Kitzbuhel or Zell am See

A snowHead

edited

A snowHead

killian, I'd say Kitzbuhel as there's more going on for non-skiers but a hotel down in the centre might be better... Weisses Rossl if she likes a gooooood hotel. Why don't you just take her to the sun somewhere? 5 star Bahamas is still cheaper than divorce.

Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?

Well, although Kitzbuhel is a beautiful resort, with plenty to do, but with it being a low altitude ski area the snow record is irratic to say the least. The lift system is fairly old, and ques are likely...Also there is little to challenge you on the mountain, but plenty of off piste.
So perfect for a non skiier, but not so for a competent skiier. And you wouldn't really want to chance booking in advance, in case you get a terrible year for snow, of which Austria has seen a couple. The apres is good though if not a little rowdy in peak season in places due to the low prices here, and plenty to do in non ski related activities.

Zell, again has a very nice resort, and is lake side...So when frozen ice skating and such is open on there. There is also the option of the glacier at Kaprun near by when conditions are not great, but if conditions are not great is Zell, then they probably won't be great elsewhere either, and it can get crowded. Again the slopes are a little limited for a good skiier, and lower slopes can be affected by the sunny conditions so that decreaces the scope. It is a fair old trek to the mountain from most hotels, and the bus service can get crowded.
With it being a largely summer resort, there are plenty of non ski related activities. Trips out, to Salzburg and you can also visit Kitzbuhel. Sleigh rides, and the usual sporting activities.

Ive been to Zell and would recomend. I know a decent amount about both, because we were looking into going here ourselves. But have opted for somewhere more snow sure!

If it is your anniversary though, is your missus gonna want to spend the day times alone, with you off skiing and her left to her own devises? I know I wouldn't want to spend what is supposed to be a romantic time, alone! I guess maybe you could get away with it if you booked into one of the pampering spa type hotels, so she could while away the days getting massages, mud wraps and doing lots of shopping and sight seeing, while you could head off up the mountain to get your fix.
Is there any chance of converting here to skiing or boarding? Maybe a lesson or two at the snow dome would help?

For the price of a week in Austria, you could get an all inclusive deal to Egypt(red sea area) in the sun, with plenty to do, and plenty to see, and you would spend plenty of quality time together. But I can understand how hard it would be missing out on your snow holiday!
Could you not do two holidays? A week early season with friends, and a week somewhere hot with the missus, or a long weekend in somewhere romantic in Europe?

Decisions decisions! Good luck with it! Laughing

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Woah

Recommending that he should go somewhere hot and sunny? Puzzled

Personally, i would recommend Kitz as the skiing is better for more advanced people. Fair enough, the town is low but the skiing goes fairly high and snow mid march should not be a problem.

Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

In terms of snow realiability there isn't much between Kitz and Zell but IMHO Zell has the edge. Zell does have another advantage that it's near the Kaprun glacier so if snow is really bad you can at least ski there. Kitz is however is a very quaint alpine village with shops etc.

Sorry for the horse analogy but "You can drag a horse to water but you can't make it drink."
Think of something you don't like doing then imagine your other half has booked a trip for you to do exactly that - how pleased would you be? If she likes swimming and massages etc that you might get away with skiing at a resort with thermal baths. (e.g. Bad Gastein)
Can't you get one of her friends to try and find out what her reaction to a ski holiday / thermal baths or week in the sun would be and report back?

Note: Females stop reading here.

This has the added advantage that if you do cancel the skiing and book the sun then she will probably find out and it should at least get you some brownie points, you never know maybe she will book a skiing trip for you both later.

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Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...

PhillipStanton, I think you misunderstood my post Razz

After all it is free

Markus - errrr - Puzzled

Zel Zel Zel

Lovely place

Havnt been to Kitz though Puzzled

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Can't comment on either resort as I've only been to one, and that was more than 20 years ago. But I am curious about whether you think your wife will be happy to see you disappear off to the slopes each day on your anniversary holiday? Although my partner is very understanding about my skiing addiction I don't think that if she were a non-skier she would be happy for me to go out by myself every day if it were a special holiday. Equally, being in a ski resort and not skiing would kill me. Maybe the Bahamas isn't such a bad option after all?

