Find slopes for every level of skier at St Johann in Tirol
With downhill pistes and cross-country trails, there’s plenty to discover in this enchanting Austrian Tirol resort
Small is beautiful in St Johann in Tirol. This enchanting winter wonderland shows off the Austrian Tirol at its most charming and relaxed, with snow-sure slopes and horse-drawn carriage rides through romantic villages.
While the atmosphere is pleasantly old-fashioned, the ski lifts are firmly in the 21st century, whisking you round the 43km of slopes in record time. You’ll find a piste for every level of skier, plus plenty of fun at the snowpark.
But it’s not just downhill pistes you can explore. St Johann in Tirol is famous for its huge expanse of cross-country ski trails – all 250km of them. Whichever type of skis you prefer, you’ll be surrounded by this breathtaking landscape between the Wilder Kaiser and the Kitzbüheler Horn. And it’s only about an hour from Salzburg airport.
Village life
There’s not one but four villages you can discover at St Johann in Tirol. Oberndorf, Kirchdorf and Erpfendorf all make appealing bases for a winter holiday, especially for families. The pretty boutiques of St Johann in Tirol will tempt you into their cosy interiors, where you can find everything from traditional Tyrolean treats to the latest sports gear.
For more active pursuits, get your hiking boots on – or snowshoes – and wander through the snow-covered trails between the villages. You’ll come across hidden corners where you can savour tranquillity and a mesmerising stillness.
Afterwards, soothe your tired muscles in the warm waters of the Panorama Badewelt, a sports and wellness complex in St Johann in Tirol. If you have any energy left, get your skates on for a few turns around the ice-skating rink.
Culinary delights
All that activity builds up an appetite, and full-bodied Tyrolean cuisine is just what you need. Fill up on tasty cheese dumplings called Kasspatzln and, if you have any room left, try the roast meat and potatoes dish known as Gröstl. It’s not just rustic fare on offer, though, as you’ll also find refined versions of traditional dishes in award-winning restaurants.
St Johann in Tirol has a fine tradition of offering handmade products using local ingredients – ranging from delicious homemade bread and cured meats, to heady Schnapps and beer from the Huber Bräu Brewery.
Passport to the pistes
Take advantage of the St Johann Card if you want to make the most of your winter holiday.
You’ll receive one at your accommodation, giving you free bus and train travel as well as free weekly events including guided walks. You’ll get reduced entry to wellness centres and tennis courts, and even discounts on St Johann in Tirol souvenirs.
With daily scheduled flights to Innsbruck from London Heathrow and London Gatwick, as well as services from Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and Liverpool, it’s easy to discover the Austrian Tirol. For more details see kitzalps.cc and visittirol.co.uk