Alpbach is now well know for its success as a ski resort. It is a picturesque village providing a stunning backdrop for its skiers. The locals are warm and welcoming and the area very safe, making it an ideal setting for families. The snow conditions at Alpbach are good and runs are ideal for beginners and intermediates. There are also opportunities for advanced skiers to have a go at some challenging off-piste skiing.

Hotels in this resort

• Alphof
• Alphof Hotel (CRYH-ATIN0006)
• Edelweiss Apartments
• Furstenhof
• Furstenhof Pension (CRYH-ATIN0032)
• Haus Andreas
• Haus Andreas (CRYH-ATIN0030)
• Haus Edelweiss
• Hotel Alpbacherhof
• Hotel Alphof
• Hotel Berghof
• Hotel Boglerhof
• Pirchnerhof

Alpbach Guide

Snow conditions at Alpbach are very good. Although Alpbach itself is located in the sun, skiing takes place on the shaded side of the resort. Alpbach is an excellent place for those just beginning to ski – in fact reviews have commented that Alpbach is the ‘ideal beginner resort’.

The slopes are uncrowded and quiet, meaning that it is a very relaxed and non pressured experience. Many beginner skiers travel to this location, so there is a majority of people who have similar abilities; so it is perhaps less daunting for visitors who are just starting out. . There is easy access to the nursery slopes so beginners can maximise their time in the snow.

Alpbach has two ski schools that offer reasonable value ski lessons. Both schools are of a high quality with instructors trained to a good standard.

For intermediates, there are plenty of opportunities to improve and test skills. Skiing here is excellent for intermediates as the terrain is enough to challenge you, whilst still providing some wide gentle slopes to warm up on. The runs are often long and tree lined, with some beautiful views to enjoy. Alpbach has an excellent half pipe suitable for intermediates.

Although the resort is mainly geared towards beginners and intermediates, it is still an area that can keep experts entertained. There are a lot of off piste opportunities for advanced skiers as well as a unpatrolled route 5 which attracts many experts. The advanced should try the off-piste run to Hygna and black runs on the Wiedersbergerhorn.

The resort also caters for snowboarders. Alpbach has been host to the ISF World Pro Tour in the past and even has its own fun park. However, there are few extreme off-piste runs for snowboarders which may explain why it is not a well known snowboarding resort.

Activities

There are plenty of things to do in Alpbach when you have hung up your skis. The resort offers many snow themed activities for its visitors to keep them entertained. Holiday-makers can go on guided torch-lit walks throughout the village and mountains, or try their hand at flood-lit tobogganing or sleigh rides. Snowshoe walking is also very popular in the village. For those who want a break from the snow, there is an excellent swimming pool. There are also themed evenings, the Alpbach fondue evening is extremely popular. Whilst in the region, it is worth visiting Innsbruck. This is a beautiful city that is culturally rich.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Alpbach is fairly low key. Most of the evening entertainment is relaxed and informal. There are a few decent bars and a low key nightclub. Although relatively quiet, the atmosphere in Alpbach is friendly and warm with the emphasis on relaxing after a long day skiing.

Eating out

There is a good selection of restaurants in Alpbach and in the surrounding areas. Most of these restaurants serve traditional Austrian food including specialities such as fondue. Meals come to suit a range of budgets, but most meals are reasonably cheap.

Accommodation

Considering the small size of the village, Alpbach has a good selection of accommodation. Most of the accommodation in the village consists of 3 or 4 star establishments. You can choose from ski hotels, cosy inns, holiday apartments and even farmhouses. There is something to suit you in Alpbach whatever your budget or requirements. Accommodation tends to be family run and have a traditional Austrian feel.

Getting there and away

Innsbruck is the closest airport to Alpbach resort. It is approximately an hour and a half drive away. It is possible to get a taxi to the resort from the airport, although a pre-arranged transfer is the most popular choice. There are many flights to Innsbruck from the UK. The route is served by many airports throughout the UK including Gatwick, Stanstead, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds and East Midlands Airport amongst others.

The resort can also be accessed by flights to Salzburg airport and Munich airport. Both are 150km away from the resort.

Star Rating

Alpbach is the ideal ski resort for beginner and intermediate skiers. The resort has been awarded 3 stars for beginners and 4 for intermediates. Although Alpbach is not aimed at experts, there are still some decent off piste opportunities for the advanced skier and so has been awarded 2 stars in this category.