Latest posts for the topic "Austrian location for beginners and good skiers"

Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

Dave Mac — GMT

My plans are changing somewhat for next season. Out goes Utah, and incomes an Christmas or New Year trip. This would include a couple that have not skied before, in addition to more experieced skiers. I know about Niederau of course, but I will have two other visits to their, so would not mind somewhere else in Austria. Niederau is highly rated for beginners and has a great ski school. Filsmoos was mentioned on an unrelated thread. Checked this out, and it looks to be very good for beginners, gentle slopes into the village, ski in/ski out. For the better skiers, it looks like long ski bus rides. Don't see a ski route from above Filzmoos down to Radstadt, and onwards. Anyone skiied the area? Considered Ischgl, looks great for better skiers, and a gondola ride to top of mountain beginner slopes. Any comment? Any other suggestions?

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

swskier — GMT

Was in the filzmoos area just last week but stayed near Wagrain! I had my most fun ever here it was great! The skiing isn't huge and i wouldn't have said it was great for beginners but there is skiing available for them. Didn't ski Filzmoos unfortuantly but your right in that a bus trip would be required to reach radstadt, zauchensee and flachau etc... chris

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

ellistine — GMT

I still have Saalbach Hinterglem listed as my favorite resort. Ski back to the valley, good for beginners, lots of terrain for the mileage hungry and great lifts - especially the heated ones.

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

bennyboy — GMT

I've skied Filzmoos 3 times, 2005/6/7. Great little place for beginners. But there arent any ski routes to other resorts its all contained in its own area within the Ski Amade. A lift pass will allow free usage of the buses though, and places like Flachau, Radstadt and Schladming aren't that far away (not sure if Schladming is included in the lift pass though).

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

AJ — GMT

What about Soll Dave, There`s something for everyone. AJ Adele

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

RoseR — GMT

We have done Seefeld, Austria for the last three years now its our favourite. (although have booked for Ruka next year for a change). Its made up of five villages all with slopes although Seefeld has the best.There are three area,s all within walking distance although free buses do go there but no need really. The nursery slopes are completely seperate with one of the best ski schools ever encountered.Then there is the Geigunbul good for intermediates then the Roschutte for more advanced with funicular train for top of mountain. Also largest tracks in Europe for cross country and hiking.Good quality shops, restaurants and hotels. Best of all 25mins transfer from Innsbruck. Other plus factors ice skating, curling, fantastic swimming pools and the chance to go to Igls for the bob sleigh run, have done that twice. seefeld has a railway station so within 20mins can be in Germany with even more slopes. As you can tell we are hooked on this place. Check out the Seefeld web page

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

AJ — GMT

I must have spent at least 7 christmas`s in Seefeld over the years mostly staying at the Schonegg and the Seeber.My first ski holiday was their. AJ Adele

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

RoseR — GMT

We always stay at The Alpina, they always remember us and always know that when we go its my birthday and make a fuss of me with flowers and champagne its lovely

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

Dave Mac — GMT

OK, so thank you for the responses, some very helpful info here. It is looking like New Year, so cost will become an issue. Filzmoos ~ Checked this out, looks to be spot on for beginners, Ski in/ski out, gentle slopes to village. But the advanced skiers will spend several hours of the week on a bus. Ischgl ~~ Beginners slopes at the top of mountain, so bad weather may have an influence. Great for the more advanced folk. Quite expensive. Seefeld ~Seems OK for beginners, very limited skiing. Lowish cost. Seven Xmas's Adele?? Was this your Chrissy present? Soll & Ellmau ~ Schiwelt is a great area for all skiers, you can go out for the day, and ski different runs all day. Can't remember too many blue runs down. I recollect that Soll is a bus ride to the slopes. Ellmau a shortish walk. Ellmau village a bit dull, Soll church as good as church interiors get ~ wouldn't have escaped Cromwell that's for sure.Both lowish cost Saalbach/Hinterglemm ~ Have been summer alpine walking here, and from that thought it would be an attractive ski area. Attractive for beginners are the choice of full blues down the mountain. 200 km of skiing looks good for the rest of us. Bit expensive. Niederau ~ Good for beginners, but routes down the mountain are tricky for first timers, without an instructor to show exact routes that simplify. Quite good on cost. On another thread, Risoul was mentioned for beginners. It does look good, but since I am introducing a couple of newcomers to skiing, I wouldn't want them to think that French village architecture was typical. And Austria is so friendly, and cheap, and the tyrol music is soooo good. So thanks again, feel free to add further comments or additions. I might need to work on Tony H for ways to reduce the cost at New Year.