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Find out the best looking, most charming, and well recommended instructor instructor in Austria. A 2hr lesson each morning. This should get her appreciating some of the joys of skiing.

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You could make it a split destination holiday, maybe? A few days in a lovely city ( Salzburg? Vienna? I don't know Austria that well). The actual anniversary should be on one of these days, lovely meal etc etc. Then go to a resort for a few days.

But my personal view, from what you've said, is that this trip isn't a great idea at all. When one half loves the snow, and one doesn't, there's always going to have to be some compromise, but a surprise anniversary beano isn't the trip for it, i think.

Why not take her away for a lovely long weekend, somewhere you'd both really like to go, and save the skiing for another time? Smile

Good luck!

Both Zell and Kitz are similar sized towns, so in terms of non-skiing facilities they offer about the same level. There is a large swimming complex in Kitz and non-skiers can take the main gondola up the Hahnenhamm to the restaurant (small charge) and meet for lunch etc. It's been a while since I've been to Zell so I can't remember the main lift layout there.

I don't want to cause further confusion but I would seriously consider DB's recommendation of Bad Gastein. There are some classy, reasonably priced hotels (Salzburgerhof), with a high standard of dining (e.g. you get dressed up!) so you can make the most of your evenings. For non-skiers you could spend hours in the spa complex. For a change of scenery, there is also a spa complex in the neighbouring town - Bad Hofgastein which is only 5 mins drive away.

For skiers - it has some great intermediate skiing including the higher Sport Gastein if snow gets a bit thin, but altitude wise it's similar to Kitz and Zell so it shouldn't be a problem. I would also consider combining a ski trip with a couple of days in Salzburg. There is a train from Salz to Bad Gastein (1 change).

If you really want Zell or Kitz. I'd probably go for Kitz. Plus it's only an hour or so away from Innsbruck and Salzburg for day trips.

You know it makes sense.

Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:

Kitzbuhel. It has a lovely mediaeval centre (even a town gate) and you could take a day out from skiing and do a day trip to Salzburg.

Zell snow (I just looked at the SCGB historical snow record) looks marginally better (mostly as regards resort level snow) but there isn't much in it, especially now with artificial snow on lower slopes at both places. At the bottom both have a quite rapid loss of natural snow from week to week from the start to end of March, but a fairly steady supply up top.

A snowHead

As someone whose other half has a similar view of skiing due to fear of heights (she did go skiing with me 3 times), booking a ski trip for a special anniversary would be viewed as a purely selfish act. I would concur with the book nice summer holiday and book your own week somewhere approach at a different time.

A snowHead

Lots of good skiing.

Lost of non-skiing things to do.

Romantic setting.

A range of nightlife that is not limited to Ibiza in the snow.

Is it just me, or is Innsbruck the obvious choice?

Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?

There is that big, expensive hotel on the lake at Zell. But that's your only chance, I reckon. Otherise you might find youself sleeping in a kennel when you get back from your trip. wink

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Killian, i think you are Homer. Be wary of Jacques.

Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

killian, I haven't been to Zell am See, but I've been to Kitzbuhel a few times and it's one of my favourite spots. It probably has as much for someone not skiing all day everyday as most places (that is, not a lot). Good swimming pool, a few shops, ice skating on the Schwarzsee (possibly in the Schwarzsee if its a mild March), good winter walking/snowshoeing. It's a very pretty town centre, good grub and plenty of enjoyable skiing for the less than enthusiast (and the enthusiast).

I've stayed in the Schloss Lebenberg in the summer, and although it was very pleasant, I wouldn't recommend it for a ski hol. It's a 15/20 minute walk from the town centre (without skis!) and another 5/10mins to the main lift. I'm sure they offer a shuttle, and there are always cabs, but bear that in mind. It has some kind of spa thingy IIRC. If you want to push the boat out, look at the Weisses Rossli (excellent restaurant) or possibly the Goldener Greif.

Can we have a bit less of the consideration for the non skiing half of the act, BTW? It's only the 5th anniversary; she doesn't get any consideration until the 25th, minimum.

