The rise of Austria as the all-round school ski trip destination
Want to take your school to a resort bursting with alpine adventures, introducing new technology and continuing its' success with regular ski-goers? Then Austria is your answer. With resorts known for high-quality infrastructure, stunning scenery and well-groomed slopes, Austria has to be on your list. As a country dominated by the Alps, Austria has held it's place at the forefront of winter holidays for years, and here's why:
Making it's mark on the slopes
Austria represents incredible value for money. From the basic holiday costs and the price of lift passes to the variety of dining options and evening entertainment, Austria has made its' mark. Ski schools have evolved to offer more diverse services, with English speaking instructors in a better position to interact and tailor lessons to the students' ability. A perfect destination for the next school ski trip! To add to this, Austrian ski resorts haven't skipped out on service. With the influences of German efficiency this was perhaps never in doubt, but the importance of a warm welcome from courteous and helpful staff to help build a positive ski experience for students remains high on the agenda of school ski Party Leaders.
Austria's ski resorts are upgrading
As for technology, Austria’s lift systems are on a par with many of the top French resorts. In addition to Austrian resorts building new partnerships with neighbouring slopes, providing skiers with a greater variety of terrain, the resorts themselves have raised their game. In fact, an independent assessment of Austria’s ski lift systems rank a selection of SkiBound’s chosen resorts within the top five. These include SkiWelt, Saalbach, Ziller Valley, Wildschönau, and Kitzbühel. With over 2,600 ski lifts in Austria, plus a new release of 23 lifts for the 2025/26 season, the renewal of lift systems continues to be a priority throughout the resorts.
A new recent precedence for Austria is paving the way for sustainable skiing. Sustainable practices should be a top priority for all ski resorts, not only due to the increasing awareness of sustainability, but also due to the reliance on frequent snow. Many Austrian resorts are starting to run their buildings and ski lifts with sustainable energy. SkiBound resorts SkiWelt and Kitzbühel are just two of the resorts leading this movement. Kitzbühel provides free electric buses throughout the resort. New lifts have been introduced which are equipped with energy-saving elements and the main heating system in the resort has been converted from fuel oil to natural gas. SkiWelt is operated with 100% green energy through hydropower, a huge achievement which was awarded the international sustainability award in 2024. Sustainable energy is also used when snowmaking cannons are in action, another key innovative step forward.
Keeping with tradition: The alpine experience
Beyond selecting the best resorts for school groups, great care has also gone into choosing accommodation that balances comfort with character. From traditional Gasthofs to dedicated Jugendhotels, Austrian lodgings have evolved to meet the needs of today's students. Our selected accomodation offers features like ensuite rooms and in-house entertainment. At the same time, they retain the rustic charm many associate with a classic winter escape: think wooden beams, crackling fires, and a mug of heiße Schokolade after a day on the slopes. Owners have embraced this blend of old and new, creating cosy, welcoming spaces that deliver a genuine alpine experience. Interiors are thoughtfully designed with student groups in mind, ensuring practicality without losing the authentic Austrian feel.
On the slopes of Austria
Though France is often celebrated for its' extensive black runs, Austria continues to impress with a broad range of slopes so suit all skill levels. Across the linked resorts, Austria is still able to offer skiing on a higher level. Snow-sure resorts, such as Obertauern and Heiligenblut, provide school groups with great options late into the ski season. Head to the famous Kitzsteinhorn Glacier from Zell am See. Students will be treated to an array of snow-white slopes and snowparks offering both variety to the casual skiers and adrenaline seekers.
Another factor which sets Austria apart from French resorts is the well-groomed and high-quality slopes. The majority of Austrian resorts invest heavily in piste preparation and maintenance, so important to consider when selecting a ski resort destination. Obertauren, Zell Am See and Dachstein West have been noted for their well-groomed slopes.
Incorporating traditional elements with the contemporary technology doesn't appear to be a dated recipe. For Austria, this boom in groups choosing the Austrian Alpes for their next school ski trip links back to a solid history of good ski resorts, great snow, and high levels of hospitality. The added bonus of linked resorts and consideration for sustainable skiing, puts the cherry on the top in making Austria unbelievable value for money in the school ski market.
About the Author
Tim Jenkins
A former primary school teacher, Tim has been writing for educational travel websites, educational publications and leisure magazines for the past three years. His first-hand experience in leading adventure residential trips and seeing the benefits of learning outside the classroom has further fuelled his interest into studying the impact of outdoor education on young learners. Always seeking his next trip to the slopes, Tim’s favourite ski resort is Les Menuires from where you can explore the Three Valleys ski area.