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Great après-ski
Snow-sure resort
Stunning views
Traditional charm
Off-slope activitiesGreat après-skiSnow-sure resortStunning viewsTraditional charmOff-slope activitiesGreat après-skiSnow-sure resortStunning viewsTraditional charmOff-slope activitiesGreat après-skiSnow-sure resortStunning viewsTraditional charmOff-slope activitiesScheffau is a quiet, traditional Tyrolean village set at 620m beneath the jagged peaks of the Wilder Kaiser in Austria. It's one of the access points to the SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental, one of the largest interconnected ski areas in the world, covering 275km of pistes served by 81 lifts, and connecting nine villages between 620m and 1,869m. Scheffau itself has a peaceful, village-scale character that contrasts with the sheer scale of skiing on its doorstep, and locals know it as one of the best starting points in the SkiWelt. Its central position in the network and north-facing Brandstadl bowl consistently deliver some of the area’s best snow conditions.
The SkiWelt terrain is overwhelmingly intermediate-friendly, with an enormous network of well-groomed blue and red runs flowing between villages through the mountains. Snowmaking covers 229km of the 275km total, keeping conditions reliable through a season that runs from early December to early April. Its longest run stretches 7.3km, and more than 70 mountain huts and restaurants dot the slopes, so you’re never far from a sun terrace and a plate of Kaiserschmarrn. The terrain’s natural east-west orientation lets you chase the sun all day, and the KitzSkiWelt Tour connects the SkiWelt for an 88km circuit that never repeats a lift.
Scheffau's village life is authentic Tyrolean, with an onion-domed church, timber chalets, and a handful of Gasthauser in a setting well away from the busy valley road. It's a popular choice with visitors who prefer a quieter base, with the knowledge that the vast SkiWelt terrain is just a gondola ride away.
Check out Scheffau ski deals to start planning your trip.
Scheffau is a quiet, traditional Tyrolean village set at 620m beneath the jagged peaks of the Wilder Kaiser in Austria. It's one of the access points to the SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental, one of the largest interconnected ski areas in the world, covering 275km of pistes served by 81 lifts, and connecting nine villages between 620m and 1,869m. Scheffau itself has a peaceful, village-scale character that contrasts with the sheer scale of skiing on its doorstep, and locals know it as one of the best starting points in the SkiWelt. Its central position in the network and north-facing Brandstadl bowl consistently deliver some of the area’s best snow conditions.
The SkiWelt terrain is overwhelmingly intermediate-friendly, with an enormous network of well-groomed blue and red runs flowing between villages through the mountains. Snowmaking covers 229km of the 275km total, keeping conditions reliable through a season that runs from early December to early April. Its longest run stretches 7.3km, and more than 70 mountain huts and restaurants dot the slopes, so you’re never far from a sun terrace and a plate of Kaiserschmarrn. The terrain’s natural east-west orientation lets you chase the sun all day, and the KitzSkiWelt Tour connects the SkiWelt for an 88km circuit that never repeats a lift.
Scheffau's village life is authentic Tyrolean, with an onion-domed church, timber chalets, and a handful of Gasthauser in a setting well away from the busy valley road. It's a popular choice with visitors who prefer a quieter base, with the knowledge that the vast SkiWelt terrain is just a gondola ride away.
Check out Scheffau ski deals to start planning your trip.
The SkiWelt is an area that rewards exploration. From Scheffau's Brandstadl gondola, you can access a vast network of interconnected runs stretching through nine villages, and each sector has its own character. Terrain flows naturally from one area to the next: you can ski to Ellmau, continue to Soll, loop across to Brixen im Thale, and still have new ground to cover the following day.
With 275km of pistes and 81 lifts, the scale is considerable. Terrain runs between 620m and 1,869m, with the majority of runs in the comfortable intermediate range. Snowmaking covers a large proportion of the runs, supporting the natural snowfall and keeping conditions reliable across the main pistes through the season.
Scheffau is a solid choice for beginners. The Brandstadl area above the village has gentle, wide slopes that are well separated from through-traffic, giving new skiers space to build confidence. Nursery slopes at village level provide an enclosed, low-pressure environment for the very first day, and progression to the wider blue runs across the SkiWelt is natural once you've found your balance.
The gentle Tyrolean atmosphere and smaller village setting make it a reassuring place to learn, and much less overwhelming than starting in a larger resort. For those who want organised instruction, ski schools based in Scheffau provide group and private lessons for all ages, with English-speaking instructors available.
