The Best Ski Resorts for Off-Piste in Austria

Our off-piste rankings reveal where to find the most thrilling powder stashes and backcountry terrain across Austria. Unlike commercial guides, these rankings come straight from the Snomad community – passionate skiers and snowboarders who've actually carved these lines. We only include resorts with substantial feedback to ensure you're getting reliable intel before venturing beyond the markers. Found an epic off-piste zone worth shouting about? Share your experience and help fellow powder hunters.

Looking for other aspects of Austrian skiing? Check out our rankings for Powder Zones, Expert Skiers, or even Value for Money if you're watching the budget while chasing fresh tracks.

Best Ski Resort for Off-Piste in Austria: St. Anton am Arlberg - Off-Piste Rating 4.46

St Anton's off-piste terrain is legendary among our users. A Snomad community member who spent two seasons there called it "paradise" for freeriders, with "endless possibilities." The area offers an impressive range of marked and signed off-piste "ski-routes" that are perfect for adventure-seekers. One advanced skier mentioned you can access incredible off-piste without too much effort, while others praised the powder conditions. If you're planning to explore beyond the groomed runs, several reviewers recommend hiring a guide, particularly for tackling the more challenging terrain. The extensive Arlberg area truly delivers a dream experience for those venturing beyond the boundaries.

#2 Lech Zürs am Arlberg - Off-Piste Rating 4.24

Lech Zürs delivers exceptional off-piste opportunities that our users consistently rave about. One Snomad community member described it as "insane variety in off-piste terrain, when the conditions allow it is like entering into a new world after skiing on the perfect groomers." Several advanced skiers recommend hiring local guides to discover hidden powder stashes, with Stefan noting he "had quite a few fantastic powder days" during his visit. Callum, an advanced skier, highlighted the "really great back country routes to explore" and connections to other areas like Warth. When the snow's good, Daniel points out that Lech is "one of the most snow-sure resorts in Europe" with "great freeride opportunities."

#3 Achensee - Pertisau - Off-Piste Rating 4.08

The off-piste options at Achensee - Pertisau get enthusiastic feedback from our Snomad community. One advanced skier commented that the mountain has "some of the best snow out there," making it perfect for venturing beyond the marked runs. An advanced snowboarder praised the "awesome terrain" and gave top marks for powder conditions. The tree runs are particularly well-regarded, with several users rating them highly. While some expert riders note that true powder areas are limited, the overall off-piste experience is considered excellent. For those who love exploring untouched snow, Achensee - Pertisau delivers enough thrills to keep adventurous skiers and snowboarders coming back.