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Traditional charm
Stunning views
Hidden gemTraditional charmStunning viewsHidden gemTraditional charmStunning viewsHidden gemTraditional charmStunning viewsHidden gemSet in a broad valley beneath the dramatic Wilder Kaiser mountains, Ellmau combines traditional Tyrolean charm with access to one of Austria's largest interconnected ski areas. The village itself feels genuinely Alpine - church spires, wooden chalets, and a pace that lets you settle into mountain life without the frenzy of larger resort towns. Families have long gravitated here for its relaxed atmosphere and gentle nursery slopes, and the wider SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental network means skiers of all abilities have plenty of room to explore.
The SkiWelt stretches across 275km of marked pistes, served by modern lifts. From Ellmau's base at 620m, the Hartkaiserbahn gondola whisks you up to terrain reaching 1,869m, with a season typically running from early December through early April. Intermediate skiers will find their stride on the network of cruising blues and reds that connect nine villages, while beginners can progress on wide, sunny slopes close to the village. Advanced skiers and boarders have steeper options around Hohe Salve and Choralpe, plus three terrain parks scattered across the area.
Beyond the pistes, Ellmau rewards slowing down. The village centre has a handful of restaurants, cosy bars, and shops that feel local rather than touristy. Evening entertainment leans towards fondue dinners and live music rather than thumping clubs - ideal for families or anyone who prefers their après-ski on the gentler side. The Wilder Kaiser range provides a stunning backdrop for winter walks, tobogganing, and scenic gondola rides.
Check out Ellmau ski deals to start planning your trip.
Set in a broad valley beneath the dramatic Wilder Kaiser mountains, Ellmau combines traditional Tyrolean charm with access to one of Austria's largest interconnected ski areas. The village itself feels genuinely Alpine - church spires, wooden chalets, and a pace that lets you settle into mountain life without the frenzy of larger resort towns. Families have long gravitated here for its relaxed atmosphere and gentle nursery slopes, and the wider SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental network means skiers of all abilities have plenty of room to explore.
The SkiWelt stretches across 275km of marked pistes, served by modern lifts. From Ellmau's base at 620m, the Hartkaiserbahn gondola whisks you up to terrain reaching 1,869m, with a season typically running from early December through early April. Intermediate skiers will find their stride on the network of cruising blues and reds that connect nine villages, while beginners can progress on wide, sunny slopes close to the village. Advanced skiers and boarders have steeper options around Hohe Salve and Choralpe, plus three terrain parks scattered across the area.
Beyond the pistes, Ellmau rewards slowing down. The village centre has a handful of restaurants, cosy bars, and shops that feel local rather than touristy. Evening entertainment leans towards fondue dinners and live music rather than thumping clubs - ideal for families or anyone who prefers their après-ski on the gentler side. The Wilder Kaiser range provides a stunning backdrop for winter walks, tobogganing, and scenic gondola rides.
Check out Ellmau ski deals to start planning your trip.
Skiing and snowboarding in Ellmau feels expansive without being overwhelming. The Hartkaiserbahn gondola takes you straight from the village into a network of wide, well-groomed runs that roll through open bowls and between clusters of alpine forest. Morning light catches the south-facing slopes, making this a particularly pleasant place for leisurely cruising on bluebird days.
The SkiWelt splits broadly into distinct areas, each with its own character. Ellmau's home terrain around Hartkaiser offers gentle, confidence-building runs with views across to the Wilder Kaiser peaks. Venture further and you'll reach Söll's slopes around Hohe Salve (the area's highest point at 1,829m), Scheffau's quieter sectors, and eventually the Brixental side towards Westendorf. The interconnected nature means you can ski village to village, finding new terrain throughout a week without retracing your tracks.
Ellmau is one of the most encouraging places to learn to ski in the Austrian Alps. The village has dedicated nursery slopes right at the base, wide and gently pitched, where first-timers can find their balance away from passing traffic. Once you've mastered snowplough turns, the blue runs down from Hartkaiser provide the perfect next step - long, consistent gradients with plenty of room to practise.
The ski schools operating in Ellmau are well-regarded, with English-speaking instructors and group lessons geared towards children and adults alike. The progression from nursery slope to mountaintop blues feels natural here, and the reliable snowmaking keeps conditions consistent throughout the season.
WeSki insider tip: The beginner area at Hartkaiser mid-station is often quieter than the village nursery slopes, especially during peak school holiday weeks. It's worth taking the gondola up for more space to practise.
Intermediates have the run of the SkiWelt. A network of blues and reds connecting the nine villages provides seemingly endless variety - you can ski a different route every day without covering the same ground twice. The grooming is excellent, and the lifts are modern enough that you spend more time skiing than queuing.
From Ellmau, head towards Brandstadl and onwards to Hohe Salve for some of the area's finest cruising. The red runs off the summit reward confident intermediates with sustained pitch and panoramic views. When conditions allow, dip into the quieter corners around Scheffau or Westendorf for uncrowded pistes and a more tranquil atmosphere.
