Alpbach
Ski Resort

A favourite destination of well-informed British skiers long before the advent of mass market ski tourism, the exquisite village of Alpbach is set in a pine forested landscape with mountains in the background, that just needs a dusting of snow to be picture perfect. A pretty church with a splendid interior marks the centre of the village and surrounding it are attractive, traditional dark-brown wooden chalets. A planning bylaw introduced in 1953 imposes strict rules on what can be built in the village and ensures nothing can ruin its alpine charm.

The main Alpbachtal ski area is on the Wiedersberger Horn which at 2025m has the highest slopes. But there is also a small ski area 7km away at Reith-im-Alpbachtal offering some of the best night skiing in Europe, and some more skiing around the gondolas going up Schatzsberg which provide the vital lift and piste connection to the neighbouring Wildschonau valley.

The combined Alpbachtal-Wildschonau “Ski Juwel” ski area now has 109km of piste (although there is also an alternative figure of 145km of ‘active skiing’ whatever that means.) In layman’s terms, there are 45 lifts accessing about 70 runs which is enough for a week’s holiday for most families who come here, provided snow conditions are good. The ski area is not high but the most important pistes are reinforced with artificial snow-making. This still requires cold night time temperatures though, so be careful to check current snow conditions before booking ski holidays in Alpbach later in the season.

Alpbach ski lifts are a short free bus ride from the centre of the village — with the main base station at Inneralpbach and a second base station (Liftstuberl), which is halfway between Alpbach and Reith. Most of the skiing consists of well-groomed, wide, gentle, treelined,  blue and red runs – perfect for novices and intermediates who want a holiday first and foremost rather than a stern test of their skiing abilities. There are plenty of mountain huts to stop in for lunch or drinks.

Alpbach ski schools have an excellent reputation for teaching beginners, particularly children, who can learn to ski on nursery slopes close to the village and on wide beginner slopes in the ski area. Advanced skiers and boarders are not totally ignored, There are a few black runs and 16km of ski routes, as well as more challenging off-piste terrain for free-riding with a guide. Also, the off-piste terrain remains untracked for longer than in busier ski resorts.

Ski-hire in Alpach includes a choice of three family-run businesses (five shops) conveniently located in Alpbach, Inneralpbach and Reith. All offering a range of skiing and snowboarding equipment for sale or rental, and discounts when you pre-book ski-hire online.

Alpbach accommodation includes a few luxury hotels with spa and wellness, the charming Hotel Post in the centre of the village and smaller, family-run hotels offering good value. Also, B&B guesthouses and self-catering apartments. With a high proportion of guests returning year after year, booking early is advised.

Apres-ski in Alpbach is quiet in comparison to bigger and better known ski resorts,  but it has a few lively bars and several appealing restaurants. Most guests come here wanting to relax and enjoy the village ambience and the views, and for cross-country skiing, tobogganing, snowshoeing and winter-walking as well as skiing and boarding.

Getting to Alpbach is easy. It’s just a short 50-minute drive from Innsbruck and less than a two hour drive from Salzburg, Munich and Bolzano airports.

Ultimate-Ski Guide to Alpbach