Why to go.
Happiness comes from living in the mountains – even if it is just for a week or two. Winter in the Austrian Alps is more than just riding down the slopes. Cosy villages bursting with warm welcomes, boundless skiing pleasure and world-class cuisine – in Austria’s top skiing resorts you will be spoilt for choice. But Winter in Austria is not just synonymous with skiing. Villages and cities decked out in traditional decorations, fir trees adorned with bees wax candles, freshly baked Christmas cookies and mulled wine, the rendition of carols in the parish church, and a stroll through the local Christmas market are all part of the season. Austria boasts hundreds of Christmas markets throughout the country, from the skiing villages at the Arlberg and the Ötztal Valley all the way to the capital of Vienna in the east of the country.
What to do.
TASTE Ski amadé
Ski amadé does not only offer outstanding skiing but is also known when it comes to the pleasures of eating and drinking. Therefore, Ski amadé launched an initiative to put the focus on pleasure while skiing. On different culinary Enjoyment Ski Routes skiers get to know the resorts of the Ski amadé in a new way. The themed routs, named 4 mountains – 4 treats, The Sweet Temptation or In the Track of Locals, can be mastered by every skier in one day. Besides regular programmes and initiatives, like the highest frames market in the Alps, Ski amadé will also host special enjoyment events in one of the 25 regions- from a craft beer festival at the Hochkönig to “Apple in snow“ in Schladming-Dachstein and a cable car dinner in Großarltal.
For More Information: www.skiamade.com/en/winter/activities/taste
Run of Fame at the Arlberg
On the RUN of FAME, skiers can go on a new, spectacular ski circuit through the entire Ski Arlberg skiing area. The 85-kilometer-long circuit with an 18,000-metre difference in altitude runs from St. Anton/Rendl via Zürs and Lech to Warth and back. The Circuit is dedicated to those ski pioneers and stars from sport and film who once sashayed on skis down these snowy slopes and left their marks behind. Winter sports enthusiasts will require one day on average for the RUN of FAME. The circuit can be entered at almost any point in the ski area. Follow the RUN of FAME symbols on the slopes guidance system.
For More Information: www.skiarlberg.at/en/regions/activities/run-of-fame-1
Summit Dinner at Ice Q in Sölden
The ice Q restaurant at the summit of Gaislachkogl is truly measure-made for luxurious moments. At the Summit Dinner every Every Wednesday between 25.12.2019 and 25.03.2020, the legendary James Bond ‘Spectre’ filming location exceeds all expectations and ensures an unforgettable experience. Kitchen chef Patrick Schnedl and his expert team will spoil you with sophisticated creations, inspired by the best products the Alps have to offer. As part of the menu, the host Valentino Schwarz serves fine accompanying wines from renowned winemakers. While first-class music ensembles accompany the scene and the starry sky appears above the glass cube, visitors can indulge in pure enjoyment for all senses.
For more information: www.soelden.com/summit-dinner
Swarovski Crystal Worlds – Winter in the Giant
In winter visitors of the Swarovski Crystal Worlds, just outside of Innsbruck, are dazzled by sparkling crystals that unite with light and magical art installations in glittering blankets of snow, creating a very special atmosphere. Upcoming winter 2019/20 numerous figures will be lighting up the extensive and artistically illuminated garden. The fabled Winter Wonderland again draws visitors into a festive atmosphere during the reflective Advent and Christmas season.
For more information: www.kristallwelten.swarovski.com/Content.Node/wattens/winter_in_the_giant.en.html
Where to stay.
Chaletdorf Prieseregg – Between Heaven and Earth.
Leogang, SalzburgerLand
Located on a high plateau at 1,100 metres, overlooking the sublime Steinberg mountains, the premium eco resort has a history of more than 500 years. The 18 different chalets, in 6 categories, allow guests to choose and design their individual stay. The chalets vary in size and can accommodate between 2 and 10 people. All guests have access to the hotel’s wellness centre – Priestergg Bad. A Swiss Pine sauna, a year-round infinity pool and an open fireplace are only the highlights. Here, guests can unwind after a day on the slopes in one of Austria’s largest skiing area, the “Home of Lässig” of Saalbach-Hinterglemm-Leogang-Fieberbrunn.
For more information: www.priesteregg.at/en
Das Edelweiss – Arrive as guests, leave as friends.
Grossarl, SalzburgerLand
Upon entering Das Edelweiss in Grossarl, about a 60min drive from Salzburg, you can sense the Gemütlichkeit. The foundation stone for the Hotel Edelweiss in the SalzburgerLand region was laid in 1977. In 2018 the third generation took over, being mindful of the previous pioneering work. have managed to create a resort with exceptional natural materials that encompasses a unique atmosphere. Tradition and modernity blend harmoniously here. Located right on the slopes of the Grossarl-Dorfgastein ski resort, the 4-star hotel has prime access to the slopes.
For more information: www.edelweiss-grossarl.com/en/the-edelweiss/hotel-salzburgerland/4-0.html
Wiesergut – where Design & Wellness walk shared paths
Hinterglemm, SalzburgerLand
WIESERGUT, once called “Wiesern”, is an ancient manor which was first mentioned in 1350. The centuries-old regional tradition and the merits of modern times are reflected in the structure of the boutique and design hotel. The style is clear and down-to-earth. Bright, airy and natural places enhance the well-being of guests. The best about the location of the WIESERGUT is its proximity to the ski area of the Saalbach-Hinterglemm-Leogang-Fieberbrunn. In the evening you can get directly into the resort on skis where you will receive a warm welcome. With a warming drink by the open fire, oven-fresh chestnuts, a glass of wine or a small selection of cheese.
For more inforamtion: www.wiesergut.com/en/index.html
Galzig Lodge – Exclusive Service with Plenty of Privacy.
St. Anton am Arlberg, Tirol
The three apartments of the Galzig Lodge are in an exceptional location in St. Anton am Arlberg – in between cable cars. It can’t get more ski-in-ski-out than this. In order to create a modern and warm Tyrolean home, the focus is on natural materials. Stone, oak wood, loden and lovely details merge into one and spread serenity, privacy and warmth. The private sauna and infrared cabin in the bathroom allow to relax after exploring the country’s largest interconnected skiing resort with 305 km of groomed slopes.
For more inforamtion: www.galziglodge.at/en
Mari Pop – This is Everything but Ordinary.
Zillertal, Tirol
Mari Pop is more than a hotel. It is both, a lively meeting place and a quiet retreat. Here art and nature go hand in hand. The location in the heart of the Zillertal valley does not only satisfy the hunger for endless slopes of winter sport enthusiast but is also a home for those who just want to wake up with a mountain view and admire the scenery. The hotel is inspired by our surroundings: Just like on the mountain, guests will find more and more peace in Mari Pop the further they go up. The peak? Pool, sauna & relaxation with unobstructed views of the sky.
For more information: www.maripop.at/en/the-hotel