The Best Of Tirol Guide

Insider’s Guide to Tirol

Tirol / Heart of the Alps· www.visittirol.co.uk

Tirolean Alpine Winter

Your direct connection to the „Heart of

the Alps“!

Update: July 2014, subject to change.

Scheduled � ights to Innsbruck from:Bristol 2 � ights per week www.easyjet.comLiverpool 1 � ight per week www.easyjet.comLondon up to 4 � ights per day www.ba.com, www.easyjet.comManchester 3 � ights per week www.monarch.co.uk

Further connections are bookable via Amsterdam (www.transavia.com, www.klm.com), Frankfurt (www.lufthansa.com) or Vienna (www.austrian.com).

Charter � ights to Innsbruck from:Birmingham 3 � ights per weekBristol 2 � ights per weekDublin 1 � ight per weekEdinburgh 2 � ights per weekLondon 10 � ights per weekManchester 5 � ights per weekNewcastle 1 � ight per weekSouthampton 1 � ight per week

For bookings please contact your local travel agency.

· www.visittirol.co.uk · Insider’s Guide to Tirol 3

Tirol - located in

the Heart of the Alps

Welcome to Tirol

How do you choose where to go on your winter ski

or snowboard holiday? Do you head to the same

resort? Or like to try somewhere different each

season and notch up the number of ski resorts

visited? Or perhaps you have had a few years off

the scene? Figuring out where to go can be pretty

daunting so we have done the hard work for you

and carefully selected the top reasons to go to some

of Tirol’s most loved resorts. Naturally we didn’t

expect you to take our word for it so we asked some

locals to provide their insider tips too. Read on to

discover what brings skiers and snowboarders back

to the Tirol year after year.

How to get to the Austrian Tirol?

Located in western Austria, the Tirol region

is known as the Heart of the Alps and is home

to over 100 ski resorts. With world-famous

ski resorts like St Anton and Kitzbühel,

along with long-time British favourites such

as Mayrhofen, Obergurgl and Alpbach, the

Austrian Tirol suits everyone from first-timers

to seasoned ski veterans. Superbly groomed

slopes, genuine hospitality, true mountain

charm, high-quality accommodation and

affordable prices are just some of the reasons

Tirol is a great choice for this winter.

Innsbruck Airport is served by daily

scheduled flights and numerous charter

flights from UK airports. easyJet flies directly

from London Gatwick, Bristol and Liverpool

to Innsbruck. British Airways has a direct

route from London Gatwick to Innsbruck,

whilst Monarch flies from Manchester to

Innsbruck. The airports in Salzburg, Munich,

Friedrichshafen, Memmingen and Zurich

are an alternative to get to the Austrian Tirol.

Exclusive or shared transfers (www.transfer.tirol.at),

as well as car hire companies, are available

to make the final journey to your destination.

And with most resorts located between 30

minutes and 1 ½ hours away skiers and

boarders can benefit from the added bonus of

a short transfer.

www.visittirol.co.uk

· www.visittirol.co.uk· Insider’s Guide to Tirol 4

5 reasons to visit.....Wilder Kaiser

Head east of Innbruck to find the resorts of

Söll, Going, Ellmau and Scheffau, with access

to the SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental,

Austria‘s largest ski area.


• Inspiring scenery

Beneath the mighty Wilder Kaiser mountain

range are the traditional ski resorts of Söll,

Going, Ellmau and Scheffau. Each resort has

direct access using a network of 90 ski lifts

to Austria’s largest interconnecting skiing

area, the SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental,

with 280 km of slopes.

• Austria’s largest ski area

With 280km of slopes providing perfect

intermediate territory, the wide and open

pistes are immaculately groomed, flattering

all skiers and boarders whatever their skill

level. You can ski all day without taking the

same lift or the same run twice.

• Apres-ski activities

Beyond the slopes try a horse-drawn sleigh

ride, Alpine curling or ice skating. With

14 km of tobogganing on 5 dedicated

runs, choose from romantic forest tracks,

speedy routes or family favourites, like the

moonlight toboggan run at Hochsöll. Here

you will also find the largest night skiing

area in Tirol with 10km of floodlit slopes.