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

tino_11 — GMT

Now, it's Monday morning and not all is well in the tino camp, however I feel like I am missing something.....why hasn't anyone mentioned Mayrhofen? The place really has got something for everyone, just look at the profile on this site... http://www.j2ski.com/ski_resorts/Austria/Mayrhofen.html It is not the absolute best place in the world for beginners, however it is far from being the worst. This is where I really learnt to ride, you could say I cut my teeth here. The resort is large enough to do something diffrent every day, small enough to be friendly, cheap enough to be affordable....you really can't go wrong here.

Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

ise — GMT

Dave Mac wrote:

Considered Ischgl, looks great for better skiers, and a gondola ride to top of mountain beginner slopes. Any comment?

It depends what you mean by better skiers there, it's pretty awful for advanced skiers, the pistes are tedious, repetitive and dull. There's some off-piste but it's more suited to beginners. The lift system is modern and efficient, but half the lifts go pretty much the same place and the other half start from the same place, the latter is particularly bad as skiers are all funnelled into the same place all the time, as most are on flattish pistes on modern carving skis then around half are totally out of control so it's actually dangerous in places for slower skiers. The town is pretty dull as well, no character at all, just a collection of hotels and loud bars although I believe that's technically known as good apres-ski :D

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

Tony_H — GMT

tino_11 wrote:

Now, it's Monday morning and not all is well in the tino camp, however I feel like I am missing something.....why hasn't anyone mentioned Mayrhofen? The place really has got something for everyone, just look at the profile on this site... http://www.j2ski.com/ski_resorts/Austria/Mayrhofen.html It is not the absolute best place in the world for beginners, however it is far from being the worst. This is where I really learnt to ride, you could say I cut my teeth here. The resort is large enough to do something diffrent every day, small enough to be friendly, cheap enough to be affordable....you really can't go wrong here.

I seem to recall being told Mayrhofen was no good for beginners. Funny, because thats where my best mate learned to ski. Its something to do with a lack of blues, despite their being a couple of lovely wide reds on the front of the Penken, and a perfect beginners area on the Ahorn. I guess its all about opinoins though. And according to ISE, Ischgl is rubbish. Off piste for beginners as well, eh? I didnt go off piste until something like my 8th week on skis, but there you go. I guess when you live in the snow and ski it almost half your life, its a bit of a different concept.

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

ise — GMT

Tony_H wrote:

[ I guess its all about opinoins though. And according to ISE, Ischgl is rubbish. Off piste for beginners as well, eh? I didnt go off piste until something like my 8th week on skis, but there you go. I guess when you live in the snow and ski it almost half your life, its a bit of a different concept.

obviously I meant people beginning to ski off-piste for whom it's actually totally ideal, safe, consistent gradient, longish runs, easy route finding etc.

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

Dave Mac — GMT

Ise, thanks for clarifying Ischgl, in this instance I took the info from the brochure. Clarifying our needs, apart from the two beginners, there are some capable intermediates, willing to have a go at new things. I generally ski with the group, then take a couple of mornings by myself, or with my OH. My dodgy knee precludes 7 days of 100% all out, so this mix is a good balance for me. Tony H is right Tino, there was a mention on another thread about the steepness at the top of the blues at Mahrhofen. These are probably no worse than most places. So Saalbach/Hinterglemm and the Skiwelt both look the best of the suggestions. I want to get this as right as possible, so guess I'm trying for a bit of Utopia.

