Austrian Alps Destination Guide

Overview of Austrian Alps The vast majority of tourists visiting Austria head straight for one of its cosy alpine villages in the Tyrol region. Some of the world's best skiing resorts lie along the forested mountain slopes. Unlike many of the French and Swiss varieties, most resorts in Austria are friendly, functioning villages on the valley floor. Despite expanding enormously over the last 20 years, the development has generally been in good taste, with traditional-looking chalets perched among the ancient, domed churches. Austrian resorts are also more fun and welcoming than many in the Alps; the Austrians know how to enjoy themselves and don't find it demeaning to speak their guest's language. One downside is that many Austrian resorts lie fairly low and experience unreliable snowfall. To ensure guaranteed top-class powder, it's best to head for the western edges of the Tyrol, to St Anton, Lech or Zürs, which all have extensive skiing trails and slopes, and, importantly, more reliable snowfall. The ski season runs from December to April, but the villages remain bustling in the summer, when the valleys fill with climbers and hikers who come to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of beautiful mountains, verdant meadows and sweeping lakes. The Austrian Alps are deservedly right up there when it comes to world-class skiing destinations, its friendly and welcoming people combining with village charms to deliver something unique and quaint for solo travellers and families alike.

Key Facts

Language: The official language in Austria is German. Passport/Visa: The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. For most nationalities, passports are required to be valid for three months beyond period of travel. We always recommend that passports be valid for six months from the departure date. Currency: The unit of currency is the Euro (EUR). Currency can be exchanged at banks and bureaux de change available in all towns, but it may be easier to use the ATMs. Banks are closed on Saturdays and Sundays, but bureaux de change at airports and major city rail terminals are open seven days a week. Most credit and debit cards are widely accepted though some small hotels and restaurants may only accept cash. Electricity: Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. European two-pin plugs are standard.

Travel guide by wordtravels.com © Globe Media Ltd. By its very nature much of the information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Travmarket cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. Event details can change. Please check with the organizers that an event is happening before making travel arrangements. We cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.

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Travel to Austrian Alps Climate for Austrian Alps Although cold, the high alpine resorts are usually much sunnier in winter than below in the valleys where fog and cloud persist, but in summer (June to August) the Alps may become cloudy during the hotter part of the day. In autumn and spring, some alpine valleys, particularly those running from south to north, experience the warm and very dry wind known as the foehn, which can quickly melt snow and trigger off avalanches on the mountain slopes. Health Notes when travelling to Austria No vaccinations are necessary for business visits or general tourism in Austria. Water and food are safe. Medical facilities are excellent. Medical insurance is advised unless from the UK - citizens of EU countries can get free emergency medical treatment at public hospitals in Austria on production of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Safety Notes when travelling to Austria Travel to Austria is generally trouble-free. However, visitors are advised to take sensible safety precautions to avoid petty theft, particularly in larger cities. Customs in Austria It is compulsory that vehicles are driven with their lights on throughout the year. Smoking is not allowed in many public places. Duty Free in Austria Travellers from non-EU countries over 17 years are allowed to bring in the following items without paying customs duty: 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250g of smoking tobacco, or a proportional mix of these products; 4 litres non-sparkling wine, or 1 litre of spirits with alcohol content more than 22 percent, or 2 litres of alcohol volume less than 22 percent; 60ml perfume and 250ml eau de toilette; and other goods to a total value of €430. Restricted items include pornographic material and fresh foodstuffs such as meat and dairy products. Travellers must have a European Firearms Pass if travelling with firearms. Doing Business in Austria Business protocol is very important in Austria and business is formal, structured and conservative, more so than in many other Western European countries. All correspondence should be formal. Dress is conservative yet elegant; Austrians take great pride in their appearance and a good quality, well-fitting suit for men and women should be worn to make a good first impression. Austrians are also very title-conscious: always use last names with a preceding title such as Herr (Mr), Frau (Mrs) or Fräulein (Miss), along with their professional or academic title where applicable (e.g. Herr Professor Kaufmann). It is vital to arrive punctually for meetings and to be thoroughly prepared, as meetings are brief and to the point. Be prepared to engage in preliminary small talk, including a knowledge of current affairs, before getting down to business. English is widely spoken in business, but printed literature should be in German if possible. Offices open at 8am and close promptly at 5pm, Monday to Friday. Communication in Austria The international access code for Austria is +43. Hotels, cafes and restaurants offering free wifi are widely available. As international roaming costs can be high, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option. Tipping in Austria A 10-15 percent service charge is normally added to hotel and restaurant bills in Austria, but it is customary to leave another 5 percent if satisfied with the service. Sometimes, one can round off the bill. Bartenders usually expect this rounded up tip. It is common to give the money to the waiter rather than leave it on the table, but leaving small change for other service personnel is fine. Taxi drivers expect a 10 percent tip. Passport/Visa Note The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. For most nationalities, passports are required to be valid for three months beyond period of travel. We always recommend that passports be valid for six months from the departure date.

