Winter Sports Austria Wilder Kaiser Brixental

Winter sports Wilder Kaiser-Brixental: The Ultimate Guide

Wilder Kaiser-Brixental view mountains snowThe beautiful winter wonderland at Wilder Kaiser-Brixental

Ponderful views, being active in a beautiful winter landscape, delicious food. Cozy après-ski or just relax completely. It's all possible in the SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental ski area. A large ski area that is ideal for beginners and families with children.

The area is of course perfect for skiing and snowboarding. However, you can also go cross-country skiing, winter hiking and tobogganing. There are also plenty of wellness possibilities if you want to relax. And all that is easy to reach by car or plane.

1. SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental on map, features, piste map & villages

The characteristics of the SkiWelt in Wilder Kaiser-Brixental are shown in the table below. In the table you will also find the ski pass price and a link to the piste map of the ski area Wilder Kaiser Brixental.

SkiWelt In Wilder Kaiser-Brixental

SkiWelt In Wilder Kaiser-BrixentalAustria

Your preferences100%
  122 km   129 km   33 km
Kilometers pistes
284 km
Minuten vanaf vliegveld
95
Meters laagste punt - Meters hoogste punt
620 until 1.860 m
  • Beginners
  • Advanced users
  • Snow security in high season
  • Snow security low season
  • Child-friendliness
  • Après-ski
ski pass 6 days249 €read guide
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Quarks SkiWelt in Wilder Kaiser-Brixental

Highest point 1860 metres
Lowest point 620 metres
Total kilometres of pistes 284
Blue slopes 122 kilometres
Red slopes 129 kilometres
Black slopes 33 kilometers
Villages in the ski area Scheffau,Ellmau,Going,

Westendorf, Brixen im Thale,

Söll, Hopfgarten in Brixental, Kufstein,

Kelchsau, Itter

Snow security Moderate
Après-ski possibilities Very good
Child-Friendliness Good
Oportunities for beginners Very good
advanced options Moderate
Post ski pass (6 days) in 2018 € 249
Extra possibilities ski pass SuperSkipass
Total kilometres of pistes SuperSkipas 2396 (1040 blue, 1117 red, 239 black)
Post SuperSkipas (6 days) in 2018 € 272
Average price for a lunch on the slopes € 5 - € 20
Price ski lessons (4 days x 4 hours) € 150 - € 200
Best travel period January, February
Travel time from Innsbruck airport 1 hour
Distance to Utrecht 900 kilometers
Pistecards Pistekaart Wilder Kaiser-Brixental
More information Skiwelt.at

The ski area SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental is one of the most popular and largest ski areas in Austria. With the normal ski pass you have no less than 284 kilometres of pistes at your disposal here. The ski pass is valid for Ellmau, Westendorf, Brixen im Thale and the other villages in the ski area. By the way, the name of the area refers to the most important mountain in the skiing area: Wilder Kaiser. Brixental is the valley.

Do you want even more opportunities for skiing or snowboarding? For example if you go on winter sports for two weeks? Then you can also opt for a Superskipas. This umbrella ski pass gives access to 23 ski areas in Austria. From SkiWelt you can use the SuperSkiPass for a day trip to Kitzbühel-Kirchberg. There is a gondola and downhill run that brings both ski areas very close together. You only have to take the ski bus for a short distance to get to Kitzbühel-Kirchberg. Also a day by car or ski bus to Mayrhofen or Zell am See is good to do.

