INN

Cortina d'Ampezzo

Eating Out in Classy Cortina d’Ampezzo

While there aren’t many among us hardworking mortal folk who can afford to bask in the lifestyle of the rich and famous every day (unless you really are rich and famous, in which case I guess you can!), there’s no harm in splashing out every now and again. So, if you feel the need to escape for a short, luxurious break, whether it’s for skiing in the winter or hiking in the summer, the glamorous northern Italian resort town of Cortina d’Ampezzo is the ideal spot to get a taste of the lifestyle to which you’d love to become accustomed.

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.

Livigno

Shop Until You Drop With Tax Free Shopping in Livigno

The historic population of Livigno, a cluster of hamlets set high up in Italy’s Alpine region, would hardly recognise the place today. Back then they were granted tax-free status to alleviate the poverty caused by their remote location, but all that changed in the 1960s with the construction of the Munt La Schera tunnel. Since then the people of Livigno have taken full advantage of its tax-free status by selling some of the world’s leading brands at low prices in the tiny hillside town.

Today, more than 250 shops re spread out over the Lombardy resort’s tiny and cosy pedestrian centre. Livigno has become a mecca for shopaholics looking to combine a winter or summer Alpine break with a search for some great bargains, from fashion and footwear to food and drink.

Whether you come here for a short break in the winter to enjoy the skiing, or the summer to enjoy the scenery, one thing’s for sure: there’s plenty to appreciate in the shopping all year round.

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.

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.

Innsbruck

Explore the Cultural Heart of Innsbruck

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.

Saalbach-Hinterglemm

Saalbach-Hinterglemm: Austria’s Largest Ski Area

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

Search

Categories