J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by buntycake

W usually manage to avoid the stop-start because of the late arrival time of the flight from Manchester but at busy times, holidays, half terms etc, you can sit in traffic for hours.

Hi
Winter tyres are compulsory in Austria so make sure you order them. Traffic around Munich is a bit hairy as many of the autobahns are unrestricted and the locals like to drive very fast and willntailgatebyou if you linger in the outside lane. The good news is that in some places, lorries are not allowed in the overtaking lanes so the traffic runs more smoothly. I don't think you need to worry about the driving conditions on the main routes as the Austrians and Germans are both very efficient at keeping the main roads open. You should a only need snow chains if wher you are going is very steep and/or the roads have not been cleared. We drive often from Munich and the roads are excellent. Don't forget to buy your Vignette when you enter Austria. You must display it prominently on your windscreen or risk incurring a fine as the Austrians have camera on the main routes. They also have speed cameras and follow up on anyone found speeding. Have a good trip!

We abe just got back from Filzmoos in Ski Amade where it turned slushy at the weekend. However, they had tons of snow in Zauchensee and it's not a bad drive from Munich

Hi
Don't worry about all the new building. They are busy getting ready for the World Cup but the slopes are open as usual. There are more lifts agin this year and YES, you can ski across all 4 mountains, although it would be tough to do all 4 in one day. The new gondola/space age station at the bottom of the Planai is just amazing. We first started going to Schladming in 1986 and the transformation is spectacular. I am sure you will have a great time. We have tickets for one of the World Cup events and I can't wait!

Google skiamade and you will see all the resorts in the SkiAmade network. badhofgastein is a member but maybe some of the other skiamade resorts are a bit closer. Also, Badhogastein only really links to Hofgastein so even though it is part of the amade network, it's a bit of. Hike to ghetto the other places.

We have had two holidays in Soell, one before kids, and one after.mbefore kids, I remember Soell as having great nightlife and good skiing. Post kids, we didn't notice the nightlife but it's a really pretty village with two mountains to ski on.mthe only challenge with Soell is the altitude as its not that high, but a great place with lots of Gemuetlichkeit.
We had one of our best holidays ever in Mayrhofen but,nstrangely, have never flt the urge to go back. Try Soell, I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

Hi
Not everywhere will be open first week of December. Check out Ski Amade open times at: http://www.skiamade.com/de/winter/schneespass/aktuell/saisonstart
Even with the opredicted opening times, there may not be enough snow. Last season the snow came very late even though they ended up having tons of the stuff. Obertauern is a good bet for height, as is Zauchensee, but Zauchense may not be open. Schladming is fantastic, with the best ski-in\ski-out in Rohrmoos. because of the Worls Cup in February, Schladming are desperate to open as early as they can but only if there is snow. the only place you can really guarantee snow is on the glaciers but they lack a certain Gemuetlichkeit!. At least in Schladming you have the option of the Dachstein glacier if the resort runs aren't open. Schladming will be a 2.5 - 3.00 hour drive from Munich. Good luck!

Trains are also an option. Try the OBB website which also shows bus connections. Salzburg has good train and bus connections to resorts in the Ski Amade area but you need to get a flight that arrives early enough to make the train/bus connections. Not easy. I'm always looking for cost effective ways of getting to Austria. If you're on your own, the bus train option makes sense butbifnyou arenmorebthan one, then the car hire option looks more attractive. Having a car also allows you to stay a bit off the beaten track at cheaper places. Hope it works out.