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

caron-a — GMT

if you want utopia and you're prepared to pay for it, I still stand by my suggestion of the wonderful obergurgl/hochgurgl...... :mrgreen:

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

ise — GMT

caron-a wrote:

if you want utopia and you're prepared to pay for it, I still stand by my suggestion of the wonderful obergurgl/hochgurgl...... :mrgreen:

good suggestion, nice place, good variation of terrain and a great snow record.

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

Zed — GMT

Just to echo the comments of previous posts - we stayed in Filzmoos this year - really pretty - great runs - good for beginners; went to Flachau on skibus (20 mins) Flachau might be a good bet to stay in - - excellent lift systems - lots of lovely wide open runs - from Flachau (and Flauchauwinkl 5 mins on Ski bus) you can ski into other villages and then go up again - so no need to spend a lot of time on the bus. Flauchau had some nice nursery/easy areas near the top. Filzmoos was beautiful village with lots of character.

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

caron-a — GMT

Dave Mac wrote:

I generally ski with the group, then take a couple of mornings by myself, or with my OH.

I've just clicked! aaahhhh. wish mine was as interested.......... for the record, I've got a mahoosive garfield that was bought for me for my 18th birthday but I love odie more.

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

Tony_H — GMT

ise wrote:

caron-a wrote:

if you want utopia and you're prepared to pay for it, I still stand by my suggestion of the wonderful obergurgl/hochgurgl...... :mrgreen:
good suggestion, nice place, good variation of terrain and a great snow record.

....and ****ing expensive too.

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

bandit — GMT

....and ****ing expensive too.

Oh good, it keeps out the riff-raff :D

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

Tony_H — GMT

bandit wrote:

....and ****ing expensive too.
Oh good, it keeps out the riff-raff :D

Anyone you know?

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

ise — GMT

bandit wrote:

....and ****ing expensive too.
Oh good, it keeps out the riff-raff :D

if only :D only the odd drag lift seems to keep away the riff-raff Obergurgl's no more expensive than anywhere else in Austria of course, I can't speak for what some UK tour operator charges obviously.

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

bandit — GMT

ise wrote:

bandit wrote:

....and ****ing expensive too.
Oh good, it keeps out the riff-raff :D
if only :D only the odd drag lift seems to keep away the riff-raff

Perhaps lift companies in Europe could be persuaded to install lots more.It could be a new spectator sport. Personally, I like my drag lifts really odd :D

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

Tony_H — GMT

bandit wrote:

Personally, I like my drag lifts really odd :D

Personally, I like my drag lifts quite normal.

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

bandit — GMT

Tony_H wrote:

bandit wrote:

Personally, I like my drag lifts really odd :D
Personally, I like my drag lifts quite normal.

Now that is a surprise :lol: Meanwhile, back on topic, I would favour Austria over France for begninners anyday. Better terrain and better teaching methods. Stands back, waits for flaming to begin........

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

bennyboy — GMT

bandit wrote:

Stands back, waits for flaming to begin........

Haha. I think there are many people that would agree with you on the Austria over France thing though. I know i do and i think im right in saying Tony does as well :P

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

Tony_H — GMT

bennyboy wrote:

bandit wrote:

Stands back, waits for flaming to begin........
Haha. I think there are many people that would agree with you on the Austria over France thing though. I know i do and i think im right in saying Tony does as well :P

.............is the correct answer.

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

bennyboy — GMT

Tony_H wrote:

bennyboy wrote:

bandit wrote:

Stands back, waits for flaming to begin........
Haha. I think there are many people that would agree with you on the Austria over France thing though. I know i do and i think im right in saying Tony does as well :P
.............is the correct answer.

Thought that was the case!! :P

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

caron-a — GMT

for me it's about how a resort suits our needs regardless of what country it happens to be in.