• Tirolean Hospitality

The genuine welcome received in the Wilder

Kaiser region goes a long way. On the

mountain there are more than 70 rustic

ski huts, providing an authentic mountain

atmosphere and serving the best mountain

food - just what you need for a well-earned

break from all the action.

• On-mountain childcare

Dropping the children off at ski kindergarten

then having to make your way up the

mountain is not the most efficient use of time.

In Scheffau head to the top station of the

Brandstadl lift as a family, where children

will love the Schneepiraten KidsClub and

parents can get straight on the slopes.


Live like a local

Marco Fuchs

... lives in Ellmau, he is a ski instructor and

manager of the 1. Ellmauer Ski- and Snowboard

School. Skiing is not only his job, it’s his passion.

• The day begins with ...

... an early wake up call. There’s nothing

better than the buzz you get first thing on

a morning as you sweep down a freshly

groomed run, wind in your face, crunching

snow at your feet - this is my kind of

freedom.

• Ski this first ...

... it’s impossible to say as the SkiWelt Wilder

Kaiser-Brixental consists of 280km of slopes.

• Don’t miss this ...

... snowtubing! Blasting down a 120m track

is a lot of fun and you can make a night of it

too as it’s floodlit a few times a week.

• Locals do ...

... love to go skiing, just like our visitors. We

enjoy having a break in a ski hut, eat some

Tirolean specialities and of course après-ski

is a must!

Marco Fuchs


• Locals don’t ...

... only ski and toboggan during the day.

Floodlit slopes means the fun doesn’t stop

when darkness falls.

How much?

Zenith Holidays (www.zenithholidays.co.uk)

offers a week at the Hotel Austria in Söll

from £595 per person, including flights from

Gatwick to Innsbruck and resort transfers.

Bristol and Liverpool available on a Sunday.

Independent packages start from €386 per

person for ‘Super Ski Weeks’ to the Wilder

Kaiser, including 7 nights on B&B, 6 day ski

pass, 25% discount on ski hire and ski school

and a Wilder Kaiser Guest Card. (offer valid 6 –

19 Dec 2014 & 14 March – 12 April 2015)

www.wilderkaiser.info


5 reasons to visit.....Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau

Two years ago the Alpbach and Wildschönau

valley‘s were finally linked by a new lift,

creating the Ski Juwel ski area.


• Ski Juwel shines brightly

Offering a combined total of 109km of slopes,

the recently created Ski Juwel Alpbachtal

Wildschönau skiing area has plenty of skiing

and snowboarding for all abilities on wide,

open slopes. Freestylers will enjoy the action

in three snow parks. Nightskiing is also

popular as is tobogganing, ice-skating and

other apres-ski activities.

• Traditional Villages

Wherever you choose to stay there is no

shortage of good quality accommodation

in one of the authentic mountain villages.

Alpbach has long been a British favourite and

has never lost sight of its mountain heritage,

whilst the charming villages of Niederau,

Oberau, Thierbach and Auffach make a great

base from the Wildschönau side.

• Guest Cards

All guests staying in the Ski Juwel receive

a free Alpbachtal Seenland Card or a

Wildschönau Card, offering numerous

benefits and discounts. Use of the local ski

bus network, a weekly sport and outdoor

programme, as well as entrance to various

attractions and discounts on shopping and

restaurants are generally included.

• Family Skiing

Families and children are well taken

care of in the Alpbach Valley and in the

Wildschönau, with dedicated children’s

areas and valley lifts in Reith, Alpbach and

Kramsach as well as in Oberau and Niederau.

Bobo the Penguin and the Dragon Club are

ready to teach your little ones.

• Cross-country Skiing

In addition to downhill, cross-country

skiing makes for an exhilarating alternative,

amidst delightful winter scenery. The

Wildschönau valley has over 50km of cross-

country trails, whilst the Alpbach Valley

boasts a network of close to 100km well-

maintained and prepared routes.


Live like a localNicola Thaler

... has lived in the Wildschönau Valley for over 20

years and first came here as a holiday rep. Nicola

is married with 3 children and works for the

Wildschönau Tourist Board.


... an excellent breakfast of locally produced

bread, butter, jam, ham and eggs, with

stunning views from my window of the

Schatzberg and Gratlspitz mountains!


... from the top of the Schatzberg, be the first

skiers on the connecting lift to Inneralpbach

for first tracks on fresh snow – heaven!