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Airports in Austrian Alps Innsbruck Airport (INN) Innsbruck - Kranebitten Airport www.innsbruck-airport.com Location: Austrian Alps The airport is located 2.5 miles (about 4km) west of Innsbruck. Time: Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between April and October). Contacts: Tel: +43 512 225 250 Getting to the city: Public bus route F connects Innsbruck Airport with the city centre. Journey time is about 20 minutes. Car rental: Car rental companies include Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Megadrive, Budget, and Sixt. Airport Taxis: Taxis are available outside the arrivals area. A journey to the city centre should take about 15 minutes. Facilities: Facilities include ATMs, bureaux de change, restaurants and cafes, internet access, baby-changing rooms, and duty-free shopping. Parking: Parking at Innsbruck Airport is free for the first 30 minutes, then charges €2.10 per hour up to €21 for the first day in short-term parking. €21 is charged per day thereafter. Prices are slightly cheaper in the long-term lots. One week is charged at €88 in the long-term lots. Parking is available in a multilevel garage connected to the terminal by a covered walkway. During winter, P1 and P5 are not available. Departure Tax: None.

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Currency The unit of currency is the Euro (EUR). Currency can be exchanged at banks and bureaux de change available in all towns, but it may be easier to use the ATMs. Banks are closed on Saturdays and Sundays, but bureaux de change at airports and major city rail terminals are open seven days a week. Most credit and debit cards are widely accepted though some small hotels and restaurants may only accept cash.

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Kitzbuhel Overview

Among Austrian ski resorts, Kitzbühel is reputedly the most commercial, glamorous, and expensive. The beautiful alpine town dates back to the 9th century and has remained fairly unspoilt. In the winter holiday season, you will hear the jingle of bells as a horse-drawn sleigh is pulled through Kitzbühel's cobbled, traffic-free town centre. There is an extensive and varied skiing area offering excellent skiing and snowboarding, both on and off-piste, but be prepared for a lack of snow in places. Due to Kitzbühel's low altitude, the lower slopes are rarely open. If the skiing doesn't tire you out while on holiday in Kitzbühel, the nightlife certainly will. The atmosphere is bright, boisterous, and fun, and it doesn't stop till the not-quite-so-early hours. Kitzbühel is also Austria's winter entertainment capital and attracts performers from all over the continent throughout the holiday season. Getting to Kitzbühel is easy via Salzburg, Innsbruck or Munich airports.

Shopping in Kitzbuhel

Kitzbühel is a shopper's paradise, with dozens of upmarket shops displaying their appealing wares in the quaint Tyrolean village stores. Ski shops dominate, but there are plenty of designer boutiques, jewellery stores, and souvenir shops in Kitzbühel too. Prices are steep but discounts are sometimes offered to those carrying guest cards from Kitzbühel hotels. Visitors can also enquire at their hotels about shopping excursions into Italy.

