Mark Nicholls enjoys a sparkling weekend of early season skiing and World Cup slalom racing in Gurgl, Austria.
There’s already a buzz in Gurgl – the ski season is barely days old and the slopes are deep with snow.
Austria
Austria
Discover the diverse resort of Zell am See-Kaprun
Mark Nicholls takes a ski break to Austria’s picturesque destination that offers a priceless combination of water, snow and ice.
The story of Zell am See-Kaprun centres on water: from the chilly winter depths of the lake and the snowy slopes of the mountainside up to the deep-frozen iciness of a glacier.
Beginner-friendly ski destinations guide
Skiing is one of the most exhilarating winter sports, but choosing the right destination as a beginner can make all the difference. For first-timers and those looking to build their confidence on the slopes, finding the right mix of gentle terrain, quality instruction, and a welcoming atmosphere is key.
Head to the Austrian Tirol for the Kitzbühel Spring Games
Following its successful second edition last year, the Kitzbühel Spring Games will return this year for the third time. This is an innovative series of events which will see several contests in Kitzbühel in March.
The Spring 2024 Issue of Skier and Snowboarder is out now!
The Spring Issue of Skier & Snowboarder is out now – offering a great combination of first person experiences from resorts throughout the world, holiday news, the latest equipment, UK slope and club news and more!
Mike Tindall’s latest charity challenge takes to the slopes
Mikey’s Mountain Miles, the latest brainchild of ex England rugby international Mike Tindall, is a new winter adventure based in the Austrian ski resort of Saalbach, with teams of four aiming to cover as much terrain as possible raising money for two charities that mean a lot to Mike – The Matt Hampson Foundation and Wings for Life.
6 Best Holidays for Single Skiers from Iglu Ski
Hotel Mura
Each winter Iglu Ski makes arrangements for skiers in search of single rooms. Often it’s a couple of friends or a small group travelling together, who prefer their own rooms.
Sometimes it’s an odd number of people in need of a single room to add to a double. Some skiers go solo, and head for resorts where they know there’s a party in town, such as Bansko, St. Anton, Ischgl or Val Thorens.
Love on the slopes: romantic retreats in the mountains
Nothing can beat the stunning scenery of the slopes, and there is no better way to spend a romantic trip than surrounded by breath-taking snow-capped mountains. With the European slopes calling to skiers given the increased snowfall across the mountains, February is the ideal time for a ski trip.
Black Eyed Peas Set to Rock Ischgl in Spectacular Alpine Finale
© TVB Paznaun-Ischgl
In a crescendo of excitement that’s sure to send shockwaves through the Austrian Tirol, the Black Eyed Peas are primed to close the curtains on Ischgl’s winter season with a Top of the Mountain Closing Concert like no other.
Kitzbühel Unveils a Winter Wonderland of Sporting Spectacles and Culinary Delights
PHOTO: © Kitzbühel Tourismus
Kitzbühel, set in the heart of the Austrian Alps, is easily accessible from Innsbruck, Salzburg and Munich airports, benefiting from direct flights from London, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Manchester.
Rails to the Alps: Connecting the UK to Innsbruck in Style
© Innsbruck Tourismus – Markus Mair
With an international train station in the heart of the stunning alpine city, Innsbruck provides a unique opportunity for winter sports enthusiasts to travel by rail. Innsbruck Main Station (Hauptbahnhof) is a hub for major European rail routes, enabling visitors from London St Pancras to be in the Capital of the Alps in approximately 12 hours, depending on the route.
Flexiski launch new winter programme
Flexiski, the specialist tailor made ski holiday company that hand picks unique and special places to stay, has launched its new winter programme for the 2023-24 season, with a number of new properties and a selection of new destinations.
The stage is set for the world’s best freeskiers on the Stubai Glacier
PHOTO: TVB Stubai/SEBASTIAN MARKO
The Stubai Glacier will be the stage for Olympic medallists, World Cup overall winners and X-Games heroes this month when the first slopestyle World Cup points of the new winter season will be up for grabs.
Enjoy a winter holiday the Austrian way
PHOTO: © Oesterreich Werbung, Christoph Oberschneider
As we move towards winter, now’s the time to plan some quality time with family and friends – so take the opportunity to create some unique memories that will last a lifetime by experiencing a winter holiday the Austrian way.
La Plagne Your Trip: French resort revealed best for beginners
Picking the right ski resort can often be tedious and difficult but that doesn’t make it any less important – especially for beginners new to the realm of snow sports. One of Europe’s leading holiday operators, Sunweb, has analysed the number of green and blue runs in 16 of Europe’s top ski destinations revealing the best location for fledgling skiers, with La Plagne emerging as the most beginner-friendly resort, with a total of 79 green and blue runs, allowing new winter sports enthusiasts to make the most out of the trip.
Get your New Year’s resolution on track at mountain resort
What happened to that new year’s resolution to live a healthier life? It’s not too late. The New Year’s Eve Programme at Park Igls Medical Spa Resort beautifully located on the slopes above Innsbruck in the Austrian Tyrol, will put you on the right track before the clock strikes twelve and the fireworks go off.
Winter Holidays the Austrian Way…
PHOTO: © Oesterreich Werbung, Christoph Oberschneider
A unique destination offering stunning scenery, a relaxed atmosphere and the chance to spend quality time with family and friends, creating memories to last a lifetime… that is what you will find on a winter holiday the Austrian way.
Discover new resorts across the Alps with flexiski this winter
As well as offering favourites such as Avoriaz, Tignes, Val Thorens and St. Anton, flexiski have added some fabulous new resorts such as Andermatt and Crans Montana in Switzerland and Alpe d’Huez in France with three-night breaks available from £320pp.
Valamar expands its Austrian ski offerings
Croatia’s leading hospitality company, Valamar, is set to bring its high-energy [PLACES] offerings to the slopes of Austria this winter with the opening of Obertauern [PLACESHOTEL] by Valamar.
© SGFd.o.o
This marks the first expansion of the [PLACESHOTEL] series outside of Croatia and follows the success of two Valamar properties in Obertauern opening last winter – Kesselspitze Valamar Collection Hotel and Valamar Obertauern Hotel.
Have you heard the one about the comedy show in the snow…?
Nick Dalton has a laugh at this season’s Altitude comedy festival in Mayrhofen
“I snowboard so slow it’s impossible to injure myself – I got passed by a glacier,” chortles Andrew Maxwell, Irish, big bearded and wearing lederhosen.