I'm looking forward to another great Austrian ski vacation this February. Over the past years, I have spent time in both St. Anton and Bad Gastein. I thought both areas had good off-piste skiing...
but, I am looking to explore other areas though and would love to hear your suggestions.
Skiing: I'm looking for really good off-piste
powder
steep
small crowds
Town: I'm looking for a quaint Austrian village
small
quite - at least able to escape the party if wanted
Austrian - German language only is not a problem
inexpensive
I would love to be able to take the train from Munich but could rent a car if necessary
I've started looking at Mayerhofen, Krippenstein (dachstein), Solden and Obergurgl but am very open to any of your suggestions.
thanks,
matt
Last edited by Poster: A snowHead on Tue 11-11-08 13:30; edited 1 time in total
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Matt,
I should look at Ischgl. We were there last year in April and had great snow and you can ski virtually anythingyou can see (much of it around 1000m vertical) but most people stick to the piste. But stay in Kappl about 9 clicks away connected by regular free bus. There are lots of gasthauses and a few inns which have very reasonable accommodation. Kappl itself is supposed to have a good ski area but it had closed when we got there. You wouldn't be disappointed.
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?
The best Austrian off-piste I've experienced is St Anton with a guide.
http://www.pistetopowder.com/
If you have only skied inbetween or near to the pistes in St Anton then there's a massive backcountry area which you haven't experienced yet. I would only advise skiing St Anton 'backcountry' with someone who knows the area as it isn't patrolled and only certain areas are avy controlled.
Sölden and Obergurgl are smaller areas that can suffer from winds. Skied one week St Anton followed by one week Sölden once and St Anton was far better. From what I hear Ischgl & Mayerhofen offpiste is similar but no better than Sölden. It might be best to sort out flights, rent a car and sort out accomodation nearer the time according to the snow conditions.
Last edited by Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see? on Tue 11-11-08 10:24; edited 1 time in total
Before I read your first line, I was about to say St Anton, but you've already been there so never mind!
Would agree with skivor that Ischgl would be ideal for you, or also consider Obertauern. Obergurgl I think is more limited from memory but I may be wrong and am happy to be told so!
Mayrhofen is really not very Austrian at all in terms of the people who go there, but perhaps elsewhere in the valley might be.
Have you looked at the Montafon valley - small villages quite off the beaten track, might be good for you, although I don't know what the off-piste is like.
HTH (it probably doesn't!)
D
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
asland, Try the Arlberg! On the one side St.Anton on the other side Lech/Zürs. The two areas are on one lift ticket, but are not connected. Both areas have fantastic lift served off piste with everything you are looking for. If you want quiet / small then stay in St.Christoph ( expensive ) or Stuben am Arlberg, which has direct access to the best off-piste area in the Arlberg.
Hope that helps!
Edit: Missed the bit about you having been there! Yes Ischgl would suit fine.
Last edited by Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do. on Tue 11-11-08 10:26; edited 1 time in total
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
I've been 4 times to St Anton, skiing almost exclusively off piste, and I'm still being taken to lots of new off piste I didn't know existed. I don't think there is anywhere else in Austria quite as good.
I'm assuming you ski with guides (you'd probably not find most of the off piste otherwise - much of it ending up far from the village and needing a taxi or train to return). I'm sure you will have skied over the back to the Zurs and Lech areas (after all, that linking run is one of the most celebrated, though not really as tough as its reputation suggests.
After all it is free
After all it is free
asland, Would agree with the others on this one re the Arlberg - it has one of the best, if not the best snow records in the alps. If you want to miss the crowds of St Anton, try basing yourself in Stuben as Steilhang, has suggested. Stuben is deadly quiet and has some great off piste (if you check out some of the websites for the area, they do a lot of their guiding around Stuben) http://www.stuben.com/index.php?id=3&L=1 It's also only a few mimutes away from Langen am Arlberg station and is much cheaper to stay in than its neighbours.
Another alternative to try (although not done so myself) is Warth/Schroecken. It's just along from Lech but road is cut off in winter and as yet not linked up with Lech in terms of skiing. Schroecken gets around 12m of snow each year, earning it the reputation of best snow record in the Alps. It's not on any UK tour ops radar, so I'm guessing that it's predominately Germanic types that go there, which does not seem to faze you (nor me). http://www.warth-schroecken.at/ They also have freeride comps there, so I'm thinking that the off piste is pretty damn good. Think it might be OK to get to from Munich but not from Innsbruck - not sure though.
Good luck
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asland, If you are lokoing for a "quaint Austrian Village" then forget Mayrhofen. In fact none of the Zilertall towns/villages really fit that bill, although Zell am Ziller and Fugen are better than Mayrhofen.
