Winter camping close to ski resorts
Organising accommodation can add to the stress of a ski holiday and take away from the main focus, the mountain time! In this article, we'll discover winter camping close to ski resorts, so all you have to worry about is packing all your gear!
Sometimes all you want to do is pack your kit and head for the mountains without having to budget 14 years in advance to pay for the accommodation. That's why winter camping close to your favourite ski resort is a great way to keep the cost down and ensure you focus on the best part of a snowboarding or skiing holiday… the mountain time. So, your trusty ski friends at Ridestore have created a list of all the best spots in Europe. Let's dive in and learn more.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into the best winter camping spots by highlighting which resorts are the closest, plus what the prices are like and what facilities you can look forward to—basically all the most vital information. We have also thrown in an insider secret, a ridestore recommendation if you will, something that you simply can't miss when you're in that location.
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Table of contents
Pricing explained
We have added a little pricing icon for every location to give you a little indication of the cost. This cost is a comparative and commutative cost of the price to pitch up, food on site and use of the facilities.
Best winter camping in Austria
Camping Park Grubhof - Salzburg, Austria
Nearest ski resort
Almenwelt Lofer which is 2km away. A small but inexpensive and family-friendly resort, Almenwelt Lofer has 46 km of pistes. A free ski bus runs from outside the campsite to the resort every 30 minutes.
Set across ten acres in the grounds of an ancient castle, Camping Park Grubhof is a large site in the Salzburgerland region of Austria. There are facilities for tents, caravans and motorhomes as well as chalets of various sizes to rent.
The site is clean and well managed and set in spectacular surroundings. A river runs through the centre of an alpine flower meadow and the Loferer Steinberge range provides a stunning alpine backdrop. There’s laundry services, a children’s playground, WiFi and electric hookups available as well as a traditional Austrian restaurant and beer garden on site.
Ridestore recommends
The site has superb facilities including an ultra-modern brushed aluminium and pine shower block that also houses a Wellness Centre with a sauna, spa and gym.
Camping Brunner am See - Carinthia, Austria
Nearest ski resort
The resort of Bad Kleinkirchheim is 10km away and boasts over 100km of piste. It’s well equipped and has something for everyone, including the Franz Klammer World Cup run.
Camping Brunner am See is an award-winning site, which Caravanning Magazine recently ranked as one of the top three in Europe. Located on the serene shores of Lake Millstatter, facilities include a private beach, WiFi, a well-appointed sanitary unit and a kids adventure playground. There are chalets and apartments to rent, pitches have water, drainage and electric hookup and the site is dog friendly.
Ridestore recommends
Römerbad Thermal Spa in the resort of Bad Kleinkirchheim is a perfect way to unwind after a day on the slopes. You’ll find a variety of indoor and outdoor thermal baths there, the waters of which have been renowned for their healing properties since the 15th century.
TIROL. CAMP Leutasch - Tyrol, Austria
Nearest ski resort
The resort of Seefeld is 8km from the site and oozes traditional Austrian charm. They have twice played host to the Winter Olympics, so the infrastructure is excellent there are two separate ski areas to explore.
Found high in the Austrian Alps and surrounded by breathtaking mountains and forests, at 1,100m above sea level, TIROL. CAMP is a winter camping paradise.
The site offers various sized pitches with electric hookup and water and is well equipped with other facilities including a restaurant, indoor pool, sauna and gym, laundry services and a children’s playground. There is Internet access, dogs are welcome and log cabins are available to rent should you want a little more luxury.
Ridestore recommends
This part of Tyrol is renowned for its world-class cross country skiing and the campsite provides direct access to a vast network of over 270km of trails. Equipment hire is available, allowing skiers to make their way through spectacular alpine scenery and work up an appetite for some Austrian cuisine and beer.
Sportcamp Woferlgut - Salzburg, Austria
Nearest ski resort
Zell am See is just 6km away, from which skiers have access to a huge linked ski area with over 270km of runs.