... the new toboggan run in Niederau from

the Lanerköpfl down to the village – 5 km of

thrilling fun for all the family!

• Locals do ...

... go winter walking on the Alpbacher

Höhenweg and enjoy the second to none

Alpbachtal winter scenery – charming wooden

houses, panoramic view over the village Alpbach.

• Locals don’t …

... drink. Only joking! We love typical

Tirolean cuisine, Kristallbier and a

Wildschönau Krautinger schnapps.

How much?

Neilson Active Holidays (www.neilson.co.uk;

0333 014 3351) offers a week at the 3*+ Hotel

Alpenland on half board in Niederau from

£475 per person, including flights from

Gatwick, Manchester or Birmingham (+£20)

to Salzburg and resort transfers.


person for a 3 night ‘Ski & More’ short break

to Alpbach, including a 3-day Ski Juwel ski

pass and Alpbachtal Seenland Card.

www.skijuwel.com

Nicola Thaler

Get in shape for the slopesand WIN a Ski Holiday to the Austrian Tirol!Your LivingWell team and the Austrian Tirol region is standing by to help you prepare for the ski season. Plus, enter our exclusive members-only draw and it could be you enjoying a fantastic ski holiday with Inghams in the Austrian Tirol, the Heart of the Alps.

Price Draw Terms and Conditions apply.Competition closes on the 15th of December. For full terms and conditions visit www.livingwell.com/ski

WIN a ski holiday to Tirol’s WilderKaiser holiday region with INGHAMS• 7 nights including half board for two in the

4-star superior Hotel Leitenhof in Scheffau

• 5 day ski passes for the Skiwelt Wilder Kaiser Brixental, Austria’s largest interconnecting skiing area with 280 km of slopes

• Flights and transfers included

It’s not to late to become a LivingWell member and be in the draw to win.

For more information and to enter, visit livingwell.com/ski

Get in shape for the slopes

WIN a ski holidayvisit livingwell.com/ski


5 reasons to visit.....Kitzbüheler AlpsThe ski and tourist region of the Kitzbüheler

Alps is home to over 20 holiday villages,

including Hopfgarten, Kirchberg, St. Johann

and Fieberbrunn.

• 1 Ski Pass, 1000km of pistes

The Kitzbüheler Alps is one of the biggest and

most interesting ski regions in the world and

can be explored on one ski pass. The Kitzbüheler

Alpen AllStarCard gives unlimited access to

more than 1000km of slopes in the big name

ski areas, including St Johann, Kitzbühel,

SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental, Ski Juwel

Alpbachtal-Wildschönau and Pillerseetal.

• Cross-country and winter hiking

Across the wide sunny valleys of the Kitzbüheler

Alps are almost 600km of cross-country trails

for all levels. The landscape lends itself to winter

hiking and snowshoeing too, through forests,

across fields, past farms on the beautifully

prepared and well-signposted trails.

• Culinary delights

The cuisine in the Kitzbüheler Alps

is flavoursome and versatile, ranging

from local Tirolean dishes such as

‘Kaiserschmarrn’ (sweet pancakes with

raisins), ‘Gröstl’ (meat and potatoes) and

‘Backhendl’ (fried chicken) - through to

sophisticated national and international

dishes.

• A resort for everyone

Every ski resort in the Kitzbüheler Alps

has its own individual appeal. Fieberbrunn

is the Freeride hotspot, Brixen scores on

location with lifts going up both sides of the

valley, St Johann is a paradise for beginners,

Hopfgarten has affordable accommodation,

whilst Kirchberg is right on Kitzbühel‘s

doorstep.

• Top Events

Winter is busy in the Kitzbüheler Alpen,

from traditional folk customs during Advent

to spectacular sports events, like the Tyrol

Koasalauf in St. Johann in Tirol and the

Biathlon worldcup in the Pillerseetal.


Live like a localFritz Minhard ...

... is a founding member of the Skischool Wilder

Kaiser St.Johann in Tirol and has been a ski

instructor for over 25 years! In summer he runs

his own company, Active World Holidays.


... the first run of the gondola to one of the

beautiful mountain huts for a big breakfast

and mountain views


... freshly groomed morning slopes on the

sunny, eastern side first, then move across to

the western side of the mountain!


