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!
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.
Nestled into the Alpine landscape of Austria’s Tyrol region, Innsbruck is everything you could hope for from an Austrian city. Its cobbled city centre streets, 500-year-old architecture and Gothic churches contribute to the city’s chocolate-box beauty. But look a little closer and you will find that startling modern art, cutting edge design and prize-winning contemporary architecture are also at the cultural heart of this fascinating city.
Thrill-seekers will want to pack their bags for Austria in February 2017, as the Austrian Alps will be home to one of the most highly anticipated winter sports events of the year. This is also a superb area for shredding powder, giving you all the ingredients for an unforgettable trip.
The two Austrian ski resorts of Saalbach and Hinterglemm have experienced a complete revamp over the past couple of years, meaning that they now vaunt a total of 270 kilometres of mainly intermediate pistes. These combine with a prominent partying atmosphere to make Saalbach-Hinterglemm one of the best European resorts for exciting ski opportunities during the day and a wild nightlife. Thus, if despite being attracted to its hyped up après ski scene, you are unsure of whether Saalbach-Hinterglemm can offer you the thrilling, sporty holiday you are after, I can assure you that these resorts won’t let you down
If you are ready to take your skiing holidays to the next level, Sölden is a brilliant resort to do so. Its reliable snow conditions, guaranteed snowfall, and seven-month long season have helped Sölden become one of Europe’s best-loved ski and winter sports destinations. Adventure junkies looking to get their heartbeat racing will not be short of ways in which to achieve their aim. From seriously vertical runs to satisfying off-piste challenges; an exciting snow park with over 40 obstacles; and a exhilarating après ski scene with one of the liveliest nightlives in the area – you never have to
It can be harder than expected to successfully merge the kids’ half-term break with great snow. What’s more, you’ll need to find a teen-friendly resort that also has enough variety when it comes to activities and food opportunities that will keep the adults happy. Kaprun, in Austria, is a fantastic resort for those planning on taking their ski holidays earlier than most. The Atmosphere The picturesque Tyrolean village is lively and welcoming, with friendly locals and delightful eateries where you can enjoy traditional Austrian cuisine. Furthermore, it doesn’t have the sort of après ski scene that might put you off
If you are not a full-time skiing aficionado, choosing a ski resort to spend your holiday in might prove a bit tricky. It has to be exciting enough when it comes to the slopes, but still offer some comfortable runs for lazier days. It has to be pretty and welcoming, allowing you to enjoy wandering around the town on random afternoons, and offer a suitable amount of dining and wining options. Don’t worry, though, because I have found the perfect destination for you. Kitzbühel meets all these criteria and more, with pistes ideal for intermediates, a stunning town to get
For anybody with a passion for winter sports and a thirst for action and entertainment, there is no greater destination than Ischgl. This Austrian alpine-lifestyle haven has become one of the premiere winter hot spots in the world. In addition to the action-packed skiing available in the Tyrolean Alps, the village boasts concerts from global superstars, an electric nightlife under the stars, shopping boutiques, restaurants and plenty more. If you’re looking for an extraordinary holiday destination brimming with energy from morning through to night, look no further than Ischgl. Slopes & Facilities Ischgl is first and foremost a winter sports
After surviving the Harkiri run, the steepest marked run in Austria, you’ll need a few stiff drinks and an enthusiastic audience to tell your war stories to. That’s just what you can enjoy in Mayrhofen, where the après-ski and thriving nightlife is renowned amongst British skiers. For many winter sports enthusiasts (or even casuals), après-ski is a crucial element of a successful skiing holiday. It is then you will soak up the atmosphere, have a laugh, make new friends and enjoy a few beverages. Located in the Tyrolean Alps (a hotspot for winter sports), Mayrhofen is a never-ending party on
Getting away for a weekend break during the festive season is more than just an opportunity to put off your Christmas shopping for another few days and prepare your digestion for another onslaught of mince pies and turkey. Experiencing the way another country celebrates at this time of the year is an excuse to eat, drink, shop and be very merry! There are few cultures that know how to mark the Christmas period quite like the Austrians, and the beautiful lakeside town of Zell am See knows how to do it in style. So get your glühwein glasses on and
Anyone who’s discovered the rejuvenating benefits of a weekend or mini-break knows that it doesn’t have to be a long time to be a good time! If you’ve been burning the candle at both ends, or work’s been stressing you out, get yourself a last minute flight to Austria and book a revitalising spa break to take in the health giving properties of the famous thermal pools of beautiful Bad Gastein. There now; you can feel that stress melting away just thinking about it, can’t you? Relax, Restore, Rejuvenate This stunning little town nestled into the Austrian Alps has become
The myriad attractions of Innsbruck, the captivating capital of the Austrian Tyrol region, have been well documented. This charming city is a pocket-rocket of culture, shopping and winter sports, not to mention some absolutely jaw-dropping mountain scenery. But aside from getting into some skiing or hiking (depending on the season), if you’re heading here for a weekend getaway you’d be selling yourself short if you didn’t take every opportunity to sample the wonderful cuisine. Not sure where to start? We are! So loosen up a belt notch or two and eat your way through these five top tips. Himal Is
