snow recovery - Apres Ski Magazine

Issue 1 Launch Issue Winter 2007/08
Priceless
SNOW SCENE
OUT AND ABOUT IN THE AUSTRIAN TIROL
SPECIAL FEATURE ON
KITZBÜHEL & MAYRHOFEN
ON THE PISTE!
THE LATEST FASHIONS AND EQUIPMENT
SNOW RECOVERY
SPA’S, MASSAGE AND RELAXATION
SHOPPING . PROPERTY . FASHION . ENTERTAINMENT . TRAVEL . HEALTH & BEAUTY . EVENTS
3
CONTENTS
Welcome to Apres Ski Magazine, and
thankyou for picking up my first edition.
I hope you find it informative and a useful
guide, whilst on the piste in the Tirol. After
skiing in the Tirol (And falling down lots)
for over 20 years and enjoying the
fantastic Tyrolean hospitality. I decided
to create a lifestyle magazine, supporting
this wonderland. The magazine will be
published bi-annually,look out for the
next issue in Spring 2008.
CONTENTS
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Winter wonderland on pages 7-8
White future on pages 18-19
A BIG Thanks ! In producing this
magazine, I would like to thank.
Andrea at the Kitzbuhel tourist office,
Sabine at the Tirol office and Manuela in
Mayrhofen, not to mention Kirk Field.
Also a Big thanks to James and Kim at
Redhead Design! And my family and Ski
mates from Anlaby nr Hull and from all
over the World.
David Hall
Publisher
Advertisement Sales and Staff Reporters:
Melanie Merryweather.
Angelina Lovelace.
David Hall.
COPYRIGHT !
Apres Ski Magazine is published
bi-annually, by Apres Ski Magazine Ltd
All Rights Reserved. The views and
opinions expressed by contributors to this
magazine may not necessarily represent
the views of Apres Ski Magazine.
Apres Ski Magazine Ltd
Publishers of Apres Ski Magazine
the definitive guide for skiers and
snowboarders on the piste.
32, Brunswick Terrace
Brighton BN3 1HJ England
Tel +44 1273 748489
Fax +44 1273 748489
Mobile+44 7905 602824
david@apresskimagazine.com
www.apresskimagazine.com
Designed by Redhead
Tel +44 1273 602440
www.redheaddesign.com
APRÉS - SKI
4-5
KITZBÜHEL MAP
6
WINTER WONDERLAND
7-8
THE TOWN OF THE CHAMOIS
10-13
THE LONDONER
14-15
WHITE FUTURE
18-19
PURE ENJOYMENT
22-26
IGLOO FASCINATION
30-31
MAYRHOFEN
32-34
BAR GUIDE
36
EVENT GUIDE
38-39
ANOTHER WORLD
40
VIVA WINTER
42-44
MAYRHOFEN RESTAURANT GUIDE
46
Winter 2007/08
4
APRES-SKI IN THE TIROL
IN THE TIROL IT BELONGS TO
SKIING LIKE SNOW TO WINTER:
APRÈS–
Après-ski has featured ever since
people started skiing. The very first
winter-hungry guests used to meet for
five o'clock tea in their hotel lounge at
the end of a day's skiing to warm up
over a hot brew with a dash of rum.
Apart from its warming properties, this
mixture ensured a light-hearted
atmosphere and lively conversation.
Later, live bands played for five o'clock
tea in the better hotels at renowned
winter sports resorts. At some point
(who knows when) in a Tirolean skiing
hut someone started dancing, ski boots
still fastened, to the tune of the Skaters'
Waltz – the classic après-ski was born.
What are the origins of the term "aprèsski" for fun and entertainment after
skiing? In France it is used quite literally
to mean casual ski dress and waterproof
skiing boots, put on after skiing to
replace the bulkier ski wear and heavy
boots and to stroll comfortably through
a skiing resort or to live it up without
getting wet feet en route.
