Austria

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.

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.

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