Despite the mild winter, ski tourism is booming. Tyrol is particularly popular again this year. Whether cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, tobogganing, snowshoeing or just relaxing and unwinding, there is something for every taste here. Fans of short trips will also get their money’s worth.
What Sylt is for Hamburg, Kitzbühel is for Munich. The elegant winter sports resort is only 90 minutes by car from the Bavarian state capital. Noble boutiques, sophisticated hotels, celebrity hotspots and, of course, the legendary Streif downhill run attract thousands of winter holidaymakers every year. A total of 57 gondolas and lifts as well as 233 kilometers of downhill runs promise lots of fun in the snow. On the other hand, those who like it a little quieter can choose from nearby alternatives in the Wilder Kaiser-Brixental or Steinplatte-Winkelmoosalm ski areas.
The Achensee is not only known as the “Fjord of the Alps”, but also as the “Sea of ??Tyrol”. Surfers and sailors often find good wind conditions here. Thanks to its water quality, visibility under water is up to ten meters. However, the temperature of the lake rarely rises above 20 degrees in summer. In the towns of Pertisau, Maurach and Achenkirch in particular, numerous spa, wellness and regeneration offers have become established over the years, including for the winter months.
In Pertisau you can recharge your batteries in the “Rieser-Achensee Resort” – whether with yoga, in the lake spa or in the SkyLoft, the only hotel suite with a private pool in Tyrol. The family sports hotel focuses on fitness, tennis, golf and an individual activity and vitality program. Horse-drawn sleigh excursions or descents with the toboggan express on five natural tracks, including night tobogganing, are organised. At an altitude of 950 meters, the region is relatively snow-reliable and offers a small but fine ski area with kilometers of cross-country ski trails and rustic ski huts – ideal for families. If you want to enjoy the view of the lake and snow-covered mountains and valleys from above, you should come to the international Achensee Balloon Days. From February 27th to March 5th, you can float in silence with a 360-degree panorama.
Innsbruck is also always worth a visit. The Tyrolean capital scores with numerous sights, surrounded by the Karwendel mountains. Shopping fans are drawn to the historic old town. Architectural monuments, buildings from the 13th century and many sights, such as the imposing Triumphal Arch, make up the charm of the city center. The Hofburg, the Hofkirche and the famous Goldenes Dachl with over 2,600 gilded copper shingles are worth a visit. A landmark of Innsbruck is the Bergisel ski jump. It offers an impressive view and, after a modernization in 2002 with approx. 12 million euros, was awarded the Austrian State Prize for architecture. At the beginning of each year, the ski jump is the focus of the international Four Hills Tournament.
The Crystal Worlds in Wattens near Innsbruck are more than an amusement park made of sparkling glass. The unique park offers art and adventure in equal measure. Built by multimedia artist André Heller to mark the 100th anniversary of Swarovski, the Crystal Worlds are now internationally known and the Inn Valley would be unimaginable without them. Around the giant, which is enthroned at the entrance to the park, there is a garden landscape of almost eight hectares with numerous attractions.
Conclusion: You don’t need a long vacation to discover Tyrol, a short trip to Austria brings variety, relaxation or both.
