Alpbach
Charming ski village with plenty of character, authentic hotels - perfect for family skiing
Alpbach resort guide - a general overview
With its unique character Alpbach has remained one of the most charming villages in the Austrian Tyrol. There are strict building regulations still in place which ensure that the resort continues to develop in the traditional style of wide overhanging eaves and carved balconies with many charming, traditional hotels. Alpbach has much charm and the apres ski is informal and relaxing with the sleigh ride to Rossmoos Inn for gluhwein still as popular as it used to be. There is a modern indoor swimming pool complex and over 30km of cleared winter walking paths so there is plenty for the non skier to do in Alpbach. Hotels are set in the village and there is a short bus ride to the ski area which now links with the resort of Wildschonau giving nearly 150km of combined pistes (the Ski Juwel area). With good mountain restaurants and an unhurried style skiing in Alpbach is a real pleasure. This resort is perfect for families or for those just searching for a charming, quiet winter getaway. The ski school has a good reputation and has a high proportion of English speaking instructors.
We recommend ski holidays in Alpbach for families especially those with young children who want to try an Alpine holiday for the first time.
Resort stats
145km
1,000m - 2,025m
Level of skiing
- Beginners
- Intermediates
- Experts
- Snow sure
- Off-piste
- Ski area
Qualities
- Charm factor
- Non-skiers
- Nightlife
- Resort layout
- Fine dining
- Short transfer
- Resort value
Airports
- Innsbruck
- 1hr
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Relaxed and totally charming traditional village
- Nursery slopes are central and convenient for beginners
- Lifts interlink with Auffach, offering a larger ski domain
- Varied terrain to suit beginner and intermediate skiers
- Nearby resorts are accessible and worth a visit for the day
Cons
- Short shuttle bus ride from the village to the main slopes
- Its North facing, however low altitude can mean poor snow cover at the season's end
Restaurants
Alpbach Resort Restaurants
There are a number of excellent restaurants to choose from in this small Austrian village. The Gasthof Wiedersbergerhorn is at the heart of the village and has a fantastic menu, serving various traditional and regional classics (the fondue is a favourite!). This place is perfect for families. The gasthof Jakober and the Postalm are fantastic restaurants found in downtown Alpbach, which turn into lively bars and often offer live music. If you're looking for a change from Austrian cuisine, Reblaus offers a varied and affordable menu with Mediterranean specialities and is guaranteed to have something for everyone.
Alpbach Mountain Restaurants
If you're looking for a break on your way down the slopes, the Böglalm is a perfect spot where you can try their mug of mulled wine or Jagatee, and their speciality spit-roast chicken. The Wiedersbergerhorn Hutte is also a convenient meeting point at the top of the Horn lift to stop for a quick snack in the sun. If looking for something heartier, The Almhof is a cosy rustic mountain restaurant that serves classic Tirolean dishes, which is particularly perfect on a snowy afternoon.
Alpbach Apres Ski
Joe's Salett'l is perfect place to kick start apres ski. Located right on the piste at the Pöglbahn bottom station in Inneralpbach, Joe's is a great spot to quench your thirst and refuel. It has a large sun terrace to unwind after a day on the slopes and gets lively in the early afternoon. Umbrella Six is another ideal bar to head to for apres, which has top drink and food deals and can be reached easily by runs 5, 8 and 11. If you're looking for some good live music and DJ's, it is worth stopping by at The Farmers Pub and Jakober.
Alpbach Nightlife
Alpbach is a quieter traditional resort. It is perfect for families or for a quiet romantic getaway, therefore it is not ideal for anyone looking for a heavy nightlife. However, the resort still offers a lively atmosphere.