The variation of runs also ensures that everyone, from the first time beginner to the Olympic-level competitor, is catered for. Unlike many other European and world ski resorts, you can literally ski from the top of a mountain to your front door (or bar) step with no long bus or car rides to the slopes and ski lifts.
The whole ski area is part of the ‘Ski Welt’, “ski world” in English, circuit offering 250km of pistes with interconnecting gondola, chair and drag lift systems to get you quickly to any area of the mountain. Beginners in skiing or snowboarding can take advantage of the local beginners lift pass and ski schools. The beginners lift pass includes Hopfgarten, Itter and Kelchsau. Gentle nursery slopes in the heart of Hopfgarten (perfect for beginners) are made easy with patient instructors who will soon have you motoring through the trees from ‘middle station’ and up on to the more advanced slopes in no time at all. Intermediates and Advanced skiers or snowboarders will want to take advantage of the whole Ski Welt ski area including the 7km descent to the village. You can also go out with a local, experienced ski guide, in a group or on your own, to get off the beaten track and really discover the hidden mountain.
So many runs, so little time! This will be your only dilemma when skiing in the Tyrolean Ski region where the adventures on the mountain are equalled by the off-piste entertainment. The great thing about skiing in Austria is the ability to add on as much as you like. If you feel the need for some time away from the slopes, take a sleigh ride, have a go at ice skating or head to Salzburg, Innsbruck or Kitzbuhel for the day. It’s a winter wonderland any way you look at it! A magical journey through the forested Penningberg on a genuine “two-horse opensleigh.” or why not try your hand at the traditional winter sport of ice skating on a frozen alpine lake are some of the options available.If you fancy exploring the area visit Kitzbuhel, known as the Monte Carlo of the Tyrol, this historic town is home of the famous Hahnenkamm Ski Race. The city is also renowned for its gastronomic delights, the city’s numerous beer cellars, as well as its après ski. For those who want to explore the area little more, Contiki is possible day trips to Innsbruck, home to the famous Golden Roof or Salzburg, famous for being the birthplace of Mozart.
Afterwards you can enjoy some typical Austrian cuisine in the mountain restaurant. Hopfgarten, for example, has a great variety of eateries to cover all tastes and price ranges including pizza and pasta places to much more traditional local Gasthof restaurants with a great mixture of traditional Austrian and international food.
There are a number of different ways to get to the Austrian ski fields either by Coach from London or independently. As part of the tour you can take a Contiki coach from London to and from Hopfgarten with departures every Friday from 19th December. If you want to fly into Hopfgarten the closest big international airport is in Munich, Germany (about an hour and a half’s drive or train ride away) while the closest ‘big’ Austrian city is Innsbruck. The easiest way to get to Hopfgarten though is by flying into Munich and taking a train or a transfer from Munich to the accommodation in Hopfgarten.
So what are you waiting for?! Ski austria this year and discover the amazing Tyrolean scenery as you carve up the slopes in Hopfgarten… It a winter wonderland waiting for you!
