Austrian Winter Dreams by bettina greiner

Austrian Winter Dreams Winter 2010/11 Discover, explore and enjoy Austriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winter wonderland and latest deals.

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Austrian Winter Dreams 2010/11 | Purely Ski

Austrian Winter Dreams 2010/11 | Introduction

ÖTZTAL – The Peak of Tirol

Austria – Winter’s Ultimate Choice When the first snowflakes fall from the sky, covering the mountains with a blanket of white, the landscape becomes charmingly transformed. And, although mountains, snow, and fresh air are not unique to Austria, what does make Austria special is its atmosphere, hospitality and quality of its infrastructure. Walk amidst unspoiled nature breathing crystal clear air, or ease into the warm water of a thermal spa to escape your cares. You can go to the opera, dance your way through the night at a ball,

or discover traditional handicrafts at a festive Christmas market. Sound good? On the following pages you will find plenty of good ideas and compelling reasons why Austria is THE ultimate winter destination.

Contents 3 – 9 Purely Ski 10

Winter Wonderland

11 – 12 Ski and Well-being 13 – 15 Family Skiing

Herwig Kolzer Regional Manager UK, Austrian National Tourist Office

Win a fantastic ski break in the Austrian Alps! For more information visit www.austria.info/holidaydeals

Welcome to winter at its grandest scale. Ötztal’s two big time ski resorts, enveloped by no less than 250 peaks beyond 3000m, are lively fun from September to early May. Hmmm, Sölden or Obergurgl-Hochgurgl for our ski holidays this year? Whichever resort you choose it’s a definite winter win-win situation! The Ötztal Valley, often dubbed ‘The Peak of Tirol’ is a spectacular setting where winter sports

are the order of the day. With marvelous slopes stretching beyond sight, this is a paradise for not only downhill enthusiasts. Snowboarders, crosscountry skiers, ice skaters, snowshoe hikers, winter walkers, waterfall climbers, families with young sportsmen or tomorrow’s champions – there’s something for all ages and preferences. Try superb glacier skiing from September onwards in Sölden and join in the 50-year anniversary celebrations in Hochgurgl.

Package

Contact:

■

Öztal Tourismus Gemeindestraße 4 6450 Sölden Tel. +43 (0)57200 Fax: +43 (0)57200 201

3-night B&B stay ■ 3-day lift pass

From facebook/visitaustria

twitter.com/austria_uk

treasures.austria.info

The pictures used for this supplement are sourced by the Austrian National Tourist Office and the partners presented in the brochure. All prices quoted are correct at time of going to press, September 2010, and have been calculated using the current exchange rate at this time. Prices will be charged at local currency.

For more information on holidays in Austria visit www.austria.info/holidaydeals

182

per person

For more information on holidays in Austria visit www.austria.info/holidaydeals

info@oetztal.com, www.oetztal.com

– this is big-time

4 = 3 jubilee package Enjoy 25% off when staying at selected accommodation throughout the Ski amadé region.* ■

4 nights at a 3-star hotel with half-board 4-day lift pass

■

From

208

Wow. 860km of pistes, 270 lifts, and 25 resorts in five regions make up Ski amadé, Austria’s largest ski area. One ski pass covers it all – and the best of it all – within one hour from Salzburg Airport!

Leave the bleak British winter behind and enjoy some real snowy winter fun. Every element of your holiday blends perfectly together here: the fascinating mountain ranges, the natural charm of Austrian village life, unrivalled hospitality and delicious cuisine. Snow worries? Not here. An ideal local microclimate and artificial snow-making capabilities

Package

on 85% of all pistes make the white stuff a sure thing. Simply put – much better value for money. Each area within Ski amadé – Salzburger Sportwelt, Schladming-Dachstein, Gastein, Grossarltal and Hochkönig – is massive in its own right. It is almost impossible to ski them all on the same holiday – but you can try!

