Austria

Family Skiing in Mayrhofen

Arranging family ski holidays will always be stressful, but especially when you have a large and boisterous brood to consider. I think that selecting the right resort is crucial in this circumstance, as there are some family-orientated resorts that can take the stress out of these trips whilst ensuring that it is fun and valuable for everyone. What’s the best resort for this, you ask? I think it’s Mayrhofen in the pretty Austrian province of Tyrol. Here, you will find excellent family accommodation, skiing for all abilities, a welcoming atmosphere and a host of alternative activities and facilities designed to

Lech am Arlberg

Exclusive Skiing: Lech Zürs am Arlberg

The picturesque Austrian region of Alberg is home to one of the most exclusive and prestigious ski resorts in the entire world – Lech am Alberg. If staying and skiing where the global elite have sounds like your kind of trip, then this is certainly the right resort for you. Previous notable visitors include Princess Diana, the Jordanian royal family, the Dutch royal family and Princess Caroline of Monaco, in addition to dozens of famous celebrities. It is easy to see why when you take a look at the resort, which is situated in a peaceful old farming village, boasting

Natural Nonpareils between Munich and Innsbruck

Whether you’re a fervent skier, foodie or culture enthusiast, a winter holiday in Innsbruck – the famed capital of Tyrol, Austria – caters to every traveller’s wildest dreams. While it may seem silly to plan half- or full-day trips to the surrounding area when you’ve got some of the world’s finest pistes, restaurants and landmarks right in front of your doorstep, Shuttle Direct’s popular airport transfer from Munich to Innsbruck is certain to change your mind. This two-hour drive is not only convenient and comfortable, but also takes you past some of the region’s most worthwhile attractions, which transform any

Make Snow Tracks to Kitzbühel: Fantastic Fun for the Entire Family

Ah, that old conundrum. How to organise a skiing holiday where everyone (and that includes the adults as well) has fun? Picking the right resort can go a long way to guaranteeing a memorable break, but that in itself isn’t easy. If you’re lacking inspiration, then I can highly recommend Austria’s resort of Kitzbühel and its 215 kilometres of pistes, many of which are suitable for beginners. Not for nothing has it been recognised within the industry as a 5-star resort for families, with world-class facilities that give even first-timer skiers a confidence boost. Still not convinced? Want to learn

Mayrhofen

Munch in Mayrhofen: 5 Show-Stopping Restaurants

Those who appreciate the finer things in life may struggle to find a ski resort that caters to their needs, but not if they book a stay at the wonderful Austrian resort of Mayrhofen. Located in the stunning province of Tyrol, Mayrhofen is a versatile place with a wonderful, rustic charm, which extends to its gastronomic galore. The picturesque village is filled with inviting and traditional eateries, drinking establishments and shops, providing its visitors with an authentic – and unforgettably delicious – Tyrolean experience. Travelling to Mayrhofen via Innsbruck? Check out our culinary guide to the city here! The food

Ski

The Snowy Surprises of Gerlos

You may not have heard of it before, but that could just be because those who have discovered it don’t want to share the secret. Those who have stumbled upon its uncrowded slopes, vast ski area and wide range of snow-based activities may not want to share Gerlos, in Austria’s Tyrol region, with anyone else. At the moment, skiers here enjoy uncongested slopes, lifts – which take them around the wonderful Zillertal Arena ski area – without massive queues, a free ski bus, and restaurants, cafés and hotels that are not bursting at the seams. In addition to these perks,

obergurgl

Snow Stopping Family Fun in Obergurgl!

The Austrian village of Obergurgl has a reputation as a great family ski resort for good reason: practically guaranteed snow and a range of winter sports activities for families to enjoy together. If you prefer the atmosphere and beauty of a traditional Alpine village to the monstrous purpose-built resorts, then Obergurgl in Austria’s Ötztal Valley is definitely for you. At 1,930m it is the highest village resort in Europe, and has a reputation for almost guaranteed snow – a reputation that has been strengthened in recent years by its lift links to the higher Hochgurgl with its 3,080m glacier. A