Dining in Kitzbuhel

Kitzbühel has a wide choice of excellent restaurants, both on the ski slopes and in the town. Some of the best restaurants include the Neuwirt in the Schwarzer Adler, the Tenne Restaurant in Hotel Zur and with its young and international crowd and fantastic Italian food. For those on more of a budget, the Centro Café Bar Restaurant in the town centre is popular.

Activities in Kitzbuhel

Kitzbühel is a lively ski resort with plenty of bars and nightclubs to suit all pockets and preferences. For many Brits and locals alike, the evening begins early at the Londoner - the famous après-ski bar renowned for its lethal cocktails. Take Five is a nightclub in the town square that stays open until dawn. Visitors wishing to try their luck on the tables will find the Casino Kitzbühel at the Hotel Goldener Greif. New Year is a great time for a skiing trip to Kitzbühel with one of the best fireworks displays in the Alps. Nightlife in Kitzbühel goes on very late, often not getting busy until nearly 2am.

Things to be aware of in Kitzbuhel

With its sprawling layout and fragmented ski-area, Kitzbühel is not an ideal choice for families. The low altitude means that the lower slopes get slushy in warmer weather.

Skiing in Kitzbuhel

Kitzbühel hosts The Hahnenkahm, one of the most treacherous and famous of all of the downhill ski races, and the publicity has made it one of the world's most famous ski resorts. The Kitzbühel ski pass includes the neighbouring but lesser known holiday resorts of Kirchberg, Aurach, Jochberg, and Pass Thurn, and offers one of the largest and most diverse ski areas in the Alps, with almost 100 miles (161km) of groomed slopes, a large cross-country ski area, and plenty of off-piste. Kitzbühel's problem is snow reliability - the holiday resort is under 800m and the highest skiing is at 2,000m, so skiing to your chalet or hotel door is rarely possible and the season is short. The resort attracts a large number of tourists from nearby countries, as well as throngs of holiday skiers and ski bums from the UK and Australia.

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Lech and Zurs Overview

The alpine resort of Lech, in the beautiful Arlberg mountain range, combines superb skiing, reliable snow, and delightful scenery. The loyal clientele of this celebrated resort look forward to the restaurants, spas, and après ski, as much as to the excellent skiing. Together with neighbouring Zürs, Lech is perhaps Austria's most exclusive ski resort. Between them, Lech and Zürs boasts dozens of four and five star hotels, but there are also options for more budget conscious skiers. Despite its reputation for luxury, Lech remains a picturesque traditional Austrian village. The resort has sprung up around an old farming village set in a high valley, and even now the settlement is sometimes cut off from the outside world when there is heavy snowfall. Innsbruck airport is just 1.5 hours from Lech and Zürs, while the drive from Zurich airport takes a little over two hours.

Shopping in Lech and Zurs

Shopping is surprisingly limited in Lech, and even more so in Zürs, considering both their reputations as fashionable resorts. Most of the shops are to be found on the Hauptstrasse, including major winter sports stores which sell all the latest branded equipment, as well as souvenirs, trinkets, and traditional Austrian clothing. Visitors will find everything they need in Lech, but it is not really a destination for shopping sprees. No doubt this lack of extensive shopping outlets helps to preserve the charming traditional atmosphere of the two alpine villages.

Dining in Lech and Zurs

There are an appetizing number of good restaurants to be enjoyed while on ski holiday in Lech. Some of the most popular are Hûs Nr 8 and Rote Wand for traditional Austrian food, Don Enzo Due for pizza, and Fux for modern Asian fusion cuisine. Balmalp serves food like pizza and ribs, and enjoys stunning views of the valley. Zürs has a similarly good restaurant scene, with numerous upmarket options.