Austrian Winter Dreams 2010/11 | Purely Ski

Ski amadé

Package

per person

(*Valid for guests born in or before 1991 on specified dates)

Learn to ski package The Ski amadé “Learn to Ski week package” not only makes it fun for adults to learn, but easy and inexpensive too. Should things not work out for any reason, you get all your money back apart from half the cost of your accommodation. ■

7 nights B&B 6-day lift pass ■ 6 days ski hire ■ 5 days ski lessons From ■

469

per person

Contact: info@skiamade.com www.skiamade.co.uk

Montafon in Vorarlberg – Real mountains. Real experiences

Eleven villages set amongst a breathtaking natural backdrop in Vorarlberg that cater to every winter sport desire. Willkommen! Welcome to Montafon. 3-2-1… Action! The Montafon valley is a pure pleasure for those who want to try all that winter has to offer. In addition to 243km expertly groomed

slopes, including the HochjochTotale, the longest downhill run in Vorarlberg and the Diabolo piste, one of Austria’s steepest slopes with a gradient of up to 70%, there’s a whole lot more that snow provides a base for. A haven for boarders and freeriders, the awardwinning NovaPark is regarded as one of the best XXL snow parks in Europe, and the longest night-time tobogganing run in Vorarlberg also makes for thrilling ‘après-ski‘!

Package Winter Experiences (8th January – 19th March 2011) ■

7-night B&B stay ski pass incl. a run on the HochjochTotale ■ 1 tobogganing evening ■ 1 night walk ■ 1 flying-fox ride From ■ 6-day

400

per person

Contact: Montafon Tourismus Montafonerstr. 21 A-6780 Schruns/Vorarlberg Tel. +43 (0)5556 72253-0 Fax: +43 (0)5556 74856 incoming@montafon.at www.montafon.at/en Montafon – a sporting region in Vorarlberg: www.vorarlberg.travel

For more information on holidays in Austria visit www.austria.info/holidaydeals

Hotel Theodul

A 32-degree heated outdoor pool and a traditional fondue in the evening…it’s après ski at the design Hotel Rote Wand.

Package

‘Wedel Weeks’ ■ 5-night stay with half-board ■ 4-day ski pass ■ Sports massage (25 min) Email: gasthof@rotewand.com Web: www.rotewand.com

Cosy 29-room hotel in Lech village centre with a 280m² spa area featuring Finnish sauna, Kneipp pool and infra-red cabin. From

580

per person

(Valid 28 Nov – 19 Dec 2010)

★★★★

Hotel Gotthard

Enchanting Lech Zürs in Vorarlberg Digi and Lee are both successful professionals who are passionate about skiing and the finer things in life – they’ve discovered the perfect combination in Lech Zürs am Arlberg. Leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the city and the stress of everyday life, Digi and Lee are experiencing the apex of alpine winter in Lech Zürs am Arlberg. With ‘more time, more space’ for themselves, endless slopes covered in deep-snow, blue winter skies and the sense of freedom they feel carving down the slopes, the winter sun in their faces and their hearts filled with joy, and not to forget the gourmet culinary delights awaiting them in the hotel after a breathtaking day on the slopes, this really is their dream holiday in Lech Zürs.

‘Ski & Pleasure’ ■ 7-night stay with gourmet breakfast buffet ■ Free use of spa area with indoor pool Email: hotel@gotthard.at Web: www.gotthard.at/en/

‘More time, more space’ 26 Nov – 19 Dec 2010 ■ 7

nights at a 4-star hotel including half-board ■ 7-day Ski Arlberg ski pass including free ski bus ■ 84 lifts, 280km of marked pistes, 180km of varied off-pistes ■ Snow guarantee from 1,450m to 2,800m From

685

per person

Contact: Lech Zürs Tourism GmbH 6764 Lech am Arlberg Tel. +43 (0)5583 2161 0 Fax: +43 (0)5583 3155 info@lech-zuers.at, www.lech-zuers.at For more information on Vorarlberg: www.vorarlberg.travel

For more information on holidays in Austria visit www.austria.info/holidaydeals

■ ■

7-night stay with half-board Tournament: “White-Fee”, catering, prize giving evening, winter golf balls Email: info@derberghof.at Web: www.derberghof.at

557

per person

★★★★superior

7 days with extended half-board 6-day Arlberg ski pass Guided ski-tour/run plus snack Email: hotel@schmelzhof.at Web: www.schmelzhof.at

750

per person

★★★★

■ 7

days for the price of 6 including full-board ■ 1 x massage ■ free use of spa Email: hotel@montanaoberlech.at Web: www.montanaoberlech.at

From

650

per person

(Valid 25 Nov – 19 Dec 2010)

★★★★superior

4-star superior hotel with swimmingpool and the chairlift just 20m away. Enjoy sunshine skiing, ski the “white ring” and savour the gourmet food!