Nestled in the heart of the Hohe National Park in the shadow of the Grossglockner, Austria’s highest mountain, Sportcamp Woferlgut is a campsite with outstanding facilities in postcard-worthy surroundings. There is also a hotel on site that has a stunning wellness centre which campers can pay to use. There you’ll find 5 pools of varying sizes both indoor and outdoor, a water slide, gym, saunas and steam rooms and treatments such as massages on offer.
Ridestore recommends
Hotel Woferlgut has a fabulous restaurant. Treat yourself to a decadent breakfast, civilised afternoon tea or evening meal. They regularly hold themed nights such as fondue evenings and run events where farmers from the region will showcase the freshest seasonal produce. There is an extensive wine cellar that you can reserve to dine in.
Camping Ötztal Längenfeld - Tyrol, Austria
Nearest ski resort
Sölden is just 14km away and is accessible by a free shuttle bus from the site which runs every ten minutes. The resort is high and snow-sure, with 146km of pistes catering to all abilities and there’s a buzzing aprés scene as the sun goes down.
Camping Ötztal Längenfeld high in the Ötztal Valley is an award-winning site surrounded by alpine peaks. It’s family-run and has 205 modern pitches with hookup, water and waste disposal. As well as hard-standing pitches there’s alpine lodges and caravans to rent. The site has a great range of facilities on offer including WiFi, a heated outdoor pool, wellness area sauna and infrared heat cabin and ski storage.
Ridestore recommends
Aqua Dome, the region’s only thermal spa, is a short walk away from the site, and those staying there get a 10% discount on access. Once there you’ll find space-age architecture including swimming pools on legs above the ground offering panoramic views of the mountains.
Natürlich Hell - Tyrol, Austria
Nearest ski resort
Fügen is 2km away and is reachable by a free ski bus from the campsite. The resort is small but charming and has good snowmaking facilities and is great for families.
Run by local couple Karin and Alois Natürlich Hell is an eco-friendly campground in Austria’s Tyrol region. Sustainability influences everything on the site, from the low energy construction buildings, use of wind and solar power and eco-friendly cleaning products to the electric cars available to rent. The campsite has 200 pitches of different sizes and well-designed facilities including laundry, washrooms, and a sauna and fitness studio and an outdoor heated pool. There is also a restaurant which serves breakfast and evening meals.
Ridestore recommends
Fügen is renowned for having a great freeride scene. The backcountry surrounding the resort is easily accessible from the lifts and for those new to off-piste a starter area has been set up to allow newbies to get their first taste of powder safely.
Erlebnis-Comfort-Camping Aufenfeld - Tyrol, Austria
Nearest ski resort
The resort of Kaltenbach is 5km from the site and visitors can get there by a free shuttle bus which runs regularly. The ski area covers 85km of snow-sure pistes serviced by a modern lift system and offers good intermediate skiing.
Erlebnis-Comfort-Camping Aufenfeld is a large, family-friendly campsite located in the Austrian village of Aschau. It offers well-serviced camping pitches, clean and well-appointed sanitary blocks and laundry services amongst other facilities. Those looking to relax can enjoy the landscaped swimming pond, two heated indoor pools, 60m waterslide and western-style sauna. Ski hire is also available on-site and there is a restaurant that also offers takeaways.
Ridestore recommends
The site has a climbing centre which is open daily and caters for all abilities. There is a 300m bouldering wall as well as rope climbing facilities including a self-belaying system. Lessons are available for those wishing to get started or improve their skills.
Ferienparadies Natterer See - Tyrol, Austria
Nearest ski resort
Capital of the region Innsbruck is one of the oldest and most beautiful ski centres in the country and is 7km away from the site. You can take a gondola up from the town where you’ll find a small ski area and fabulous views of the city. If there’s not enough to ski in Innsbruck itself nine local resorts have joined together to create Olympia Ski World which encompasses 500km of piste.
