Home/Occasions/Late Season in Austria

For late season

Best Ski Resorts for Late Season in Austria

Hintertux is the best late season ski resort in Austria. It is the country's only glacier open every day of the year, so it holds real snow long after every valley resort has closed, with skiing that runs into May and beyond. Solden and the Stubai Glacier follow for high glacier terrain into spring, while Obergurgl is the standout snow sure village. Below we rank ten on how well they ski in March, April and beyond, including a clear value pick.

By the Ski Resorts for Kings editorial team · Last reviewed June 2026

What matters

What keeps a resort skiable late in the season

Late season in Austria is all about altitude and ice. Once the spring sun arrives, lower resorts turn slushy by lunchtime and close in April, so the resorts that stay good are the ones with a glacier or a genuinely high ski area that keeps cold snow on north facing slopes. A glacier is the surest bet of all, because it offers firm, reliable snow when everything below is bare.

Timing within the day matters too. Late season skiing rewards an early start on the firm overnight freeze, with long sunny lunches on the terrace once the surface softens, so resorts with good mountain restaurants and sun terraces come into their own. The trade off is that the snow lower down can be patchy, which is exactly why the high and glacier resorts win.

Late season is also the value season, with quieter slopes and lower prices once the school holidays pass, so we have flagged a clear budget pick. Reliable spring snow is the theme, but the sunshine and the easy atmosphere are a big part of the appeal.

Late season snow on a high glacier piste

An Austrian alpine village in spring snow

An Austrian alpine ski village in winter

The ranking

Our late season picks for Austria

Ranked on what keeps the skiing good late in the year: glacier or high altitude snow, how long the season runs, the quality of the spring terrain, and the value once the crowds thin out.

Hintertux

Tyrol | the year round glacier

Austria's only year round glacier, with reliable snow long after the valleys have closed.

Hintertux tops the list because it never closes. The Hintertux Glacier is the only ski area in Austria open every day of the year, rising high enough to hold firm, dependable snow deep into spring and through the summer, so a late April or May trip here is a sure thing.

The terrain is high and snow sure rather than charming, and you ski the glacier itself rather than tree lined valley runs, but for guaranteed late season snow there is no rival in the country. The clear number one for spring.

Solden

Otztal | two glaciers and energy

A high resort with two glaciers, reliable spring snow and a lively late season scene.

Solden pairs two glaciers with a buzzing modern resort town, which makes it one of the best late season choices for skiers who want snow and a party. The Rettenbach and Tiefenbach glaciers keep the upper mountain firm into spring, and the high altitude protects the rest of the area.

It is busier and more contemporary than the traditional villages, with strong apres and nightlife that runs late into the season. For glacier reliable snow and energy in March and April, Solden is excellent.

Stubai Glacier

Tyrol | the biggest glacier area

The largest glacier ski area in Austria, snow sure and skiable well into late spring.

The Stubai Glacier is the biggest glacier ski area in the country, a high, broad expanse of dependable snow above the pretty Stubai valley near Innsbruck. It typically stays open into late spring, with wide, sunny pistes that ski beautifully on a firm spring morning.

The base villages like Neustift are traditional and good value, and the easy access from Innsbruck airport is a bonus. A superb late season pick that combines glacier reliability with real Tyrolean character.

Obergurgl

Otztal | the snow sure village

One of the highest villages in Austria, with a long, reliable season into late April.

Obergurgl is the best snow sure village pick for late season, sitting among the highest in Austria so its whole ski area, not just a glacier, holds snow into late April. The compact, traffic calmed village offers genuine doorstep skiing on firm spring snow.

The terrain suits intermediates and families more than experts, and the family run hotels give it a warm, calm feel that the bigger party resorts lack. For a reliable, relaxed spring week in a real village, Obergurgl is the pick.

Obertauern

Salzburgerland | the snow bowl

A high pass village in a snow holding bowl, famously reliable late into the spring.

Obertauern sits high on a pass in a bowl of pistes that catches and holds snow exceptionally well, giving it one of the longest, most reliable seasons of any non glacier resort in Austria. Lifts ring the village, so the doorstep skiing stays good into late April.

It is functional rather than postcard pretty, but the snow record and the easy circular layout make it a smart spring choice. A strong late season pick for skiers who want convenience and reliable cover without a glacier.

Hochgurgl

Otztal | high and quiet

A high, quiet ski station above Obergurgl with snow sure pistes deep into spring.

Hochgurgl is the higher, quieter sibling of Obergurgl, a compact ski station perched among the highest lift served slopes in Austria. The altitude keeps the pistes firm and well covered into spring, and the lack of crowds makes for relaxed late season days.

There is little village life beyond a few smart hotels, so it suits skiers who prioritize snow and quiet over nightlife. For high, dependable spring snow without the bustle, Hochgurgl is an excellent choice.

Kaprun

Salzburgerland | the Kitzsteinhorn glacier

A traditional village beneath the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, with reliable snow into late spring.

Kaprun gives you a glacier and a pretty, traditional village in one. The Kitzsteinhorn glacier above town holds snow late into spring, and the resort pairs with lakeside Zell am See nearby for a varied trip with plenty to do off the snow.

The glacier terrain is high and reliable, while the village itself is charming and good value. For late season snow with a real Austrian village and a lake on the doorstep, Kaprun is a lovely pick.