... a wonderful break with a Kaiserschmarrn

and a hot chocolate on a sunny terrace

• Locals do ...

... try to put their “signature” into the freshly

groomed slopes


... ski until the sun goes down

How much?

Crystal Ski Holidays (www.crystalski.co.uk;

020 8939 0726) offers a week at the three-star

Hotel Fischer in St Johann from £649,

including flights from Gatwick to Innsbruck

and resort transfers. Direct flights also

available from Stansted (+£9), Birmingham

(+£29), Manchester (+£39), Newcastle (+£39)

and Edinburgh (+£49)

Independent packages start from €351

per person for 7 nights, including a 6 day

Kitzbüheler Alpen AllStarCard ski pass.

www.kitzbueheler-alpen.com

Fritz Minhard


5 reasons to visit.....KitzbühelHome to the Hahnenkamm, Kitzbühel is

worthy of its world famous status with

fantastic skiing and snowboarding and a

beautiful old town.

• Ski the Streif

Feared and respected in equal measure, the

Hahnenkamm downhill race is the victory

every Alpine skier on the World Cup circuit

dreams of. Skiing the world-famous ‘Streif’,

under the direction of a local ski guide, can

really enrich the experience.

• Best Ski Resort in the World

Kitzbühel has always been regarded as one

of the big names in the ski world and in 2013

and 2014 was awarded the highest accolade

of being the best skiing area in the world by

‘Skiresort.de’, the world’s largest website for

ski resorts.

• Freeride Paradise

Possibly Kitzbühel’s best kept secret is the

amount of accessible off-piste terrain, a

whopping 200km2! A good guide is essential,

not just for safety reasons, but for showing

you where to find the powder as many of the

routes are hidden behind forests or set back

behind the mountains.

• New Bichalm Lift

Seeking out the best untracked backcountry

around the Bichalm area will be more

accessible this season with a new chairlift.

Deliberately small with a limited capacity,

the impact on the natural surroundings is

always at the forefront of all nature-loving

freeriders.

• 155 snow-sure days!

The Kitzbühel microclimate is pretty special

and as winter temperature records prove

there has been a cooling trend over the last

21 years. In fact, winter 2011/12 was the

coldest for more than 30 years and it’s safe to

say there’s about 155 ski days on average.


Live like a localBeppo Hechenberger ...

... is one of the most experienced ski guides in

Kitzbühel and works for the ‘Alpin Experts’ ski school.


... a breakfast of local cheese, ham and bacon

bought from the Tyrolean Bauernstandl

market, which takes place every Friday and

Saturday in the resort centre.


... the Streif in the morning sun!


... a ride on the Streif simulator at the

museum at the top of the Hahnenkamm

gondola. Shaped like a giant skier, you climb

inside, placing your face inside the helmet,

slot in a euro and experience the most

terrifying ride of your life!

• Locals do ...

... enjoy and appreciate the potential available

to us in the mountains but still show a great

deal of respect and consideration for nature


... consider Kitzbühel only as a backdrop

but as one of the most beautiful and diverse

places to live, whether in or out of season.

How much?

Snow-Wise (www.snow-wise.com;

020 33978450) offers 7 nights at the 4 star

Hotel Schweizerhof, Kitzbuhel from £1095pp

including (scheduled) flights from Gatwick to

Innsbruck, (private) transfers and half board.

Regional flights on request, supplements vary.


person for a 4 night’s accommodation on half

board and including ski pass.

www.kitzbuehel.com

Beppo Hechenberger


5 reasons to visit.....ZillertalThe Zillertal is home to some well-known

resorts, including Mayrhofen, Tux,

Kaltenbach, Gerlos and Zell am Ziller.

• The largest ski area

Over 489 kilometres of pistes, accessed

by 177 lifts and cable cars, the Zillertal

Super Ski Pass covers the four skiing areas,

namely the First Zillertal skiing area with

Hochzillertal, Hochfügen and Spieljoch, the

Zillertal Arena, the Glacierworld Zillertal

with Hintertux and, of course, Mayrhofen.

• Best mountain huts

With over 150 mountains huts in the Zillertal

region, skiers and snowboarders can not

only expect breathtaking views of numerous

3000m peaks but culinary highs to match.

Whether the focus is fine dining or traditional

Tirolean cuisine, there’s always a great

emphasis on seasonal and natural products.