Village Height (m) Downhill Lift Snowproof Price Authentic village Après-ski For children Achievable
Westendorf 802 + + +/- +/- + ++ + +
Ellmau 820 + + +/- +/- + + ++ +
Söll 703 + + +/- +/- + + +/- +
Brixen im Thale 794 + + +/- +/- +/- + +/- +
Scheffau 752 + + +/- +/- +/- - +/- +
Hopfgarten im Brixental 620 + + +/- + + +/- + +
Itter 705 + + +/- +/- + - ++ +
Going 798 + + +/- +/- + - + +
Kufstein 499 - - +/- + +/- - +/- +
Kelchsau 790 + + +/- + + - + +

2. Ellmau, Westendorf and the other villages

The most famous villages within the ski area are Ellmau and Westendorf. Ellmau is known as an authentic and atmospheric village. It is centrally located in the ski area at the foot of the mountain Wilder Kaiser. With a modern 10-person ski lift you are quickly in the heart of the ski area. Hence the appropriate name of this lift: Hartkaiserbahn.

Sharacteristics Ellmau:

  • Good downhill run and ski lifts
  • Snow security is moderate
  • Suitable for apres ski
  • Very suitable for children
  • Good access by car
  • Kaiserbad. With saunas and steam baths and an adventurous children's pool.

Westendorf is a little more on the edge of the ski area. It is a charming authentic village with a striking church, several restaurants, shops and pubs. The main road runs outside the village and the centre is car-free. Westendorf is mainly known for its cozy après-ski. In high season it is full of Dutch people. Just like Ellmau by the way. You will also find in the village several wellness possibilities.

The other villages in the ski area are Scheffau, Going, Brixen im Thale, Söll, Hopfgarten in Brixental, Kufstein, Kelchsau and Itter. All authentic villages and each village has different characteristics. Going and Scheffau am Wilder Kaiser ski area are for example wonderfully quiet. Söll is the most centrally located ski area in Austria. The castle in Itter is a real eye-catcher. Kufstein is the only village without a lift connection. By ski bus or car you can reach the first ski lifts of SkiWelt within 15 minutes. Kelchsau has its own isolated ski area. If you want to go to the SkiWelt ski area, you have to take the ski bus to Hopfgarten.

3. Winter sports activities in Wilder Kaiser-Brixental

The Wilder Kaiser-Brixental ski area is ideal for beginners. In almost all villages you will find simple blue slopes for practice. With a little experience you can already make beautiful tours through the entire SkiWelt. The blue valley run from the Brandstadl to Scheffau is highly recommended for beginners. You bridge almost one kilometre difference in altitude.

For beginners there are also a number of small ski areas around Kufstein. Thiersee and Zahmer Kaiser for example. And also Kelchsau has its own isolated ski area. In contrast to the rest of the SkiWelt, these small areas are wonderfully quiet. As an advanced you can slalom in Kelchsau by the way. For advanced skiers and boarders there are several red and some black slopes from which you can whizz. The mountains are not very high and steep. For a real challenge you better choose another ski area.

Competitions are regularly held at the Westendorf fun park

Penke Tip: Do you want to make miles? Then follow the marked SkiWelt tour that you can pick up and leave in each village. The green tour goes clockwise and is 80 kilometers long. The reverse orange tour is 90 kilometers long. The SkiWelt tour guarantees beautiful descents and beautiful views.

A fine advantage of the skiing area are the many downhill runs. In almost every village you can ski down at the end of the day. Due to the low altitude of the ski area, the valley slopes are not always open. This depends on the temperature and the amount of snow. In Westendorf and Söll you can also ski at night on a floodlit piste. Nice to do once! Winter hiking, ice-skating, sledding, tobogganing and cross-country skiing are also possible in the ski area.

Longlaufing can be done very well in SkiWelt

In Westendorf, for example, you will find an extensive cross-country skiing network. Ellmau and Scheffau are known for their beautiful winter hiking trails. In Itter you will find Schloss Itter, a beautiful castle. Here you can enjoy culinary specialties. Tobogganing is good in Going and Kufstein.

