Scheffau Ski Holidays

Scheffau Overview

Scheffau is the smallest village in the Wilder Kaiser region. It is a welcoming, typically Tyrolean village with typical wooden chalets and surrounded by a splendid view of the Wilder Kaiser massif.

From Scheffau, guests have access to the SkiWelt ski area, which offers more than 280 kilometers of slopes for all levels, from the easiest for beginners to intermediates and more difficult for experienced skiers. Scheffau also has the only cross-country ski trail that is also illuminated in the evening.

Scheffau Ski Information

Resort height - 745m

Snow range - 620 - 1,956m

Ski area - 288km

Easy - 126km

Intermediate - 127km

Difficult - 35km

Longest run - 7,3km

Snow parks - 5 in SkiWelt

Snow making facilities - 87%

Ski Lifts - 105 ( Cable cars - /, Gondolas - 15, Chairlifts - 36, Drag lifts -39, Magic carpets - 15

Things to do in Scheffau

Activities - A winter stay in Scheffau am Wilden Kaiser can be about far more than time on the ski slopes. Surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Wilder Kaiser, this Tyrolean village offers a quieter side of winter, with snowy walking routes, traditional experiences and outdoor adventures suitable for visitors of different ages and interests. One of the easiest ways to appreciate the landscape is winter walking. Snow-covered paths wind through meadows, woodland and small villages, creating opportunities to enjoy the mountains without the speed and crowds associated with downhill skiing. The scenery around Scheffau is particularly impressive on clear days, when the rugged limestone peaks of the Wilder Kaiser rise above the valley. For those who want to venture deeper into the snowy landscape, snowshoeing is an excellent choice. The large snowshoes distribute your weight across the surface, allowing you to explore forest paths and quieter areas that may be difficult to reach on foot. A guided outing can also introduce visitors to the winter environment and local alpine landscape. Tobogganing adds a playful element to a winter holiday. Families, couples and groups can enjoy the simple thrill of travelling downhill on a sled, with some regional runs offering evening sessions. It is an activity that requires little experience and can easily become a memorable part of a winter day. For a more peaceful outing, visitors can book a horse-drawn sleigh ride. Sitting beneath warm blankets while a horse-drawn carriage moves through the snowy countryside provides a distinctly traditional alpine experience. It is particularly appealing for couples or anyone looking to enjoy the scenery at a leisurely pace. The surrounding region also provides opportunities for ice skating and cross-country skiing, offering alternatives for visitors who still want to be active without choosing downhill skiing or snowboarding. Prepared trails and winter recreation areas make it possible to spend time outdoors while enjoying a different rhythm in the mountains.

Restaurants - Dining in Scheffau am Wilden Kaiser is closely connected to the region’s Tyrolean traditions. Surrounded by the dramatic Wilder Kaiser mountains, the village and its surrounding countryside offer a relaxed choice of traditional inns, mountain restaurants, cafés and more contemporary places to eat. Regional cuisine remains an important part of the experience, while visitors can also find international and Italian options. Traditional Tyrolean food is at the centre of many menus. Hearty dishes based on potatoes, cheese, meat and locally sourced ingredients are particularly suited to the cold alpine climate. Visitors can expect regional specialities alongside familiar Austrian favourites, often served in welcoming, informal surroundings. The village's Gasthöfe, or traditional inns, are a good way to experience local hospitality. Restaurants such as Gasthof Zum Wilden Kaiser - Schönberg KG and Restaurant und Boutique Pension Jägerwirt provide the type of traditional mountain dining associated with the region. The local tourism organisation also highlights a number of established inns offering traditional and regional cooking. For visitors looking for something different, Scheffau has options beyond classic Austrian cuisine. Pizzeria Donatello provides Italian-style dining, while cafés such as Helenes Kaffee Werk are suited to coffee, cake and a relaxed daytime break. Mountain dining is another important part of the Scheffau experience. Restaurants and huts around the Brandstadl area provide places to stop during a day in the mountains, while establishments such as Berggasthof Bärnstatt Scheffau am Wilden Kaiser offer a more traditional alpine setting. The combination of regional food and mountain scenery makes these venues particularly appealing during winter.

Apres Ski & Nightlife - Scheffau am Wilden Kaiser offers a more relaxed approach to après-ski than some of Austria’s larger party resorts. Here, the emphasis is generally on enjoying a drink, good music and the company of friends after a day in the mountains, rather than on large-scale nightlife. The village and the area around the Brandstadl gondola provide several places where visitors can continue their day after leaving the slopes. A typical après-ski afternoon begins around the Brandstadl valley station, where visitors can stop for drinks and music before heading back to their accommodation. Der Kaiser is located directly at the gondola's base and operates during the winter season, making it particularly convenient for an end-of-day drink. The atmosphere is also spread across the mountain itself. Traditional huts provide places to pause for refreshments, local food and drinks, often with terraces overlooking the surrounding peaks. Venues such as Waldhof Alm combine alpine dining with an après-ski atmosphere, making them suitable for visitors who want to extend their mountain day before returning to the village. For a more informal setting, bars around Scheffau provide a chance to meet other visitors and locals. The village's nightlife tends to be cosy and sociable rather than club-focused, making it particularly suitable for couples, groups of friends and families who want to enjoy an evening without the intensity of a major party resort. Music is an important part of the winter atmosphere. Bars and seasonal venues provide background music and entertainment, while organised village events add another dimension to the evening programme. Scheffau's Winter Village Evening, for example, brings locals and visitors together outdoors with food stalls, hot drinks and live music.

Airport Transfers - How to get to Scheffau

We can organise your transfers from Salzburg airport, Innsbruck airport or Munich airport. You can also choose between a shuttle transfer which can be more economical if only a few people are travelling or a private transfer which will take you direct from the airport to your accommodation.

Distance to Salzburg Airport: 75km

Distance to Innsbruck Airport: 88km

Distance to Munich Airport: 150km

If you are making your own way to the resort by car - make sure you have the "Vignette" sticker as you will need this to travel on the highways in Austria otherwise you would receive a fine.