• Five Snowparks

Those looking for freestyle action will find

five terrain parks in the Zillertal, suitable

for everyone from beginners to pros. Take

time to practice and perfect on the kickers,

rails and corners and the superbly prepared

halfpipes and superpipes.

• Snow Guarantee

Zillertal’s slopes range from 630m in

altitude and go up to 3250m, providing

great snow conditions, enhanced by

environmentally friendly snowmaking

equipment, which are fed with crystal

clear mountain water and can cover 75%

of the slopes, if needed. And of course, the

Hintertux Glacier, the only year-round ski

area in Austria, is located in the Zillertal.

• Snowbombing

There is no festival that can match

Snowbombing and for one week in April,

Mayrhofen turns into the stage, hosting

the ultimate show on snow. Leading DJs,

club nights, live acts and snowboarders

come together for this ultimate event, with

amazing line-ups.


Live like a localWerni Stock ...

... has been a professional snowboarder since 2007

and is often found performing double backflips in

one of Zillertal’s snow parks. He regularly jumps his

way into the top ten at the international Air & Style

competitions.

• The day begins with…

... early morning action. With the sun hitting

the snow for the first time in the morning is

the best start of the day for me when I can

scratch my first lines on snow!

• Ski this first…

... one of my favourite slopes is the panorama

run in the ski area of Mayrhofen for fantastic

views of the snow-covered 3000m peaks.

• Don t́ miss this...

... check out the cosy huts next to the slopes.

Not only for the breath-taking views of the

mountains, but for the top quality Tirolean

cuisine that you can find in the huts in the

Zillertal.

• Local do...

... apres-ski. We love sitting together with

friends after a perfect ski day, having some

drinks and making plans for another day on

the slopes.

• Locals don t́...

... go on holiday. Zillertal has everything to

offer you could need for perfect winter days.

How much?

Ski Solutions (www.skisolutions.com) offers

a week at the 4* Hotel Strass in Mayrhofen

from £764, including flights from Gatwick

to Innsbruck and resort transfers. Regional

flights are available at a supplement.

Independent packages are available through

the Zillertal tourist board.

www.zillertal.at

Werni Stock


5 reasons to visit.....InnsbruckCity skiing at its best, Tirol’s capital

Innsbruck is easily accessible and has slopes

and snow on its doorstep.

• On the slopes in 30mins

How many cities can you name where you

can be on the slopes within an hour of

landing? Not many. The Olympic city of

Innsbruck was made for skiing and a quick

ride on the Hungerbergbahn can take you up

to the slopes on the Nordkette.

• Nine ski areas

The Tirolean capital is surrounded by a total

of nine ski areas and 285km of piste, making

up the Olympia SkiWorld Innsbruck. From

the Olympic slopes of the Axamer Lizum

to glacier skiing on the Stubai, all the ski

areas are easily accessible using the free bus

service and covered on one lift pass - the

Olympia SkiWorld Pass.

• Ski and Culture

Of course, it’s not all about the skiing. Take

time to explore Innsbruck’s historic Old

Town and its well-known landmarks. Stroll

through the medieval lanes in the Old

Town, marvel at the Golden Roof and visit

traditional treasures such as the Hofburg

palace.

• Olympic heritage

Innsbruck has hosted the Winter Olympics

three times, in 1964 and 1976 and again

in 2012 for the inaugural Winter Youth

Olympic Games. Take time to visit the

Olympic Ski Jump on Bergisel or have a go

on the bobsleigh run in Igls for the ultimate

adrenaline rush!

• Build your own skis/snowboard

Make and design you own high quality and

individually customised skis or board in

a weekend workshop with SPURart. All

aspects can be customised and the ski

building pros at SPURart provide all the

advice and guidance you need. www.spurart.at


Live like a localJenny Bartholomew ...

... is one of the pros at SPURart and spends her

time showing people how to build their own skis in

Innsbruck.


Looking out of my window at the mountains

and thinking how lucky I am to live in a city

where I can see the nearest ski resort from

my bed.


Kühtai – my personal favourite because it

has a great mix of on and off piste skiing and

is spread across both sides of the valley so

you can chase the sun throughout the day.


