Westendorf nestles on a sunny plateau in the Brixental Valley and serves as a link between SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser–Brixental, Austria’s largest interlinked ski domain, and the nearby Kitzbühel/Kirchberg area. Renowned for its pretty village centre, excellent nursery slopes, and one of the region’s best snowboard parks (“Boarders Playground”), it offers a mix of traditional Tyrolean charm and modern lift access. While mostly geared to beginners and intermediates, advanced skiers can venture off-piste or connect to bigger terrain in Kitzbühel. Off-slope, you’ll find a warm, welcoming atmosphere supported by local bars, cosy hotels, and plenty of homely Alpine eateries.
Here’s a practical guide we’ve put together just for you, filled with insider tips and essential info to help you plan the perfect Westendorf ski holiday. You’re going to learn everything you need to know, from its location to its ski areas, snow history, and even the best spots to grab a bite or chill out after skiing.
Let's get started!
Westendorf lies in Tyrol, Austria, roughly 80 km (49 miles) east of Innsbruck, and 95 km (59 miles) from Salzburg.
Nearest airport
Transfer time
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Part of SkiWelt | Low base altitude |
| Traditional vibe with unspoilt scenery | Limited advanced ski terrain |
| Excellent nursery slopes in the village centre | Heavy reliance on snowmaking in mild winters |
| Access to Kitzbühel domain via Ki-West gondola | Reaching the main SkiWelt area requires a short bus or gondola journey |
This short video provides a glimpse of everything Westendorf has to offer.
Beginners thrive in Westendorf, courtesy of excellent nursery slopes placed directly beside the village centre, alleviating the typical early nerves of tackling steeper lifts. After grasping basic technique, novices can progress onto mild blues off the mid-station or further up near Talkaser.
Intermediates represent the core demographic in Westendorf, with a wealth of rolling blue and red runs meandering from the top of Alpenrosenbahn or Choralm. The scenic, tree-lined descents into the valley add variety, particularly after fresh snowfall, while the link into SkiWelt broadens daylong tours across Ellmau, Söll, or Hopfgarten.
Though overshadowed by bigger Tyrolean strongholds, Westendorf hosts challenging local slopes above the village (Choralpe area) and advanced routes connecting to Brixen or the main SkiWelt circuit. The steep red/black near Fleiding or the new black run under Gampenkogel test technique, and off-piste pockets appear under chairs after heavy snow. For more extremes or extensive freeride, advanced skiers often upgrade passes to Kitzbühel via the Ki-West link.
Snowboarders appreciate Westendorf for its Boarders Playground, a well-regarded fun park featuring jumps, rails, and a halfpipe setup. The wide intermediate slopes encourage confident carving, while novices enjoy the easy learning zone in the village. Some older draglifts can be tricky for boarders, but the comfortable gondolas handle much of the uphill.
The ski season in Westendorf for 2024/25 started on December 20th, and runs until March 30th, though dates may vary depending on snow conditions. If you're planning a ski holiday to Westendorf this winter, be sure to explore our Westendorf deals for the best offers available.
Westendorf offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 17 cm (6.6 in) and 22 cm (8.6 in) of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 2.8 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly decreases to 16 cm (6.2 in) and occurs across 2.9 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the second week of January, traditionally the snowiest week in Westendorf, with 25 cm (9.8 in) 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 10 cm (3.9 in) of snow over 1.7 days.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 17 cm/6.6 in | 2.7 days |
| January | 22 cm/8.6 in | 3.1 days |
| February | 16 cm/6.2 in | 2.9 days |
| March | 14 cm/5.5 in | 2.7 days |
| April | 10 cm/3.9 in | 1.7 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
Westendorf’s dining features Tyrolean staples, dumplings (Knödel), schnitzel, and Kaiserschmarrn, alongside some modern European offerings. With a smaller village scale, many of the best restaurants lie in hotels. Highlights include:
Westendorf fosters a small yet lively après-ski scene for its size. Highlights include:
Though less raucous than St. Anton or Ischgl, Westendorf’s après-ski retains Tyrolean cheer. Families or couples seeking moderate nightlife find it pleasing, while groups wanting bigger parties might bus to Kirchberg or Kitzbühel occasionally.
Download SkiWelt/Westendorf piste map pdf here