Innsbruck, Austria

Out and About with Kids in Innsbruck

Whether you come in winter to ski in Austria’s beautiful Tyrol region, or in the summer to enjoy the wealth of alpine activities, it’s well worth stopping off in Innsbruck to take in the sights of this pretty Austrian city. Known as the ‘capital of the Austrian Alps’, Innsbruck holds an important place in the country’s history, a fact that is illustrated by its historic castles and palaces as well as modern investments in stunning contemporary architecture. While beautiful buildings and a rich local history may charm you, there’s also plenty here to keep the kids entertained. My children will

Skiing Shenanigans in St. Anton am Arlberg

There’s nothing quite like a ski holiday in an authentic Austrian village, and with its narrow streets, wood beamed buildings and historic onion-domed church, St. Anton am Arlberg certainly fits the bill. But there is much more on offer here for a young, lively crowd than just a picture-perfect resort – St. Anton is also famous for its excellent skiing, vibrant nightlife and a good restaurants and bar scene. A Whole Range of Skiing Located in a region that’s known as ‘Europe’s snowiest area’, one thing you can rely on in St. Anton is the snow. But while nearby resorts

Vienne

Wining, Dining and Fine Style in Vienna

If you think a standard night out in Vienna is a simple dinner of Schnitzel and Apfelstrudel, followed by a quiet pint in a local bar, you couldn’t be further from the truth. The capital of Austria is quickly becoming a hub for world-class fine dining – did you know that Vienna is the world’s largest wine-producing capital city, for instance? If you have an eye for trendy nightclubs, you won’t have to look far, either. To get you wining, dining and socialising in style, we recommend visiting the following hotspots on your trip to Vienna. Going on a 24-hour

Zell am See

Walking Holiday Routes in Zell am See

As summer temperatures begin to rise and pollution levels in major urban areas make city breaks feel less than appealing, you might want to plan a holiday that takes you far away from the crowds. Zell am See, situated at the foot of Austria’s Kitzbühel Alps and on the banks of Lake Zell, is the perfect getaway destination. Famous for its high-octane winter sports and adventurous summer activities, Zell am See has plenty on offer for visitors in search of fresh air and a bit of gentle exercise. With its vast array of walking trails, you’ll be drawn right into

Achensee: A Family Reunion Holiday Destination

Sometimes it feels as though our modern lives are so busy that there just isn’t enough time for all the family to get together. Whether it’s trying to fit in with the busy schedules of your children – or worse, the hectic social calendar of your grandchildren! – finding time to really connect with each other can be a challenge.

That’s why a cross-generational holiday can be such a special experience, a space in which you all have time to relax, have some fun, and maybe even try a few new things together as a family. Of course, if your idea of a good time is wandering leisurely around museums, while your daughter-in-law just wants to relax on a beach, and the kids want a range of activities, working out where to take your extended family on holiday can be a bit of a headache.

But believe me, it’s worth the effort. There are places out there that make the perfect destination for a family reunion, places like the idyllic Achensee region in Austria.

Just a short drive from Innsbruck, Achensee boasts a sparkling, clear water lake set against the beautiful backdrop of the Alps of the Tyrol. With lakeside beaches, watersports, hiking, golf and, if that all gets too much, luxurious world-class spas to relax in, Achensee can actually delivers on the much-made promise ‘something for everyone’, no matter what their age.

Sölden

Sölden: Snowparks and After Darks, a Teen Ski Paradise

Deciding on a ski resort can be tricky, but it is also a decision that should not be taken lightly. This will have a direct impact on how successful and enjoyable the trip is – this is particularly true if you are travelling with teens.

The terrain will need to be exhilarating and challenging, but if it’s too difficult then they will become disheartened and lose interest quickly. One resort which has this healthy balance is Sölden, one of Europe’s most renowned resorts nestled in the scenic Ötztal valley of Tyrol in Austria.

Sölden boasts superb ski and snowboard terrain with over 145km of slopes, guaranteed snow and an excellent snowpark. When you factor in the highly rated ski schools, it means that this is a resort where they are sure to hone their skills and return home a happy and more confident rider. They will also be able to boast to their mates that they shredded powder on the slopes that were featured in the 2015 James Bond film Spectre!

Looking to soak up some culture as well as shred powder? Read up on the nearby city of Innsbruck.