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

Dave Mac — GMT

Zed, thanks for the Flachau suggestion, will look at this. Also, caron, thanks for the Obergugl, but at New Year, it is very expensive. This looks like £10-£14 a run, (for me,) there is no calculation for the beginners. Couldn't quite understand the earlier message caron, ( I've clicked,..........) The "painkillers" you are on for your knee aren't illegal are they? Only kidding, I really hope you are well on the mend, give us an update.

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

ise — GMT

Dave Mac wrote:

Zed, thanks for the Flachau suggestion, will look at this. Also, caron, thanks for the Obergugl, but at New Year, it is very expensive. This looks like £10-£14 a run, (for me,) there is no calculation for the beginners.

I find that surprising, I was there last week and it was busy with a single room, b+b costing 50 euro a night, selected at random by the tourist office for me. It's easy to get there, easyjet to Innsbruck, train to Landeck-Zams and the postbus up the hill.

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

Dave Mac — GMT

Ise wrote

I find that surprising, I was there last week and it was busy with a single room, b+b costing 50 euro a night, selected at random by the tourist office for me. It's easy to get there, easyjet to Innsbruck, train to Landeck-Zams and the postbus up the hill

Yes Ise, but there is a considerable difference between May and New Year prices. My July visit to Niederau is costing nearly three times my normal easyjet cost. The other influence, i that when organising a group, it is much easier to go with Inghams/Thomsons. Hence the big whack on price. I appreciate the suggestions though.

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

caron-a — GMT

Dave Mac wrote:

Couldn't quite understand the earlier message caron, ( I've clicked,..........) The "painkillers" you are on for your knee aren't illegal are they? Only kidding, I really hope you are well on the mend, give us an update.

I'm obviously on a completely different planet, ignore me! Recovery's ok, some days better than others. Scar looks good, exercises going well but it still aches and is still swollen because I'm not putting it up enough. Apparently this is normal for mums whereas men are more than happy to have an excuse to sit with their feet up :lol:. Thanks for asking Caron

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

Dave Mac — GMT

OK, so thanks again for all the resort suggestions, (listed on page 1). I have gone through the list with great care and dilligence, attaching weight to the differing criteria, taking on board the contributor's resort information, addressing the practicalities, availability, cost, amount of skiing in a day, suitability for beginners. Have arrived at a decision, and booked the flights and accomodation. So, guess where we are going at New Year?

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

freedapeople — GMT

Chamonix )

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

Tony_H — GMT

Dave Mac wrote:

OK, so thanks again for all the resort suggestions, (listed on page 1). I have gone through the list with great care and dilligence, attaching weight to the differing criteria, taking on board the contributor's resort information, addressing the practicalities, availability, cost, amount of skiing in a day, suitability for beginners. Have arrived at a decision, and booked the flights and accomodation. So, guess where we are going at New Year?

Kapaonik?

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

GeordieSki — GMT

Dave Mac wrote:

So, guess where we are going at New Year?

After all the other suggestions, I think it would amuse Tony H the most if you were off to Niederau.... :lol: Wherever it is I hope everyone enjoys it!!!!! :D

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

Tony_H — GMT

GeordieSki wrote:

Dave Mac wrote:

So, guess where we are going at New Year?
After all the other suggestions, I think it would amuse Tony H the most if you were off to Niederau.... :lol:

No.....never.....that would be too obvious..... Heres the thing, right. I got a random PM from someone who uses this forum from time to time, telling me to get a life and go skiing somewhere other than Mayrhofen, and yet there is a regular group of people who make what they regard as their rightful pilgrimage to Niederau year on year. I think it may have been Dave Mac who said, on here a few weeks ago, that everyone has their "favourite" resort, and often one where they return to time and time again, and there is nothing wrong with that, although I personally also would like to visit many other ski areas. But if it works for you, why not? Anyway, just thought it was a little odd to have someone I dont know telling me to broaden my horizons. I bet they didnt say that to anyone else. SO.......Dave, let me guess: The Halfwit or whatever its called in Niederau, yes?