Zurs

Arlberg | high alpine and snowy

A high, exclusive Arlberg village with deep snow that lingers well into spring.

Zurs sits high on the Arlberg, one of the snowiest corners of the Alps, so its slopes hold deep cover late in the season when lower resorts fade. The small, upmarket village offers ski in ski out onto the huge Arlberg area shared with St Anton and Lech.

It is exclusive and expensive, with little nightlife of its own, so it suits skiers who want quiet luxury and reliable spring snow on world class terrain. A refined late season choice.

Ischgl

Tyrol | high terrain and a famous finale

A high, snow sure resort known for closing the season with a huge concert in May.

Ischgl runs one of the longest seasons of any Austrian party resort, with high, snow sure terrain that typically stays open into early May, capped by its famous season closing concert. The altitude keeps the wide pistes in good shape long after lower resorts shut.

The nightlife is glossy and the prices high, but the combination of reliable late snow and a big finale is unique. For skiers who want spring snow with a serious final blowout, Ischgl is the pick.

Kuhtai

Tyrol | the value pick

The highest village in Austria, snow sure into spring and easy on the budget.

Kuhtai is the value late season pick, the highest village in Austria, which gives it dependable snow well into spring without the prices of the famous glacier resorts. The compact, ski in ski out layout sits right among the lifts a short drive from Innsbruck.

The ski area is small and there is little nightlife, so it is best for families and groups who want reliable spring snow and good value over scale or buzz. The smart budget choice for a late season trip.

Compared at a glance

The late season shortlist

Resort	Best for	Scene	The verdict
Hintertux	Guaranteed late snow	Year round glacier	The only glacier open all year in Austria.
Solden	Glacier snow and energy	Lively	Two glaciers and a late running party.
Stubai Glacier	Big glacier terrain	Traditional base	The largest glacier area in Austria.
Obergurgl	A snow sure village	Calm	High slopes that ski into late April.
Obertauern	Reliable non glacier snow	Snow bowl	A high pass that holds cover late.
Hochgurgl	High and quiet	Peaceful	Snow sure pistes with no crowds.
Kaprun	Glacier plus a village	Charming	The Kitzsteinhorn above a pretty town.
Zurs	Quiet luxury and snow	Exclusive	Deep Arlberg snow that lingers.
Ischgl	Late snow and a finale	Glitzy	High terrain and a May closing concert.
Kuhtai	Value spring snow	No frills	The highest village in Austria for less.

Book the trip well

Late season is the value window, with lower prices and quieter slopes once the school holidays pass, but the glacier resorts and high villages still fill on sunny spring weekends. Booking the lift pass, ski hire and transfer ahead locks in the saving, and a spring trip is the time to check that your chosen resort is still open for your dates before you commit.

Book the extras and save

Lift passes, ski hire, lessons, transfers and travel cover are where a spring trip adds up. Booking ahead almost always beats arranging on the day, even in the quiet season.

Compare lift passes Book a transfer Find lessons Reserve ski hire Travel insurance

Keep planning

Related late season guides

Compare across the calendar with our list of the best late season resorts in the Alps and in France, or look at the other end of the year with early season in Austria. Plan the country with the Austria destination guide, and read our reviews of Solden and Obergurgl.

Questions worth asking

Late season FAQs

What is the best late season ski resort in Austria?

Hintertux is our overall pick, the only glacier in Austria open every day of the year, so it holds reliable snow into May and beyond when valley resorts have closed. Solden and the Stubai Glacier follow for high glacier terrain. The right pick depends on whether you want a glacier, a snow sure village or value.

Which Austrian resorts have glaciers for spring skiing?

Hintertux, Solden with its Rettenbach and Tiefenbach glaciers, the Stubai Glacier near Innsbruck, and Kaprun with the Kitzsteinhorn all offer glacier skiing that holds snow late into spring. Hintertux is the only one open year round.

How late can you ski in Austria?

On the glaciers you can ski into May and, at Hintertux, right through the summer. High non glacier resorts like Obergurgl, Obertauern and Ischgl typically stay open into late April or early May. Lower valley resorts usually close in early to mid April once the spring thaw sets in.

Is late season skiing in Austria good value?

Yes. Once the February and Easter school holidays pass, prices drop and the slopes empty, so late March and April often offer the best value of the season. The glacier and high resorts hold their snow, so you get reliable conditions for less money and shorter lift queues.

What is the best value late season resort in Austria?

Kuhtai is our value pick, the highest village in Austria, with snow sure spring skiing and ski in ski out convenience for less than the famous glacier resorts. Obergurgl and the traditional villages below the Stubai Glacier also offer good value reliable snow late in the year.

Is spring snow in Austria slushy?

It can be, lower down in the afternoon, which is why the high and glacier resorts matter. The trick is to ski early on the firm overnight freeze and enjoy long terrace lunches as the surface softens. North facing slopes and glacier terrain stay firm and reliable far longer.

Have it arranged

Tell us the dates. We price the trip.

If you want a late season Austrian trip arranged by specialists, with the snow sure resort and the lift passes and transfers handled, give us the dates, group and budget below and we will route your brief to the right operators. No fee to you, ever.

Every brief is read by a real planner. You will hear back within two working days, in season.

Free and no obligation. Your brief goes to vetted operators only, never to advertisers.