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Ski the Net with snowHeads
boabski,
Quote:
Think it might be OK to get to from Munich but not from Innsbruck - not sure though
It's a bit of a treck from Munich as well. You either drive to Bregenz and back in the direction of Innsbruck, then through Bregenzerwald, or from Munich to Reutte and then along the Lechtal-Bundesstrasse to Warth. I'm not sure whther the Lechtal road is always open in winter.
Shame the Lechers are so adamant about not clearing the road to Warth in winter! Would be quite handy!
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
Steilhang, The synic in me thinks that the lechers are trying to keep all the snow for themselves (which in a way isn't a bad thing). Any news of that getting linked up. I was told by an instructor last year that this would be getting linked up, as would Zurs to St Anton (probably Stuben I would imagine) and Kappl to Rendl. Seems mighty ambitious but WOW it would be amazing
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.
boabski, yes, they've been talking about linking the two areas for a long time now though. Nothing has happened so far. I asked one of the hoteliers in Oberlech about it last December and he didn't seem to think much was happening in that direction. Reading through various Austrian forums on the subject, they don't think much is happening either. The director of the lift company in Wart made a statement back in 2004 to the effect that 'if a connection does get built then it will only have capacity to carry 1000 guests/day and those that use it will have to pay extra, i.e the lift prices in Warth are not going to be raised just because they have a connection with Lech!
The thing with Kappl is decided. It should be done by 2010 I think. If they do link St.A with Zürs that would really make for an amazing ski area! I thought the plan was to take a lift over the Valuga down to Zürs. There is, after all, already one going from St.A to the top of the Valuga.
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
Steilhang, Does the Kappl connection include a new gondola at Rendl as it would make sense. I always feel a bit like Roger Moore in some 70's Bond film going on that gondola. If and when this link plus the proposed one to link Zurs, it will be effing amazing. I'm guessing that potentially you could ski St Anton and Ischgl in same ski pass - would involve bussing from Kappl to Ischgl I'm sure, but great nonetheless
You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
The Rendl gondola is supposed to be renewed in 2009. Looks like the Kappl connection is in fact scheduled for 2011 now. We'll see!
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
boabski wrote:
Steilhang, Does the Kappl connection include a new gondola at Rendl as it would make sense. I always feel a bit like Roger Moore in some 70's Bond film going on that gondola.
I hope they keep the current gondola - it's a fantastic throwback as you say to classic 70's james bond films. I'll always remember flirting hard with a cutie scandie in that gondola on the way upto rendl..
We are based in Innsbruck and I would say that in terms of snow then the Arlberg has it, they get the most of any region here. St Anton am Arlberg offers the best although Lech – Zurs also has the option is some impressive heli skiing. As some have mentioned, Ischgl often has sensational off-piste but I would say it has less snow than the Arlberg (based on my 8 years living and skiing here). Obergurgl and Solden have been recommended – they are high but I would say less good than the Arlberg. My favourite? It has to be my home ski area – Axamer Lizum above Innsbruck. Skiing Austria offer a specialised service to all these resorts: http://www.skiingaustria.co.uk/
hope this helps
matt
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?
Thanks for all the information.
A lot of you have mentioned that the st anton - arlberg area has the best off-piste. I went there a few years ago and it was fantastic. Great snow, steep shots, very nice people who showed me around. Great skiing. It was a bit pricey to get an apartment or pension though. Do any of you have any specific apartments or pensions that were you have stayed at and liked that were inexpensive. Please share?
The Montafon valley sounds intriguing. Has anyone experienced the off-piste there? How is it?
It looks like a fairly extensive network of skiing areas. If I went for the off-piste it seems like Silvretta Nova or Hochjoch might be my best bets for good off-piste. Correct?
I have heard that Mayrhofen would not be the best Austrian experience but how is the off-piste skiing?
I have skied the entire Montafon region. Hochjoch has far less than SN and in my humble opinion there are better destinations out there for off-piste. It can be pricey, not for lift passes but the other stuff like mountain restaurants etc. I maybe a bit conditioned by living in Innsbruck but it was noticeably more than I am used to. I like Montafon a lot and often recommend it to our clients but it is a very specific region, quite Swiss, quite exclusive and English is not widely spoken in some areas. I would give Obertauern a miss if you are after off-piste and good value, Obertauern is one of the more expensive resorts to the south of Salzburg. Mayrhofen is very international in terms of guests but has great off-piste and is still very Austrian (Tirolean), for something outside of the Arlberg then I would have no hesitation in recommending Mayrhofen.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
The Kripenstein.... powder junky area - long verticals and lots of options
Stay in Obertraun (NOT OBERTAUERN - different place).
