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The Ultimate Austrian Ski Vacation Starts in Ellmau

Discover unforgettable skiing in the Austrian Alps at SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser—one of Austria's largest and most award-winning ski resorts.

Located at the foot of the majestic Wilder Kaiser mountains, Ellmau is your gateway to SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser–Brixental, one of Austria's largest and most celebrated ski resorts. With effortless access to expansive ski terrain, authentic alpine villages, traditional mountain huts and breathtaking scenery, it's the ideal base for an unforgettable Austrian ski vacation. Whether you're planning a week on the slopes, a family ski vacation or a winter getaway that balances adventure with relaxation, Ellmau makes exploring the Austrian Alps refreshingly easy. Ride the Hartkaiserbahn from the village straight into the heart of SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser–Brixental. In around nine minutes, the modern 10-person gondola takes you from Ellmau up to the slopes — with panoramic views of the Wilder Kaiser along the way.

From gentle beginner slopes to wide cruising runs and more challenging terrain, SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser–Brixental offers an incredible variety of skiing across one of Europe's largest interconnected ski areas. Modern lifts make it easy to explore multiple mountains in a single day, while scenic mountain huts invite you to pause for authentic Tyrolean cuisine and panoramic alpine views before heading back to the slopes.

Beyond the slopes, Ellmau captures the timeless charm of an authentic Tyrolean mountain village. Welcoming accommodations, local restaurants, lively après-ski, and a relaxed alpine atmosphere make it just as enjoyable after the lifts close as it is during the day. It's the kind of place where unforgettable ski days naturally turn into memorable winter evenings.
Just over an hour from Innsbruck, Salzburg or Munich, the Kaiser Mountains rise in the eastern part of the Tyrol. The Wilder Kaiser massif lies roughly between Kitzbühel and Kufstein, with Ellmau nestled on its sunny side.
Wilder Kaiser MapWilder Kaiser Map
Verschneite Skipiste mit perfekt präparierten Spuren, im Hintergrund das beeindruckende Bergmassiv des Wilden Kaisers bei klarem Himmel und Sonnenuntergang.

Why Ski in Ellmau

A serene winter scene at Wilder Kaiser with snow-covered trees and mountains framing a peaceful village under a warm sunrise.

Easy to Reach. Easy to Explore.

Skier in a purple jacket descends snowy slopes at Wilder Kaiser with mountain range in the background under a clear blue sky.

One Village. Endless Ski Adventures.

Winter view of the snow-covered Wilder Kaiser mountains with a ski lodge surrounded by pine trees and clear blue sky in the background.

Experience the Authentic Austrian Alps.

A picturesque winter scene with a snow-covered village below the rugged peaks of the Wilder Kaiser mountains, under a clear blue sky.

Experience More Than the Slopes.

A group of skiers stand on a groomed slope at sunrise, with mountain peaks in the background and colorful ski gear creating a vibrant scene.

Perfect for Families and Groups.

Two people walking on a snowy path in the Wilder Kaiser region, surrounded by snow-covered trees and under a sunny sky, showcasing a serene winter landscape.

Stay Your Way in the Austrian Alps.

Snow-covered alpine landscape with wooden huts and a dramatic mountain range in the background under a clear blue sky.

This is our ski resort

Pistenplan englisch

Go to the interactive piste map

Find out more

Meet Your Gateway to the Mountains: The Hartkaiserbahn

Start your ski day aboard Ellmau’s modern Hartkaiserbahn gondola and arrive right in the ski area in around nine minutes.

From the Hartkaiser, you’re connected to SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser–Brixental — 270 km of slopes, 82 lifts and 80 mountain huts. Comfortable gondola access, beginner terrain and family experiences make getting onto the mountain refreshingly simple.
Take a break at Bergkaiser or KaiserLounge right at the Hartkaiser mountain station and enjoy Tyrolean food with the Wilder Kaiser in front of you.
Snowy mountains of Wilder Kaiser with cable cars and cloud-covered valley, trees dusted in snow under a clear blue sky, offering a picturesque winter view.
Snow-covered ski resort with chalets, surrounded by majestic mountain peaks under a clear blue sky, offering winter sports activities and scenic views.
Snow-covered Wilder Kaiser mountain range with a signpost showing directions to Ellmau and Going, set against a clear blue sky and snow-laden trees.
Three people dining outdoors at a wooden table, with snow-covered mountains of the Wilder Kaiser visible in the background, under a clear blue sky.
Snowy alpine landscape with pine trees and a ski lodge, surrounded by cloud-covered mountains and a clear blue sky, capturing a wintery scenic view.
Cable car in snowy mountains with rugged peaks and clear sky, offering stunning alpine views at Wilder Kaiser in Tyrol, perfect for skiing and hiking.
Ski guarantee eng
The Ski Guarantee
Skiing fun you can rely on.
From early December to the end of March, SkiWelt offers reliable skiing fun every day in one of the largest and most modern 5-star ski resorts in the world.
Wilder Kaiser Logo
Airplane on a tarmac at sunset, with sun rays peeking over mountains, creating a dramatic silhouette. The scene is near the Wilder Kaiser region.
Travelling by plane from the USA
The Wilder Kaiser region is very easy to reach via three airports. Our closest airports to the region are in Salzburg (approx. 1 hour away), Munich (approx. 1.5 hours away) or in the beautiful Tyrolean capital of Innsbruck (approx. 1 hour away).
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Wilder Kaiser Logo
Two people stand by a wooden circle in a snowy landscape at Wilder Kaiser, Austria, with mountain views and clear blue skies.