WeSki insider tip: The Brandstadl beginner area has a sunny aspect and dedicated lifts. It's a confidence-building spot that lets you ease into skiing without the pressure of busier slopes.
Intermediates have the full run of the SkiWelt, and it's hard to overstate how much terrain that means. The 275km of linked pistes are predominantly blue and red, beautifully groomed, and spread across nine villages. You can set off from Scheffau each morning and ski in a different direction every day, whether that’s towards Ellmau's sun-drenched slopes, across to the livelier terrain above Soll, or further afield to Westendorf and Brixen.
The longest run in the area stretches over 7km, and there are numerous long descents that will get your legs working. An efficient and modern lift system throughout the SkiWelt means you’ll spend more time skiing and less time waiting, and its east-west layout means you can follow the sun across the mountain through the day.
WeSki insider tip: Start your day heading west towards Brixen im Thale. The morning sun lights up those slopes first, and by early afternoon you can ski back east towards Ellmau as the sun follows you.
The SkiWelt is primarily an intermediate paradise, but advanced skiers will find pockets of steeper terrain spread across the area. Black runs around the Hohe Salve and above Soll provide more sustained challenges, with natural mogul fields and steeper gradients. The SkiWelt's sheer size means there's always another corner to explore, and quieter black runs in the area reward those who seek them out.
Off-piste options are limited by the relatively modest altitude, but tree skiing between the pistes can be enjoyable after fresh snow. For more serious advanced skiing, the nearby Kitzbuhel ski area is accessible on an extended pass, adding world-class steep terrain to the mix.
WeSki insider tip: The black run from Hohe Salve (1,829m) is one of the SkiWelt's best. It’s sustained, steep, and with panoramic views of the Wilder Kaiser and beyond.
The SkiWelt suits snowboarders well, with wide, groomed runs and a good variety of terrain across the interconnected area. The extensive network means plenty of ground to cover on a board, though some of the flatter linking runs between villages require maintaining momentum. There are three terrain parks with features for different levels, and the main parks to experience are at Soll and Westendorf.
Off-piste at the SkiWelt is limited by the area's moderate altitude (topping out at 1,869m), but after fresh snowfall, there are enjoyable tree runs and ungroomed sections between the pistes. Terrain is generally gentle enough to be accessible without a guide, though local knowledge helps identify the best spots. For more serious freeride, the nearby Kitzbuhel and St. Johann areas provide additional off-piste options.
Ski schools in Scheffau provide group and private instruction for all ages and levels, covering both skiing and snowboarding. English-speaking instructors are readily available, and the area is popular with UK visitors, so language is rarely an issue. The village-based schools know the SkiWelt terrain well and can guide progression from beginner slopes to the wider network.
The SkiWelt has three terrain parks across its network. The Boarders Playground at Soll and the Obstacle Park at Westendorf are the most developed, with jumps, rails, boxes, and features for intermediate and advanced riders. There's also a fun park near Brixen with gentler features for beginners and younger riders.
Scheffau is a natural family base. The quiet village setting, away from the busy valley road, gives it a safe and unhurried feel, and the vast SkiWelt terrain is accessible from the Brandstadl gondolas at the nearby Blaiken base area. During the Family Ski Weeks (early December and mid-March to early April), children aged 15 and under ski free when a parent purchases a pass of three days or more, which makes a significant difference to the cost of a family trip.
The wide, gentle snowbowl above Brandstadl is ideal for young skiers building confidence, with beginner lifts and the KinderKaiserland ski school right at the top of the gondola. Parents can check in on their children easily during the day without losing much skiing time. Older children and teenagers will thrive in the SkiWelt's huge network: the 20km Kaiser-Runde circuit starting and finishing from Scheffau is a satisfying day-long challenge, and the terrain parks and long valley descents across the linked villages keep keen young skiers busy for a full week.
Off the slopes, the SkiWelt offers 11km of floodlit toboggan runs across the area, and the Alpinolino adventure trail on the mountain adds an interactive element for younger children. Family dining revolves around the village Gasthäuser and mountain huts, where Austrian hospitality and generous portions are the norm. The evening atmosphere is calm and family-appropriate: early bedtimes come naturally when the village winds down with the sunset.
Scheffau's Tyrolean village character and the surrounding Wilder Kaiser landscape keep days of the slopes authentic and entertaining. Whether you need a rest day or activities for the non-skiers in your group, the area combines mountain beauty with local culture for a wide range of activities. Its proximity to Innsbruck and other Tyrolean towns adds options when you want a change of scenery, too.