Some good English owned appartment hotels and guest houses throughout the area.
Very cheap as it is a small village and there is only the cable car lift to get you up.
asland, I stayd at a B&B called Talhof Nigg a couple of years ago and paid around €55 per night. You'll find it on this link http://www.arlberg.com/talhofnigg/index.php?L=1 It is right at the start of the pedestrian zone, so dead central. This guys website is pretty good for finding cheaper accomodation but all central http://www.st-antonamarlberg.co.uk/ Another option which I mentioned above is to base yourself in Stuben, for some great doorstep powder and is quieter and cheaper than St Anton.
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
I've been hearing some good things about Heiligenblut (Großglockner).
Has anyone been there that could tell me a little about the:
off-piste options?
town?
can you link up with some of the other ski areas near mallnitz (ankogel and Mölltaler Gletscher?) by bus or train?
thanks,
matt
After all it is free
After all it is free
Ordhan wrote:
St Anton
Lech
Zurs
Iscghl
in that order
Stuben
Zurs
Rendl (St Anton)
Lech
Ischgl
In that order
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Steilhang wrote:
Shame the Lechers are so adamant about not clearing the road to Warth in winter! Would be quite handy!
They could easily clear & open the road. Its closed on purpose to prevent half of Germany commuting through Lech !!
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boabski wrote:
Steilhang, The synic in me thinks that the lechers are trying to keep all the snow for themselves (which in a way isn't a bad thing). Any news of that getting linked up. I was told by an instructor last year that this would be getting linked up, as would Zurs to St Anton (probably Stuben I would imagine) and Kappl to Rendl. Seems mighty ambitious but WOW it would be amazing
Kappl Rendl is definitely happening. The new Rendlbahn will be built summer 2009. The lifts to Kappl probably 2010.
St Anton Zurs link has been talked about for years. The plans for a tunnel through the Valluga have been around for years. As far as my sources say, it will stay that way. No more new lifts can be built in the Tirol. Only lifts can be built are upgrades,replacements & lift that plans have been submitted and approved .
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
Quote:
No more new lifts can be built in the Tirol
Zürs & the top station on the Valuga are in Vorarlberg, not Tirol!
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.
stanton wrote:
Steilhang wrote:
Shame the Lechers are so adamant about not clearing the road to Warth in winter! Would be quite handy!
They could easily clear & open the road. Its closed on purpose to prevent half of Germany commuting through Lech !!
It seems unlikely that the Germans would choose to drive through the Bregenzer Wald to get to Lech or the rest of Arlberg, when they have the Arlberger Schnellstrasse to drive along Maybe I'm mistaken, but that wouldn't make an lot of sense to me!
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
Steilhang wrote:
Quote:
No more new lifts can be built in the Tirol
Zürs & the top station on the Valuga are in Vorarlberg, not Tirol!
Yes indeed however Im pretty sure the new environment law applies to Austria.
Steilhang wrote:
Maybe I'm mistaken, but that wouldn't make an lot of sense to me!
Coming the other way from Kempten,Reute.
You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
stanton wrote:
Steilhang wrote:
Quote:
No more new lifts can be built in the Tirol
Zürs & the top station on the Valuga are in Vorarlberg, not Tirol!
Yes indeed however Im pretty sure the new environment law applies to Austria.
Steilhang wrote:
Maybe I'm mistaken, but that wouldn't make an lot of sense to me!
Coming the other way from Kempten,Reute.
Most people coming from Stuttgart go via Bregenz, in which case you go on the Arlberg Schnellstrasse. Others coming from Munich go over Fernpass via Imst. I don't think there are many that would come over from Kempten, frankly. The argument doesn't hold up in my view.
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Steilhang wrote:
I don't think there are many that would come over from Kempten, frankly. The argument doesn't hold up in my view.
A few years ago I lived in Kempten for some considerable time Travel time to Lech, St Anton is considerably less & cheaper (in summer) than going via Bregenz or Fernpaß.
Much as I hate to admit it being a local of Axamer Lizum but Nordpark (Seegrube) Innsbruck takes some beating on a powder day. It is extreme-steep and is revered in this area.
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
I just wanted to give some more information about the road block between Lech and Warth. javascript:emoticon('') I have heard political opinions about that topic and some insider news - Warth skiing area is northfacing this means that the snow for off piste skiing is always much better than on the southfacing Lech area. The price level of hotel and accommodation is apparently cheaper in Warth, that is why Lech tries to block the road off ass long as possible to not loose people. Warth is still a secret tip - we have been there a couple times and it has never been overcrowded and the snow was amazing. Anyhow they do plan a connecting lift that brings the whole skiing area together - next year after my infos of a local ski guide. I looooove off piste skiing - cheers and rock on!