The Christmas markets in December. There’s

nothing better to get you in the Christmas

spirit than wandering around the Innsbruck

Christmas markets with a hot mug of

Glühwein (mulled wine) after a great day on

the slopes.

• Locals do ...

Know the best mountain huts…for a great

meal, great après session or great evening of

tobogganing.


Have friends on a powder day. I’ve never

seen a better example of this commonly used

phrase in action than when trying to get first

tracks on the Nordkette after a big dump.

How much?

Ski Safari (www.skisafari.com; 01273 224060)

offers 4 nights B&B at the 5* Grand Hotel

Europa in Innsbruck from £475 per person,

including flights from Gatwick to Innsbruck

and return airport transfers.


person for the ‘Olympia SkiWorld Innsbruck’

package for 4 nights on half board, including

ski pass.

www.innsbruck.info

Jenny Bartholomew


5 reasons to visit.....Obergurgl-HochgurglObergurgl-Hochgurgl is located in the Ötztal

region, down the valley from Sölden and just

over an hour from Innsbruck airport.

• Snow-sure from November to May

Early to open, late to close. At 1930m,

Obergurgl-Hochgurgl spends much of the

season covered with snow. There’s 110km of

beautifully prepared pistes, starting at 1800m

and peaking at over 3000m. The resort opens

in the middle of November and its impressive

altitude means it remains open until May.

• Ski-in/ski-out convenience

So much to offer. Thanks to its high speed

lift systems, the snow-sure slopes remain

crowd-free so beginners, intermediates and

families can enjoy the generous network of

runs. Obergurgl-Hochgurgl’s a hit for those

looking for ski-in/ski-out convenience,

offered by most of their 4* and 5* hotels.

• Stunning views

For breath-taking panoramic views of the

Ötztaler Alps stretching out to the silhouette

of the famous Dolomites in the south, head

to the Top Mountain Star viewing platform

at 3080m, the summit of the resort’s ski area.

Here you can take in fabulous, unparalleled

views of 21 mountain peaks higher than 3000m.

• Off the slopes

It’s not only skiers and snowboarders who

keep coming back to Obergurgl-Hochgurgl

year after year, but non-skiers too. Winter

hiking, snowshoeing and the wide Nordic

skiing tracks create that winter wonderland

feeling, whilst tobogganing on the 3km run

adds to the après-ski fun.

• Top ski schools

The ski schools in Obergurgl-Hochgurgl are

highly-regarded as having some of the best

instructors, whether you are a total beginner

or an experienced skier in need of extra tips.

Watching little ones make their first turns

under the gentle guidance of the caring ski

instructors is child’s play.


Live like a localHansjörg Gamper ...

... has lived in Obergurgl for almost 30 years. In

winter he works as a ski and snowboard instructor,

is a member of the local mountain rescue team and

is probably one of the best off-piste track seekers in

the world.


... taking part in “First Line” Skiing, followed

by a mountain breakfast at the Hohe Mut Alm.


... the blue 26a in Hochgurgl. Perfect start

to the week with stunning views across the

Oetztal Alps.


... night skiing on the perfectly groomed

slopes and the “Skivolution” ski show by the

Skischool Obergurgl on Tuesday evening.

• Locals do ...

... dance on the tables at least once a week at

the lovely Nederhütte, with their incredible

après ski party and live music.


... tell everybody about their secret off-piste

runs and favourite hidden powder tracks.

From time to time they let their secrets slip

during après-ski time.

How much?

Inghams (www.inghams.co.uk; 01483 791 114)

offers a week at the 4* Hotel Bellevue in

Obergurgl from £659 per person, including

flights from Gatwick to Innsbruck and resort

transfers. Flights are also available from

Birmingham (+£49), Manchester (+£49),

Leeds-Bradford and Edinburgh (+£59).

Independent packages start from £459 per

person for a 3 night stay in a 4* hotel on half

board, including a 3 day ski pass.

www.obergurgl.com

Hansjörg Gamper


5 reasons to visit.....St Anton am ArlbergRegarded as one of the world’s top ski resorts,

St Anton am Arlberg lives up to its reputation.

• Tradition and Modern Alpine Life

St Anton am Arlberg is constantly evolving

as one of the most cosmopolitan resorts

in the Alps, with its current surge in new

luxury properties and through its innovative

infrastructure, like the Galzigbahn. Living

by the motto the ‘Cradle of Alpine Skiing’,

the resort and neighbouring villages of

Pettneu, Flirsch and Strengen have never

lost their way, preserving rural tradition and

heritage.

