Sunny ski piste with chairlifts in the Austrian AlpsSunny ski piste with chairlifts in the Austrian Alps

A complete guide to Seefeld

Everything you need for your Seefeld ski holiday.
23th January, 2025
5 min read time

Located at 1,200m (5,249 ft) above sea level, Seefeld is one of Austria’s most prestigious ski resorts, offering a unique blend of alpine charm, cross-country skiing excellence, and a sophisticated village atmosphere. Nestled on the Seefeld Plateau, the resort is a fantastic choice for winter sports enthusiasts of all levels, providing spacious pistes, modern lift facilities, and a rich cultural heritage.

As one of the best ski resorts in Austria, Seefeld  is famous for hosting Nordic skiing events at the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics and the alpine ski area, though compact, offers a relaxed and scenic skiing experience, while non-skiers can enjoy winter hiking, tobogganing, sleigh rides, and spa retreats.

This guide provides everything you need to plan your Seefeld ski holiday—from the ski area and snow conditions to dining, après-ski, activities, and essential travel information.

Let's get started!

Seefeld, Austria - overview

  1. Where is Seefeld?
  2. Seefeld the resort
  3. Seefeld ski area
  4. Skiing in Seefeld
  5. Seefeld ski season dates
  6. Seefeld snow history
  7. Restaurants in Seefeld
  8. Things to do in Seefeld
  9. Seefeld après-ski, and nightlife
  10. Seefeld resort map
  11. Seefeld tourist information

Where is Seefeld?

Seefeld is situated in Tyrol, Austria, approximately 23 km (14 miles) from Innsbruck.

For a detailed view of Seefeld's location, you can explore it on Google Maps.


Nearest airport

  • Innsbruck Airport (INN) – 21.5 km (13.35 mi)

Transfer time

  • Salzburg airport (54 min)

Seefeld the resort

  • Resort altitude: 1,180 m (3,871 ft)
  • Resort permanent residents: approximatively 3,632
Seefeld has long stood out as a premier Tyrolean village, offering a superb blend of Alpine charm and modern amenities. Consisting of nine different districts, it maintains a pedestrian-friendly centre with boutique shops, cafés, and restaurants—a delight to explore once you’re off the slopes.

Having hosted parts of the Winter Olympics three times (1964, 1976, and 2012 Youth Olympics) and the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships (1985 and 2019), Seefeld has cultivated world-class winter sports facilities—not only on the snow but also in the historic village heart, where you might drop into local cafés or try your luck at the casino.
A particular focal point is the Seekirchl (also known as the Heiligkreuzkirche). Begun in 1629 under Archduke Leopold V and completed in 1666, this baroque church originally stood on an artificial lake from the 15th century, drained in 1808. Today, it remains the most iconic landmark of Seefeld and a favourite stop for visitors roaming the village.
                                                                                                           
ProsCons
Pedestrian-friendly villageFewer ski-in/ski-out accommodations
Variety of winter activities beyond skiingCan get busy during peak cross-country skiing events
Family-friendly facilitiesNot ideal for advanced skiers
Excellent accessibilityLift pass costs can be high

Here is how Seefeld looks like

Preview of Seefeld ski resort

Watch Seefeld on YouTube .

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Seefeld ski area

  • Summit elevation: 2,064 m (6,772 ft)
  • Skiable terrain: 26 km (16 miles)
  • Vertical drop: 864 m (2,835 ft)
  • Pistes: 32
  • Ski lifts: 34
Beyond its famous cross-country scene, Seefeld’s ski area is divided into three main zones: Rosshütte, Gschwandtkopf, Geigenbühel, and Birkenlift. Here’s how they break down:

  • Geigenbühel: Ideal for beginners, this zone sits near the village centre. Magic carpets and short runs help build confidence, and the friendly ski school staff make it a stress-free introduction to skiing or boarding.
  • Gschwandtkopf: Best suited for intermediates, Gschwandtkopf’s wide, well-groomed slopes reward cruisy skiing alongside pretty views and convenient access near the Seekirchl (Lake Chapel). It’s a popular stepping stone for those ready to progress from the beginner areas.
  • Rosshütte: Offering the greatest variety and longest runs, Rosshütte stretches higher up the mountain and includes steeper pitches that appeal to advanced skiers. A trip up to the Härmelekopf peak reveals more challenging terrain and a spectacular vantage point of the surrounding plateau.
  • Birkenlift: Although less widely known, Birkenlift is another option for learners and families looking for laid-back skiing. Its short, mellow pistes are an excellent extension of the beginner experience, without the busier atmosphere of the main areas.

