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SkiWelt Ski Holidays
When you picture an Austrian ski holiday, you probably imagine charming, gingerbread-style villages, the scent of Glühwein in the air, and an enormous, seamlessly connected mountain landscape.
Allow us to introduce you to SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser - Brixental, the place that ticks all those boxes and then some. It's often hailed as one of the largest and most modern ski areas on the planet, and once you spend a day cruising its slopes, you'll understand why.
SkiWelt is situated in the beautiful region of Tyrol, Austria, and its sheer size is what initially sets it apart. The area cleverly links nine character-filled villages: Brixen im Thale, Ellmau, Going, Hopfgarten, Itter, Kelchsau, Scheffau, Söll, and Westendorf. Each of these resorts acts as a unique gateway to the main mountain system, meaning you have eight different access points to the vast network. This variety ensures there is a village vibe to suit everyone, from the lively après scene of Söll to the quieter, more traditional charm of Scheffau or Going.
The best part? SkiWelt is incredibly easy to get to. It proudly sits just an hour's drive from major hubs like Salzburg, Innsbruck, or Munich, making it a stress-free option for weekend warriors and families flying in. Beyond its size, the resort has earned a stellar reputation, repeatedly winning awards, thanks in part to its commitment to sustainability. It's frequently cited as one of the world's most eco-friendly ski areas, with all lifts powered by 100% renewable energy from Tyrolean Hydropower.
Perfectly groomed slopes and 80 rustic huts in one of the world’s largest and most modern ski areas!
Rebecca Dodson, Sales Manager
Mountain Facts
With roughly 284km of impeccably groomed pistes, it ranks among the largest interconnected ski areas in the world, offering something for absolutely everyone: about 122km of easy blue runs for beginners and cruisers, 129km of reds for intermediates who want variety and flow, and 33km of blacks for those craving steeper, more technical terrain - especially around Hohe Salve and Choralpe. The entire domain operates on a powerful network of around 90 modern lifts, keeping queues short and laps plentiful. The altitude spans from the 1,892m high point near Fleiding/ Choralpe down to the 620m valley floor, which, combined with the scale of the area, creates more than 20 scenic valley descents. And if you’re a mileage addict, the famous SkiWelt Tour - available in two colour-coded variations stretching 69 - 84km - lets you carve your way through all eight main villages in a full-day, zero-repeat adventure.
Snow conditions in SkiWelt
The SkiWelt is often overlooked due to its lower altitude compared to the big-name French and Swiss giants, but the concern is misplaced - this place is impressively snow-reliable. A colder, continental climate helps preserve natural snowfall, and the north-facing slopes around Hohe Salve and Choralpe tend to keep their quality the longest. But the real ace up SkiWelt’s sleeve is its monster snowmaking system: over 90% of the entire area - about 229km of pistes - can be covered thanks to 1,700 snow guns and 15 reservoirs, giving the resort the power to deliver consistently excellent conditions from opening day to spring, even if the weather refuses to cooperate. You may not constantly be wading through bottomless powder, but you will absolutely be skiing on well-prepared, dependable pistes.
Skiing in SkiWelt
SkiWelt is hands-down one of the best places to level up your skiing. Intermediates are spoiled with endless red and wide blue pistes that let you roam from village to village without repeating a run - start in Brixen, grab lunch in Söll, then cruise toward Westendorf like it’s nothing. The slopes are broad and confidence-boosting, perfect for dialling in your carving. Beginners receive just as much love, with excellent nursery areas in every village and high-altitude practice zones that offer stunning views. The local ski schools have a fantastic track record for turning nervous first-timers into capable cruisers.
Advanced skiers shouldn’t write this place off either. Sure, only about 12% of the terrain is black, but the steeper pitches off Hohe Salve and Choralpe will absolutely put your technique through its paces. You’ve also got speed tracks and race courses scattered across the area for that competitive hit. And then there’s the crown jewel: night skiing. Söll hosts Austria’s largest setup - 10km of floodlit slopes that are freshly groomed and ridiculously atmospheric. Skiing under the stars is a whole different kind of magic.
Ready to book your dream ski holiday? Call 0203 011 1222 to chat.
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Snowboarding in SkiWelt
SkiWelt treats snowboarders and freestylers like VIPs, not an afterthought. The pistes are wide, flowing, and perfect for big, satisfying turns, and the lift system is a dream - fast gondolas and comfy detachable chairs instead of those soul-stealing old T-bars. It’s an easy place to rack up mileage without feeling boxed in, and the setup makes getting around on a board genuinely smooth.
