Top 5 late season ski resorts - Austria

When it comes to late season skiing, not everyone thinks of Austria, but here are 5 late season ski resorts that are up there with the best of them...

1. Obergurgl
 Resort height:
   1930m

 Slopes:
   1795-3080m

 Pistes:
   110km

Widely considered the most reliable entirely non-glacial resort in the Alps, Obergurgl always delivers when it comes to spring skiing. I was there in late April 2007, one of the poorest snow years ever in the Alps and you could still ski back to resort.



In a normal year there is excellent cover at all levels right through to the end of the season. With a top height of over 3000m, snow quality is often good too, particularly in the high bowls above Hochgurgl.



Best for: Beginners and Intermediates


2. Ischgl
 Resort height:
   1400m

 Slopes:
   1400-2870m

 Pistes:

238km


Paznaun-Ischgl Don’t be put off by Ischgl’s modest resort height – or the lack of a glacier. Most of your day will be spent above the mid-stations and Ischgl has by far the greatest extent of skiing above 2000m in Austria. This means super-reliable snow cover right through until closing time early in May. What’s more, you don’t have to negotiate the runs home (which do get very slushy in spring) if you don’t fancy it - there are no less than 3 efficient lifts ready to whisk you back to base.



Best for: Intermediates



3. Sölden
 Resort height:
   1380m

 Slopes:
   1350-3340m

 Pistes:
   150km


Sölden’s big draws are its two glaciers, which pretty much guarantee an extensive area of good snow, even in a poor year. There’s plenty of high non-glacial skiing too, making Sölden an excellent choice for a late season trip. If there is one flaw it’s that the runs home are likely to be worn or patchy by spring, but like in Ischgl, you can always catch a lift down.



Best for: Intermediates



4. Mayrhofen/Hintertux

 Mayrhofen
 Hintertux

Resort height:
 630m
 1500m

Slopes:
 630-2500m
 1500-3250m

Pistes:
 159km
 86km


365 days per year


Mayrhofen alone would not quite make our top 5 but, given its proximity to Hintertux, we feel it is worth an entry. Even on its own, Mayrhofen has plenty of relatively snow-sure slopes – at least above the mid-stations. In nearby Hintertux, however, you have the ultimate guarantee – one of Europe’s largest and most varied glaciers and the promise of good snow, even in late spring (the glacier is open 365 days a year).



Best for: Intermediates



5. Lech/Zürs
 Resort height:
   1450/1720m

 Slopes:
   1450-2650m

 Pistes:
   122km


The ski area in Lech/Zürs does not reach glacial heights, but this is the snowiest major ski area in the Alps and cover is pretty much guaranteed until the end of April, even at resort level. With little skiing above 2500m, however, afternoon slush is more of a concern here than in say, Obergurgl or Hintertux, so morning skiing is the main focus in spring.



Best for: Intermediates





original on weathertoski.co.uk