The SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser Brixental is the largest ski area in Austria. This huge ski area is connected by the villages of Ellmau, Scheffau am Wilden Kaiser, Söll, Hopfgarten-Markt, Westendorf and Brixen im Thale. The largest population is in Hopfgarten im Brixental with around 5500 people and the other villages have a population of roughly between 1500-2500 people.

Scheffau am Wilden Kaiser feels to be the center of the ski area and a good base to stay if you want to explore all corners of these mountains.
Scheffau is around 1-hour drive from Innsbruck airport and 1 hour 15 minutes from Salzburg airport.
There are no direct trains going here and you will need to change for the bus service for each different village, so travel will take you longer if using these services. The trains and buses go very often, except for Sundays. So if you arrive on this day and want to ski, we do recommend you take a taxi to save time.

This ski resort is almost connected to Kitzbuhel and the KitzSki area. A 15-20 minute taxi journey will take you to Kitzbuhel from Ellmau and an opportunity to explore the KitzSki area as well. Note that it’s not valid on the same ski pass.

The SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser Brixental is huge and to get from one side to the other will take up most of your day. You will definitely not be bored here as there seems to be endless runs and paths to take. If you want to ski and explore the whole area you will need a minimum of 5 days. The mountains are not very high in altitude and most of the ski runs are quite short with lots of open areas. Skiwelt is more of a beginners resort with plenty of blue and easier red runs, especially around the center by Scheffau. It’s very easy going and relaxed which makes it a nice place for families.

The more challenging runs can be found around Söll and Hopfgarten. Another lovely area is by Westendorf. This is usually less crowded with some longer enjoyable runs.

There are many options for food and drinks that can be found all over these mountains. Don’t forget to go see the Iglu bar and hotel which can be found near Hohe Salve and Hochbrixen.

We stayed in Ellmau at the Tirol Lodge Hotel. This brand new ski lodge just opened in December 2018. Its a ski in ski out place, located right next to the Hartkaiser ski lift. It’s a modern place but very cozy with lots of wooden features. The rooms are not the largest in size but are cleverly designed, so more than enough space for what you need. Reception has a lovely lounge with comfy stylish furniture, a nice fireplace and a great vibe for some relaxed drinks. There’s also an outside heated pool and the sauna and wellness area is really lovely with some spectacular views of the Wilder Kaiser Mountains.

There’s a few restaurants and bars nearby or an easy 10-15 minutes walk to the center of Ellmau for some more options.