4. Wilder Kaiser-Brixental: a very child-friendly ski area

The Wilder Kaiser-Brixental ski area is very child-friendly. In various villages you will find children's countries, practice meadows and simple blue slopes. In addition, the ski pass for young children is free of charge (under 5/6 years of age). Children can therefore learn to ski in this ski area. However, it can be busy in high season. Ellmau is the most child-friendly village in the SkiWelt. You will find many practice slopes and a children's area in the village. With the gondola you get to several simple blue slopes

Penke Itter is totally focused on families with small children. Children can only do their own thing at the practice lifts and practice slopes and there is a small ski school. As a parent you have an excellent view of the slopes from the terrace. Going am Wilder Kaiser is also located in this ski area in Austria. The village has an extensive children

Rondom Kufstein are a number of small ski areas, such as Thiersee and Zahmer Kaiser. Kelchsau has its own ski area with a practice lift in the valley. These smaller ski areas are ideal for very young children to learn skiing or snowboarding in peace and quiet. For older children, the ski area is nicely arranged. Many simple slopes and nowhere is it really steep.

The best villages for children in the Wilder Kaiser-Brixental ski area are:

  • Ellmau
  • Itter
  • Westendorf
  • Going
  • Kelchsau
  • Hopfgarten

5. Wilder Kaiser-Brixental: snow certainty

SkiWelt isn't very high. Wilder Kaiser-Brixental is therefore moderately snowy. Especially on the side of Brixen im Thale and Hopfgarten, the snow cover in the ski area is regularly a bit thin. On the higher stretches, the snow conditions are much better. In the winter there is always enough snow for skiing and snowboarding. The snow security is highest in January and February. When there is little snowfall, countless snow cannons are used to keep the slopes white. This means that you can still ski in December and April.

In the villages there is generally little snow because of the low altitude. Only when it is cold and after heavy snowfall it is nice and white.

6. Après-ski in Ellmau, Westendorf, Scheffau, Hopfgarten and the other villages

SkiWelt is a cozy ski area and has the necessary après-ski. Especially Westendorf is known for its many après-ski possibilities. Both directly after skiing and in the evening. The afternoons are very cozy at the Bruchstall and Gerri's Inn. In the evening you can party in Westendorf, for example at the Moskitobar. Think of lots of drinks, a hossing crowd, sing-alongs and performances by Dutch artists.

Also in Ellmau you will find a number of cosy après-ski tents. In this village it is not nearly as exuberant partying as in Westendorf. Especially in the evening it is a lot quieter. The afternoons in Ellmau are very cosy. Visit the Ellmauer Alm. In Söll there is also plenty to do in the field of après-ski. Both at the lifts and in the village. It is a bit less exuberant and a bit more international than in Westendorf.

Brixen im Thale is in the sandwich between the two après-ski hotspots Westendorf and Kirchberg. In the village you will find pubs where you can have a drink in the afternoon. If you really want to party, you have to take the car. Within a few minutes you are in Westendorf and within fifteen minutes in Kirchberg. Going, Itter and Scheffau have virtually no après-ski. Here you really come for peace and quiet. Also Hopfgarten is quite quiet in terms of après-ski, but there are a number of cozy pubs. Kufstein does not have its own ski area and therefore no real après-ski. You can have a drink in one of the bars or restaurants.

If your apres ski is important then book a hotel or apartment in the following villages:

  • Westendorf
  • Ellmau
  • Söll
  • Brixem in Thale

You want to get some rest then go to:

  • Scheffau
  • Itter
  • Going
  • Kufstein (attention, no lift connection)
  • Kelchsau

7. Ski schools in Ellmau, Westendorf or one of the other villages

In order to fully enjoy winter sports in Austria, it is nice if you can do a little skiing or snowboarding. Especially for beginners and children it is wise to arrange ski or snowboard lessons. Therefore choose a suitable ski school in Ellmau, Westendorf or one of the other villages. Almost every ski school has its own website for more info.

You can opt for group lessons or private lessons. Private lessons are a lot more expensive, but you often master the skills faster. For adults and children ski lessons cost between € 120 and € 200. This amount applies for four four-hour lesson days. At lunchtime you often have lunch with your ski class. For a private lesson you will quickly lose more than € 200 for four hours.