Skiing in Seefeld

Beginners

Seefeld is perfect for beginners, with dedicated nursery slopes at Geigenbühel and Birkenlift. The gentle blue runs on Gschwandtkopf provide a great progression route.

Intermediates

Wide, well-groomed slopes on Gschwandtkopf and Rosshütte cater to relaxed intermediate skiing. The cable car to Härmelekopf offers a longer descent with fantastic views.

Advanced

While Seefeld is not known for extreme terrain, the upper slopes of Seefelder Joch provide some challenging moguls. Rosshütte also offers a few steeper sections, and off-piste opportunities exist on Härmelekopf—but should only be tackled with a guide due to hidden cliffs.

Snowboarding

Seefeld is great for beginner snowboarders, with wide, smooth slopes on Gschwandtkopf and a small snow park at Rosshütte for freestyle practice.

Cross-country skiing

Seefeld’s cross-country ski trail network is not only Austria’s leading destination for Nordic skiing but also the largest in western Austria, featuring over 245 km of beautifully groomed routes. Beginners can start right at the Seekirchl in the village centre or head to the Seefeld Sports Arena to test out biathlon skills.

Seefeld ski season dates

The ski season in Seefeld for 2024/25 started on December 6th, and run until March 31st, though dates may vary depending on snow conditions. If you're planning a ski holiday to Seefeld this winter, be sure to explore our Seefeld deals for the best ski offers available.

Seefeld snow history

Seefeld offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 21 cm (8.26 in) and 25 cm (9.84 in) of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 3.1 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly decreases to 19 cm (7.48 in) but occurs more frequently, averaging 3.2 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the second week of January, traditionally the snowiest week in Seefeld, with 31 cm (12.20 in) of snow over 3.2 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 14 cm (5.51 in) of snow over 2.3 days.


                                                                                                                                                                   
MonthSnow amount (week)Snow days (week)
December21 cm/8.26 in3.1 days
January25 cm/9.84 in3.3 days
February19 cm/7.48 in3.2 days
March18 cm/7.08 in3.2 days
April14 cm/5.51 in2.3 days

(Ref: snow-forecast.com)

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Restaurants in Seefeld

Whether you’re craving traditional Austrian dishes, or gourmet experiences, Seefeld’s restaurants and mountain huts have something for every palate. Highlights include:

  • Südtiroler Stube: A personal favourite for regional Tirolean cuisine, set in a warm, wood-panelled “Stube” right in the village centre.
  • Wildmoos Alm: Known for its friendly staff and legendary strudel trolley—drop in for a hearty snack or a sip of schnapps.
  • Sportalm (bottom of Gschwandtkopf): Famed for its ‘chicken and chips in a basket’, a hearty treat after a day on the slopes.

Things to do in Seefeld

  • Cross-country skiing
  • Tobogganing
  • Winter hiking
  • Winter trail running
  • Horse-drawn sleigh rides
  • Ice skating
  • Tyrolean curling
  • Petting zoo & organic farm
  • Winter forest bathing
  • Biathlon
  • Beer brewing & tasting
  • Cinema
  • Casino
  • Swimming pool & sauna
  • Herbal workshops

Seefeld après-ski, and nightlife

Seefeld’s après-ski tends to be more relaxed than that of some larger Austrian resorts, but there’s still a decent choice of welcoming bars and pubs. Highlights, include:

  • Beisl bar: Cosy and central, known for its selection of local schnapps.
  • Woods bar: Great for a gin and tonic or craft beer, with live DJ sets on Fridays and Saturdays.
  • Open-air snowbar on Geigenbühel: Enjoy an open fire from late afternoon and soak up a festive atmosphere, sometimes accompanied by local music.

For those craving more excitement, a handful of late-night spots and a casino provide extra entertainment—perfect for capping off an evening in style.

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Seefeld town map

Seefeld town map

(ref:OnTheWorld Map).

Seefeld tourist information

  • Information centre: Bahnhofplatz 115, 6100 Seefeld
  • Tourist office phone: +0043. 50880
  • Email: region@seefeld.com
  • For visa & passport travel advice, visit here

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