Ellmau resort guide - a general overview
Ellmau is a pretty, traditional village directly linked to the large SkiWelt ski circuit (Austria's largest linked ski area) which is particularly good for intermediate and beginner skiers. There are excellent nursery slopes (although a bus ride from resort) and generally the SkiWelt is an unthreatening ski area that boosts confidence. However, it may not satisfy good intermediate or advanced skiers. The poor natural snow record on the lower slopes that is so common in Tyrolean resorts is now offset by massive artificial snow production and as with the traditional resorts of the Tyrol, the village atmosphere is fairly lively with a good apres ski scene and live music in many of the bars.
Resort stats
284km
800m - 1,955m
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 30mins
- Salzburg
- 2hrs
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Great for families - quiet & charming
- Good nursery slopes & more confidence building runs
- Linked into the SkiWelt, Austria's largest linked ski area
- Investment in snowmaking means the pistes stay skiable for longer
Cons
- Ellmau is a low altitude resort, so snow coverage can vary
- You do need to take a ski bus to get to the main lift or a draglift
- Limited expert and advance terrain to be found
- Limited nightlife
- The resort can get croweded at peak dates & weekends
Restaurants
Ellmau Resort Restaurants
In this small Austrian village there are a good range of restaurants to suit all tastes. The Ellmauer Alm is a very traditional restaurant serving authentic tasty Tyrolean cuisine. The staff here will treat you with true Austrian hospitality making for an excellent and thoroughly enjoyable all round dining experience (the roast pork and the schnitzel get the best reviews!). The Mestizo Lounge cafe restaurant also offers a great early evening snack menu which you can enjoy with the incredible view of the impressive mountains right next to you. The Gasthaus Lobewein is another popular eatery serving a wide range of dishes from steak and chips to Austrian country fare at a very reasonable price. If you like Mexican food head to Cantina Bar Mexican Ellmau which serves a vast array of delicious Mexican dishes, coupled with efficient and friendly waiting staff this is a great place to go if you've had enough schnitzel and wiener for one week!
Ellmau Mountain Restaurants
When skiing Ellmau, the Panorama Restaurant is the one to aim for. The Panorama is located in the middle station of the Hartkaiser Mountain and is a self service restaurant with an extensive menu including either a light bite or a more hearty main meals. The views in this place are literally breathtaking. Another option for great food with a view is the Restaurant Bergkaiser, located on top of the Hartkaiserbahn. This place can seat up to 1500 and has a great terrace to kick back and relax on in the sun. Apparently the garlic soup is also worth a try!
Ellmau Apres Ski
In all 3 villages across this region there is lively apres ski. Before heading back to your chalet for dinner stop off at one of Ellmau's best watering holes. Amongst the best are the Memory Pub and Pub 66 which are amongst the livelier options. The Helden Bar is a good spot to catch some local live bands play. Austrian apres ski is like no other and you have to try dancing on a table in your ski boots at least once!