Austrian Ski Food Guide

Skiing in Austria isn’t just about the skiing—it’s about the food (and acres). After a morning carving up the slopes in Kaprun, there’s nothing better than stopping at a cosy mountain hut and tucking into something warm, cheesy, or crispy (sometimes all three). Whether you're refuelling for another few runs or kicking back with a cold beer at après, Austrian ski food is proper comfort food at its best. 

Austria has a good amount of vegetarian options but if you are gluten free or vegan you might end up with the same dishes all week. Just a heads up. 

Here are some of my all-time favourites from my time in Austria.

Käsespätzle – Austria’s Mac & Cheese

Käsespätzle is hands-down one of the best things you can eat after a cold day on the slopes. These little egg noodles get smothered in a thick, gooey mix of Alpine cheeses and topped with crispy fried onions. It’s rich, comforting, and just melts in your mouth. Pair it with a beer, and you won’t want to move for the rest of the day.

Wiener Schnitzel – an overrated classic

Sorry, but it is over rated for the price. If you want a decent Wiener schnitzel make sure it's a respected restaurants who make out fresh and not out the freezer. A proper Wiener Schnitzel is a thinly pounded pork or veal, coated in golden crispy breadcrumbs, served with potatoes or chips with a slice of lemon and preiselbeeren jam. If you are lucky it comes with a side salad but some places on the mountains will charge you over €20 for a basic schnitzel and chips. 

Kaiserschmarrn – shredded pancakes

If you’ve never had Kaiserschmarrn, you’re missing out. It’s a thick, fluffy pancake that’s torn into bite-sized pieces, caramelised in butter, and dusted with icing sugar. Served with a side of plum compote or applesauce, it’s technically a dessert, but no one’s judging if you eat it for lunch. I had my first plate of this sitting outside a ski hut in Kaprun on a bluebird day, and it was absolute magic.

Goulash Soup – lunch time favourite 

Sometimes a goulash soup, Kaiser roll and side salad is perfect to given you that mountain lunch feed without putting you in a food coma. It’s rich, a little spicy, and packed with slow-cooked beef, paprika, and warming spices. But if you need a big lunch, the next one is for you!

Tiroler Gröstl – Postato hash 

If you’re hungry after a big morning on the mountain, Tiroler Gröstl sorts you out. It’s a mix of crispy fried potatoes, onions, and smoked bacon, all topped with a fried egg. Think of it like an Alpine-style hash—simple, filling, and exactly what you need when your legs are wrecked. First time I had this was during a white-out in Kaprun, and honestly, I wasn’t even mad about the weather after that.

Apfelstrudel – The Perfect Ski Dessert

Apfelstrudel is an absolute classic—thin, flaky pastry wrapped around spiced apples, raisins, and cinnamon, served warm with vanilla sauce or ice cream. Light enough to squeeze in after a big meal but sweet enough to hit the spot.

Why Austrian Ski Food Hits Different

Skiing in Austria isn’t just about the runs—it’s about everything that comes with it. Whether it’s smashing a Tiroler Gröstl at lunch, sharing a plate of Käsespätzle with mates, or finishing the day with an Apfelstrudel and a beer, the food is just as much a part of the trip as the snow.

And now, you don’t have to fly to the Alps to get a taste of it. This winter, I’m bringing all those proper Alpine flavours straight to North Devon at Biffen’s Kitchen. So, grab a pint of Austrian beer and get stuck into some ski comfort food.

Thanks for reading!

Biff