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 (176 mi) 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.
Let's get started!
Ellmau is located in the eastern part of the Austrian Alps, within the Wilder Kaiser region, just 2 km (1.24 mi) west of Going am Wilden Kaiser.
Nearest airport
Transfer time
| 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 |
This short video provides a glimpse of everything Ellmau has to offer.
(Ref: Jan Hlinka)
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.
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.
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.
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.
The ski season in Ellmau for 2025/26 is scheduled to run from 6 December to 6 April. These dates are provided by the resort and may be subject to change depending on snow conditions and other operational factors. Planning ahead? Don’t forget to check out our Ellmau deals for the best ski offers available.
Ellmau offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 17 cm (6.69 in) and 24 cm (9.44 in) of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 2.7 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly decreases to 17 cm (6.69 in) 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 (11.02 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 11 cm (4.33 in) 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)
Download Ellmau resort map here