Located on the shores of Lake Natterer See, this large site has excellent facilities and a range of pitches of different sizes. The heart of the site is the hub - a well designed multi-purpose building that houses a library, cafe, bar and bistro, panoramic lounge, sanitary facilities and ski storage. The site also has WiFi and a lakeside restaurant, pizzeria and takeaway, so you certainly won't go hungry.
Ridestore recommends
Take the free shuttle bus from the campsite to Innsbruck main station and spend some time exploring the city. There’s plenty to see in this vibrant University town from museums to beautiful Imperial architecture.
Camping Seeblick-Toni - Tyrol, Austria
Nearest ski resort
The charmingly traditional Austrian village of Alpbach is 13km from the site and is part of a linked ski area with 109km of piste.
Camping Seeblick-Toni has been welcoming visitors to its site on the banks of Lake Reintaler for over 50 years and has won numerous awards from camping guides in that time. They offer traditional Austrian hospitality in a beautiful location surrounded by alpine mountains and forests. The site has good infrastructure and facilities including a restaurant on the shore of Lake Reintaler which serves local cuisine and hosts themed nights and has a well-stocked wine cellar. There is also a relaxation zone where visitors can enjoy excellent spa facilities and unwind after a day on the slopes.
Ridestore recommends
Camping Seeblick-Toni has a farm shop on site that sells traditional Tyrolean produce. It’s well worth a visit to pick up freshly baked bread and locally produced cheese and schnapps.
Alpencamping Nenzing - Vorarlberg, Austria
Nearest ski resort
The resort of Bergbahnen Brandnertal is 20km away. It’s a quiet and unspoilt ski area away from the tourists which flock to the larger resorts in the area, but still offers 65km of runs and the biggest snow park in the region.
Run by the Morik family, Alpencamping Nenzing is a stylish campsite located in the midst of stunning alpine landscape. As well as pitches of varying sizes with the usual amenities, there are also apartments and chalets to rent. The latter are newly built and luxurious with a unique design. Site facilities include the 5-Elements Spa which was recently constructed and allows users to enjoy panoramic views of the mountains while they relax in saunas, steam baths and both indoor and outdoor pools. There is also a restaurant which is divided into several different rooms which are designed to cater to different occasions. Classic Tyrolean food is served alongside fine dining dishes.
Ridestore recommends
The Natursprüng Path connects the two upper lift stations in Bergbahnen Brandnertal and is a lovely gentle hiking trail. It should take around two hours to walk the 4.6km while enjoying the breathtaking alpine views. It shouldn’t be attempted in bad weather though so check the forecast before setting off.
Best winter camping in Germany
Alpen-Caravanpark Tennsee - Bavaria, Germany
Nearest ski resort
The campsite offers a free shuttle bus to the nearby resort of Kranzberg-Mittenwald, a compact area where skiers will find 15km of well-groomed pistes. Those looking for more to explore should try Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a larger resort 14km from the site.
Alpen-Caravanpark Tennsee, in its position alongside Lake Tennsee oozes Bavarian charm. The surrounding Karwendel Alps offers dramatic scenery while the award-winning site caters to guests needs. There are a range of different sized pitches available, a shop, bike rental, ski locker, well-appointed sanitary facilities (private washrooms are available at an extra cost) and a spa and wellness area.
Ridestore recommends
The campsite is home to a superb restaurant ‘beim Mini’. The two fireplaces light the dining room with Bavarian comfort while the cuisine is a mixture of local specialities and international dishes often using game and fish caught in the region. A particular highlight is the deserts and cakes created on-site by the master confectioner.
Best winter camping in Italy
Camping Seiser Alm - South Tyrol, Italy
Nearest ski resort
Compatsch is 13km away from the site and offers 60km of well-psited slopes. The resort is a unique mixture of Italian and Austrian only found in the Dolomites and from there you can connect to the Sellaronda - one of the most spectacular ski routes in the world.
This four-star site in the Sciliar Nature Park gives visitors a front-row view of the Dolomites in all their glory. Once there you’ll find comfortable pitches with electric hookup, water and waste disposal. Other facilities include a children’s playground, WiFi, sanitary facilities and a charming and well-stocked shop that provides everything from freshly baked bread to local wines. There is also a gourmet restaurant serving regional produce.
