Austria

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.

Austria on a Shoestring: Skiing in Söll

It can be difficult choosing a resort if you’re planning a ski holiday with a group of people who all have different skill levels and different budgets. However, if the one thing you all have in common is a love of après ski, then Söll is definitely the place for you.

The village of Söll is situated in the north east of Austria’s Tyrol region in the heart of the Ski Welt area. While the Ski Welt’s 280km of pistes are not to be sniffed at, it also links by lifts and bus to the vast Kitzbüheler Alpen with its 700km of runs, giving skiers the opportunity to notch up the miles on a ski safari.

When the skiing is done in Söll, there is still a lively après ski scene to enjoy. Although it is not as wild as its reputation back in the 1980s would have you believe, this Tyrolean town still knows how to party. There are a number of great bars and clubs and the prices are amongst some of the most reasonable in the Austrian Alps.

Ischgl

Top Off the Ski Season on “Top of the Mountain” in Ischgl

Ischgl is probably best known for having one of the most raucous après ski scenes in all of Austria with everything from pole and lap dancing clubs to all night bars and restaurants. But the real highlight of this party capital in the Alps are the three Top of the Mountain music festivals held in the resort every year.

Kicked off in 1995 with Elton John as the headline act, Top of the Mountain events are held at the beginning of the season, Easter, and at the end of the season in the last week in April (although actually, thanks to the high altitude, Ischgl often stays open into May). Created by the resort to draw skiers to the village, one of the best things about this event, which regularly attracts crowds of up to 24,000 people, is that it’s completely free for ski pass holders.

Zell am See

Dazzle the Little Ones: The Night of the Balloons

Looking to dazzle your children and give them an unforgettable experience? Zell am See is the best place to be this February for the mesmerising Balloonalps 2017. This spectacular event is any toddler’s dream – 30 colourful hot air balloons sailing through the Austrian skies in a race across the Alps – and it is sure to take your breath away too!

Taking place between the 11th and 18th of February in Zell am See-Kaprun in Salzburg, this wonderful occasion is a great experience for a young family. In addition to colourful balloons contrasting against the fresh blue of the sky and white of the stunning snow-capped Alps, Balloonalps is also jam-packed full of fun activities. There will never be a dull moment!

Obergurgl

Enjoy the Fine Wining and Dining of Obergurgl

Fine food is an essential ingredient for any holiday, but I think that this is particularly true when it comes to winter breaks. You can’t beat a plate of hearty food with a glass (or two) of fine wine in a classy restaurant, whilst the cold weather outside creates a warm and magical atmosphere inside.

Kitzbühel

Culture in Kitzbühel When the Snow Melts

The picturesque town of Kitzbühel – with its brightly-coloured medieval buildings, cobbled streets and Alpine backdrop – may be famous for hosting the skiing World Cup’s most challenging race, but did you know it’s also a great place for a summer break too?

Saalbach

Alps Après Ski at its Best in Saalbach

Time for a winter ski break? Well, just like Santa, you know the best way to make sure the resort you’re considering lives up to its promises is to make a list and check it twice. And, if you’ve chosen Saalbach in Austria, it’s not going to take you long to work through the list.

Wien

Visiting Vienna With Children

While those with young families may think a city like Vienna doesn’t have much to offer in terms of child-friendly attractions and activities, in fact, this lovely city is actually a wonderful destination for youngsters. And, with a little research, it doesn’t have to blow out the hard-earned holiday budget.

Kaprun

Out of Season Skiing: Kaprun & Kitzeinhorn Glacier

Unable to get your skiing fix this winter? Fear not, as there are some excellent resorts which allow you to shred the slopes even in the middle of summer. My personal recommendation is Kaprun in Austria, as this resort features the breathtaking Kitzeinhorn glacier which is covered in snow ten months of the year and is located a staggering 3,203 metres above sea level.

Kitzbühel

Keep Active after Dark in Kitzbühel

In many ski resorts, you will find that the real fun begins once the sun goes down. Instead of slinking off for an early night, these resorts have plenty of great activities and a buzzing après scene – perfect for those that like to burn the candle at both ends!

Ischgl

Have a Skiing Adventure on the Slopes at Ischgl

Add an extra element of adventure to your ski holiday in Ischgl by undertaking the new ‘Smuggler’s Runs’ from Austria across the border into Switzerland. You can follow your progress and mark your checkpoints on the free app – those who complete any one of the three Smuggler’s Runs will be entered into a prize draw.