Alpbach ski resort is quintessential of the Austrian Tyrol – a medieval town with plenty of friendly inns, chalet-style guesthouses and relaxed locals. There are baby ski slopes in the village, but the gondolas are all a short shuttle-bus ride up the valley at Inneralpbach – many people choose to stay there instead. The ski resort’s two mountains are open up top and wooded down below, and the overall effect is pure Austrian chocolate-box cute. A firm favourite with the British market, the town even has its own British Ski Club.
Alpbach has a high percentage of repeat visitors, which is always a good sign; welcoming people, stunning scenery and good skiing at a variety of levels combine to make happy customers. The ski area is great for families and beginners, while long challenging reds and blacks and some off-piste are good for experts. The one weakness in Alpbach’s skiing offer is the lack of long intermediate slopes that are needed to build confidence.
Alpbach has recently joined forces and ski areas with the neighbouring Wildschönau area to make a new linked ski area called Ski Juwel, significantly expanding the Alpbach ski map. It’s also part of the Kitzbüheler Alpen All Star pass, a giant 1000km network of 10 resorts – visit by car to make the most of it.
