 Poster: A snowHead
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Howdy first time poster and planning my first trip to Europe (in general and for snowboarding). At this point it will be solo without my usual buddies.
My main question comes down to the weeks (possibly longer) I have to choose from on my end. The lovely data I have found so far (linked below) is beneficial but I'm limited in my understanding, being from the US.
Feb 16 - Feb 23
Feb 23 - Mar 2
Mar 2 - Mar 9
https://snowheads.com/ski-forum/viewtopic.php?t=167136 (including foot traffic graph halfway down)
Noting the link, I know weather would be better in February, however do I run a more significant risk of holiday crowds during any of those particular weeks? I understand this is difficult to answer and I'm likely have crowds either way, but any assistance in helping me plan this amazing trip is greatly appreciated!
For anyone interested or willing to provide any other feedback, my tentative plan includes a day each at Axamer Lizum, Schlick 2000, Kuhtai, Stubai, and a day exploring as much of SkiWelt as possible. The four Innsbruck locations seem to fit what I am looking for (all mountain riding and ripping, most vert / big runs), but no idea on where to focus on in SkiWelt. Will be staying in an airbnb ideally downtown Innsbruck, and will have the winter pass for (I assume) covering the majority of my transit along with the Innsbruck lift passes (Indy for SkiWelt). About to lock all of this in officially any day now, just nervous on what chunk of days to pick.
Thank you!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Welcome to Snowheads!
From my perspective, these options are not ideal as the first week is UK and Dutch holidays; the second is the main Dutch holiday week and the third is Faschings - and Bavarian holidays. All will be very popular but at least they are not on the same week due to the lateness of Shrove Tuesday...... Probably any other week before or after these 3 would be significantly quieter (excl. Christmas fortnight)!
I have very limited knowledge of Western Austria but I would probably avoid Ski Welt and head to St Anton on the train from Innsbruck. Ski Welt is fiddly to get to, popular with all of the groups on holiday at this time and also likely to have the worst snow as it is low and close to the flat bits of Southern Germany. Additionally, there isn't a lot of vertical to be had.
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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?
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@je5000, I would not worry too much about school holidays, it is high season from beginning of February to the middle of March. There will be someone's school holidays pretty much every week. I would concur with giving SkiWelt a miss (especially if you want to avoid crowds of Dutch see other thread!). Arlberg / St Anton a much better option - very easy to get to from Innsbruck, likely to be much better snow, much better boarding & skiing, more expensive though. If St Anton doesnt appeal then perhaps Ischgl or the Zillertal or a bit further afield is Saalbach. It also depends on your ability level, SkiWelt is a good place for those who want unchallenging skiing, off piste is limited (though if you are very lucky with fresh snow can be very good tree skiing) but given how far you are travelling likely to be better spots
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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The last couple of years, I seem to remember February being quite poor weather-wise. March has a tendency to be wetter, and therefore snowier, so I would tend towards later in the season. You can check out the relevant area threads at that time of year (Innsbruck, St. Anton, Ischgl etc.) for historical (anecdotal) data.
The Innsbruck resorts don't suffer too badly from school holidays anyway, as people tend to head to the larger areas for longer breaks.
All bars in Innsbruck are English speaking.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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| Henwc wrote: |
We found Tribaun bar was a friendly English speaking place for a drink and food in Innsbruck, I probably would have been happy going in there on my own and sitting at the bar. |
A few places we like are:
Pizzas - Due Sicilie
Burgers - Zum Wohl, Glorious B@stards (can't type out the proper spelling as the swear filter changes it to Fitzwilliams)
Drinks with a view - 360° Cafe
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What sort of skiing are you looking for? Intermediate? steep? on-piste? off piste?
In my experience the last few years, skiing the second weeks of December, January, February, March, there has tended to be a bit of a lack of new snow in February. But perhaps I was unlucky.
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