Austrian Winter Tales
With yet another record season of +3,3% in arrivals up its sleeve, Austria firmly holds its position as one of the Brits’ favourite winter destinations. A real-life storybook of romance and adventure, Austria’s high snowy peaks and tiny cosy huts, warm hospitality and cool après-ski, smooth pistes and deep powder never fail to charm. Here is our round-up of what’s new in Austria for Winter 2018/19. Pay us a visit and we promise you’ll return with a story you’ll never forget.
Vorarlberg
Austria’s westernmost province is not just one of the most attractive regions in the Alps. Vorarlberg offers plenty of variety when it comes to skiing, be it the family-friendly resort of Brandnertal or the 22 quaint villages of the Bregenzerwald.
What’s hot this winter?
Skyspace-Lech opens on 17th September 2018 in the world-famous resort of Lech Zürs am Arlberg. Designed by internationally renowned artist James Turrell, this so-called “Lightroom” provides a year-round space where sky and earth seem to meet in the high alpine landscape of Lech.
Zell am See-Kaprun
All the delights of winter are nestled between the snowy glacier, beautiful mountain peaks and the shimmering lake of Zell am See-Kaprun. With a 100% snow guarantee and three ski areas including free ride routes, huge snowparks, dedicated ski touring and Schmittenhöhe’s 360 degree view with more than 30 peaks over 3,000m, there is fun for everyone here.
What’s hot this winter?
From December 2018 the new MK Maiskogel Lift will be offering Zell am See-Kaprun’s guests even further comfort and convenience. Then from December 2019 the much-anticipated, ultra-modern tri-cable gondola K-onnection will link the Maiskogel with the Kitzsteinhorn.
Bad Kleinkirchheim in Carinthia
On the edge of the Nock Mountain Biosphere Park lies a recipe for winter wellness. The sunny slopes and thermal baths of the Bad Kleinkirchheim ski area in Carinthia make for a beautifully relaxing break.
What’s hot this winter?
Following on from the successful launch of EasyJet’s London Gatwick – Klagenfurt route last winter, the airline has announced that there will be a second weekly service from 15th December 2018, enabling guests to fly directly to Carinthia on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Zillertal
The Zillertal can be described as no less than a winter paradise. Skiers and snowboarders are awaited by 530 kilometres of piste, with pleasant carving slopes, long, sporty valley runs and demanding routes for real experts. Nine fun runs offer thrills for people of all ages and adrenalin junkies can furthermore choose from seven fun parks and several easily accessible freeride routes.
What’s hot this winter?
Zillertal’s upgrades include a new 6–seater chairlift in Königsleiten and the 10-seater Wimbachexpress, which also acts as a shuttle to the new luxury hotel / restaurant Albergo.
Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn
One of the largest ski areas in Austria, join the fun at the Skicircus, where there’s loads of on-piste and off-piste, plus cosy huts galore.
What’s hot this winter?
From December 2018 the 10 EUB Kohlmaisbahn will replace the old Kohlmaisgipfelbahn. The state-of-the-art 10-person monocable gondola is identical to that of the Schönleiten lift – thus offering the ultimate comfort, efficiency and speed.
Tirol and its Partner Regions
Once again, UK guests will be spoilt for choice when travelling to the Austrian Tirol this winter.
Starting with the charming Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau, this is the place to experience legendary Tirolean hospitality. Olympia SkiWorld Innsbruck is a given as Europe’s best city ski break, and then there is the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena, Tirol’s hidden gem, offering excellent value for money and fun for all the family.
Ischgl requires no introduction, and this winter the new 6-seater chairlift Gampen E4 will even further elevate its status. And Ötztal continues not just to be a firm favourite with its ambassador, British slalom-racing superstar Dave Ryding, but will draw even more visitors with the launch of its stunning Kirchenkar Mountain Gondola in Obergurgl-Hochgurgl and the 007 ELEMENTS installation in Sölden.
Rounding it all off is the SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser Brixental, where more than 70 peaks over 3,000m surround you and a world of snow lies at your feet, and St. Johann in Tirol, which enchants with snowshoe hikes, sleigh rides and fine regional food.
Our Hotel Tip for Winter 2018/19: Gartenhotel Theresia****S in Saalbach-Hinterglemm