 Poster: A snowHead
|
OK I know this is for Snowheads but can I take a bit of a liberty?
My wife and I are seasoned skiers (aged 59 and 61) but in the past couple of years have started to enjoy mountain walking holidays. Based on a recommendation from some skiers we have been to Saalbach/Hinterglemm for the last two years - which have been fantastic - and are wondering where to go this year, probably in early September.
Our requirements are:
Austria (probably)
decent hotels with good facilities eg spa, wellness, swimming pools
several gondolas giving access to a variety of easy to medium walks
not massively high as we find green pastureland much more pleasant than high mountain scree
guided walks (eg from tourist office or hotel)
nice mountain restaurants
I have to say that Saalbach/Hinterglemm ticked all of these boxes and we are not averse to going back again this year, but just want to look at possible alternatives.
Recommendations from Snowheads for resorts and hotels would be gratefully received.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
|
We spent a wonderful 10 days in Alpbach last September. I think two gondolas open and free with a complimentary Alpbachtal Seenland Card. Loads of different graded walks in the most fantastic scenery and perfect village. We stayed in the Boeglerhof which was fab. Thoroughly recommend and may see you there cos we're going back!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
|
|
Please can i just say that pasture land isn't just limited to Austria. We run specialist hiking holidays in the summer, being huge hikers ourselves and we take our guests hiking around a real mix of terrain, huge pastures, summer meadows, ridges, some rocky terrain etc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
|
There some wonderful walking in the Beaufortain and in the Vanoise National Park (no ski lifts to blight the landscape). I can recommend some lovely hotels in the area too.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
We done a weeks walking holiday in Mayrhofen a few years ago. This would easily tick all your requirements. Also very easy to get to via public transport. From Mayrhofen itself you have a gondola and a cable car to take you up above the village. You can also get the bus to the Hintertux glacier and either train or bus to other places in the Zillertal valley where there are more gondolas and chairs. Also food and drink is very reasonable in the village and mountain huts.
Another option would be Seefeld. Lovely village, lots of decent hotels with spa facilities and a funicular and two cable cars to take you up higher. And very easily accessible from innsbruck by train.
Another nice village which would suit you would be Ellmau. Not stayed here personally (unlike Seefeld & Mayrhofen) but does sound like a lovely scenic area.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
|
|
|
|
|
@Big Dave, Zell am See is only just around the corner from Saalbach, but it would appear to meet all of your requirements. It's a beautiful town with a wide choice of summer lifts both from Zell itself and from the adjoining Kaprun area. The Zeller See is great if you enjoy swimming, too - nothing beats a refreshing dip in the lake after a good day's hiking.
One word of warning, though: the better hotels in town have recently become extremely popular with conservative Moslems from the Gulf states, and burkhas are more common than t-shirts in some parts of Zell. I personally find it deeply disconcerting to find myself surrounded by people who don't trust me enough to allow me to see their face. The solution is to stay in Thumersbach across the lake - there are no posh hotels there but plenty of posh apartments and houses with private waterfront - a much better option than a swimming pool IMV.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@Big Dave, for comfort, check CGH residencies ( http://www.cgh-residences.co.uk/) - I only used them in summer and it was great. They usualy have spa/saunas/swimiing pools etc and are spread all over FR Alps.
I too discovered the joy of hiking last year with 3.5 days hike of TMB - which was briliant and hope to have 8-10 days this summer in Gran Paradision national park in IT. As I ended my TMB trip in Courmayer last year, I found it a nice place as a base and you can head different directions from there, staying either in Courmayer itself of up the mountain - either in refuges or in a more comfortable setting.
Hope this thread rolls, as I'm also looking of where to take my wife and son (10y old) for an easier hike, preferably staying in one spot and making day trips to different directions each day. Thus any tips re the Beaufortain and the Vanoise National Park are very interesting indeed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
|
For the Vanoise National Park,Pralognan is the obvious centre.Beautiful scenery,alpine flowers and wildlife(ibex,chamois,marmottes,eagles).