• Freeride Heaven

Considered one of the world’s finest freeride

areas, St Anton is the Holy Grail for expert

skiers, thanks to the sheer diversity of its

off-piste terrain, with over 200km to explore

and its consistently high snowfall records,

from December through to April.

• Location, location, location

Whether you fly into Innsbruck,

Friedrichshafen, Zurich or even Munich,

St Anton am Arlberg is easily accessible by

rail transfer. Helping to reduce your carbon

footprint, the railway station is located right

in the centre of town and there are regular

shuttle buses to the villages.

• Off the slopes

As the spiritual home of apres-ski, St Anton

am Arlberg demands as much stamina

on the slopes as it does off. Once you’ve

ticked off the legendary MooserWirt and

KK, save some energy for tobogganing, ice

skating, curling or a horse-drawn sleigh

ride. Meanwhile the ARLBERG-well.

com complex in St Anton offers a mix of

impressive wellness facilities.

• What’s on

Winter events run throughout the season,

from weekly Ski Shows on Wednesdays to

‘Ladies First’ week in January to the ‘New

Orleans meets Snow’ festival in April. One

highlight is the iconic end of season ski race

‘The White Thrill’.


Live like a localJohn Jackson ...

... has lived in St Anton for about 13 years and

currently works as a restaurant manager.


... a substantial, tasty breakfast and a cup of

tea. That keeps me going for a few hours – so

I don’t miss any of the untouched powder.


... on a good powder day, make your way up

to Schindler. From there, take the route

Nr. 15 - Schindlerkar. What a perfect start to

the day!


... a well-earned beer in one of the numerous

après ski bars. The only thing more tempting

than the second beer is a sauna.

• Locals do ...

... love the fascination of the mountains. We

may live here but the love and appreciation of

our mountains grows each day.


... have time to be lazy. Life is hard in the

mountains (As John kicks back in the sun

with a cool drink in his hand and a big smile

on his face!)

How much?

VIP SKI (www.vip-chalets.com; 0844 557 3119)

offers a week at the Hotel Montjola in

St. Anton from £899, including flights

from Gatwick to Innsbruck, catered

accommodation and resort transfers.

Independent packages, ‘Powder Snow and

Ladies Weeks’ from 10th – 31st January, start

from €520 per person in a 3* Hotel with

breakfast and a 6-day lift-pass.

www.stantonamarlberg.com

John Jackson

Ta l k t o o u r h o l i d a y a d v i s o r so n 0 8 4 5 1 0 1 1 8 1 8

And suddenly

you sense

what people

here mean by

“a zest for life”.

w w w . a u s t r i a . i n f o / w i n t e r

OEW_Tirol_Bookl_148x210(+3).indd 1 09.07.14 11:27


Top Events in Tirol

21st

– 25th January 2015

Hahnenkamm Men‘s Downhill, Kitzbühel

Regarded as the most demanding course

on the world cup circuit, the world famous

Hahnenkamm will attract the world’s best

skiers and thousands of visitors.

www.kitzbuehel.com · www.fis-ski.com

31st

January 2015

SWATCH Freeride World Tour in Fieberbrunn

The world’s elite freeriders meet at Austria’s

most prestigous freeride competition in

Fieberbrunn, Tirol‘s ultimate backcountry

mecca.

www.freerideworldtour.com

3rd

– 4th

January 2015

63. Four Hills Tournament, Innsbruck

The world’s top ski jumpers gather at the

Bergisel ski jump for the third round of the

Four Hills Tournament for one of the most

popular events in the professional winter

sports calendar.

www.bergiselspringen.at

23rd

- 27th

March 2015

Altitude Comedy Festival, Mayrhofen

Where better to stage this perfect mix of

skiing, comedy and music than in one of

Tirol’s leading resorts, Mayrhofen. John

Bishop and Eddie Izzard were among

last year’s stellar line-up and 2015 won’t

disappoint.

www.altitudefestival.com

18th

April 2015

„The White Thrill“, St. Anton

The mass start with 555 participants is a

one of a kind challenge. Nine kilometres of

unprepared slopes, 1,300 metres in altitude

difference and a tough150 metre ascent take

most hardcore amateurs and even pros to their

absolute physical limits.