More Than Skiing at the Hartkaiser

Not everyone in your group wants to ski all day? Ride the gondola up for winter walks, panoramic views and lunch on the mountain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most international travelers fly into Munich, Innsbruck or Salzburg. Innsbruck and Salzburg airports are approximately 50 miles from Ellmau, while Munich Airport is approximately 95 miles away. From the airport, you can continue by private transfer, shared shuttle, rental car or a combination of train and taxi.

Yes. Local transfer companies provide direct service from Munich, Innsbruck and Salzburg airports to Ellmau. We recommend reserving your transfer in advance, especially during peak winter travel periods.

Not necessarily. Once you arrive in Ellmau, accommodations, restaurants, ski rental shops and mountain access are close by. Local ski buses and hotel shuttle services make it easy to get around without driving. A rental car can be useful if you plan to explore more of Tyrol during your stay.

U.S. citizens generally do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period in the Schengen Area. A valid passport is required. European entry requirements are changing, with the ETIAS travel authorization expected to begin in late 2026. Please check the official requirements for your travel dates before departure.

Tipping is appreciated but more modest than in the United States. At restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving approximately 5–10% for good service is customary. Tell your server the total amount you would like to pay when handing over your card or cash. Small tips are also appreciated by taxi drivers, guides and hotel staff.

No. Ellmau and the surrounding Wilder Kaiser villages have numerous rental shops offering skis, snowboards, boots, poles and helmets. Renting locally makes international travel easier and allows you to choose equipment suited to the current snow conditions. Advance reservations are recommended during busy weeks.

Yes. Local ski schools offer group and private lessons, and English-speaking instruction is widely available. Lessons can be arranged for children, first-time skiers and experienced guests looking to improve their technique. Booking ahead is recommended.

Ellmau is located at approximately 2,690 feet above sea level, while the Hartkaiser mountain station is around 4,990 feet. Most visitors adjust comfortably without special preparation. As with any active mountain vacation, drink plenty of water, use sun protection and take it easy on your first day if needed.

Austria uses the euro. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, larger restaurants, ski rental shops and lift facilities. However, carrying some euros is helpful for smaller mountain huts, local businesses and tips. Check whether your bank charges foreign transaction or ATM fees before traveling.

Bring waterproof ski clothing, warm base layers, gloves, goggles, sunglasses and sunscreen. Winter conditions can change throughout the day, so layers are essential. Ski equipment can be rented locally, and forgotten clothing or accessories can be purchased in Ellmau.

Yes. English is commonly spoken in hotels, ski schools, rental shops and restaurants. Learning a few German words is always appreciated, but you can travel comfortably in Ellmau without speaking German.

The Hartkaiserbahn gondola takes you directly from Ellmau up to the ski area in around nine minutes. From the top station, you can start skiing straight into SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser–Brixental.

Yes. The modern 10-person gondola offers a comfortable ride with heated seats and plenty of space for families and ski equipment. Once at the top, you have easy access to a wide range of slopes and mountain facilities.

The Hartkaiserbahn makes getting up the mountain easy and comfortable, with heated seats, free Wi-Fi and plenty of room for you and your ski gear.

The four Kaiser villages at a glance

Snow-covered village with a church tower in foreground, set against a backdrop of towering mountains under a clear blue sky at Wilder Kaiser, Austria.

Ellmau

The film village at the Wilder Kaiser

Ellmau in Winter
Snowy village with a church near the Wilder Kaiser mountains under a blue sky.

Going

The craftsmen's village at the Wilder Kaiser

Going in Winter
Winterliches Bergdorf vor einer beeindruckenden, schneebedeckten Bergkulisse. Die Dächer sind weiß, und der Himmel ist klar und blau.

Scheffau

The leisure village at the Wilder Kaiser

Scheffau in Winter
Snow-covered Wilder Kaiser mountains at sunrise with a picturesque village and traditional church in the foreground, creating a peaceful winter scene.

Söll

The alpine village at the Wilder Kaiser

Söll in Winter

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