When you’re the least experienced skier in your group but have enough youth, fitness, and enthusiasm to make up for it, you know you’re in for an adventure. That was exactly the case for me on my recent Austrian mystery tour—a trip not about perfecting technique with a coach, but about diving headfirst into a mix of conditions, challenging my limits, and learning on the go.
Base Camp: The Hunter’s Lodge at Schloss Biedenegg in Fliess
Our home base for the week was the charming Schloss Biedenegg in Fliess—a comfortable 5-bedroom lodge that sleeps up to 10 people. For around €2,185 mid-season, it served as the perfect hub from which we embarked on our alpine escapades.
Day 1: Fiss (Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis) – A Fiery Introduction
We kicked things off in Fiss, one of Austria’s larger resorts that, surprisingly, is not overrun by British tourists. Fiss is spread across three centers and, while it’s a family-friendly destination, don’t let that fool you—there are some seriously steep black runs waiting to test your mettle. Our day was all about pushing limits. We attacked those tougher slopes head-on, and although it was clear we had room to improve, that adrenaline rush was exactly what we needed. (For context, a day pass here is €63 during high season.)
Day 2: Nauders – The Art of Technique
After the fiery start in Fiss, Nauders provided a well-needed breather with plenty of opportunities to fine-tune our skiing. This smaller resort, with its 70 km of runs, was blissfully uncrowded. We spent the day cruising on wide, gentle slopes, enjoying scenic, tree-lined runs, and tackling some higher-altitude challenges. A fantastic lunch spot and a surprisingly lively après-ski scene rounded out our day. (A day pass here costs €63 in high season.)
Day 3: Ischgl – High Energy and Wild Terrain
If you’re looking for high-energy skiing, Ischgl delivers in spades. The resort buzzes with activity—albeit with plenty of skiers (and some, let’s be honest, not-so-great ones) clogging up the central areas. But for those in the know, there are excellent slopes off the beaten track. Highlights include the famous Smugglers’ Run into Switzerland and an unforgettable unpisted descent off the Piz Val gondola. The isolation, raw wilderness, and challenging terrain made for a truly epic day, capped by Ischgl’s legendary après-ski scene. (An adult day pass here runs at approximately €49.)
Day 4: St Anton – A Classic Alpine Experience
Day four was all about classic skiing at St Anton—a haven for skilled skiers and enthusiasts of traditional runs. We explored the Stubai area, where soft, north-facing slopes just off-piste provided the perfect introduction to off-piste skiing. Although the day was partially affected by poor light, the relaxed après-ski (a refreshing change from Ischgl’s wild vibe) and the quality of the slopes made it a memorable day. (The adult day pass here is around €53.)
Day 5: See – Powder, Freeride, and Pure Joy
Nothing beats the thrill of fresh overnight powder, and that’s exactly what we found at See. This small resort turned into a powder paradise—a freeride dream with barely any skiers in sight and loads of untouched terrain. We spent the day navigating mostly red diamond runs that were both safe and challenging, along with a deep powder black run and plenty of off-piste magic. This wasn’t just about skiing powder; it was an education in picking the best routes through a freeride zone. (Lifts at See are included in the Silvretta Ski Pass, which starts from €149 for a 2-day pass.)
Day 6: Kühtai & Hochoetz – Family-Friendly Fun
Our journey continued to the family-friendly resorts of Kühtai and Hochoetz. Despite being a bluebird Saturday after fresh snowfall, these resorts were refreshingly quiet. We uncovered hidden pockets of powder and tackled a tougher red diamond run with some steep, tree-lined sections. It wasn’t extreme, but it provided a solid mix of fun and challenge. (A day pass here is €55.)
Day 7: Mayrhofen – A Mixed, Leg-Burning Day
Mayrhofen was a bit of a mixed bag. The center was a bit of a zoo with long queues, and the morning visibility left something to be desired. However, the Eggalm section shone through with fewer crowds and excellent skiing conditions. We covered a lot of ground on the slopes, and with the tricky light conditions, it turned into a real workout that left our legs screaming by day’s end. (An adult day pass here is approximately €73.)
Day 8: Hintertux – The Grand Finale
The final day was nothing short of perfect. Hintertux greeted us with fresh overnight snow and clear blue skies by mid-morning, creating an idyllic setting. Although it was quite cold at the top, the stunning views and unspoiled slopes provided a fitting finale to our adventure. To mix things up, we even tried a snowboard-ski swap-out, adding a fun twist to an already epic journey. (An adult day pass here costs €76.)
This Austrian mystery tour was a rollercoaster of experiences—from the challenging slopes of Fiss to the powder paradise of See and the vibrant après-ski of Ischgl. It wasn’t about having flawless technique; it was about embracing every twist and turn the Alps threw at us, learning as we went, and most importantly, having a blast. If you’re ready to push your limits and dive into a world of alpine adventure, consider packing your gear and heading to the Austrian slopes—you just might surprise yourself!