Activities in Lech and Zurs

The après ski in Lech is world famous and many holidaymakers staying in Zürs venture out to sample some of the atmosphere (there are regular buses connecting the resorts). The Eisbar, outside the Hotel Tannbergerhof is the most popular place to head for a glühwein after a long day on the slopes. There's a small disco in the hotel too. The Krone Bar lures well-dressed clientele, as does the Hotel Arlberg. The champagne bar at the Hotel Montana is also a popular after-ski stop. The nighlife in Zürs is fairly quiet but there are a selection of bars and also a small disco. Those looking for a more rowdy nightlife may want to take a taxi to St Anton.

Things to be aware of in Lech and Zurs

Lech and Zürs are expensive by Austrian standards. There are also limited challinging pistes, although nearby St Anton has extensive sking for all standards.

Skiing in Lech and Zurs

Lech and Zürs offer some of the best intermediate skiing to be had in Europe. There may not be as many challenging pistes as in nearby St Anton, but there are extensive off-piste options. Snow reliability is one of the main contributing factors to the success of this resort. There is a high annual snowfall and the highest lift station is at 2,811m. Lech is also home to the famous White Ring ski circuit, which takes skiers on a tour through the ski area. Lech is linked by lifts and ski runs to the higher Zürs slopes, and a new gondola connects Lech to the pistes of Warth and Schröcken to the north, which doubles the available skiing area. Thanks to the new Flexenbahn gondolas, there is now also easy access to St Anton and other nearby Arlberg resorts. There are plenty of excellent ski schools in Lech, Zürs and other ski resorts in the Arlberg area, but book early if

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you want to hire a private guide.

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Saalbach Overview

Saalbach and its close neighbour Hinterglemm form the heart of one of Europe's largest ski areas, with access to more than 270km of pistes. Saalbach is a charming Austrian villlage, with traditional wooden chalets and a charming car-free centre with busy cafés, bars and boutiques and some excellent hotels. Hinterglemm is a short distance up the valley, it has a more peaceful atmostphere and is better suited for families. Saalbach is 90 minutes from Salzburg airport and a three hour drive to Munich.

Shopping in Saalbach

Hinterglemm is the best place to shop in the valley because its stores are frequented more by locals, who are averse to paying tourist prices. Saalbach's pedestrianised High Street has several attractive boutiques and shops where holidaymakers can enjoy a spot of shopping, but prices are higher.

Dining in Saalbach

On the mountain, rustic alpine restaurants serve up hearty local fare to skiers, while the valley towns bristle with restaurants, cafes and bars. Local Austrain favourites include wiener schnitzel and tiroler gröstl, a Tyrolean hash made with with beef and potatoes.

Activities in Saalbach

So hectic is the après-ski in Saalbach that it is surprising some holidaymakers can muster the strength to hit the ski slopes in the morning! Copious amounts of excellent local beer, schnapps and warming glühwein flow in the mountainside inns and village bars, along with some loud music and good-natured gemuchtlikheid. Dancing on the tables is expected and drinking anthems with cries of prost! echo everywhere. Most parties get going even before the ski lifts close at 4pm, in the chalets above the villages. One of the most popular mountain bars is the Goaßstall on the Hinterglemm side, which features indoor and outdoor bars and live music. Another favourite is the Spielberghaus, which is reached by snowmobile along a four-mile (6km) track through the forest. Revellers are then transported home on high-speed sleds. There are a dozen options for late night fun at hotel bars, beer halls, and clubs. Discos get going at around midnight and keep the pace until the early hours.