www.stantonamarlberg.com

2nd

May 2015

Ischgl Top of the Mountain Concert

Following tradition, Ischgl will host their

famous Top of the Mountain concerts at

Easter and at the end of the season. Big names

like Kylie Minogue, Pink and Elton John have

all performed here.

www.ischgl.com

Foto: TVB Paznaun-Ischl

follow us on Ellis Brigham Mountain Sports Ski Testing Partner Winter 14/15

www.ellis-brigham.com

London: Covent Garden, Westfield London, Westfield Stratford,Kensington High St & St.Paul’s One New Change • Cambridge Lion Yard •Xscape Milton Keynes • Bristol • Tamworth Snowdome • Manchester •Chester • Liverpool • Xscape Castleford/Leeds • Glasgow intu Braehead •Aviemore • Fort William

The North Face Stores London: Covent Garden, St.Paul’s One New Change,Westfield London & Westfield Stratford •Cambridge Lion Yard • Sheffield Meadowhall

27 SPECIALIST SHOPS NATIONWIDE

New Catalogues Out September

Tirol Winter ad 14:Layout 1 11/7/14 09:15 Page 1


follow us on Ellis Brigham Mountain Sports Ski Testing Partner Winter 14/15

www.ellis-brigham.com

London: Covent Garden, Westfield London, Westfield Stratford,Kensington High St & St.Paul’s One New Change • Cambridge Lion Yard •Xscape Milton Keynes • Bristol • Tamworth Snowdome • Manchester •Chester • Liverpool • Xscape Castleford/Leeds • Glasgow intu Braehead •Aviemore • Fort William

The North Face Stores London: Covent Garden, St.Paul’s One New Change,Westfield London & Westfield Stratford •Cambridge Lion Yard • Sheffield Meadowhall

27 SPECIALIST SHOPS NATIONWIDE

New Catalogues Out September

Tirol Winter ad 14:Layout 1 11/7/14 09:15 Page 1

The kit may have changed, but the passion’s the same. Since the Ski Club was formed 111 years ago we’ve been helping people have the best possible time on the

snow. Visit skiclub.co.uk to find out how you can be part of the club’s future.

AT THE SUMMIT

SINCE 1903

Visit skiclub.co.uk/join or call 020 8410 2015 and quote:

TIROL1415 *When joining by Direct Debit.

Special Offer£10 off a year’s standard Individual or Family new membership*

GO SKI GO BOARDLaunched last year, GO SKI GO BOARD is

Snowsport England’s national participation

campaign aimed at getting more people into

and back into snowsports by letting them

sample the thrill of skiing and snowboarding.

Supported by the Austrian Tirol as the

exclusive destination partner, the GO SKI

GO BOARD campaign has brought together a

network of the UK’s indoor and artificial snow

slopes to offer value for money, all inclusive

ski or snowboard sessions.

New for 2014/15 is the GO FREESTYLE, GO

RACE programme. Following the success

of Team GB skiers and snowboarders at the

Sochi Winter Olympics, GO FREESTYLE

AND GO RACE are aimed at those who have

already caught the snowsports bug, enabling

them to take their skiing or snowboarding to

the next level.

GO FREESTYLE gives people the chance to

hit the snowpark for the first time and get a

taste for what it feels like to fly over a jump or

slide along a rail, and GO RACE gives people

the chance to try skiing through gates for

the first time and experience the buzz of ski

racing.

To find your nearest participating slope

in England and your nearest GO SKI GO

BOARD, GO FREESTYLE or GO RACE

session visit www.goskigoboard.org.uk

Maria-Theresien-Straße 55

6020 Innsbruck · Austria

+43.512.7272-0

+43.512.7272-7

[email protected]

www.visittirol.co.uk

www.facebook.com/visittirol

Tirol Info

t

f

e

w

w

Tirol / Heart of the Alps · Insider’s Guide to Tirol · www.visittirol.co.uk

Official Ski Testing Partner

The Best Of Tirol Guide

Documents

tirol tirol heart

reasons tirol

tirol year

tirol region

scheduled ights

austrian tirol suits

traditional ski resorts

worldfamous ski resorts