Niederau

John, that I do find it shocking that Tennladen lift has been slow to open over the past two seasons. Last seasons, I cannot recall the speed track being open.

This is an area that was re-designed as a race arena, with sections on runs being cut to emulate 3 world cup runs, including the Hahnemkamm. For over 15 years, I skied with/spoke with/drank with members of many international ski teams. These included the Austrian, Canadian, Japanese, Norwegian and other teams,and this was particularly around the weeks surrounding the Hahnemkamm. In recent years, the Austrian team relocated their practice area, but many teams continued to come here. The American team was never here, they base themselves in Hochgurgl.

The lead for this was given by a local who works for the lift company, but who had, in his younger days been a racer and a coach in Colorado. The race arena has been popular for years with league race teams.

Maybe there is some senior management dictat, now there is an Alpbach link up to reduce the resources in Niederau.

To be fair, when they had that great set up, with international basing at Tennladen, I don't think they maximised the publicity opportunity.

Ho hey, I will be on the Marbachjoch on Saturday morning.....

Cazgal, We have just returned from Niederau, have been going for several years. I would recommend the Hotel Sonnschein. It has 2 lovely pools, 2 saunas, jacuzzi. Large comfortable rooms with tea/ coffee making facilities, fridges. We have stayed in the Austria but whilst it's nearer to the gondola imho its just not as nice and often more expensive. The ski schools are excellent , you can ski 3 areas on the lift pass and for just a few euros extra can get the all star pass that allows you to ski the skiwelt area. Free transport on Thurs and Fri from the Sonnschein and Harfenwirt. Innsbruck and Salzburg aren't too far away and easily reached by train from Worgl.

Dear Cazgal

I have been to Niederau and although I think it is a great resort, I would suggest that the Ski-welt (Scheffau am Wilder Kaiser)is probably more suited to your party. We normally stay in Chalet Heidi, however they are fully booked for the half term.(I am going on Saturday) However, there are many hotels and other chalets which may have room. The Ski-welt suits all abilities and they have plenty of snow. Hope you find what you are looking for. Check out catered chalets in all resorts, they are often better value for money

I just got back from 10 days in Niederau, (shorter visit than normal, but we have a biggish winter). The snow is fine, Tennladen draglift is open.
I went over to Westendorf, but it was very busy, hence on this particular week, Niederau was much more sympathetic to my knees ~ I could let rip in Niederau.

There are very few places in Niederau now that allow smoking. Even the bars at the top of the mountain have banned it. Also most of the village bars are smoke free.

Next season it will be gone everywhere in Austria.

Good to hear Dave Mac. It's been a long time for them to follow everywhere else.

" Next season it will be gone everywhere in Austria. "

I doubt that. Smoking ban for Austria doesn't kick in until May 2018.

munich_johnny wrote:" Next season it will be gone everywhere in Austria. "

I doubt that. Smoking ban for Austria doesn't kick in until May 2018.

Sadly it would appear that they have now put the ban back an extra year. :( However, there are financial incentives for those who place the ban voluntarily at an earlier date.

I like an optimist!! I know a bar owner in the region that is not allowed smoking officially but happily pays a fine every year when caught.....which is kinda the opposite!