Package

From

1190

per person

(Valid 19 – 26 Mar 2011)

★★★★superior

‘Firn Snow Package’ ■ 7 nights with gourmet half-board ■ 6-day Arlberg ski pass ■ Daily ski snack Email: office@albonanova.at Web: www.albonanova.at

From

870

per person

(Valid 9 – 16 Apr 2011)

★★★★superior

Hotel Thurnher’s Alpenhof

Experience a unique mix of family tradition, country-style luxury and sophisticated flair. Gourmet specialities by internationallyrenowned head chef Franz Wögerer.

Ski-tour then Prosecco? Or a sporty downhill hill run and ski picnic? Ski instructor Margit joins in for the fun!

■ ■ ■

7 nights with luxury board 6-day Arlberg ski pass Free use of sauna area Email: office@theodul.at Web: www.theodul.at/en/

Hotel Albona Nova

Hotel Schmelzhof Package

■ ■ ■

Package

From

Unique winter golf week with tournaments on an exclusive snow covered golf course. Combine ski, golf and luxury!

Package

From

Enjoy mountain terrace views of Oberlech at 1,700m at this hotel owned by former Olympic and world champion Patrick Ortlieb.

Hotel Berghof

Package

Montana Hotel & Chalet

Winter dreams fulfilled – hot chocolate with whipped cream, mulled wine at the ice bar, apple strudel and our famous Sachertorte.

Package

Austrian Winter Dreams 2010/11 | Purely Ski

Hotel Rote Wand

Package ‘Snow and Gourmet’

From

905

per person

(Valid 2-16 Apr 2011)

★★★★

From

1000

■ 5 nights with extended half-board per ■ 4-day Arlberg ski pass w/daily ski person tours with hotel ski instructor ■ Welcome drink and wine tasting ★★★★★superior with our sommelier Email: mail@thurnhers-alpenhof.com Web: www.thurnhers-alpenhof.com

For more information on holidays in Austria visit www.austria.info/holidaydeals

Austrian Winter Dreams 2010/11 | Purely Ski

Brixen, Kirchberg, Westendorf – a holiday hub The Brixental valley in the Kitzbühel Alps links two of the Alp’s best ski resorts. It’s seven times the fun when Brixental is your destination. At the heart of the ski areas of SkiWelt Wilder KaiserBrixental and Kitzbühel-Kirchberg it’s all about location, location, location! Your Kitzbüheler Alpen AllStarCard gives you

access to 1,000km of pistes and 350 cable cars and lifts across 7 famous ski areas in Tirol and Salzburg. Also in Brixental – a wonderful high-altitude cross-country ski track, a natural toboggan run and a romantic winter hiking trail.

Package

Contact:

■ 7-night

Tourist association Kitzbüheler Alpen-Brixental Hauptstraße 8 6365 Kirchberg in Tirol

stay including breakfast Kitzbüheler Alpen AllStarCard

■ 6-day

From

379

per person

Tel. +43 (0)5357 2000 Fax: +43 (0)5357 2000 190 info@kitzbuehel-alpen.com, www.kitzbuehel-alpen.com/en

At the height of luxury

“It’s nice to be back!” The Wildschönau Valley, and in particular Niederau and Oberau, has been popular with British skiers for over 60 years.

Inghams Package ■

4-star Hotel Antonius ■ Departing 4 Jan. 2011 ■ 4 nights From

It’s high altitude, boundless snow sure skiing at the exclusive ski resort of Lech am Arlberg. Tucked away in a picture postcard setting on the edge of the famous Arlberg, Lech is synonymous with sophistication, often hiding behind its famous, wilder sister St Anton. But Lech has its own vast ski area with miles of superb cruising, including Austria’s

Wildschönau – home from home

only heli-skiing outlet. You can join the famous White Ring circuit to Zürs, and a limit on lift passes sold mean the slopes are never crowded. Add doorstep skiing, chairlifts with heated seats, and cosy huts with waiter service, and you may never want to ski elsewhere again!