Things to be aware of in Saalbach

Saalbach can be extremely crowded over the Christmas season and the boisterous evening behaviour doesn't suit everyone. The resort is relativley low and south facing, so the snow is not a reliable as in other well-known resorts. The resort

Skiing in Saalbach

Saalbach has access to a massive network of prepared pistes, which are well connected by an excellent system of modern lifts. The north side of the valley offers a variety of easy skiing for beginners, and there are plenty of ski and snowboarding schools in the area, providing tuition by professional English-speaking instructors. Intermediate skiers are also well catered for with an extensive area beyond the Reiterkogel. Schattberg Ost, Schattberg West, and Zwolferkogel offer some challenging north-facing slopes, with the north face of the Zwolfer providing a notably harsh black run. Nearby Leogang offers a remote, demanding ski area, reached from Vorderglemm by the Schonleitenbahn gondola. There are some spectacular off-piste powder runs on the north side of the valley. Saalbach is also extremely popular with snowboarders, with a massive terrain park reserved for boarding at Hinterglemm, and some half-pipes at Saalbach itself and neighbouring Leogang.

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St Anton Overview

St Anton is a popular holiday resort destination for British skiers and snowboarders, who are attracted by the first-class skiing and the incredible après-ski. St Anton is linked to the neighbouring resorts of Lech and Zürs and makes up the Arlberg ski area, the largest linked area in Austria with more than 300km of piste. The area offers extensive skiing for intermediate and advanced skiers and some of the best off-piste skiing in Europe. The resort's south-facing slopes can get slushy by the end of the day, particularly in spring, and partly for this reason the collection of bars on the slopes above St Anton get packed by around 3pm.

Shopping in St Anton

Shopping along St Anton's pedestrianised main street is quite laid-back, with plenty of cosy bars and cafés where shoppers can rest their feet. St Anton's shops tend to be expensive but the quality of merchandise is good. There are numerous ski shops, as well as jewellers, antique stores, and clothing boutiques.

Dining in St Anton

Dining out in St Anton is a diverse and satisfying experience, with everything from burgers to vegetarian meals on offer at establishments that keep cooking until well after midnight. For five-star dining in St Anton, try the luxury hotels like Raffl's St Antoner Hof or Alte Post. Exhausted skiers wanting a hearty meal can seek out traditional Austrian fare. Some of the best in St Anton is served up at the Sporthotel, where a variety of sausages can be savoured with an accompaniment of potatoes and sauerkraut, all reasonably priced. Game and dumplings also appear on most St Anton menus. Fondue can be enjoyed at the Montjola, one of the oldest restaurants in the area.

Activities in St Anton

The club and bar scene in St Anton is very lively, and less expensive than some of the other European ski resorts. The legendary Krazy Kanguruh Bar on the mountainside, and the MooserWirt Bar, are both usually packed with skiers and snowboarders after a day on the slopes. Alcohol flows freely to the tune of rock and hip hop in St Anton. The night is long at the numerous other discos and clubs, but for those seeking something more sedate there are quieter, more sophisticated bars in the St Anton hotels.

Things to be aware of in St Anton

St Anton's south-facing slopes can get slushy by the end of the day, particularly in spring, and the lower beginner slopes can get quite crowded.

Skiing in St Anton

St Anton is the largest ski resort in the Arlberg ski area, which also includes Lech, Zurs, and the village of St Christoph and St Jakob. The combined Arlberg ski area offers hundreds of miles of groomed runs and ski trails for skiers and snowboarders. The most prominent point in St Anton is the Valluga summit from which runs one of the best and longest intermediate ski slopes in Europe, taking skiers all the way down to the valley floor. There are many more choices for intermediate skiers on holiday in Lech and Zurs, which also offer some of the best off-piste skiing in Europe. Thanks to the Flexenbahn cable car, it's now much easier to get from St Anton to Lech and Zurs. Due to their north-facing slopes and position at the end of the valley, Lech and Zurs offer reliable snow and comparatively uncrowded slopes. The best skiing for beginners is in St Christoph or Rendl. There are two ski schools in operation, run under the same umbrella, both employing hundreds of instructors and guides with a solid reputation for excellent tuition and service. St Anton is also known for having some of the best snowboarding terrain in Austria, with a vast array of natural obstacles, steep powder fields, and drop-offs providing thrilling free-riding. Gampen, Kapall, and Rendl are recommended for boarders and Rendl has a terrain park.

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