We have walked and climbed in the alps for nearly 50 years and bought an apartment in Pralognan 7 years ago. Our family,including 4 grandchildren love it. It's almost unknown over here but everyone is very helpful even if you don't speak French,unlike some places I could mention!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For those who are interested in our experience of Saalbach/Hinterglemm.... We have stayed at the Alpine Palace in Hinterglemm twice in the summer (and three times skiing in the winter) now. Every time it has been amazing. Superb food, saunas, pools etc. We have been on packages with Inghams in the summer (and Neilson in the winter). The Alpine Palace was originally a 3 star and they have now built a superb and luxurious 5 star hotel around the original 3 star (Wolf) wing. Get the 3 star rooms for the best prices - everyone gets the same great food and facilities. While the Alpine Palace is very "posh", the staff are all very pleasant and helpful and not at all stuffy.
In the summer Saalbach/Hinterglemm have 4 gondolas (2 in each village) running to what are basically the 4 corners of the area. The nearest gondola (Reiterkogel) is right next to the hotel. The Joker Card (included in the package with most hotels - but check) gives free, unlimited access to the gondolas, buses and local attractions (eg swimming pool, tennis, golf etc).
There are superb walks off all gondolas or at the end of the valley by bus. These are shown on the Saalbach website (click Summer option).
It is also a very good mountain bike area with trails of varying difficulties from the top of each gondola (lift up, cycle down).
The Alpine Palace provide 5 free guided walks each week, as does the local tourist office. The Wednesday guided walk from the hotel to the owners' hut on the mountain, with free drinks and food, is a must. There are also mountain bike trips from the hotel. There are plentiful places to hire in resort (from memory about 20 euros a day and electric bikes not much more).
As I said in the original post, we have had such a great time there in the last two years that we are not averse to going back again - but just interested to hear alternative suggestions - so keep 'em coming please!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
Wengen (Bernese Oberland Switzerland) loads of mountain walks in the area of varying difficulty, each well signposted with a guide to estimated waking time, in the summer you can get a walking pass for the area 6 days transport to take you on a number of systems, the railway from Interlaken Ost via Wengen or Grindelwald up as high as Eigergletsher (I think you may get a discount up to Jungfraujoch as well) the railway from Wilderswil to the Schynige Platte, the lake steamers on lake Thun and Brienz, the Trans from Interlaken Ost to West (and back) the cablecar from Wengen to Mannlichen and the gondolas from Grindelwald to Manlichen and First (and some bus routes) Oh and the trip to Murren from Lauterbrunnen. And I almost forgot it also takes you from Interlaken up the Harder Kulm
Allow a day on each lake (lake Thun has 3 nice castles to explore if you like them including Oberhofen which looks like it should be on a box of chocolates very pretty) Lake Brienz you can go up the Rothorn but I would instead suggest going to Ballenburg open air museum which has dozens of period buildings collected from all over Switzerland and rebuilt, depending on when you go there are often events or crafts being demonstrated.
The Schynige Platte has a high alpine flower garden and you can take a long high but not overly difficult walk from there towards Grindelwald or First
Wengen and Murren are both almost Car free with Murren being smaller both pretty but I prefer Wengen, being in Switzerland for the Aug 1st Swiss national day is always good.
Great walks from Mannlichen and Kleine Scheidegg down but best is from Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg (usually open in late summer due to snow slides earlier in year)
Walking Signposts are yellow indicating walks can be managed with ordinary comfortable shoes, some are indicated with a red and white tag, these are slightly harder and more suited to competent walkers with walking boots and maybe a stick.
Some great hotels in Wengen but only 3 have pools, Park, Sunstar and Victoria Lauberhorn
|
|
|
|
|
|
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
|
@Big Dave, As others have suggested then the Dolomites offer excellent walking and beautiful scenery. I am not an expert on spa, wellness, swimming pool facility but I have noticed some 5 star hotels that advertise these facilities. My suggested areas are Misurina (probably the most beautiful location in the world), Alleghe (for the Civetta), San Martino di Castrozza (for the Pala) and Arraba (for Marmolada and the Sella).