WeSki insider tip: The Panorama run from Brandstadl down to Ellmau is one of the most satisfying ways to end a ski day. Here, you'll have 7km of well-groomed terrain with the Wilder Kaiser ahead of you the whole way.
The SkiWelt isn't typically the first name on serious experts' lists, but don't write it off. Marked reds and blacks across the network include genuinely steep pitches that demand proper technique. Runs off Hohe Salve's north face, particularly down towards Hochsöll, can be challenging when firm, and the Choralpe sector near Westendorf hides some of the steepest marked terrain in the area.
For off-piste, the SkiWelt requires a bit more imagination than purpose-built freeride destinations, but there are pockets of untouched snow to be found by those willing to look. The tree runs between Söll and Hochsöll hold snow well, and a guide can unlock routes through the Wilder Kaiser's steeper terrain when conditions align.
WeSki insider tip: The Skiroute 18 from Hohe Salve is an unpisted itinerary that offers genuine challenge when it's open. Check with the ski patrol for conditions and keep your edges sharp.
The SkiWelt suits freeriders and cruisers alike, with its wide-open pistes and modern lift system minimising the flat-track misery that can plague boarders elsewhere. Terrain between runs offers natural hits and banks when the snow is good. Three terrain parks are spread across the area - including the Kaiserpark near Ellmau - featuring jumps, rails, and boxes for all levels.
Off-piste opportunities exist here, but require local knowledge to find. The tree-lined runs between Söll and the Hochsöll chair often hold untracked snow after storms, and the slopes beneath the Wilder Kaiser ridge can be accessed with proper equipment and experience. For serious backcountry exploration, consider hiring a guide through one of the local ski schools - they know which couloirs run clean and when avalanche conditions allow access to steeper lines.
Several ski schools operate in Ellmau, offering group and private lessons for all ages and abilities. English-speaking instruction is widely available, and children's lessons typically include supervised lunch and fun activities alongside technique coaching. The dedicated beginner areas make learning less intimidating, and many schools offer progression packages that build skills over multiple days.
The SkiWelt's three terrain parks cater to different levels. The Kaiserpark near Ellmau features beginner and intermediate lines with progression-friendly features, while the larger parks towards Westendorf challenge more experienced riders with bigger jumps and technical rail setups. All parks are professionally shaped and maintained throughout the season.
Ellmau has built its reputation on welcoming families, and it shows. The village is compact enough that children can gain some independence without anyone worrying, while the skiing infrastructure makes managing different ability levels straightforward. Dedicated children's areas at the base and on-mountain keep younger ones occupied, with magic carpets, fun obstacles, and gentle terrain designed to build confidence.
Older children and teenagers have plenty to keep them engaged. The terrain parks provide a challenge and a social scene, while the size of the SkiWelt means they can explore further afield as their abilities grow. When the family wants to ski together, the network of blues makes it easy to match pace and enjoy the mountain as a group. Off the slopes, the toboggan runs, swimming pools at nearby hotels, and ice skating in the region offer alternatives to skiing.
Parents aren't forgotten either. While children are in ski school, you can explore the SkiWelt's more challenging terrain, or simply enjoy a long lunch on a sunny terrace. The village's restaurants cater well to families - most offer children's menus and a relaxed atmosphere where no one minds if kids are restless after a day on the mountain.
Ellmau rewards those who want more than wall-to-wall skiing. The village's traditional character and the dramatic Wilder Kaiser backdrop make rest days feel restorative rather than wasted. Whether you're nursing tired legs, accompanying a non-skier, or simply wanting to experience more of the region, there's plenty to fill a day off the pistes.
The Wilder Kaiser region takes its winter activities seriously, offering varied options that make full use of the alpine setting:
When you want to give your legs a complete rest, Ellmau and the surrounding villages have plenty to occupy you:
Ellmau's dining scene reflects its traditional character - hearty Austrian cooking done well, with mountain huts serving satisfying lunches and village restaurants offering cosy evening meals. While it's not a foodie destination, you'll eat well and find honest quality throughout the village:
WeSki insider tip: Try Kaiserschmarrn - the fluffy shredded pancake dusted with icing sugar and served with stewed plums. It's an Austrian classic, and the huts around Ellmau make some of the best in the region.
Ellmau's après-ski scene is relaxed. This isn't a resort where you'll find yourself dancing in ski boots until midnight, instead, the emphasis is on catching a drink as the lifts close and settling into a comfortable evening. If you're after a quieter holiday with young children or simply prefer your evenings unhurried, Ellmau delivers.
That said, there's enough variety to satisfy most tastes. The umbrella bars at the base catch the afternoon sun and serve cold beers to skiers finishing for the day. By evening, the village bars pick up with live music and a convivial atmosphere - think après-ski singalongs rather than club beats. For something livelier, the neighbouring resort of Söll is just a short taxi ride away and has one of the SkiWelt's best party scenes.
