Nestled in the stunning Wilder Kaiser region, Ellmau enchants visitors with its quintessential Tyrolean village charm and direct access to the SkiWelt area’s 284 km of pistes. Beloved for its welcoming, family-friendly slopes and lively après-ski scene, Ellmau offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Whether carving down the slopes or cozying up in a local café, this charming town provides the ideal mix of exhilarating outdoor activities and serene moments, inviting everyone to feel at home.
As one of the most charming ski resorts in Austria, Ellmau is perfect for families and adventurers alike. We've crafted this guide to streamline your Ellmau ski holiday planning. Discover all you need to know about its strategic location, extensive skiing terrain, historical weather patterns, and the finest spots for culinary delights or unwinding with loved ones after exhilarating days on the slopes. Plus, stay tuned until the end for essential contact details and useful links.
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Ellmau, Austria - overview
- Where is Ellmau?
- Ellmau the resort
- Ellmau ski area
- Skiing in Ellmau
- Ellmau ski season dates
- Ellmau snow history
- Restaurants in Ellmau
- Things to do in Ellmau
- Ellmau apres ski, and nightlife
- Ellmau resort map
- Practical information
Where is Ellmau?
Ellmau is located in the eastern part of the Austrian Alps, within the Wilder Kaiser region. It is situated just 2 km west of Going am Wilden Kaiser, and 5.4 km southwest of Scheffau.
For a detailed view of Ellmau's location, you can explore it on Google Maps.
Nearest airport
Transfer time
Ellmau the resort
- Resort altitude: 820 m
- Resort permanent residents: 2800
Ellmau perfectly captures the essence of a traditional Tyrolean village, distinguished by its picturesque architecture and relaxed lifestyle. The village is adorned with quaint, wood-clad buildings that harmoniously blend with the natural Alpine landscape, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. The old Gothic church stands as a striking focal point, adding a historical dimension that enhances the town's charm and underscores its cultural heritage. This scenic setting is not only a visual treat but also forms a cozy backdrop for the village’s vibrant yet unpretentious après-ski scene. Numerous bars and cafés offer cozy spots for socializing and relaxation, providing refreshments at reasonable prices. Ellmau is ideal for families, thanks to its welcoming, family-oriented community, affordable lodging, a variety of non-skiing activities, and excellent dining options.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|
| Family-friendly | Snow coverage can be inconsistent |
| Great value for money | Limited options for nightlife |
| Excellent for beginners and intermediates | Can becomes crowded during peak dates |
| Outstanding facilities | Scarce terrain for expert and advanced skiers |
Here is how Ellmau looks like
Watch Ellmau on YouTube .
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Ellmau ski area
- Highest lift: 1870 m
- Kilometres of pistes: 49 km (288 km - SkiWelt)
- Vertical drop: 1220 m
- Ski lifts: 20 (90 - SkiWelt)
Ellmau, part of the expansive
SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental, provides access to Austria's largest interconnected ski area, with a total of 288 km of downhill skiing. Ellmau itself features 49 km of skiable terrain across 40 pistes (24 blues, 14 reds, 2 blacks), served by 20 lifts. Beginners and families with kids will appreciate the variety of beginner slopes, including several drag lifts and magic carpets located above the village and in the neighboring village of Going. The rest of the ski area primarily consists of a vast network of wide, well-groomed, and tree-lined blue and red pistes, accessible via the 10-seater Hartkaiser gondola.
Skiing in Ellmau
Beginners
Ellmau is particularly friendly for those new to skiing, with wide, gentle nursery slopes conveniently located near the village center. Beginners and families will appreciate the accessible, easy slopes both in Ellmau and the neighboring village of Going, where multiple ski schools are available to help new skiers build their confidence. For those just starting out, the local ski infrastructure, including the "Ellmauer Kinderland" next to the Kirchbichllift, ensures a welcoming and supportive environment.
Intermediates
A short ski bus ride from the village center takes you to the main lift, opening up a broader range of intermediate and more demanding runs on the Hartkaiser mountain. Here, intermediates can enjoy many sunny pistes filled with both blue and red runs that offer a satisfying mix of challenge and fun. These north-facing slopes also boast stunning views of the craggy Wilder Kaiser Mountains, enhancing the skiing experience with spectacular scenery.