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?
I went on a similar quest last season - i.e. look for somewhere in Austria with great skiing that was not St Anton... I didn't get to Krippenstein/Obertraun, but I think that would be my next place to look at, it sounds good. We had a great time exploring the resorts around Salzburg (aka Ski Amadé) - some of the smaller hills such as Fageralm were totally untouched and had great skiing. OK, the vertical can't compete with St Anton but the peace and quiet was a welcome change. Of the Ski Amadé I think Zauchensee would probably be the best bet for off piste, but ideally you would have a car and visit a few places on a trip.
I have heard from a guide that Obergurgl has good off piste, but I've not been there myself. That said, the guide in question moved to St Anton after a couple of seasons in Obergurgl...
Zauchansee indeed does have some very good accessible off piste. Other hills are probably as good just not as obvious. I'm another one hoping to get to Krippenstein, Tauplitz also sounds interesting as well as Donnersbachwald, all a little further east past Schladming way. So many places, so little time. Ski amade doesn't have much of an off piste reputation but there some excellent options around. St Anton is superb for off piste but nice to try elsewhere.
Zauchansee indeed does have some very good accessible off piste. Other hills are probably as good just not as obvious. I'm another one hoping to get to Krippenstein, Tauplitz also sounds interesting as well as Donnersbachwald, all a little further east past Schladming way. So many places, so little time. Ski amade doesn't have much of an off piste reputation but there some excellent options around. St Anton is superb for off piste but nice to try elsewhere.
I didn't ski the Dachstein ski area itself but looking at the map (a real map not a piste map) it does look like a great place for quite serious off piste, possibly linking up with Krippenstein (maybe? perhaps with a bit of skinning?). The piste map seems to show it's a bit more limited, but that is clearly not the whole story. If you are saying it has similar vertical to St Anton (1000m+ is comparable, if not more than many runs in St Anton) then I am happy to be corrected
sah, There is a ski route (national tour route number 1) that crosses from Dachstein to Krippenstein. It's marked and even pisted in places, is 25kms long, brings you out on to a piste in krippenstein. I did it a few years ago, great to do on a fine weather spring day, skiing is quite tame, some uphill sections put can walk or pole it, don't need skins. So I've skied one piste at the Krip but not really experienced it.St Anton offers far more accessible above tree line off piste than around here but Dachstein does have a few fine options.The tree line off piste is fantastic around here, just requires deep fresh snow.
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
ineedsnow wrote:
Much as I hate to admit it being a local of Axamer Lizum but Nordpark (Seegrube) Innsbruck takes some beating on a powder day. It is extreme-steep and is revered in this area.
Nordkette is absolutely incredible on a good day. With skins there is also a HUGE amount of awesomeness off the backside. Bring your big balls though, it is steep. My gf lives a two minute walk down the road form the lifts, so I've been lucky enough to do most of my skiing there the last few years.
Looking forward to going back to Axmamer Lizum now it's on the Innsbruck Freizeit Ticket too!
Ischgl has plenty of great stuff. I've also heard the touring there is excellent.
Arlberg still has the best (and most extensive) offpiste in Austria though. And incredible snow (amounts and quality).
Last edited by Then you can post your own questions or snow reports... on Fri 11-11-11 15:39; edited 2 times in total
After all it is free
After all it is free
If you have a car you could also go stay in one of the tiny little villages in the Salzkammergut. They seem to get incredible amounts of snow, and have many tiny little ski areas no-one knows of, but they can be great. Was at one last year (Zwolferhorn). They've classed the whole area as ski routes, so they could avi control it but not groom it. If you're willing to explore and take a chance there is a lot to do there...
Last edited by After all it is free on Fri 11-11-11 16:18; edited 1 time in total
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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clarky999, I like the sound of Zwolferhorn, will have to try it the coming season. Have a few ex-pats we know not that way, strange they've never mentioned it, keeping their secret powder stash secret. Google does not come up with that much info but did come across the official website http://www.12erhorn.at/html/winter.html
At a guess I think Salzkammergut can get good snow as it's just north of the dachstein, which maybe forms a barrier for weather coming in from the north / north west thus keeping it snowing their. Just my uneducated (weather wise) guess.
FAQ
Poster: A snowHead
.
Maybe I'm mistaken, but that wouldn't make an lot of sense to me!