Ridestore recommends
Make the most of the stunning surroundings by exploring some of the 80km of sunny cross country trails which form a network around Compatsch. You can ski through miles of untouched forests at the foot of the Dolomites after renting equipment in the resort.
Caravan Park Sexten - South Tyrol, Italy
Nearest ski resort
The connected resorts of Helm/Stiergarten/Rotwand/Kreuzbergpass offer 87km of pistes between them with something to occupy skiers of all levels. The Seilbahn Sexten Helm gondola is located 5km away from the site and from it you can access the entire ski area.
Caravan Park Sexten is in the heart of the South Tyrol region amidst the unspoilt landscape of the Dolomites. The luxurious park has a terraced campsite that grants views of the peaks of the Sexten Sundial mountain from many of its 600 pitches. Facilities include several restaurants, a shop, a sanitary block and a climbing wall. There are also timber lodges that can be rented.
Ridestore recommends
Caravan Park Sexten has an exceptional and extensive wellness and spa area. Inside the impressive timber structure, guests will find an indoor pool with exposed pebbles, several saunas including one which is outdoors, a salt cave and a steambath. There are also treatments available such as massages.
Camping Vidor Family & Wellness Resort - South Tyrol, Italy
Nearest ski resort
Camping Vidor is one of the few ski-in ski-out campsites. A piste from the site allows you to ski directly to the Buffare-Ciampac ski area which connects to the resort of Canazei then onto all 1200km of the Sellaronda. Lift passes are available from reception and they also offer discounts on equipment hire.
Pozza di Fassa in the Trentino region is home to the Camping Vidor Family & Wellness Resort, a large site situated in a beautiful mountainous and wooded area of the Dolomites. There are three categories of pitch accessible, as well as extensive facilities including a supermarket, cinema, games room, tasteful wash blocks and a pizzeria and restaurant. One of the highlights of the site is the aquatic area - a complex which houses several pools, both indoor and outdoor, three water slides, a gym and a well-equipped wellness centre.
Ridestore recommends
Snowshoeing is a great way to explore the beautiful and dramatic terrain of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Camping Vidor has three snowshoeing routes of varying length and difficulty which start and end at the site, where equipment can be hired.
Best winter camping in Switzerland
Winter Camping Tannenbodenalp - Quarten, Switzerland
Nearest ski resort
Flumserberg is a bustling resort with 65km of pistes suitable for all abilities serviced by an efficient lift system. It’s high and snow-sure and there’s a freestyle park, plenty of mountain restaurants and activities such as night skiing to keep you entertained.
Winter Camping Tannenbodenalp is perfect for those looking to base themselves in a ski resort - it's right in the heart of Flumserberg, the biggest resort in the east of Switzerland. The campground only allows seasonal rental - from September to May and facilities are limited, but the surrounding scenery is stunning - snowy mountains and forests and the amenities of Flumserberg are right on your doorstep.
Ridestore recommends
The Terza run is an ungroomed piste 6km in length that takes skiers through stunning landscapes. Expect views of deep blue Lake Walen and the spectacular Churfirsten mountains with difficulty varying depending on snow conditions. A ten-minute cable car ride will take you back to where you started.
AlpenCamping Meiringen - Jungfrau, Switzerland
Nearest ski resort
A free ski bus will take you 2km from the site to the resort of Meiringen-Hasliberg, where you’ll find 60km of sunny slopes and spectacular views of the peaks of the Jungfrau region. There is a good selection of mountain restaurants to refuel at and plenty to do for families in the resort.
High in the diverse and beautiful Swiss Alps, AlpenCamping Meiringen is a small family run site, offering a tranquil escape from the outside world. The campsite provides spacious pitches, a snack bar and a small shop as well as WiFi and a sauna (with limited opening times). Wooden hikers cabins are available to rent and there is a small outdoor swimming pool.