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killian, I wasn't clear whether the idea was for you both to ski together in the hope that she will grow to love skiing (in which case all the references to the need for advanced skiing, off-piste etc can be ignored), or for her to have private lessons on her own, or for her to potter round the shops on her own, or to try to pick up a day-time lover for the week. That would make a difference to the choice of place. You might think about a two-centre holiday to Venice and the Dolomites - an interesting article on that in yesterday's Independent. I've done that, and it's a very easy drive up from Venice, with superlative mountain scenery - the best I've ever seen, I think. Cortina is cosmopolitan, super eating, more mink coats than you can shake a ski stick at, lovely apres-ski coffee and cake shops etc. Because of the group I was with it wasn't really a ski holiday, but I had three hours cruising round completely empty pistes at Cortina, whilst the other three, and all the Italians on the mountain, lunched. I am a keen skiier but would suggest you need to approach this softly softly. A romantic holiday in Italy, with maybe a day or so together on some gentle slopes, with an excellent lunch, might be a wiser goal. If she enjoys it, you can build on that next holiday. The chances are that one reason she doesn't much like skiing is having holidayed with inconsiderate enthusiasts who have put their own needs first and dragged her beyond her ability.

If despite everything you are determined to go on a ski holiday whether she likes it or not, at least have the decency not to call it a wedding anniversary surprise!

Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...

After all it is free

What about "The Grand" in Zell??

Killian -

Everyone seems to have covered Kitz fairly well but I wanted to add that I thought the ski bus system was excellent. We took a bus to the last valley from Kitz (sorry, I can't remember the name of the town), and skied all day back to Kitz. Sort of an intermediate "self-guided ski safari" with plenty of stops at mountain huts for refreshments... Obviously, the snow conditions would affect your ability to do that.

As for your wife, try out the tiny casino in Kitzbuhel. It's very elegant - I felt like I was in a James Bond film - and it was fun playing black jack somewhere that didn't feel like a down-town Vegas hotel. Check the dress code (no jeans) and maybe start out with a nice dinner somewhere first? I also liked the public swimming pool/spa/sauna. Very nice and not too expensive. I thought the prices were good in Kitz (much cheaper for us Americans than Switzerland or France), the people were really friendly and the medieval town was extremely quaint. A large group of us also went sledding at night somewhere just outside of town which was really fun. I think non-skiers would find a lot to do in Kitz.

Sorry I can't compare it to Zell as I've never been there. Have fun!

Helen

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I was looking for a bit of support - ye know Shocked

I thought fellow addicts would empathise with me a little more!

Nonetheless thanks to the information provided I will probably plump for Kitz, although on given DB's excellent advice (on the relationship management side) I think it wise to have a look at Bad Gastien, which unfortunately sounds more like the name for a smelly bin than a romantic ski resort. I will also have a quick look at the venice/dolomoties option which sounds great.

I should also point out a few backgrounders here;

I HATE SUN HOLIDAYS. I would rather go to Cleethorpes than Barbados. Beaches are boring and its too hot.

My wife dislike of snow is the wet, slushy, cold northern europe flatlands one. I have no idea if she likes the snow and cold used for skiing, tobagging, skating etc - it will be a new experience. Little Angel

The plan is ski school for her, gives me time to red and black it and then hook up after her school for lunch, easy blues etc.

Eh.. thats all.

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killian, do you mean your wife has never skied? In that case, describing her as a not keen skier was a bit misleading. When you said she had never been skiing with you, I think most of us interpreted that as meaning she had been skiing with someone else.... If she has never skied she might well get hooked on her first trip - but only if you plan it right and devote your week almost entirely to making it max fun for her. The quality of tuition and ease of access to slopes might be a key factor (only keen skiers put up with hiking to lifts, or long bus trips).

We are being supportive - of your potential joint skiing life together after this trip! wink

You might find that introducing your SO to the joys of winter snow holidays brings its own rewards, even if your mileage during the week is less than you would normally aim for. Depending on how energetic and sporty she is, she might have had enough after her lesson and it is fatally easy to try to push people just that bit further, or faster, than they feel comfortable with.

One suggestion, if you have never been on a snowboard. Why don't you take beginner snowboard lessons, whilst she has her ski lessons, then play together in the afternoons - she will enjoy it more if you are not effortlessly much better than she is.