8. Delicious food in Wilder Kaiser Brixental

In the ski area Wilder Kaiser-Brixental you can eat very well. There are several cosy mountain huts on the slopes. Just like large and modern restaurants. Enjoy traditional dishes such as Tirol gröstl, Käsespätzle and Kaiserschmarren. Or go for a hearty stuffed soup, a salad or a large plate of fries with meat. The prices are fine. For a lunch on the mountain you pay on average between 5 and 20 euros. In many huts, lunch almost effortlessly turns into après-ski.

9. Wilder Kaiser Brixental: price level and bustle

In the villages of the Wilder Kaiser-Brixental ski area you will find numerous hotels, chalets, apartments and guesthouses. There is something for every budget. From simple and cheap guesthouses to super luxurious and expensive star hotels. SkiWelt is not expensive. The price of the ski pass in SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental is slightly below the average for Austrian standards. Prices for accommodation and food in most villages are also average.

  • Austria average ski pass price (2018): € 270
  • Price Wilder Kaiser-Brixental (2018): € 249

Westendorf is a bit more expensive, especially the accommodations. Here a lot of money is often spent on après-ski. Not necessarily because of the high prices of the drinks, but mainly because of the quantity. Kelchsau and Going am Wilder Kaiser are cheaper than the other villages in this ski area in Austria. This is mainly due to the location. The villages have no lift to the ski area SkiWelt. Also in Hopfgarten it is easy to find cheap accommodation because of the size of the village.

The ski area is very popular and can be quite busy. Especially at weekends and during holiday periods, waiting times at the lifts and crowds on the slopes are not uncommon. If you know the area a little bit, you can avoid the worst crowds.

10. Reachability of Wilder Kaiser-Brixental

The SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental is easily accessible. You cross the border at Kufstein and drive the last part of the way along the main road to the different villages. On changeover days and during the holidays it can be busy.

Snow chains and winter tyres are recommended if you go on winter sports to Austria. It can be quite snowy. Winter tyres are mandatory in Germany and Austria in winter conditions. Don't forget a vignette for the motorway. You can order a vignette online at the ANWB or buy one on the way from a petrol station.

  • Distance from Utrecht: 900 km
  • Distance from Innsbruck Airport: 1 hour

By plane to Wilder Kaiser-Brixental is also possible. From Innsbruck airport you can take a taxi to your destination within an hour.

11. Winter sports Wilder Kaiser-Brixental: important points of interest

  • Large and very popular: The Wilder Kaiser-Brixental ski area is large and very popular. So book in time, especially if you want to go on a winter sports holiday during the Christmas or spring holidays.
  • Think about the risk's: Winter sports is not entirely without risk. Get on the slopes carefree by taking out a good travel insurance.
  • Skipass included? There are travel agencies, such as TUI, where the ski pass is included in the price.
  • Accommodation wishes: Would you like to spend the night close to the lift, so that you can quickly enter the ski area in the morning? If you like après-ski, then a quiet village is not recommended.
  • Please note the distance to the ski lifts: Accommodations in Söll, Brixen im Thale and Scheffau are often a little further away from the lifts. Be aware of this when booking accommodation.
  • What to bring: Ski suit, ski goggles, sunglasses, gloves, skipulls, thermo underwear, helmet, ski socks or snowboard socks, skis, ski poles and ski boots or a snowboard and snowboard boots & sturdy hiking boots or snow shoes.
  • Renting equipment: Skis, poles, ski boots, a snowboard and snowboard boots can be rented almost anywhere in the ski area. You can also rent equipment in the Netherlands. Count on a rental price of approximately 100 to 150 euros per week per person

12. Book a winter sports holiday to Wilder Kaiser-Brixental

SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental guarantees a beautiful winter landscape, well groomed slopes, good food, lots of fun or just wonderful peace and quiet. An excellent destination for a top holiday in the Austrian snow! The ski area is also beautiful in summer. Compare below all holidays and providers to Wilder Kaiser-Brixental.

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