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

GeordieSki — GMT

I don't see that you liking Mayrhofen is any different to other people liking Niederau.....and don't see why a bit of light-hearted banter about the 2 resorts should be taken so personally!!! :roll: I wouldnt worry though....I think most people know its all a bit of fun!!!

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

freedapeople — GMT

Tony_H wrote:

GeordieSki wrote:

Dave Mac wrote:

So, guess where we are going at New Year?
After all the other suggestions, I think it would amuse Tony H the most if you were off to Niederau.... :lol:
No.....never.....that would be too obvious..... Heres the thing, right. I got a random PM from someone who uses this forum from time to time, telling me to get a life and go skiing somewhere other than Mayrhofen, and yet there is a regular group of people who make what they regard as their rightful pilgrimage to Niederau year on year. I think it may have been Dave Mac who said, on here a few weeks ago, that everyone has their "favourite" resort, and often one where they return to time and time again, and there is nothing wrong with that, although I personally also would like to visit many other ski areas. But if it works for you, why not? Anyway, just thought it was a little odd to have someone I dont know telling me to broaden my horizons. I bet they didnt say that to anyone else. SO.......Dave, let me guess: The Halfwit or whatever its called in Niederau, yes?

name names Mr_H

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

Admin — GMT

Dave Mac wrote:

So, guess where we are going at New Year?

Is it Croydon?

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

Tony_H — GMT

freedapeople wrote:

name names Mr_H

Do you think that would serve any particular purpose?

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

Tony_H — GMT

GeordieSki wrote:

I don't see that you liking Mayrhofen is any different to other people liking Niederau.....and don't see why a bit of light-hearted banter about the 2 resorts should be taken so personally!!! :roll: I wouldnt worry though....I think most people know its all a bit of fun!!!

Exactly, Geordie.

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

RoseR — GMT

Tony_H wrote:

GeordieSki wrote:

Dave Mac wrote:

So, guess where we are going at New Year?
After all the other suggestions, I think it would amuse Tony H the most if you were off to Niederau.... :lol:
No.....never.....that would be too obvious..... Heres the thing, right. I got a random PM from someone who uses this forum from time to time, telling me to get a life and go skiing somewhere other than Mayrhofen, and yet there is a regular group of people who make what they regard as their rightful pilgrimage to Niederau year on year. I think it may have been Dave Mac who said, on here a few weeks ago, that everyone has their "favourite" resort, and often one where they return to time and time again, and there is nothing wrong with that, although I personally also would like to visit many other ski areas. But if it works for you, why not? Anyway, just thought it was a little odd to have someone I dont know telling me to broaden my horizons. I bet they didnt say that to anyone else. SO.......Dave, let me guess: The Halfwit or whatever its called in Niederau, yes?

I would think every-one has their own favourite place and they go year after year. Tony_h loves Mayorhofen, then there's Dave Mac and Niederau, I love Seefeld. I dont see a problem, go with what suits you best. Its nice to have a change, who knows you might like it better. I am certain next years hols for me will be very different but I shall still return to Seefeld again and again, I love it. Every-one should go where they have the best time regardless of other peoples opinion. I,ll get off me soap box now.

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

RoseR — GMT

I should have added to my last reply that because of Tony-h's love of The Hof, Dave Macs love of Niederau and Bandits and Ise,s love of Switzerland, that these are the next three places I shall be going although not sure in which order :lol:

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

Dave Mac — GMT

Geordieski wrote:

After all the other suggestions, I think it would amuse Tony H the most if you were off to Niederau....