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Forget Kitzbuhel and Zell am See....take her to the Trofana Royal in Ischgl....quite simply the finest hotel I've ever stayed in anywhere near a mountain.....I suspect with all the pampering, massages, 'wellness' treatments etc, tied in with the multi award winning restaurant offering cuisine prepared by Austria's equivalent of Gordon Ramsey, she may even forgive you the indulgence of a few hours on the slopes....but be warned, cheap it ain't.....

this the one Guvnor?
I've stayed here in Sauze d'Oulx and enjoyed the spa facilities, quite a walk to the slopes though but there is a skibus stop right outside the hotel.

You know it makes sense.

FenlandSkier, That's the very same....in a word, unbelievable....Mrs Guvnor took me there for the a wedding present.....and we're going back once we win the lottery

Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:

Our hotel in Sauze basically saved the trip, freezing cold and no snow meant for some very unhappy bunnies but coming back to it at the end of the day was a real trip saver, if we'd been in a pokey B&B I think it would have been the last ski trip for several of the group.

A snowHead

FenlandSkier, No such problems with our trip, which after our first honeymoon in Marrakech being a disaster of epic proportions, was just about enough to save or fledgling marraige !!!

Glad to hear it all worked out for you - imagine how empty your life would now be without snowHead

A snowHead

1 PSB & 2 EOSBs later I think you may well be on to something there Laughing

Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?

I seeeee she has never actually tried skiing. That changes it a little, or well alot.
So you need a resort with plenty to do for if she hates it. Both Zell and Kitz have that. but you also want somewhere ideally that will have decent snow on the lower slopes...Those two don't guarantee that. But they do have pretty good snowmaking. Have you looked at the higher altitude resorts in Austria? And why have you chosen Austria? Would you be willing to look at other countries? Because good snow compared to terrible snow can make or break a first timers holiday. And the lower altitude resorts in Austria have been known to suffer a bit in that respect. But, they can also have an excellent season. My advice there would be to leave booking until closer to the time, to make sure you have some decent snow. But then you may have to compromise on the hotel, because the particuarly special ones do tend to get booked up in advance.

Also make sure to look into the quality of the ski school! This is a big factor when looking into which resort. Good tuition can make all the difference, and make progression that much easier and smoother. My first ever trip was in Zell, and I remember the tuition to be good...But hell that was ages ago, and it was a trip with school...So I'm no use to you there im afraid.
Maybe like Pam suggested, you could both do a beginner class, then you would be at similar standards...Maybe you could even both get in a beginner snowboard school and learn it together? That way you would be spending maximum time together.

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If I were you, I wouldn't consider a ski trip as a surprise. Go south and warm. Take her to ski another time.

Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

I think there is every chance that she will fall for the charms of Kitzbuhel. The beginners begin (unsurprising, that) in a nice sunny bowl on the Horn. This means you can cycle (or rotate) (you know what I mean) round the nice reds down the middle, dropping in on the class from time to time and even sharing a gluhwein. You can progress to the Hahnenkamm later on. I think you might get away with it! If not then there are trips off to Innsbruck, Salzburg and even Venice. English snow is no relation to continental snow!

snowHead

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I wouldn't plan any surprise holidays ever. Imagine someone booking you a surprise cycling holiday, or canoeing, or shopping! Awful! And if someone wanted me to be happy on holiday, i'd have to have a small say in the planning.

A friend was surprised by his wife booking that long deserved holiday on a mediterean cruise, he hated every single minute of it and couldn't wait to get back to work.

Try finding out what your wife would like to do, it's cheaper than a divorce! Alternatively if your wife dosen't want to ski, you could try a divorce. Thats what I did.

Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...

Sounds like sensible advice. Though you don't have to divorce if your wife agrees to you going off to ski, as mine does. Not more than 3 weeks total per year though. (This year, however, she's not so happy because in addition, just before and after, I'll be a total of 4 1/2 weeks away setting up an exhibition - making a total of 8 weeks).

After all it is free

Some of you sound really boring old f@rts! If someone surprised me with a paid for holiday doing something I'd never done before, I'd think it was great! If I gave it my best shot and still didn't like it I'd know not to choose that kind of holiday next time. And I might love it! How would I know, if I never had a go Cool

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Only killian knows if his wife is like maggi, or not. Best leave it to him (I withdraw my comment). However I agree about shopping - that would be awful (the others sound like they could be fun)..

Help!!

Kitzbuhel or Zell am See

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