The Wilder Kaiser area provides a good range of winter activities beyond the ski slopes, including:
For rest days and things to do off the mountains, Scheffau and the wider Tyrolean region have plenty to fill the time:
Dining in and around Scheffau is traditionally Tyrolean, with hearty, well-made cuisine that’s served with genuine Austrian warmth. The village Gasthauser are the backbone of the dining scene, with menus built around local ingredients and recipes that have been refined over generations. On the mountain, the SkiWelt has an impressive selection of slope-side huts and restaurants, and many of them are worth a special stop.
WeSki insider tip: Try Tiroler Grostl, a Tyrolean skillet of potatoes, beef, and onions topped with a fried egg. It's the classic Austrian ski lunch and tastes even better after a long morning on the slopes.
Après-ski in Scheffau is gentle and village-paced. The bars around the gondola station serve drinks as the lifts close, and the village Gasthauser provide warm, sociable settings for evening drinks. This isn't the place for an all-night party scene atmosphere, instead, it's a relaxed scene that suits families and those who prefer conversation over commotion.
For livelier après, Soll is the nearest option. Just one village along, Soll has a reputation as one of the SkiWelt's party centres. You can ski there during the day and return by bus in the evening, giving you the best of both worlds: quiet village base, bigger night out when you want it.
Apres-ski spots to know:
Accommodation in Scheffau is predominantly a traditional Austrian experience, with Gasthauser, family-run hotels, and apartments. Hotels tend to be comfortable three- and four-star options with half-board dining, which is a practical and cost-effective choice in Austria. Self-catering apartments are also available for those who prefer more independence. The village is compact, with most properties within walking distance or a short bus ride of the Brandstadl gondola.
The SkiWelt pass covers all 81 lifts and 275km of pistes across the nine linked villages, including Scheffau, Ellmau, Soll, and Brixen im Thale. Check for family and multi-day pass options when booking your Scheffau ski holiday through WeSki to find the best fit for your trip.
Ski and snowboard hire shops are available in Scheffau, with equipment for all levels. The village shops are conveniently located near the gondola station.
WeSki partners with SkiSet shops in Scheffau, letting you add equipment to your package and collect on arrival. Browse Scheffau ski deals to build your perfect trip.
Scheffau is a small village and most accommodation is within walking distance of the gondola and village centre. A ski bus connects Scheffau with the other SkiWelt villages throughout the day, running at regular intervals with stops at key lift stations and accommodation areas. The bus is useful for accessing different starting points across the ski area or for evening trips to neighbouring villages for dinner or apres-ski.
The nearest airports to Scheffau are Innsbruck (around 80km), Salzburg (around 120km), and Munich (around 170km). The village is accessible by road via the A12/E45 motorway, and the nearest train station is at Kufstein or Worgl, both well connected to Innsbruck and Salzburg.
WeSki provides car rentals from the airport as well as private and shared transfers to Scheffau. Add them to your Scheffau ski holiday package for seamless door-to-door travel.
The SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental is one of Austria's largest interconnected ski areas, covering 275km of pistes across nine linked villages served by 81 lifts. You can ski between all nine villages on a single ski pass. It's enough terrain to keep you busy for a full week without skiing the same run twice.
Scheffau is an excellent family base. The quiet village, dedicated beginner area, and compact layout make it stress-free for families with young children. The vast SkiWelt terrain keeps older children and teens engaged, and the traditional Austrian atmosphere - complete with tobogganing, sleigh rides, and welcoming Gasthauser - creates a memorable family holiday.
The SkiWelt's highest point is 1,869m, which is relatively modest by Alpine standards. However, the area has one of the most extensive snowmaking systems in Austria, covering over 80% of the pistes. This, combined with natural snowfall, keeps conditions reliable through the typical December-to-late-March season.
Scheffau is one of the quieter SkiWelt bases, with a genuine Tyrolean village feel. Ellmau is slightly larger and has more amenities, Soll has the liveliest apres-ski, and Brixen im Thale is popular with families. All share the same vast ski area, so the choice of village is about the evening atmosphere and proximity to your preferred terrain.
Kitzbuhel is not directly linked by lifts to the SkiWelt, but it's only around 30km away by road. With the right pass (Kitzbuheler Alpen AllStarCard), you can ski both areas during your trip. Some visitors spend a day or two in each for variety.
Scheffau itself is quiet in the evenings, which suits families and those who prefer a relaxed base. For livelier apres-ski, Soll is one village along and has a well-known bar scene. The ski bus makes it easy to enjoy Soll's nightlife and return to Scheffau's peaceful atmosphere afterwards.
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 - Ellmau - 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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