SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser

SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser is one of the largest ski resorts in Austria, with over 270 kilometers of pistes and 83 lifts. It is located in the Tyrolean Alps, about an hour from Innsbruck and Salzburg and not for from Munich. The resort is known for its varied terrain, which includes everything from beginner slopes to challenging black runs. There are also plenty of off-piste opportunities, as well as snowparks and cross-country trails.

Terrain	🔵🔵🔵 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴 ⚫⚫
Price	€€€€€
Base/Summit	800m / 1957m
Snow Sure Rating	❄❄❄
Family Friendly Rating	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendation	Vast amount of quality of on-piste trails for beginners & intermediates

SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser Location

SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser is located in the Kitzbühel Alps, in the Austrian state of Tyrol. The nearest airport is Innsbruck, which is about an hour’s drive from the resort. There are also train stations in nearby Kufstein and Wörgl.

SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser

SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser Terrain

Prepare to be amazed by over 280km of trails spread across nine charming villages. SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser boasts a wide range of slopes, from gentle blues and greens for beginners to thrilling double black runs for the most seasoned skiers. The ski area’s elevation varies from 800m to 1,957m, ensuring excellent snow coverage throughout the season, which typically sees an average snowfall of 5m.

Amenities

SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser–Brixental is the largest ski area in Austria, and it offers a wide variety of amenities for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The resort has over 80 family-run huts with table service and sun terraces. SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser–Brixental is also home to a number of events throughout the year, such as the Hahnenkamm downhill race.

Price

SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser offers excellent value compared to other top ski resorts in Austria. Lift passes are reasonably priced, and there are various options available, including multi-day passes, packages with lessons or rentals, and deals for families and youth. The cost of staying at SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser varies depending on the time of year and the type of accommodation you choose. However, in general, it is a relatively affordable resort.

SkiWelt Season

The SkiWelt season runs from early December through mid April annually. The highest lifts open first and lowest areas last to close, extending the ski season across its 9 villages. Night skiing goes through to early March.

SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser Tips

Beginner Skiers

Brixen: The main beginner area in Brixen is up the Hochbrixen gondola, which makes the snow conditions better than many of the beginners slopes in the SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser at the base of the mountain. The ski school lifts give you access to gentle slopes. You can then easily progress onto the Zinsbergbahn, a combined chair and gondola lift so perfect beginner skiers and snowboarders. The slopes back down to the lift are wide and in the most part gentle, they can get a bit bumpy in the afternoon though.
Westendorf: Beginners can start off at the base of the mountain. After that head up the Alpenrosenbahn to find a nice selection of beginner slopes.
Hopfgarten-Itter: Both resorts have beginners runs at the base of the mountain. These can get a bit slushy in late season. The runs around the 8 seater Foischingbahn chair are where you should head to once you’ve mastered the basics.
Söll: Much like Hopfgarten and Itter, the beginners runs at the base of the mountain. These can get a bit slushy in late season. If this is the case, better snow can be found around the Stöckl and Rinner chair lifts.
Scheffau: The best beginner runs is on the babylift at the top of the Brandstadl gondolla, the snow conditions up here are better than most beginner runs in the SkiWelt. Once you progress past that you can pretty much head in any direction as Scheffau has a huge selections of beginner runs to try out.
Ellmau-Going: There are plenty of beginner runs in the village. Once you pregress make sure you try the blue run down the Astberg. There is a hand hut half way down to rest weary legs. Another piste of note is the run down the Hartkaiser. Although in both cases they can get a bit bumpy and busy at the end of the day.

Intermediate Skiers

Brixen: The jochbahn run gives intermediates a nice challenge in Brixen, however our favourite route in the area is the Filzboden.
Westendorf: Intermediates should head all the way over to the Ki-West gondola. There are some really nice runs both heading there and back.
Hopfgarten-Itter: If the conditions are good, both resorts have nice valley runs to try. They are better earlier in the day before they get chewed up in the rush back home. The Hohe Salve has a nice selection of red runs coming back towards the villages or head over the other side towards Söll.
Söll: The Hexen6er gives you access to the best intermediate runs in Söll. For braver intermediates give the black Sudabfahrt down the Hohe Salve a go if you want get to the rest of the resort – this avoids the long treck around the Hohe Salve.
Scheffau: Scheffau in general has a great selection of intermediate runs and the best access to the rest of the resort. Our favourite pistes for intermediates in the Scheffau area are the runs off the Sudhand and Aualm lifts. They are steep enough for a challenge, and wide enough to be forgiving.
Ellmau-Going: There are a handful of intermediate pistes in Going, but for a wider selection head towards Ellmau and Scheffau. A couple of notable runs are the red runs down the Hausberg and Astberg both taking you from summit to base.