However to really get the most out og the Dolomites you should really take your hands out of your pockets and do some via ferrata and be prepared to spend a couple nights in a mountain hut. Some of which can be remarkable luxurious.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I think you can tell from the range of answers that there are lots and lots of places in the Alps that would meet your requirements. If you're happy to take a package deal then in September there are often good last minute deals to places like Niederau. My wife and I got a week in September there a few years ago for about £300 each half board. Can't beat it for value. If you'd like a decent size town with walking options then have a look at Merano in the Sud Tirol. Technically it's in Italy but for all intents and purposes it's Austrian - the locals even talk about "going to Italy for the day" from there. It's a resort town with a fantastic Spa, some posh shops and lovely restaurants.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
|
Had a good time on Obergurgl. Nice hotel, masses of walking of all degrees of difficulty, although more scree than green!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
@Big Dave, I think a holiday with Collett's http://www.colletts.co.uk/ would be pretty much what you are looking for. They include an organised walks itinerary (including easy low level walks) and their more upmarket accommodation options include spa facilities. They do holidays to both the Dolomites and Austria, as well as other mountain areas in Europe. I have been on three holidays with them (two summer and one winter) and all have been excellent, with very good accommodation and hosts.
Like others have already suggested, you should definitely consider the Dolomites as well as Austria as it will tick all your boxes for gondolas/lifts, nice scenery and alpine meadows, and fantastic (and good value) mountain restaurants.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
|
Brenta Dolomites are stunning. Some lovely walks around Andalo and Lake Molveno. I always prefer the Pyrenees for walking as they're a little less commercialised. The Ordessa Valley is simply stunning in September http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ordesa_Valley
|
|
|
|
|
|
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
| Quote: |
| Zell am See ... the better hotels in town have recently become extremely popular with conservative Moslems from the Gulf states, and burkhas are more common than t-shirts in some parts of Zell |
They go for the Apres. Same problem in Ischgl in the summer, all the tittie bars are full of the IS crew on the lash
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
|
St Wolfgang is another great alternative not suggested yet, we had a fantastic week there last year.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
@Big Dave, great idea. Any classic ski destination would due a good idea in summer- in other words a real village which developed into a ski resort.
We have visited a few in summer and had a great time in: Chamonix, Sass Fee and Cortina. We heard very positive reports from chalet hosts in Peisey who had worked with Collettes in the summer. A long while back I did the Tour du Mont Blanc and Courmeyeur and Champex would be fantastic bases.
I think it would be a very straightforward holiday to organise by yourselves in any Alpine country and at a reasonable price. I'm not completely sure you'd need guided walks if you had: some hill walking experience, a map, faith in the very comprehensive singe in most alpine countries. A marked difference in culture being the extensive use of signposts and way marking in the ALps compared to the absence of this in wild country in the UK.
You could also think about Spain / Andorra / Frech Pyrenees. Have a look at Cicerone Guide books for ideas.
Have a lovely time.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Pralognan wrote: |
| For the Vanoise National Park,Pralognan is the obvious centre.Beautiful scenery,alpine flowers and wildlife(ibex,chamois,marmottes,eagles). |
++++1 
and the Gypaete Barbu (Bearded Vulture / Lammergaier).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
We had a great time at Seefeld. Many different mapped walks organised by the Tourist Info people and if you got your card stamped every where you got a badge.... Very competitive as we "had" to get enough points for a Gold one !
Easy transfer from Innsbruck, so easy to get back to for a town visit or get the train, from town, to German border and Mittenwal which was very pretty town.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
We are off on our first summer mountain holiday in August, to the Dolomites with Colletts (as mentioned in post above). Looks very laid back. Walks are organised every day (different levels of difficulty so more than one walk available each day), they have an "office hour" each evening where you find out what's happening the next day and sign up it you want to join them (at no extra cost). They also have self-guided walks where you can pick up the maps and info. We're staying in a chalet-hotel but they also have hotel options (catered or B&B). Looking forward to it and hope the children like it as much as they enjoyed skiing!
