See snowparks and slalom courses in Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau
Combining Tyrolean charm and slopes to suit all levels, discover something for everyone in one of the Austrian Tirol’s biggest ski areas
You’ll find both Alpine charm and true Tyrolean hospitality coming together perfectly in Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau. It’s home to one of the Austrian Tirol’s biggest ski areas, but there’s a cosy feeling of intimacy among its exquisite villages. And if you’re flying into Innsbruck, it’s only a 45-minute drive to the resort.
That leaves more time to explore Ski Juwel’s 109km of runs that cross through the mountains of Alpbachtal and Wildschönau.
There’s plenty of variety to keep skiers of all levels happy. You’ll find everything from gentle slopes for beginners to the hair-raising Eva-Maria Brem giant slalom race course on the Reither Kogel. Let the children loose in the snowparks and fun zones, and if they’re still raring to go in the evening, they can join you on the floodlit slopes of Oberau and Reith im Alpbachtal.
Off the slopes, people of all ages will love a ride on the new mechanical luge in Alpbachtal. The Lauser-Sauser will have you hurtling down the twisting track at speeds of up to 42km/h. Over in Wildschönau, you can hit the toboggan trail that winds its way from the top of the Lanerköpfl lift for 5km.
Village charms
Austrian Tirol has more than its fair share of beautiful villages – especially Alpbach and Oberau. They’re quintessentially Tyrolean, with charming wooden houses sheltering under snow-covered wooded mountains.
Between the villages of Ski Juwel and the surrounding mountains, you’re faced with a delicious dilemma in deciding where to eat among the resort’s 25 restaurants. For breathtaking views, head up to Gipföhit at the top of Schatzberg mountain in Wildschönau. Keep warm by having a big bowl of Brezensuppe – a rib-sticking soup made with giant pretzels cooked in beef broth and sprinkled with cheese.
At Böglalm mountain hut in Inneralpbach, fill up on another hearty Tirolean favourite, Alpbacher Kasspatzln, which are tiny potato dumplings smothered in gooey cheese. If you have any room left, have a plate of Kaiserschmarrn – a warming pancake dessert with rum and raisins – at Zottahof in Alpbach.
Value for money
All that charm doesn’t come with a hefty price tag. There’s a wide range of attractive places to stay, including warm, welcoming farmhouse B&Bs.
Lift passes and ski schools won’t break the bank either, as they all offer excellent value for money.
Be sure to pick up the free Alpbachtal Seenland Card or the Wildschönau Card – depending on where you’re staying – for all sorts of benefits. You’ll get free transport on ski buses, as well as guided snowshoe walks and discounts on ski hire.
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 skijuwel.com and visittirol.co.uk