Advanced Skiers

Brixen: The most challenging run in Brixen is the Kaslach Abfahrt back down to the village. It can be hit and miss depending on the snow conditions though. The hut on the run down is only served by this run so is often quieter than those further up the hill.
Westendorf: There isn’t a huge amount of advanced skiing on offer in Westendorf. Make sure you give Alpe Seite a go and the Hampfer ski-route. The Schrandl ski route is not well connected to the rest of the resort.
Hopfgarten-Itter: The black run off the Hohe Salve towards Hopfgarten is more of a short-cut than a piste. The two black pistes into Söll are more of a challenge.
Söll: The main advanced runs are the two black and one ski-route from the Hohe Salve. These are probably the best you’ll find in SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser.
Scheffau: Give the Hochalm runs a try, also the giant slalom (if open) just off the Sudhang.
Ellmau-Going: There isn’t a great deal for advances skiers. Ski route 80c/d can be a challenge. There is also a fairly steep section coming down the Hartkaiser.

Skiwelt Pros and Cons

Pros

Long skiable vertical over 1,330m
Vast network of lifts and trails
Fantastic quality of on-piste trails for beginners & intermediates
Great value pass
Easy access by bus and train
Over 80 mountain huts

Cons

Questionable snow quality on lower pistes
Low elevation villages may not have natural snowfall for much of winter
Limited advanced & quality off-piste
Possibly too many villages to choose from
Can get very busy

SkiWelt Useful Information

Resort website:
https://www.skiwelt.at/

Weather:
Visit the resort’s website or check with local weather services for the latest weather conditions and forecasts.

Getting There:
SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser is accessible by various means of transportation:

By Air: The nearest airport is Innsbruck, which is approximately an hour’s drive from the resort. Other options include Salzburg and Munich airports.
By Train: Kufstein and Wörgl are the closest train stations to the resort, and there are regular connections from major cities in Austria and neighboring countries.
By Car: SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser is easily accessible by car from major European cities. From Munich, take the A8 and A93 motorways, followed by the B178 road. The journey takes approximately 2 hours. From Salzburg, take the A10 motorway, followed by the B178 road. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours. It is advisable to check the road conditions and plan the route in advance. You’ll also need to purchase vignette to drive in Austria. You can get these in service stations before crossing the border.

Villages:
SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser is comprised of eight main villages:

Brixen im Thale Offers a vibrant mix of traditional Tyrolean charm and modern amenities. With its lively après-ski scene, numerous restaurants and bars, and family-friendly activities, Brixen im Thale is perfect for all types of travelers.

Ellmau is a charming village known for its picturesque setting, traditional Tyrolean atmosphere, and excellent skiing opportunities. With its gentle slopes and dedicated children’s areas, Ellmau is a great choice for families and beginner skiers.

Going is a tranquil village with a relaxed atmosphere and breathtaking mountain views. Offering a mix of easy and challenging slopes, Going is a popular choice for intermediate and advanced skiers.

Hopfgarten im Brixental is a lively village with a rich history and a vibrant après-ski scene. With its challenging slopes and off-piste opportunities, Hopfgarten is a haven for experienced skiers and snowboarders.

Itter is a peaceful village with a traditional Tyrolean ambiance and stunning mountain panoramas. Offering a mix of gentle and challenging slopes, Itter is a great choice for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

Scheffau is a picturesque village with a charming Tyrolean atmosphere and breathtaking mountain views. With its gentle slopes and dedicated children’s areas, Scheffau is a great choice for families and beginner skiers.

Söll is a lively village with a vibrant après-ski scene and a wide range of restaurants and shops. With its challenging slopes and off-piste opportunities, Söll has the best access to advanced slopes in SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser.

Westendorf is a family-friendly village with a relaxed atmosphere and stunning mountain views. Offering a mix of easy and challenging slopes, Westendorf is a great choice for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

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