Scheffau sits on a sunny plateau at the foot of the Wilder Kaiser, surrounded by pristine forests and close to natural gems like the Hintersteiner See, a crystal‑clear alpine lake often called one of the most beautiful in Tyrol. Although it’s a small village, Scheffau offers a direct link into Austria’s vast SkiWelt area, making it an ideal spot for both relaxed family skiing and wider exploration.
Here’s a handy guide to help plan your ideal Scheffau ski holiday, covering everything from local highlights and pistes for all abilities to the best places to dine and unwind after a day on the mountain.
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Scheffau am Wilden Kaiser lies between Ellmau and Söll in western Austria, roughly 17.6 km/10.9 mi south of Kufstein.
Nearest airport
Transfer time
The name “Scheffau” references the village’s farming roots (“tilted meadow”). Today, it retains a peaceful, traditional charm, with onion domed churches, timber chalets, and an easygoing atmosphere. Thanks to its slightly elevated setting on a sunny plateau, you can enjoy gorgeous views of the Wilder Kaiser summits. For novice skiers, a free practice drag lift operates in the village, and childcare options at the Brandstadl top station make holidays stress‑free for parents. When you’re off the slopes, leisurely walks along winter paths, including around Hintersteiner See, let you soak up the area’s natural beauty.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Direct link to the SkiWelt pistes | Lifts are 1 km from village |
| Excellent snow conditions | Après‑ski is relatively low‑key |
| Family‑friendly amenities | No terrain park in Scheffau itself |
| Easy access to Hintersteiner See | Limited off‑slope activities |
This short video provides a glimpse of everything Scheffau has to offer.
A free drag‑lift in the village (lift no. 79) offers a gentle spot for those first glides. Up on Brandstadl, the baby lift (lift no. 77) and other practice slopes have child‑safe chairlifts with special locks (Aualm and Osthang), reducing stress for parents and giving kids more independence. The easy blue valley run back to Blaiken boosts confidence without overwhelming new skiers.
Scheffau’s long, red cruisers, like those off the Osthangbahn, are ideal for practising turns amid incredible Wilder Kaiser views. The Kaiser‑Runde loop is a must if you fancy a full‑day ski tour, weaving through neighbouring SkiWelt sectors and racking up miles along the way.
The black run on the Aualm often holds powder long into the day, thanks to its orientation and relatively light traffic. Early risers also praise the valley descent as a “morning gem” before crowds build. On days with enough fresh snow, the Moderer route offers freeride‑style terrain, just check conditions before setting out.
Tree‑lined gullies around Brandstadl create some fun soft‑snow stashes. Snowboarders find natural terrain features on these red and black runs, while those wanting a park can take advantage of SkiWelt’s full lift pass to visit freestyle setups in Westendorf or Ellmau.
The ski season in Scheffau started on December 20th and ended on March. If you're planning a ski holiday to Scheffau, be sure to explore our Scheffau deals for the best offers available.
Scheffau, 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 23 cm (9.0 in) of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 2.7 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly decreases to 16 cm (6.2 in) but occurs more frequently across 2.8 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the second week of January, traditionally the snowiest week in Scheffau, with 26 cm (10.2 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 (4.3 in) of snow over 1.7 days.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 17 cm/6.6 in | 2.7 days |
| January | 23 cm/9.0 in | 3.1 days |
| February | 16 cm/6.2 in | 2.8 days |
| March | 14 cm/5.5 in | 2.6 days |
| April | 11 cm/4.3 in | 1.7 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
Scheffau is all about “enjoyment at all levels,” from cosy alpine huts to casual pizzerias and family‑run inns. Below are six popular picks, some on the mountain, others in the village or by Hintersteiner See, to showcase the resort’s culinary variety:
While Scheffau isn’t known for rowdy après, you’ll still find a cheerful scene at umbrella bars by the base station. One popular example is Georg’s Stallbar, where you can enjoy mulled wine or local beers in a rustic stable setting, good music and conversation carry on well after the lifts shut. If you want something mellow, the village has a few relaxed pubs and cafés offering regional schnapps and wines. Those seeking bigger parties often hop a taxi to Söll, just 10 minutes away, for a livelier nighttime atmosphere.
Download Scheffau village map pdf here