599

Recognised by the ADAC Ski Guide (Niederau and Oberau) as the best ‘small but excellent’ alpine ski resort, visitors to Wildschönau are often returning ones – won over by the intimacy of this winter holiday spot that boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure and piste quality to rival its larger counterparts. Be welcomed by

familiar faces. ‘Nice to see you again’ ‘Yes, it’s nice to be back! ’The Wildschönau Valley and in particular Niederau has been home from home for British skiers for over 60 years. The area is part of the Kitzbühel Alps ski network, giving you 1000km of pistes with just one pass – now this is true winter value for money.

per person

■ 7-night

stay including half-board at a 3-star hotel ■ 6-day Wildschönau lift pass From

352

per person

Contact:

Tourist Office Wildschönau Hauserweg, Oberau 337 6311 Wildschönau

Inghams friendly reservations team on Tel. 020 8780 4433 or 0844 858 9314 for brochure requests travel@inghams.co.uk www.inghams.co.uk/ski-holidays

For more information on holidays in Austria visit www.austria.info/holidaydeals

Package

Tel. +43 (0)5339 82550 Fax: +43 (0)5339 8255 50 info@wildschoenau.com www.wildschoenau.com

For more information on holidays in Austria visit www.austria.info/holidaydeals

Austrian Winter Dreams 2010/11 | Ski & Well-being

Austrian Winter Dreams 2010/11 | Winter Wonderland

Naturidyll – for a feelgood stay

Top of the (first) class!

‘Winter the way it’s meant to be enjoyed’ – a sentiment shared by all Naturidyll Hotels. Feel right at home when you treat yourself to a stay at one of the collection of family-run Naturidyll Hotels, stunningly situated in wintery hideaways near majestic mountains or snow-kissed countryside. Eco-certified, Naturidyll prides itself on its local, organic cuisine and maintaining a gentle tread on its surroundings. Enjoy winter recreation or perhaps a romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride, night walk by lantern, or mulled wine and grilled apples at a nearby festive Christmas market. Let us personally welcome you!

Contact:

Package ‘Country Week’ ■ 7-night stay including half-board in 3

★

hotel horse-drawn carriage ride or guided torch hike through the Winter Wonderland (depending on hotel choice) From ■

315

per person

Naturidyll Hotels Brunner Feldstraße 55 A-2380 Perchtoldsdorf Tel. +43 (1)867 36 60 16 Fax: +43 (1)867 36 60 14 office@naturidyll.com www.naturidyll.com

At the height of luxury Plenty of good times off-piste as well in your own private, fullycatered ski-in, ski-out chalet.

Package

Contact:

■

ALPIN CHALET / Ski amadé Flachau – Filzmoos – Flachauwinkl – Wagrain Tel. +43 (0)6457 3079

7-night chalet rental

From

572

£ 10

per person

info@alpin-chalet-com www.alpin-chalet.com

For large groups of friends, families, or a unique corporate getaway, the new Alpin Chalets XL in Wagrain, at the heart of Austria’s largest winter sports area Ski amadé, offer the ideal accommocation for up to 30 guests. Spread over 310m2, these chalets have the charm and cosiness of a mountain lodge with all the comforts of a private 4-star hotel including 9 bedrooms, ensuite bathrooms, sauna, large terrace, fantastic bar and kitchen, spacious lobby and living/eating area, and jacuzzi.

For more information on holidays in Austria visit www.austria.info/holidaydeals

For the discerning skier who expects that much more, the Zillertal offers just that. 662km of snowsure pistes, 171 lifts, and a reputation for the best ski huts in the Alps. Without question, the Zillertal is a skier’s paradise – even when the skis come off. This snow sure resort region not only offers superior accommodation and 662km of pistes served by 171 lifts, but also more than 130 huts, some of which, in true Zillertal-style, even offer award-winning cuisine. So,

when the sun comes out highlighting an impressive mountain panorama of 55 peaks over 3000m you’ll want to simply stop and take it all in. Why not do it while savouring delicious regional specialities in the company of inviting hosts at some of the best ski huts in the Alps.

