options to suit the budget-minded traveler and those who can afford a bit more. - It’s rumored that St. Anton has the best terrain in Austria for snowboarding, and this prominent resort is indeed impressive, but expensive. Experienced riders will enjoy St. Anton’s long powder slopes, and the Kapall runs provide opportunities for freestyle riding. Beginners should stick to the easy runs, because this resort’s slopes are suited mostly to skilled snowboarders. Shops, supermarkets, Internet cafes and banks line the streets of the resort, and restaurants such as the Funky Chicken and Pizzeria Pomodora serve tasty and somewhat affordable food. Take-out food is limited, so late-night noshing may be hard to come by. Snowboarders on a budget might not want to stay overnight here, as accommodations run from $140 to $270 per night.
Tourismusverband
A-6580
St. Anton am Arlberg, Tirol
+43 5446-2269-0
stantonamarlberg.com/winter - A small village surrounded by breathtaking mountains, Mayrhofen is the largest snowboard area in the Ziller Valley, offering 97 miles of slopes and Austria’s steepest run. Freestylers will love the Burton terrain park and the several table-tops and half-pipes. The North slopes, with their mild drop-offs and steep territory, offer substantial room to free-ride but can be crowded. Beginners will love Ahorn, a typically unfrequented area full of easy slopes for those just starting out.
More than 3,500 residents live in the village, and there are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat, including taverns, pizza and kebab shops, and other places to buy fresh meat. You'll find 8,500 beds available in Mayrhofen, and prices range from $120 to $453 per night. The resort attracts young visitors for its energetic nightlife. Families will also find Mayrhofen appealing: It’s billed as a family resort complete with recreational amenities and a fun pool for kids.
Ferienregion Mayrhofen
A-6290
Mayrhofen, Tirol
+43 5285-6760
Mayrhofen.at - Kitzbuhel is the home of Hahnenkamm, a World Cup downhill ski course, and is a popular destination for tour groups. The resort offers several slopes for all skill levels. Check out the Kitzbuhel Horn area for plenty of chances for air time on the park’s pipes. Intermediate and advanced snowboarders will find the famous Hahnenkamm run particularly enticing. The Hagstein run will suit beginners nicely with its long and easy runs. Accommodations are average-priced, with the option to book more expensive penthouses and apartments, and typically range from $110 to $420 per night. You can find cheap places to eat around the resort, including several take-out options. Take 5 and the Londoner bar offer live music every night, and there’s even a Mexican eatery. There are several nightclubs in the resort that are open until the wee hours of the morning.
Hinterstadt 18
A-6370
Kitzbuhel, Austria
+43 5356-7770
kitzbuehel.com
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