Winter vacations in Austria

In various issues of our Sportguide magazine over the past few years, we have taken the trouble to present Switzerland's winter sports resorts in more detail and compare them with each other. But it's not for nothing that tens of thousands of Swiss people travel to neighboring Austria year after year to spend their skiing vacations there. And it's not just the euro and the lower prices that attract them; they often encounter more friendliness and less arrogance. A good reason to look across the border and see what you can expect. Here is a small overview of the most important ski regions in Austria.

Lech
The old mountain village of Lech, situated at an altitude of 1,444 m and surrounded by the mountain peaks of the Alberg massif, has remained small but has become fine. The former mountain farming village, which can be reached by car from Zurich, about 180 km away, in about 2.5 hours, lives today mainly from winter tourism and can count itself among the better addresses, as evidenced by five 5-star hotels in the village of 1,600 people, even if the region cannot compete with the super-luxurious St. Moritz. In keeping with the upscale level, celebrities and aristocrats also like to stay here. So you can get the Dutch royal family in front of your lens or the current James Bond actor, Daniel Craig. About 110 km of groomed slopes in the immediate vicinity or 280 km of slopes mainly easy and medium difficulty, if you count the entire Arlberg region including Zürs and St. Anton, are available to ski-hungry and 180 km of deep snow slopes. The fact that the day ticket of the skiing area, which is developed with the most modern facilities, costs 45.50 euros is not even particularly expensive by Lech standards, because Lech is one of the more expensive regions in Austria. If you're looking for something "classier" in Austria, you've come to the right place.

Serfaus
One of the most popular destinations in its region, along with Ischgl and St. Anton, is Serfaus, which lies at 1,429 m on a south-facing slope at the foot of the Samnaun Group, a stone's throw (about 15 km) from the Swiss border in the Lower Engadine. In child-friendly Serfaus, families in particular feel right at home, thanks to the numerous child-friendly accommodations and ski schools for children, the likes of which are unheard of in Switzerland. In the middle of Serfaus, for example, there is the "Murmlipark", where children are introduced to skiing in a playful way, really "cute"! But also fair-weather friends and individualists will like Serfaus, because Serfaus is one of the sunniest and most modern ski resorts in Austria. In addition, every cent is put into innovations. Unique is the village subway, which calms the traffic and is an attraction in the ski area. 70 lifts and lifts transport skiers up to 2800 m, so that they can make use of the approximately 200 km large network of slopes with mainly medium difficulty slopes. Generously designed mountain restaurants with space for up to 900 people inside and outside with self-service ensure smooth catering during the skiing day. In addition, connoisseurs can indulge themselves in the "Ski Lounge" at the Tyrolean dining class with star chef Stefan Marquard, known from the show "die Kochprofis", and enjoy the impressive mountain panorama. The daily price of a ski pass in high season costs 44.00 euros for adults and 25.50 euros for children. A wide range of affordable accommodation in all categories - 600 to 1400 euros a week in a 3- to 5-star hotel - also speak for Serfaus. Families with children should take a closer look here.

Montafon
Just beyond Switzerland's eastern border about the height of Liechtenstein to Chur is the Montafon, an area that stretches from Bludenz to the Silvretta glacier. The people in the area are down-to-earth and friendly. There is no ostentation here, but an alpine culture that lives modesty and hospitality. It is not only the proximity to Switzerland that attracts tourists from Switzerland, but also the versatility and size of the approximately 155 km ski area, which includes everything from easy family downhill runs to black runs. Friends of difficult descents are in the right place in the Silvretta Nova (1/4 black slopes), in turn, the Hochjoch is more suitable for families and beginners. Already Ernest Hemingway recognized the beauty of the region and spent two winters there. Snowboarders have also discovered the Montafon, whether in the Novapark or in one of the difficult freeride runs in the Gargellen. Montafon is a cost-effective alternative for all winter sports enthusiasts looking for a change from Switzerland.

Great Walser Valley
In Vorarlberg, to the northeast of Bludenz and the Montafon is the Grosses Walsertal, which with 3,500 inhabitants is a rather sparsely populated area. The land, originally cultivated by farmers, is characterized by meadows and pastures and numerous mountain ridges. Here, nature conservation and tourism are combined in an exemplary manner, which is why UNESCO recognized the region as a biosphere park in 2000. If you are looking for a skiing vacation without the hustle and bustle of crowded slopes, this is the place for you. The village of Faschina is an insider tip for families, because the village is small and manageable and the local miniclub looks after the little ones free of charge. Let the soul dangle is the motto of this region. A ski day ticket in Faschina is available for 33.00 euros, the rate for children is 21.00 euros. Also in terms of snow reliability, the Great Walser Valley is in the lead, from December to April you can count on good piste conditions here. Skiers who enjoy skiing also get their money's worth here in terms of difficulty: most of the slopes are in the medium difficulty range. Those looking for peace and quiet will find it here.

St. Anton am Arlberg
Not far from Lech, simply on the Tyrolean side, lies St. Anton, which shares the ski area around the Arlberg with Lech and Zürs. St. Anton is known above all as a party town. The German TV presenter Stefan Raab has already been here and held a parallel slalom with celebrities with his TV Total. But also celebrities like DJ Oetzi and his fans celebrated here together at the après-ski parties. St. Anton is a mecca for the young and young at heart who not only want to hit the slopes, but also party. In Bobo's Bar (bobos.at), people drink beer by the gallon, just like on "Malle" (Mallorca), with a great atmosphere that also reminds you of the Oktoberfest in Munich. A must for the chic is a visit to the Hospiz-Alm, where skiers meet under the motto "see and be seen". According to the main clientele, St. Anton is quite a bit cheaper than the fancier Lech, 500 euros in a 5-star hotel is the maximum there, but most skiers find a room in one of the numerous 3-star hotels, which is about 50 euros to shell out. That is affordable! And the huge ski area around the Arlberg with 280 km of slopes, sometimes leading down from the 2800 meter high Valluga peak, and 180 km of deep snow area, where sometimes there are more skiers on the slopes near the Schindelkar and Mattun than on the slopes, is also available to visitors like those of Lech or Zürs at the same price of 45.50 euros for adults and 27.00 euros for children in the high season.

(Rock music in) Ischgl
On the opposite side of Samnaun in the Lower Engadine lies Ischgl, the party town in the mountains! The region stands for superlatives in every respect, be it the rush of tourists, be it the many après-ski temples or be it the stars who fly in every winter for a mega concert. Greats like Elton John or Kate Perry have already been here and this winter we expect Roxette, among others, to rock the stage. The party people celebrate until the early morning hours for example in the Coyote Ugly or in the club Pacha, which adorns itself with a high celebrity density. 44 lifts transport skiers and snowboarders during the day...

You can find the whole article in the Sportguide Winter 2011 issue:
Here is the link to the issue