Package ■ 7-night

stay including half-board at a 4-star hotel ■ Free admittance to the beauty and spa area of the hotel ■ 6-day Zillertal Superskipass (incl. free use of ski buses) ■ 4-course gourmet lunch at one of the exclusive ski huts/lodges in the Zillertal From

580

per person

Contact: Zillertal Tourist Board Bundesstraße 27d 6262 Schlitters Tel. +43 (0)5288 87187 Fax: +43 (0)5288 87187 1 holiday@zillertal.at www.zillertal.at Meet us at The Daily Telegraph British Ski & Board Show

For more information on holidays in Austria visit www.austria.info/holidaydeals

“All aboard!” In Vorarlberg’s Kleinwalsertal a special train takes eager little skiers to children’s land.

Package ■ 7

nights including full organic board of spa area & daily activity programme ■ ‘Him & her’ beauty treatment packages ■ Return transfers to Memmingen airport From ■ Use

The 4-star Naturhotel Chesa Valisa offers its guests holistic relaxation in cosy, natural surroundings. Nestled beautifully at 1200m, in unspoiled surroundings above the village of Hirschegg, in the heart of Kleinwalsertal, the Chesa Valisa has a long tradition in hospitality

and sustainable preservation, with its 500-year-old main building and newer counterpart blending together in the unique architectural style characteristic of this region. A member of the BIOHotel group, the focus here is on well-being, with a 100% organic menu and individualised ayurvedic treatments. Accommodation is over 45 rooms with a 1,000m² alpine spa area.

768

per person

“We rode a magic carpet, then went to the ski theatre, played in an Indian teepee, had a toboggan party, and then ate dinner with the other kids!” Boy, imagine all the stories your children will be bursting to tell their friends about their winter holiday in Kleinwalsertal. For parents this means great ‘us’ time as well. Enjoy the pistes together, take a walk along a snowy forest trail, or simply soak up the sun by a mountain hut.

Contact: The Naturhotel Chesa Valisa A-6992 Hirschegg / Kleinwalsertal Tel. +43 (0)5517 54140 info@naturhotel.at www.naturhotel.at

Package

Contact:

(9 – 29 Jan 2011, 19 Mar – 16 April 2011) ■ 7-night stay including extended half-board ■ Activity programme, health & vitality wellness offers, plus the ‘77 Rosenhof Inclusives’ ■ Ski lesson and use of Dwarf Bartli’s alpine kindergarten From

Der Kleinwalsertaler Rosenhof Zu Gast bei Familie Hugger 6993 Mittelberg/Kleinwalsertal, Vorarlberg Tel. 0043 (0)5517 5194 Fax: 0043 (0)5517 658540 www.rosenhof.com www.kleinwalsertal.com info@rosenhof.com For more information on Vorarlberg: www.vorarlberg.travel

1290

Best of the bunch

Hotel Theresia –

Ski in and out. Be assured of top quality accommodation in the small, yet elegant village of Zürs.

This luxurious hotel is among the Top 10 Skihotels of the Alps – stylish yet cosy!

per family (2 adults, 2 children)

tradition meets eco-chic The Theresia Gartenhotel Luxury and Aparthotel★★★★ combine exclusive interior design and contemporary art with timeless tradition and ecological philosophy. The hotel complex offers everything that wellness guests and skiers desire. From the stylish Green SPA with heated indoor and outdoor pools, massage treatments and beauty and fitness facilities, to the biologically certified gourmet kitchen, offering lactose and gluten free food and a vegetarian diet, as well as ski slopes, lifts and schools right on the doorstep. On top of this, the hotel offers a Kids Club for children from 2 years onwards, so it is no doubt that the Theresia was crowned one of the 10 most popular alpine ski hotels in 2010! ★★★★

Top Hotels Zürs★★★★ are an exclusive group of just five family run 4-star hotels chosen for exemplary service, location, gastronomy, ski services, ski school, flexible holiday arrangements, and commitment to the environment.

