Rauris Ski Holidays 2024 2025 | Skiing Rauris

Rauris Ski Resort

Rauris is proof that the best things come in small packages, this picturesque and traditional village is unspoilt and its surroundings are a designated area of natural beauty protected by its Hohe Tauern National Park status.

The village is steeped in history and was once a bustling gold mining centre. These days it’s the pristine skiing, pretty cobbled streets and friendly locals that attracts visitors back each year.

If you want escape the hustle and bustle and avoid the crazed mayhem of some of the larger Austrian resorts, look no further. Rauris decided to opt out of mass tourism and aims to preserve the local countryside, wildlife and animals.

One of the great things about smaller resorts is the money you can save - lift passes are generally better value, mountain restaurants less extortionate (in the A list resorts even a plate of chips can cost you an arm and a leg) and most of our accommodation is self- catering, which is often the cheapest way to ski. The added advantage of Rauris is that it’s less than an hour in the car from Salzburg airport, which makes it great for a speedy, hassle free getaway.

The Rauris lift pass covers the 30km of the local ski area, great for families and beginners with plenty of long blues to progress on. If you are looking for a bit more après action or more pistes to conquer, the lively resorts of Zell am see and Kaprun are only 30 minutes’ drive away and offer day and half day passes.

Stats & FAQ

Location: Austria, Alps.

Established: 1902

Open: December - April

Downhill: 30km

View our detailed Rauris 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 Rauris snow history.

Nearest Airport & Transfer Time:
Salzburg	90km, 55 minutes
Beginner Intermediate Advanced 7runs 64% 3runs 27% 1runs 9%
Top Altitude:	2193m
Bottom Altitude:	950m
Resort Altitude:	950m
Longest run:	3.3 km
Slope Orientation:	N, W
Vertical Drop:	1243m
Skiable Vertical:
Night Skiing:	No
Glacier:	No
Snow Report Top 70cm Base 39cm Forecast 46cm Web Cam
Downhill Runs:	30km
Beginner slopes:	64%
Intermediate:	27%
Advanced slopes:	9%
Lift Pass Price:	€176.50-184.50 (adult 6 days)
Nearby resorts: Kaprun and Zell am See

Skiing/BoardingSkiing in Rauris

First time skiers and improvers will be in their element here. Local ski schools such as Adventure Rauris and Karl Maier have a great reputation and their English speaking instructors provide group and private lessons for all ages.

The Hochalm area (accessible via the Hochalmbahn gondola from village centre) is ideal for beginners, the nursery slopes are directly by the gondola station allowing easy access to the slopes. On the higher beginners slopes (1 and 6) there are breath-taking panoramas of Hohe Tauern massif, some of the highest mountains in Austria peaking at an impressive 3,770m.

Intermediate skiers should take the Kreuzbodenbahn chairlift (there’s free Wi-Fi at this station if you fancy tweeting a ski selfie...) and head to Kreuzboden or hop on the Waldalmlift towards Waldalm – both areas have well groomed wide, long red runs (pistes 1, 1a and 1b) perfect for getting some speed up and improving your technique.

Experts can tackle the black run (piste 2) from the Heimalm area to the bottom of the gondola; it’s steep with full-on moguls big enough to challenge any seasoned skier.

If it’s deep powder that gets you up in the morning there is some great off piste to be found, hire a local guide to take you to the best spots.

Budding free-stylers who want to impress their mates with their skills will love the Nuggetpark which has a variety kickers and rails. You’ll be able to watch people’s tricks from the Kreuzbodenbahn chairlift before giving it a go yourself.

Cross-country skiing is big deal here; the expertly groomed trails extend out for 30km through the countryside of the Rauris Valley.

Rauris Apres Ski

This is a great place to experience some typical Austrian après ski; whilst it is nowhere near as lively as the nearby resort of Zell am See, there’s still plenty going on. A great place to start is Heimalm: a lovely mountain hut where beautiful panoramic views and a fun atmosphere create a winning combination. Night owls can continue the party in the Shakesbeer pub until early in hours; they don’t have set closing times and can stay open until all the party-goers hang up their dancing shoes.

Thrill seekers can give ice climbing a go here on some spectacular frozen waterfalls in the valley, lessons are available to book with experienced instructors teaching you the basics. To truly appreciate the beauty of the place and take in the scenic views without being strapped to 2 planks, book a guided snow-shoe tour through untouched countryside, keep your eyes peeled for the marmots that frequent this area.

Fancy being snuggled up under some blankets whilst you ride through stunning scenery? Treat yourself and your loved ones to a horse drawn sleigh ride through glittering forests and snow-capped hamlets.

There are tons of things to do as a family including tobogganing which is usually open twice a week in the evenings, curling and ten pin bowling.

If the idea of a bit of pampering is right up your street, the thermal spa in Bad Gastein is well worth a visit, it’s only 30 minutes’ drive away and they have a wide variety of spa packages and treatments on offer, the perfect way to spend an afternoon to relax and rejuvenate.

Best time to go

Best time to ski Rauris

Best time to visit & ski Rauris

Rauris is less snow sure in the early and late months of the season, however much of the area can be covered by artificial snow if the Snow Gods need a helping hand. The ski area is north-east facing, which means conditions should be well preserved as the season goes on. Queues are rarely busy thanks to the resort’s avoidance of attracting mass tourism, but if you do have to wait for a while, the free Wi-Fi at the Kreuzboden and HochalmbahnenIf lift stations should keep you entertained in the meantime.

Spring skiers will appreciate the warmer weather and can enjoy all the outdoor après ski to max, the sun terraces begin to pack out from around 4pm – get to Heimalm early to grab a coveted deck chair and soak up the rays, the views of the Hohe Tauern mountain range are spectacular at this time of year. If you have your own transport and snow is scarce later on in the season, you can always head half an hour down the road to Kaprun which has a large ski area of 138km of slopes (you will need to buy a separate lift pass for the day but with Kaprun’s snow sure reputation it might be worth it!).

Peak Dates

Prepare to be welcomed with open arms by the famous Austrian hospitality and get into the festive spirit over Christmas in Rauris.

New Year in Rauris is a low-key affair but that doesn’t take anything away from this lovely resort which has tons of stuff going on including tobogganing, ice-skating and horse-sleigh rides.

If you choose to spend your February half-term in Rauris you won’t be disappointed with excellent ski schools, gentle slopes perfect for improvers and some of the best snow of the year.

If you like quiet slopes and sunny skies you’ll be in your element at Easter in Rauris. With slopes for all abilities this is a great late season destination particularly for families.

Accommodation	Number of nights	Price (per person) from
Hotel Ferienwelt Kristall	7	£ 619
Hotel Rauriserhof	7	£ 811
Hotel Wieshof	7	£ 436

Rauris Ski Holidays