Nowadays we are spoilt for choice when it comes to planning our weekend getaways, and choosing the perfect place for you and your loved one can be tricky. However, I personally believe there’s nothing more romantic than a winter wonderland. Cuddling in front of a crackling fire, wandering through the powder-soft snow, dining on delectable delights… a weekend on the slopes ticks all the boxes.
For a real fairy-tale experience, the Mayrhofen ski resort is a personal favourite: a crowning jewel in the Zillertal Valley of Austria. For couples looking for a balance of adventure, culture and relaxation it’s the perfect winter destination. Boasting beautiful Tyrolean architecture, breath-taking mountain panoramas and luxury lodges, love is definitely in the air in Mayrhofen.
Skiing with Your Sweetheart
Thanks to the region’s impeccable terrain, there are endless opportunities for the ultimate couple’s experience when it comes to going off-piste and finding your own private patch among the Alps. The resort has a variety of off-piste options, allowing you to avoid the groups and immerse yourselves in the quiet beauty of the mountains.
If you and your other half are looking to get your heart going in more ways than one, head to the Vans Penken Park or the Harakiri piste – tumbling through the snow into each other’s arms is hallmark Hollywood romance.
Top Tip: Start your day with morning kisses above the clouds as you beat the crowds and take in the early morning splendour of the Zillertal Alps with a ride on the Penkenbahn Gondola.
Share the Love with a Spa Day
After a few days of racing each other down the slopes, nothing says ‘I love you’ like a couple’s massage to soothe aching muscles. It’s the perfect place to relax whatever the weather, which we know can be changeable among the peaks.
On chillier days a sweat in the sauna is the ideal way to keep yourselves toasty, but when the sun does decide to shine through, you can soak up the rays on the terrace with a drink and gear yourselves up for another day of fun.
Make a Lunch Date
Relive the ‘butterflies in your stomach’ beginnings of love and take yourselves on a date to the Schneekarhütte, a distinctive restaurant characterised by its twin glass pyramids. Indulge in an exquisite afternoon meal showcasing the region’s gastronomic delights, or enjoy the tradition of an après-ski drink on the outdoor terrace – sipping cocktails surrounded by mountains is something of a dream.
Love in the Lounge Igloo Village
For a truly memorable holiday, a night in the White Lounge Igloo Village is sure to melt your loved one’s heart. Set 2000 metres above sea level, this unique retreat is the epitome of tranquillity and takes you, quite literally, above and beyond the bustling crowds of the resort. Once inside this exclusive abode, the bluish hues and muted sounds create the sense of being in a world totally your own – it is the ultimate romantic hideout.
My Favourites
- Stargazing – join the post-dinner hike and lose yourselves amongst the stars as you warm your hands in front of an outdoor fire and enjoy toasted marshmallows.
- Austrian cuisine – for the complete Austrian experience, indulge in a traditional fondue dinner at the Freiraum Bistro. You’ll need all that cheese for hitting the slopes the next day!
- Get the blood pumping – you’ll be surrounded by ice after all! There are a number of activities designed to keep you warm before you hit the sack. Snowball fights, mini bobsledding and curling are just a few options. If that’s not your thing, there’s always hot chocolate.
Where to Stay
Alpenhotel Kramerwirt – This traditional Austrian hotel offers guests an authentic Tyrolean home-away-from-home. Featuring a roof-top spa with incredible views, showcasing local produce at their breakfast buffet and offering comfortable suites with private balconies, this is the ideal hidaway.
Huber’s Boutique Hotel – Its central location (just two minutes from the town centre) and luxurious interiors make this 4-star hotel a dream escape for a romantic getaway. Guests can expect modern, spacious suites, onsite spa and sauna, and an enticing breakfast buffet including organic fruit and vegetables as well as the hotel’s homemade jam!
How to Get There
Getting your dream weekend retreat started is easy with a number of flights from the UK to Salzburg Airport offered every week by a variety of airlines. Flight prices remain fairly stable throughout the year, however, I would advise avoiding a visit in March as this is when the crowds (and prices) tend to peak.
For a complete hassle-free holiday, I would recommend the transfer services offered by Shuttle Direct. Their drivers are friendly and reliable and will ensure that you get from the airport to your accommodation smoothly and safely. This means all you have to worry about is which piste to hit first.
Overview
- UK to SZG Flight Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- SZG to Mayrhofen Distance: 173 kilometres
- Shuttle Direct Transfer Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct is one of the leading providers of airport transfers in destinations across the globe. Our local drivers are punctual, friendly and always happy to help. Leave the stresses of airport transfers in the capable hands of Shuttle Direct.