Bummer. I didn't think anyone would get it that quickly. I'm sure there were no clues. Just an inspired guess?? Actually, I tried really hard to get to Saalbach/Hinterglemm, but a) there were no flights out of Scotland at New Year, and b) the cost of accomodation was very high. Niederau was not my first choice, because I will be going back for the last two weeks in January. Now, I should set the record straight with Tony-H, who said:

I think it may have been Dave Mac who said, on here a few weeks ago, that everyone has their "favourite" resort, and often one where they return to time and time

I did say that. I think that is OK, but then we also go to different ski areas to keep the balance, and increase our learning. But I certainly hope that I did not say, or suggest to anyone that they should "get a life". If I have done so, then I openly apologise. The general tone of comment on each other's resorts, (when over-egged), is one of gentle mocking. Back on track Tony, I hope you have a good time in Mayrhofen at New Year.

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

Tony_H — GMT

Dave Mac wrote:

I did say that. I think that is OK, but then we also go to different ski areas to keep the balance, and increase our learning. But I certainly hope that I did not say, or suggest to anyone that they should "get a life". If I have done so, then I openly apologise. The general tone of comment on each other's resorts, (when over-egged), is one of gentle mocking. Back on track Tony, I hope you have a good time in Mayrhofen at New Year.

Dave, you most certainly did not say or suggest such a thing. And I would not expect it of someone like yourself. I think I kicked all this resort banter off because I made a blase comment about Niederau being off my radar because of its altitude, and it sort of spiralled from there, and we discovered that there is a fan club for Niederau on here, as well as a small band of Mayrhofen fans too. As you say, any banter has been good natured and with no real meaning in it at all. However, I refer to the PM that a certain dude sent me which suggested that returning to Mayrhofen was wrong somehow, and my point being that I bet no one who sits in the Niederau camp got a PM from said person suggesting to them that they should get out more and stop going to Niederau..... .....anyway, like you with Niederau this season Dave, I am only returning to Mayrhofen because it was the only place I could get accommodation for 5 days over the festive period. Everywhere else I tried was either full up or wanted a full weeks booking. My first choice was actually Monterosa (Champoluc and Gressony), and I also tried very hard to find somewhere at Serre Chevalier, but no luck. I also had to find somewhere that was within easy travelling distance from an airport served by BA flights. I also looked into accommodation at Laax, flying into Zurich, but it was far too expensive for a short break, which was supposed to be something dont on the cheap. As it turned out, I was able to get a cheap deal on car hire at Munich, which I know is an easy 2 hour drive from the Ziller Valley, and also find a B&B at a very cheap rate (£40 a night for 2 people) in Mayrhofen. Yes, its nice to be going back, as I know what to expect from the place, but it wasnt first choice for me also. So Dave, sleep easy in the knowledge that your love of Niederau is not offensive, and neither did you make negative comments about people who favour other resorts. Long may the gentle mocking etc continue!

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

GeordieSki — GMT

Tony_H wrote:

Long may the gentle mocking etc continue!

Here here!!! :lol:

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

RoseR — GMT

GeordieSki wrote:

Tony_H wrote:

Long may the gentle mocking etc continue!
Here here!!! :lol:

Have just realised if we did not all have our own favourite places to go, there would be no need for this forum. We would all be meeting at the same place every year, discussing every-thing over a pint. That would never do :lol:

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers- Try Fernie, BC

PowderMan — GMT

I would still look at Canada as an option - especially if you booked an early special with one of the operators. One area that has excellent beginner experience and also a world famous experience for good skiers is Fernie, British Columbia. It does not have the price of more expensive North American options and has the charm and cool of a small western mountain town. Real skiing, real people and a real mountain that caters to both beginners and good skiers.

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

Dave Mac — GMT

Who is it exactly that you work for Pwderman? :lol:

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

Tony_H — GMT

Dave Mac wrote:

Who is it exactly that you work for Pwderman? :lol:

The same company you work for in Niederau, and I work for in Mayrhofen perhaps?

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

Dave Mac — GMT

I don't think so Tony, you and I just ski.

Re:Austrian location for beginners and good skiers

Tony_H — GMT

Dave Mac wrote:

I don't think so Tony, you and I just ski.

Oh yeah. )