Every Tirolean resort has its own aprèsski. Here are a couple of tips for a drink,
to chill out or to dance the night away:
5
APRES-SKI IN THE TIROL
The White Lounge in Mayrhofen
–SKI
Fügen
Mayrhofen
The scene is really lively in the ICE-bar (Hotel
Strass, just next to the bottom stage of the Penken
cableway) with dancing "polar bears" animating
guests to dance (www.hotelstrass.com). Evening
options are the Coup & More bar or the
Schlüsselalm (www.schluesselalm.com)
Cool après-skiing is provided by the "Ice
House" at Fügen in the Zillertal. The
average inside temperature is minus five
degrees in this biggest ice bar in the Tirol.
The drinks are not served in glasses, but in
stylish beakers of ice (www.ice-house.at)
Hintertux
"Hohenhaus Tenne" right at the bottom
stage of Hintertux glacier cableway. The
first "special experience WC-facility" in the
Alpine area is a novelty and the elaborately
worked, centuries-old timber is fascinating.
A winner in the "best après-ski hut in the
Alps" category 2005 awarded by the Top-of-the-Mountains
Club (www.hohenhaustenne.com)
Ischgl
A far remove from the the usual megadisco, the "Trofana-Arena" is among the
top addresses. Five bars at various levels.
Projection walls with live cameras create
an additional overview. Live shows, firstclass DJs. (www.trofana-arena.at). Other
popular spots: Kuhstall (www.kuhstall.at), Niko's witches'
kitchen (www.ferienglueck.at/hexenkueche.htm),
Feuer & Eis (www.adler-ischgl.at)
St. Anton am Arlberg
"Mooserwirt", the epitome of Austrian après-ski and
the final stop on the après-ski piste and run down
to the valley. Every afternoon there’s big après-ski
party (www.mooserwirt.at). Further up you have a
choice between the "Sennhütte" (meeting point for
the famous, original atmosphere, live music in the
afternoon), "Heustadl" or "Kaminstube". "Krazy Kanguruh": aprèsskiing with elbow and body contact guaranteed, at the edge of the
run down from the Gampen (www.krazykanguruh.com).
"Underground", the classic in St. Anton's nightlife with live music on
two floors: boho charm on the ground floor, with a younger
generation in the cellar. Further info:
www.arlberg.com/deutsch/informationen/nachtleben.php3
Sölden
"Gampe-Alm" on the ski route to the Gaislachkogl.
Lovingly restored mountain hut with discreet music,
cheese dumplings and barley soup from organic
produce. Those looking for the disco buzz opt for
the "Schirmbar", "Fire & Ice" or "Almrausch"
(www.soeldenapresski.at)
Kitzbühel
Famous and infamous are the "5erl",
"Pavillon", "Londoners" and "Klausenfalle",
later into the night ”Chizzo” or "Stamperl"
are the place to be. The absolute spot to
be seen at is the "Take Five", a highly
exclusive night club with three bars and a
raised box area. During the Hahnenkamm week a host of
boyguards ensure that the VIPs remain amongst themselves
(www.club-takefive.com)
Söll
"Moonlight Bar", covered après-ski bar right by the
gondola lift. Live music often features at the
popular "Salvenstadl" (www.salvenstadl.at). Dance
till you drop in the "Whisky Mühle" (www.whiskymuehle.at), choose the "Buffallo" if you're making a
night of it.
Winter 2007/08
7
THE ORIGINAL WINTER WONDERLAND
The Winning Post at the Hahnenkamm Race
---
THE ORIGINAL
WINTER
WONDERLAND
Kitzbühel with its holiday villages of Aurach,
Jochberg and Reith – a fine destination for
world-class winter holidays
More than just about any other winter
holiday region, Kitzbühel symbolizes
romantic charm, a sporting challenge
and a refreshing natural gaiety. The
almost unreal ambience of the town
nestling in the winter snows, the unique
location and sheer beauty of the region,
a superb offering in terms of sport and
recreation, and a full calendar of worldclass events – all this combines to make
Kitzbühel the number-one winter
holiday destination for many visitors
year in year out. Immerse yourself in
the enchanted world of unlimited
possibilities! – That is the motto of
this winter wonderland.
