1st Austria trip advice.

Hi there,

Looking at making a first trip to Austria. To date my Mrs and I have been to Livigno, Arinsal, Arinsal, and Portes Du Soleil. Rather than going back to France we're looking at Austria, possibly in mid-January, but we're not sure where we should consider?

We're both intermediates with all our won kit and going by our last French trip we're happy doing a mix of reds and blues and tend to do runs because they look good fun. We haven't bothered too much with black runs so far. Certainly on our last trip to the Portes Du Soleil, based in Chatel we loved clocking up the miles so it would good if we could do likewise in Austria, whereeer we head. Oh and finally I wouldn't describe us as party animals :)

Thanks in advance and apologies if this has been covered elsewhere..

Cheers,
Mark.

You might consider Maria Alm, part of the Hochkonig area. Runs link through to Muhlbach a few villages further on. Largely made up of blues and reds and a nice feeling of travelling through the areas.
Not for real party animals but still some nice bars and eateries available. A short transfer from Salzburg.
We went the second week of January last year and had fresh snow daily, conditions were superb and the area was fairly quiet with rare queues.
Quite cheap for beer and food 3-4 euros a pint.
Pretty village with largely friendly people. I would definately go again.

Rocksy
Have a read back through the Soll V Mayrhofen and other similar threads where folk have given honest opinions.
Late January is a good time for Austria hence we are heading to Saalback for the first time this season. Will comment on it after we have been but the reviews are good.
You cannot go wrong with Soll and Schladming from my personal experience.

Kitzbuhel has loads of intermediate cruising and a huge choice of accommodation, restuarants etc (as long as you avoid the Hahenkamm weekend!)

Thanks folks, much appreciated. Great tip about the Hahnenkamm. luckily I've booked my leave for the previous week..

Cheers,
Mark.

Kitzbuhel, Saalbach, Ski Welt, Zillertal or Lech? Depends on your budget really.In Lech the snow is guaranteed as is the big hole in your bank balance. The Weisse Ring around Lech, Oberlech, Zug and Zurs will suit if you like to clock up the miles. Also opportunities for trips to Stuben, St. Christoph and St Anton. Go on, you know you want to.... -)

Ski Welt, friendlier on your budget but less snowsure. Ellmau, Scheffau or Westendorf could be just the job. Off to Scheffau with the family in January, so will be more qualified to make recommendations on return. It looks just the ticket though.

Looked at Zillertal for the January trip but opted for Ski Welt as a really good deal was on offer. Zell am Ziller or Finkenberg might suit.

Another option might be Saalbach/Hinterglemm. Don't have any experience of this area but,on paper at least, it seems to suit your needs. Hinterglemm might be more up your street if you aren't party animals.

Finally, Kitzbuhel is worth bearing in mind. 150+km of piste now linked up with Westendorf and the rest of the Ski Welt area with a Ki-West extension to your lift pass. Classy town centre, some party hot-spots but basically as up-beat or low-key as you wish to make it. Kirchberg and Aurach on the same system if you absolutely insist on being tucked up in bed by 10pm.

I reckon you'll get loads of advice for this one. Who knows, it might re-open the old Austria v France debate -)

There is no debate!!! :-)

Rocksy wrote:Thanks folks, much appreciated. Great tip about the Hahnenkamm. luckily I've booked my leave for the previous week..

Cheers,
Mark.

We went week before the race once and the only shame was that we were not allowed to ski the Hahnenkam route as it was "race prepped" and thus a little quick for us mortals

Kits is a lovely resort but relativley low at village level so you need a good snow year to be able to ski back to town from the Horn etc