While indulging in modern creature comforts, you’ll also be a part of the tradition of the area. The Arlberg, with Zürs at its heart, is the cradle of alpine skiing. Come and find out. (Pictures by Thomas Eggler)

Package ■ 7

nights including half-board ski pass for entire Arlberg region ■ Welcome gift ■ 1 ski service ■ 1 relaxing massage (25 minutes) ■ 1 solarium token From ■ 6-day

856

per person

Contact: TOP HOTELS ZÜRS★★★★ Zürs – Arlberg – Vorarlberg office@tophotels-zuers.com www.tophotels-zuers.com

Austrian Winter Dreams 2010/11 | Family Skiing

Austrian Winter Dreams 2010/11 | Ski & Well-being

It’s child’s play in Kleinwalsertal

Healthy living inside and out

For more information on holidays in Austria visit www.austria.info/holidaydeals

Package

Super Price Weeks ■ 7-night extended ‘well-being’ half-board ■ 6-day ski pass ■ Children under 18 stay free From

617

per person

(Aparthotel, sharing a double room)

Christmas-BESTPRICE week from £846 per person.

Contact: Hotel Theresia A-5754 Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Tel. +43 (0)6541 7417 info@hotel-theresia.co.at www.hotel-theresia.co.at

Winter hols with wee ones

Austrian Winter Dreams 2010/11 | Family Skiing

Obertauern – a family snow escape

Little walkers become little skiers through Kinderhotels’ own ‘Tiny Tots’ ski school.

“Mum, dad, will there be lots of snow?” Rest assured, you’ll never have to disappoint your young ones when you book a family ski holiday in Obertauern Snow’s aplenty in this fantastic Salzburg mountain world, appropriately nicknamed ‘Austria’s Snowbowl’.

Families will no doubt appreciate Obertauern’s ample doorstep ski possibilities; no waiting for ski buses here as lifts come right into the town centre and often right next to your hotel. Let yourself be whisked up to altitudes up to 2313m and explore 100km of slopes – from November right through to the beginning of May. Five ski schools ensure the kids learn in a safe and friendly environment, and the length of the season means plenty of sunshine ski in a wonderfully relaxed holiday atmosphere.

Experience a carefree family ski holiday at Austria’s collection of Kinderhotels and rediscover winter through the eyes of a child. While the kids are excitedly taking their first glide on skis under the gentle and experienced eye of our ‘Tiny Tots’ ski school instructors, mums and dads can explore on their own a bit higher up the mountain. Lessons are held right outside the hotel so little ones can easily have a warm up or be watched by proud parents.

Package ■ 7-night

all-inclusive at a 4★ Kinderhotel for 2 adults and 2 kids (1 – 6 years) ■ 60 hours of free childcare per week ■ 6-day ski school for kids including equipment hire (4 hours / day) ■ 5-day guided tours for adults (2 hours / day) From

2094

per week (excluding flights and transfer)

Rauris – the valley of variety A true medley of winter’s best waits in picture-perfect untouched setting. Prepare to be enchanted.

Package Snow Bunny Bobby’s Snow Adventure (for children to the age of 6) 26 Mar. 2011 – 1 May 2011 ■ 1 week board/accommodation (on extra bed/couch with 2 paying adults in the room) ■ 6-day ski pass, including ski hire ■ 6-day skiing course ■ Return airport transfers from Salzburg From

The Rauris Valley is among the true treasures of Hohe Tauern National Park, renowned for its snowy mountains,

clear skies and heartfelt hospitality. Break from the crowd and discover the superb slopes of the Rauriser Hochalm,

Tel. 0845 0822 422

www.kinderhotels.co.uk still one of Austria’s best kept ski secrets. Other recreational offerings of the region include a 30km network of cross-country ski trails, the ice-climbing hotspot of Kolm-Saigurn, an unspoiled ski-touring area, winter walking, night hike excursions, curling, or a memorable toboggan expedition by torchlight.

Package (1 Dec. 2010 – 10 Apr 2011) ■ 7 nights in chosen category, ■ 6-day ski pass ■ 1 night toboggan experience From

107

Contact:

250

per person

Contact:

Tourismusverband Obertauern Pionierstraße 1 A-5562 Obertauern Tel. +43 (0)6456 7252 Fax: +43 (0)6456 7252 9 info@obertauern.com www.obertauern.com

Tourismusverband Rauris Kirchplatz 1 5661 Rauris Tel. +43 (0)6544 20022 Fax: +43 (0)6544 20022 6040 info@raurisertal.at www.raurisertal.at

For more information on holidays in Austria visit www.austria.info/holidaydeals