Winter 2007/08
8
THE ORIGINAL WINTER WONDERLAND
Ski jumping for joy in Kitzbühel
Winter holiday paradise of a special kind
A winter holiday in the Kitzbühel region is
a holiday experience of a special kind for
the whole family. The ideal location at an
altitude of between 800 and 2000
meters above sea-level stimulates the
production of positive hormones in the
human body, which naturally promotes a
general feeling of wellbeing. At a more
material level, a full offering of fine
accommodation in excellent three to fivestar hotels, award-winning restaurants
and a non-stop programme of events
enable Kitzbühel with its holiday villages
of Aurach, Jochberg and Reith to satisfy
even the most discerning visitor in every
respect.
Winter in Kitzbühel –
from one highlight to
the next
Kitzbühel in winter offers a truly unique
calendar of sporting, cultural and social
events. The absolute highlight comes in
January each year with the traditional
Hahnenkamm Race. For a whole week
Kitzbühel is at the focus of attention in the
international sporting scene, when the
world’s skiing elite can be admired on
Kitzbühel’s famous slopes vying for the
honours in the slalom, super-G and
downhill in what is doubtless the biggest
event on the international skiing circuit.
Another big event takes place when
snorting horses, swirling snow, sport-mad
spectators and VIPs turn Kitzbühel into a
stage: a week before the HahnenkammRace world-class polo is played in
Kitzbühel on snow from 11 to 13 January
for the sixth time. At the Hypo
Liechtenstein Snow Arena Polo World
Cup there are exciting matches on during
the day between teams from Germany,
Switzerland, Holland, Argentina and the
USA. In the evening relaxed parties will
help everyone to unwind. For a weekend
break for skiing, boarding or a full-blown
winter holiday, for singles, pairs, groups or
families, the Kitzbühel region is the
perfect setting for wonderful and varied
hours, days and weeks dedicated to sport
and sheer relaxation with something for
every taste, from the simple pleasures in
life to the wishes of the most discerning,
and all in the incomparable ambience of
dreams coming true.
The picturesque town center at night
A winter sports region beyond compare
Nestling in the mountains of Kitzbüheler
Horn, Bichlalm and the Hahnenkamm at
an altitude of 800 meters above sea-level,
the Kitzbühel region is ideally situated to
catch the snow-laden north-westerlies.
The result is reliable snow cover right
down to the valley floor from
December to April. The region has about
a hundred miles of perfectly groomed
downhill trails for all ability levels and
almost twenty miles of signposted offpiste ski routes, as well as action-packed
terrain parks for boarders, natural
toboggan runs and hundreds of miles of
cross-country ski trails and winter walks.
The infrastructure includes fourteen ski
schools for all ability levels, from today’s
beginners to tomorrow’s ski racers, and a
total of 56 ultra-modern ski lifts and
cablecars run by Bergbahn AG Kitzbühel.
Following completion of the regional lift
and cablecar network with the opening in
December 2004 of the world’s most
exciting 3S tri-cable gondola linking the
Hahnenkamm/Pengelstein and
Jochberg/Resterhöhe ski areas, a ski
safari in the Kitzbühel region is now in a
category all of its own. For children,
youngsters, families and beginners, the
region also offers a special service –
which in this form is unique in Austria –
with free practice lifts down to the valley
in every resort.
For further information, please go to
www.kitzbuehel.com. There you will also find a
section particularly tailored to press enquiries
under www.kitzbuehel.com/en/presse.asp.
www.kitzbuehel.com
© Kitzbuehel-Schriftzug-Design: Alfons Walde 1933/VBK Wien
Your holiday puzzle is solved
Kitzbühel is one of the most exciting destinations in the Alps and at the same time a
gem of a very special kind. Here genuine hospitableness, a charming historical old
town with numerous shopping facilities, lively sports and a full calendar of world-class
events come together to provide some outstanding high culture for tourists. Moreover
the 4 distinct seasons make Kitzbühel an exhilarating experience for every type of holiday and every holiday season. You can therefore look forward to a varied programme
of delights with many highlights such as crystal clear mountain lakes, fantastic specials
for kids, a breathtaking alpine scenery, hundreds of kilometres of walking trails, our
first class hotels, 4 local golf courses and much more.