The freestyle offering is just as strong, with four fun parks and fun slopes to play on. The Big Playground near the Gampenkogel lift in Westendorf is the heavy hitter, packing pro-level jumps and a super-cross line. Kaiserpark in Ellmau and the Mini Playground in Westendorf offer gentler, confidence-building options, while the Hexenwelle in Söll adds excitement with banked turns, rollers, and playful features suitable for all ages. Plus, specialist snowboard schools - like the brilliantly named Freaks on Snow - mean you can get proper coaching whether you’re just linking turns or working up to your first 540.
Accommodation in SkiWelt
One of the great pleasures of the SkiWelt area is the genuine Tyrolean feel of its accommodation. Forget the purpose-built mega-resorts; here, you'll find authentic atmosphere and hospitality, and we’ve put together the best of the best.
Things to do in SkiWelt
Après-ski in SkiWelt
Après-ski in the SkiWelt is a traditional, fun, and varied experience. It tends to be cosier on the mountain but can get loud and lively in the villages, especially in Söll.
On the slopes, you'll find a number of family-run mountain huts and restaurants. These are the perfect spots for a quick Germknödel and a beer on a sun terrace before making your final descent.
However, the action truly kicks off back in the village. If you’re looking for a party, here are the places you absolutely need to check out:
- Hexenbar in Söll is a classic, lively ski bar, often known for its fantastic atmosphere and perfect location right near the night skiing slopes.
- If you're staying in Söll, Moonlight is often cited as the place to be for the liveliest end-of-day party, particularly after the night slopes close.
- Hexenzeit is another themed spot, playing on the Witches' Water theme of the area, known for good music and a guaranteed party vibe.
For a more relaxed or sophisticated stop:
- Fika Bunt Store & Cafe is a fantastic option for a cosy, Scandi-style daytime stop or a quality coffee, offering a great contrast to the traditional mountain huts.
- Gasthaus Moorsee and Gasthof Oberstegen are brilliant examples of traditional Austrian inns where you can enjoy a quiet, delicious meal, local wine, and conversation in a warm setting, away from the loud music.
Facilities in SkiWelt
SkiWelt’s modern infrastructure is genuinely one of its biggest assets, even if it doesn’t always receive the spotlight. The lift system is sleek and efficient, packed with fast, weather-protected chairs - including heated seats - that shuttle you around the massive network with zero drama. And when you’re craving something other than skiing, the options are top-tier: nearly 200km of cross-country trails spread across the valley, a brilliant 4.5km toboggan run on the Astberg in Ellmau, and the unforgettable Alpine Igloo Village at Hochbrixen, where you can grab a drink at the ice bar or even spend the night in an igloo.
Convenience is built into the whole experience, too. Heated ski depots and roomy lockers sit at the main valley lifts and mid-stations, saving your feet from that dreaded, clunky boot march in the morning. All together, it makes the resort feel smooth, well-run, and genuinely enjoyable from the moment you gear up.
Facilities for children in SkiWelt
SkiWelt earns its spot as a popular top family ski destination by genuinely prioritising kids. Every village has excellent ski schools with instructors who know how to make learning fun for little ones as young as three or four. Dedicated children’s zones - like the standout KinderKaiserland in Scheffau - are full of magic carpets, gentle slopes, and playful features that turn ski lessons into mini adventures. Themed fun slopes, like the Hans im Glück run in Söll, keep youngsters engaged with tunnels, characters, and obstacles that build skills without feeling like work.
Parents also get a helping hand thanks to thoughtful family-friendly deals and logistics. Promotions like FamilySkiWeeks often include free ski passes for children under 15, and the Young Family Ski Pass allows parents with toddlers to share a single ticket - a game-changer for families. On top of that, resorts across the area offer professional childcare and kids’ clubs for non-skiing little ones, giving adults some precious slope time while knowing their kids are in safe hands.
Why choose a ski holiday to SkiWelt with Erna Low?
Incredible value holidays: We’ll beat any competitor’s price, giving you the best value for money.
Huge choice of accommodation: Choose from bargain breaks, 5-star premium deals and so much more.
Customisable travel: We specialise in fully customisable ski holidays; offering a wide range of options to suit all tastes and budgets.
Fully protected bookings: We’re ABTOT and ATOL members and abide by their Code of Conduct.
5-star Trustpilot reviews: We pride ourselves on the service we provide, which is why out of 10 of our clients would recommend us.
If you cannot find what you are looking for please contact us and we can help you build your package
Austria's largest night skiing area and stunning 360° views of over 70 peaks across nine charming villages.
Jane Bolton, Product Director