Ridestore recommends
Meiringen was the first place in Switzerland to hold English Church services and today in the basement of the town’s English Church you’ll find a museum dedicated to fictional detective Sherlock Holmes. In the last book, Holmes’ character met his end on the nearby Reichenbach funicular and the region holds a fascination with the detective. The museum showcases exhibition pieces relating to Holmes and a recreation of his famous living room at Baker Street.
Camping Eigernordwand - Grindelwald, Switzerland
Nearest ski resort
The resort of Grindelwald is 3km away and offers 155km of pistes serviced by an extremely modern lift system, including a link to the resort of Wengen. The town itself is charming and cosmopolitan and steeped in mountaineering history due to its proximity to the Eiger and you’ll find plenty to do off the slopes.
Set in a landscape dominated by the imposing north face of the Eiger, Camping Eigernordwand is a quaint and relaxed site. Facilities include electric hook up, water and waste disposal, a lounge and a small kiosk. Sanitary facilities are found in a Swiss chalet-style building and there’s a restaurant nearby with a sun terrace perfect for soaking up the impressive views. There is a minimum stay of five nights in Winter and seasonal rental is available.
Ridestore recommends
Grindelwald has a large network of mountain trains to explore, but none more impressive than the one which takes visitors up to the Jungfraujoch - the highest railway station in Europe. Dubbed the ‘Top of Europe’ and at a height of 3,454 metres above sea level, the panoramic views of snow-covered mountains and glaciers are nothing short of spectacular.
Camping Hofstatt-Derfli GmbH - Jungfrau, Switzerland
Nearest ski resort
Meiringen-Hasliberg offers skiers 60km of pistes, a snow park, night skiing and good freeride terrain. Those wishing to explore further can do so with a Top4 ski pass which grants access to 666km of slopes across four Swiss ski areas and ski busses between them.
Found in the village of Hasliberg Goldem, Camping Hofstatt-Derfli GmbH is a quiet and peaceful site surrounded by trees and a dairy farm. With 40 pitches serviced by electric hookup, water and waste disposal this small, family-run site is a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Facilities include laundry, WiFi, sanitary block, ski storage and a small shop.
Ridestore recommends
There is 25km of winter hiking trails around the resort which offer the chance to get out into nature and explore the stunning local scenery. The trails are marked with pink signs and vary in length and difficulty.
TCS Camping Interlaken - Jungfrau, Switzerland
Nearest ski resort
Wengen, in the heart of the Jungfrau region is a pretty resort with a laid-back village atmosphere, 14km away from the site. It’s linked with neighbouring resort Grindelwald and together they provide 214km of pistes and spectacular scenery.
TCS Camping Interlaken is at the centre of the Bernese Oberland. Flanked on either side by two beautiful lakes - Lake Brienzersee and Lake Thunersee and guarded by some of the most impressive mountains in the country the landscape is hard to beat. The site itself is well equipped with WiFi, electric car rental, sanitary and laundry facilities and a small shop. There is also a bread delivery service. A variety of pitch sizes are available, with electric hookup, water and waste disposal.
Ridestore recommends
Wengen is steeped in skiing history, hosting the infamous Lauberhorn Run, a highlight of the Downhill World Cup circuit every season. The race is held in January each year, but experienced skiers can tackle the 4.5km run, which offers stunning views, during the season if they’re brave enough.
FAQs
How much does winter camping typically cost near ski resorts?
Costs vary based on the location and the services offered by the camping site. It's usually less expensive than traditional hotel accommodation. Each review in our list includes an indicative price range for your reference.
What facilities can I expect at these winter camping sites?
Most of these camping sites offer essential amenities like electricity and water hookups, WiFi, and sanitary facilities. Some may offer additional luxuries like wellness centres, restaurants, or laundry services.
Conclusion
So, what do you think? Have we sold you on the concept of winter camping instead of pricey hotels? Maybe, if you're not convinced, you could camp for a few days then check in to a lovely cosy hotel? Life is all about that balance right? Either way, be sure to get as much ski time as you can!
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