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
|
@Big Dave, do you remember the name of any of the walking guides you had? Our ski instructor/self confessed local lothario in Hinterglemm earlier in the month was also a walking guide/farmer, his name was Hans and to say he was a character would be an understatement.
|
|
|
|
|
|
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
|
| hammerite wrote: |
| @Big Dave, do you remember the name of any of the walking guides you had? Our ski instructor/self confessed local lothario in Hinterglemm earlier in the month was also a walking guide/farmer, his name was Hans and to say he was a character would be an understatement. |
We had Gerhard and Hansi - both 30 somethings. Nice guys. Gerhard spoke much better English than Hansi (who had a husky that he brought on one walk). Gerhard works in a local ski shop in the winter and guides walks in the summer. This winter we were ski guided by staff from the Snow and Fun ski school. We had Bertie on the first week (an Austrian who now lives in Tasmania for most of the year) and another chap who only spoke German - can't remember his name - but he was a farmer up at the Lindlingalm. Can't say I detected a strong character in him though. We have also joined Tony (the Irish guy who runs the Harley Bar) on walks and skiing - he is a character!!.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
If I didn't have an apartment in the Beaufortain I'd go to the Dolomites with Colletts. Their set-up sounds terrific.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
We self-catered in Corvara through Colletts last year and had a fab time. The staff at "happy hour" were very nice, and had a good understanding of the local options. The VF guide had come out early to climb every one!
I would thoroughly recommend, that said this year we are going to Austria (to try some Klettersteig  and doing our own thing.
LR
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
|
Lech is good with great free lift and bus pass if staying in town. You can walk the green ring over 2-3 days and the front or backside routes from Warth plus slightly more challenging stuff like the Rufispitze . Forest swimming pool also nice
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
|
@Big Dave, ^^^ This, Lech/ Warth and St Anton take some beating and will tick all your boxes, Zurs not great village in summer though. We go every summer end August, thought about going elsewhere this summer and very soon realised after research we're happier going where we know, there's so much yet to do in this area, plus Bregenzerwald too which is in driving distance. Lechtaler Alpen and Warth plus Lech and St Anton are all very special in summer. Plenty of great hotels to stay at, we go 4* in summer in a suite/ and its typically 70€ pppn HB. Make sure you take/ hire a car, loads to see and do. One day go up Otz Valley to the Super-Spa there too. PM me sometime if you want any detail......
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
|
@Dave of the Marmottes, what is the green walking ring in Lech?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
|
| mooney058 wrote: |
| @Dave of the Marmottes, what is the green walking ring in Lech? |
Is it the Weisse Ring once the snow has melted? 
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
|
@Big Dave, I know Tony, spoke to him a few times when we frequented the Harley! The Hans we were with worked for Snow & Fun but he's in his 50s and spoke very good English, so you may not have met him. I'm sure you'd know if you had, although I'm guessing summer guests are probably a little more discerning than many of the winter guests so he may dim things down a bit!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
|
I am really enjoying following my post and all the suggestions that are coming through - thank you all so much. I think others who are following this thread are also finding it providing some useful ideas for them too.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
|
If in Lech and with preferance to nature vs vilage, would staying in Oberlech be nicer? Anyone with local knowledge?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@mooney058, Personal preference really, but I'm sure it'd be fine. I personally quite like taking the mountainbike out for a ride and then sitting in a square with a beer and lazing about late afternoon early evening. Oberlech great through the day but super quiet evenings I'd have thought?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Alastair Pink wrote: |
| mooney058 wrote: |
| @Dave of the Marmottes, what is the green walking ring in Lech? |
Is it the Weisse Ring once the snow has melted? |
Yup
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
|
Thanks everyone for their very helpful responses. Having sung the praises of Saalbach/Hinterglemm to friends, they have said that they would like to go there with us - so back to SH it is then. We really like it there so it is no hardship. We will pick up the suggestions for a future holiday.
Thanks again
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
