Austria has only 8 million inhabitants. It is one of the smallest countries of the European Union and it is not surprising that Austria’s political influence in Europe is rather small. There is one field however where Austria has a world famous reputation. Without a doubt Austria is a global power in alpine skiing. Austrian skiers have won 30 gold medals at olympic games. Nearly twice as much as Switzerland which ranks second.

If you have a look at the map of the small country in the middle of Europe, this record doesn´t seem to be very surprising. 60% of the area of Austria is alpine. The highest mountain (the Großglockner) reaches a height of nearly 4000 metres. But there is another record Austria can boast. Alpine skiers can choose from more than 300 ski resorts in Austria. Among those resorts there are seven glacier ski resorts. At Dachstein resort, Stubaital (Stubai valley), Pitztal glacier, Kaunertal glacier, Sölden and Mölltal glacier, skiing is possible from September until the end of June.

In Hintertux the lifts are running even 365 days a year! Hence there are no better conditions for training anywhere on earth. During summer, athletes from all over the world are coming to Austria to train on the glaciers. In winter time Austria is the place where most FIS worldcup races take place. Of course Austria is not only a place for athletes. During the last thirty years the country has turned from an agricultural country into one of the richest countries in Europe. Especially winter tourism plays a very important role in that development. The guests can definitely profit from that. High-end chair lifts and gondolas with heated seats guarantee a comfortable stay on the mountains even in the case of bad weather.

The largest Austrian ski resorts are St. Anton (456km of slopes), Skiwelt Wilder Kaiser Brixental (279km of slopes) and Ischgl (210km of slopes). Especially Ischgl and and St Anton are world famous not only for their slopes. Loud parties and Après-Ski until the morning hours especially attract young skiers and snowboarders. Facing global warming Austrian governments are investing in the exploration of 20 new ski resorts above 3000 metres. This should guarantee the status of Austria being a global power in the future, at least in conjunction with alpine skiing.