Advanced
For expert skiers, Ellmau presents challenging opportunities such as the fearsome Black East piste on the eastern slopes of Hartkaiser, recommended only for highly skilled skiers. Additionally, south of the summit, the White Kög is a notable unprepared piste near the Köglbahn lift, offering excellent freeriding possibilities. These areas are known for their demanding terrain and exceptional snow conditions.
Snowboarding
Snowboarders have their playground in the Kaiserpark, located next to the Tanzbodenbahn lift. This park is well-equipped for working on tricks and flips, with well-designed jumps, rails, and boxes. It’s a perfect spot for snowboarders looking to improve their skills or simply enjoy a day of creative snowboarding.
Ellmau ski season dates
The ski season in Ellmau for 2024/25 is expected to start on December 8th and run until April 1st, though dates may vary depending on snow conditions. If you're planning a ski holiday to Ellmau this season, be sure to explore our Ellmau ski deals for the best ski offers available.
Ellmau snow history
Ellmau offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 17 cm and 24 cm of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 2.7 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly decreases to 17 cm but occurs more frequently, averaging 2.9 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the second week of January, traditionally the snowiest week in Ellmau, with an impressive 28 cm of snow over 2.9 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days—when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 11 cm of snow over 1.7 days.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|
| December | 17 cm | 2.7 days |
| January | 24 cm | 3.1 days |
| February | 17 cm | 2.9 days |
| March | 15 cm | 2.6 days |
| April | 11 cm | 1.7 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
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Restaurants in Ellmau
Mountain restaurants
- Ruebezahl Alm: situated on the slopes, this alpine restaurant serves hearty traditional food that's perfect after a day of skiing, alongside breathtaking views of the Wilder Kaiser mountains.
- Wochenbrunn Alm: located higher up the mountain, this restaurant is famed for its rustic charm and specializes in Tyrolean specialties.
- Brenneralm: offering panoramic views of the Ellmau valley, it is a perfect choice for a special occasion, featuring gourmet dishes and an extensive wine list.
Resort restaurants
- Wine studio Agnes: a sophisticated spot right in the heart of Ellmau, Wine Studio Agnes offers a wide selection of fine wines paired with expertly crafted small plates. This venue is perfect for an elegant evening out, focusing on high-quality, flavorful experiences.
- Memory: located conveniently in the town center, Memory is a popular choice among locals and tourists alike. The restaurant is known for its lively atmosphere and a diverse menu that features both local and international dishes.
- Fohrenhof: a charming restaurant offering traditional Tyrolean cuisine with a modern twist. Located in the village, it provides a cozy setting ideal for enjoying classic dishes.
- Oachkatzl: this is a quaint café and restaurant known for its delightful homemade cakes and coffee. It serves as a perfect spot for a relaxed afternoon break in the village.
Things to do in Ellmau
- Heated outdoor/indoor swimming pool
- Ice rink
- Health Spa
- Walking trails
- Snowshoeing
- Curling
- Horse-drawn carriage rides
- Igloo village
- Leisure centre
- Cross-country skiing
- Dog sledding
- Paragliding
- Sleigh rides
- Snow tubing
Ellmau apres ski and nightlife
- Memory Pub: a vibrant hotspot in the center of Ellmau, known for its friendly atmosphere and lively music.
- Pub 66: a classic après-ski bar, Pub 66 offers a traditional pub feel with a selection of local and international beers.
- Helden Bar: modern and trendy, Helden Bar is the place to see and be seen in Ellmau.
- Sandy's Bar: known for its cozy ambiance and excellent cocktails, this charming venue is perfect for those who prefer a more intimate setting.
- Fabels Ellmau: Fabels offers a unique blend of bar and restaurant, serving delicious food and exquisite drinks.
- Ellmauer Hex: Known for its lively parties and dance nights, this bar is a must-visit for those who want to dance the night away.
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Ellmau resort map
Download Ellmau resort map here