Après-ski spots to know:
Accommodation in Ellmau centres on hotels, guesthouses, and apartments, with options ranging from simple B&Bs to four-star spa hotels. The village is compact, so most properties sit within a 10-15 minute walk of the Hartkaiserbahn gondola. Staying near the village centre puts you close to restaurants and shops, while properties slightly outside are quieter and often have parking.
Many hotels offer ski-to-door access via the ski bus routes that circuit the area, making lift access straightforward regardless of location. The traditional Austrian guesthouse experience is strong here, where you can expect hearty breakfasts and a warm welcome.
The SkiWelt ski pass covers all 81 lifts and 275km of pistes across the nine connected villages, giving you full access to the entire area from one ticket. The pass also includes access to the ski buses connecting the villages. Multi-day passes represent good value for longer stays.
Check for family and multi-day pass options when booking your Ellmau ski holiday package through WeSki to find the best fit for your trip.
Ellmau has several well-stocked rental shops in the village and near the main lift station. You'll find everything from beginner packages to high-performance demo skis and snowboards. Boot fitting is typically thorough - worth taking time over to avoid discomfort on the slopes.
Booking equipment in advance during peak weeks is sensible, and many shops offer overnight storage so you don't need to carry gear back to your accommodation.
WeSki partners with SkiSet shops in Ellmau, letting you add equipment to your package and collect on arrival. Browse Ellmau ski deals to build your perfect trip.
Ellmau itself is easily walkable, with the village centre, main lift, and most accommodation within comfortable strolling distance. For exploring the wider SkiWelt, ski buses run regular circuits connecting Ellmau to neighbouring villages and lift stations throughout the day.
Evening services are less frequent, so taxis are useful for late dinners in neighbouring villages or nights out in livelier Söll. The main ski bus routes are covered by your ski pass, and the service is punctual and reliable - drivers will wait while you load skis and boots.
Ellmau sits in the Tyrolean Alps between Salzburg and Innsbruck, both of which have international airports well-served from the UK. Salzburg is approximately 100km away, while Innsbruck is around 80km. Munich airport is also an option at roughly 130km.
The journey from any of these airports passes through attractive mountain scenery, and road conditions in winter are well-maintained. Trains run to nearby Wörgl and Kufstein, from where bus or taxi connections reach the village.
WeSki offers car rentals from the airport as well as private and shared transfers to Ellmau. Add them to your Ellmau ski holiday package for seamless door-to-door travel.
Absolutely. Ellmau is one of the most beginner-friendly resorts in Austria. The village has dedicated nursery slopes away from through-traffic, and the wide blues descending from Hartkaiser provide ideal progression terrain. Ski schools are excellent, with English-speaking instruction widely available. The resort's relaxed pace and family atmosphere make it a particularly comfortable place to learn.
Ellmau offers a quieter, more traditional experience than livelier neighbours like Söll, which has more nightlife. It's particularly well-suited to families and those preferring a relaxed atmosphere. The skiing access is excellent from Ellmau, with the modern Hartkaiserbahn gondola giving quick access to the network. Scheffau is similarly tranquil, while Westendorf offers a slightly more varied nightlife scene.
The SkiWelt has more to offer experts than its family-friendly reputation might suggest. The red and black runs across the area provide plenty of variety, with steeper terrain around Hohe Salve and Choralpe. That said, if you're looking for extensive off-piste or consistently steep gradient, resorts like St. Anton offer more. For a week combining cruising with occasional challenge, the SkiWelt delivers well.
Ellmau works well for mixed groups where some don't ski. The KaiserBad wellness centre offers pools and spa facilities, while over 100km of cleared walking paths let non-skiers enjoy the scenery. Non-skiing visitors can ride the gondola for mountain restaurant lunches with views. Day trips to Kufstein or Innsbruck add cultural variety, and activities like tobogganing and sleigh rides don't require ski boots.
The SkiWelt has invested heavily in snowmaking, covering a large proportion of its runs to ensure consistent conditions throughout the season. Natural snowfall averages are decent for the northern Alps, though the relatively modest altitude (620m-1,869m) means conditions can be variable during warmer periods. Mid-season generally offers the most reliable skiing, with the extensive snowmaking network keeping runs open from early December through April.
Teenagers with developing skills will enjoy the SkiWelt's size - there's enough terrain to explore over a week without repeating runs. The three terrain parks provide progression-friendly features for those interested in freestyle. The nightlife is quieter than party resorts, which may disappoint older teens, though Söll is a short taxi ride away for livelier evenings. The variety of snow activities beyond skiing helps keep things interesting.
Mayrhofen - Niederau - St. Anton - Saalbach - Sölden - Kitzbühel - Kaprun - Kaltenbach - Ischgl - Serfaus - Tux - Wagrain - Zell am Ziller - St Johann im Pongau - Lech Zürs - See - Grossarl - Maria Alm - Gerlos - Flachau - Galtür - Scheffau - Söll - Going am Wilden Kaiser - Bad Gastein - Bad Hofgastein - Filzmoos - Obergurgl-Hochgurgl - Zell am See - St Johann in Tirol - Westendorf - Seefeld - Obertauern - Kappl - Alpbach
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