0
Hopfgarten Ski Resort
With narrow cobbled streets winding their way around chalet-style buildings and a magnificent baroque church, you'd be forgiven for thinking that you'd stumbled into an Austrian-themed Christmas card in this old Tyrolean market town.
In actual fact, you're in the middle of the mammoth SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental - the largest lift linked ski area in the country, connecting the village to the better-known resort of Söll and 6 other resorts besides.
Access is via a cable car from the town centre, which takes you straight up to the Hohe Salve - one of Austria's highest mountains for quality pistes, incredible views and links to the rest of the area. The technology on the slopes is fantastic, with huge snow-cannon coverage, fast lifts and Tyrol's biggest floodlit ski area over at Söll.
The resort's surprisingly easy to reach - only an hour's drive from Innsbruck airport, or, if you're travelling by rail, the village has its own train station which you can connect to from Worgl. Getting around once you arrive is also a breeze - you can walk to the ski lift in under five minutes from most hotels, shops and restaurants.
This sunny, laid back town is a great base for families and the area makes a big effort to be family friendly -recent seasons have been some cracking offers from the ticket office, including free ski passes for under 15's if a parent buys a skipass for at least 3 days (during off-peak periods).
Stats & FAQ
Location: Austria, Alps.
Established: 1946
Open: December - April
Downhill: 284km
View our detailed Hopfgarten snow forecast or snow report and see all live webcams, piste maps, road and travel maps and lift pass prices. For a picture of historic snow conditions see the snow depths month by month with our Hopfgarten snow history.
| Nearest Airport & Transfer Time: | |
| Innsbruck | 80km ,1 hour |
| Munich | 150km, 1 hour 30minutes |
| Salzburg | 130km, 1 hour 30 minutes |
|
|
| Top Altitude: | 1957m |
| Bottom Altitude: | 620m |
| Resort Altitude: | 620m |
| Longest run: | 8km |
| Slope Orientation: | N S E W |
| Vertical Drop: | 1205m |
| Skiable Vertical: | 1201m |
| Night Skiing: | No |
| Glacier: | No |
Snow Report
Web Cam
|
|
| Downhill Runs: | 284km |
| Beginner slopes: | 43% |
| Intermediate: | 45% |
| Advanced slopes: | 12% |
| Lift Pass Price: | €235 (adult 6 day) |
| Nearby resorts: Ski Welt, Söll, Ellmau, Scheffau, Westendorf, Kirchberg, Brixen im Thale, Going, Itter, Kelchsau | |
Skiing/BoardingSkiing in Hopfgarten
The local skiing here is best suited to intermediates but with access across the SkiWelt circuit, stronger skiers can cover a lot of mountainside. First-timers are well accommodated on the gentle nursery slopes by the village. If you love cruising the blues, take piste 27 which is a gorgeous, gentle run through the trees.
Those craving lengthy descents will be in their element as Hopfgarten has some the longest downhill runs (each around 8km long) in the entire area - we love the red 17, which winds its way back down to the village through the trees.
In-between miles of red-graded routes, advanced skiers can tick SkiWelt's 8 black runs off their list - our favorite's the one from the top of the Hohe Salve above Söll, which leads all the way down to Leukenwald. After a big dump of snow, the off-piste can be great here (there's a super route down to Itter).
Budding freestylers are well looked after with the Snowpark in Söll, complete with kickers, rails and boxes suitable for novices through to experts.
Cross-country enthusiasts will be in their element with more than 30km of trails to enjoy locally and an enormous 196.5 km in the surrounding area.
To continue the fun after dark, next door neighbour Söll has the biggest night-skiing area in Tyrol, with 10km of floodlit slopes as well as floodlit freestyle terrain.
Hopfgarten Apres Ski
There are only a few bars and after dinner most of the entertainment is focused in the big hotels. The Silver Bullet is where you'll find most of the action, it's a fun Australian themed pub in the village centre, with regular music events, a pool table, darts and more than enough schnapps to keep you busy for a night or two!
If you really want to burn the midnight oil, pop over to the lively resort of Söll just 15 minutes' drive away - Whisky-Mühle is a popular venue open late every night, expect some serious dancing on the tables!
You'll find that most restaurants are based within the hotels and guesthouses, nearly all historic buildings with lovely character. Zeitlos is housed in a beautiful 16th century building, book a table in their wine cellar and order the Schweinsstelzen (roast pork) for an authentic delicacy of the region.
Hopfgarten and the surrounding areas are known for being mountain hut paradise, with 80 across the whole SkiWelt. A particular favourite is the Gipfel at the top of Hohe Salve peak. Boost your energy levels with a snack and soak up the breath-taking panoramic views whist you rest your weary legs.
If a relaxing holiday is your cup of Glühwein, Hopfgarten is a great place to stay - catch up with the latest blockbusters in the cinema and the modern indoor sports centre is perfect when it's time for a break from the snow, go bowling or have dip in the pool.
Best time to go
Best time to ski Hopfgarten
Best time to visit & ski Hopfgarten
Despite the SkiWelt’s relatively low altitudes, the region has seen excellent snow cover in recent years with the peak conditions usually around January-March. The area has a trump card of cracking snow making technology: with 1600 snow cannons scattered over a huge 229km of piste. The lift system has the capability to transport 142,000 people per hour, making light work of any high-season crowds.
For the best time to save money, see if the ticket office are still offering free passes for under 15's (if a parent buys a 3+ day pass) - a fantastic advantage of skiing with your family off-peak.
Peak Dates
With gorgeous scenery and Glühwein by the bucket load it doesn't take long to feel festive during Christmas in Hopfgarten.
If you're looking to escape the crowds and enjoy low key celebrations, New Year in Hopfgarten's just the ticket. Feast on a gala dinner (included in most hotel packages) and toast the new year with family and friends.
A February half-term in Hopfgarten with the family is all about miles of SkiWelt skiing and relaxing evenings in the town.
The springtime views from Hohe Salve are spectacular during Easter in Hopfgarten - past years have seen slopes remain open, but even if they're not you can access glacier skiing with the Kitzbuheler Alpen All Star Card.
Families in Hopfgarten
GroupsGroup Holidays Hopfgarten
© 2024 SNO Group Ltd • company no. 5995288 • VAT no. 946 9394 63 SNO, Apsley House, 176 Upper Richmond Road, London, SW15 2SH.
| why log in? |
Save Wish List view on any device
Share Holidays choose with friends
020 7770 6888