Kitzbühel Tourismus, Hinterstadt 18, 6370 Kitzbühel / Austria
Tel.: +43 (0) 53 56 777, Fax: +43 (0) 53 56 777-77
info@kitzbuehel.com, www.kitzbuehel.com
10
THE TOWN OF THE CHAMOIS
THE TOWN OF
THE CHAMOIS IN
WINTER CLOTHING
When snowflakes fall onto Kitzbühel’s roofs, the world-renowned
winter-sports region comes alive with multicoloured events
11
THE TOWN OF THE CHAMOIS
114 winters ago, Franz Reisch, the first
inhabitant of Kitzbühel, strapped a pair
of 2.3 metre wooden planks onto his
boots in order to charge down the
`Kitzbüheler Horn` at high speed. Even
if most of his contemporaries thought
that this hell-raising ride on snow shoes
was absolutely “crazy”, very soon there
were numerous people following suit.
At the beginning of the century the very
first Kitzbühel Skiing Championships
took place and in 1909 the first official
skiing instructors were already
encouraging tourists to learn the
correct technique on the slopes.
Nothing now stood in the way of this
new means of transportation, and with
this came Kizbühel’s own economic
upswing. A Grand Hotel was built and a
Winter Sports Association was founded
which soon attracted guests and
sportsmen from all over the world. And
nothing has changed to this day. When
Kitzbühel dons its winter coat as it does
every winter, Reisch’s joy in the
“intoxication of the downhill run” will
once again serve as inspiration for
numerous visitors. Large-scale snow
spectacles including the Baldessarini
Snow Arena Polo World Cup and the
legendary Hahnenkamm-Race will
delight the many guests as will the
wide range of winter sports events on
offer in this snow-set region.
Winter 2007/08
12
THE TOWN OF THE CHAMOIS
Alleys covered in snow: the mystery of Advent in the mountains
When the sweet smell of ginger bread
and the spicy scent of mulled wine drift
through the snow-covered alleys of the
“town of the chamois” and the snow
crunches under your boots, it really is
that time of the year again: the traditional
Christmas market has opened its doors
and invites you from 1 to 24 December
2007 from Wednesday to Sunday from 3
p.m. to 8 p.m. to stroll around, taste what
is on offer and admire. In the historic
town centre of Kitzbühel, festively
decorated for the season, Christmas
plays will be performed such as nativity
plays, readings and Christmas concerts.
The historic carillon in the tower of the
“Katharine” Church will help to set the
mood with music.
The neighbouring village of Reith is home
to a special kind of Advent Calendar. 24
houses are decorated with Advent
windows one of which is opened every
day as of 1 December. Another highlight
is the St Nicholas weekend: on 5
December. Kitzbühel is transformed with
wild “Krampus”* runs and a St Nicholas
procession, both of which turn the town
into a magical place – especially for our
younger guests. Kids can look forward to
a colourful daily programme in Kitz
throughout the entire Advent period with
story-telling sessions, pony riding and
lots more.
* “Krampus” accompany St Nicholas but
tend to be more frightening figures
dressed in furs with big horns.
Snow polo in Kitzbühel
13
THE TOWN OF THE CHAMOIS
Fresh powder snow:
a dream-like start to
winter in Kitzbühel
Kitzbühel will open the winter season
2007/08 from 14 to 16 December with an
eventful programme. On the Gaisberg
tobogganing fans will jump at the chance
to descend into the valley at high speed:
the natural tobogganing slope is open
every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free
guided winter and snow shoe walks
round off the eventful winter programme.
There is no need to end sporting
activities after the fall of dark since skiing
and tobogganing can be continued on
the Gaisberg up until 9.30 p.m.
The weekend which starts the winter’s
season will be a stormy affair even if
you are not on the 170 perfectly
prepared slopes, the eight kilometre
long and marked ski routes featuring all
degrees of difficulty, the natural
tobogganing trail, the cross-country
runs or snow-covered winter walks.
Moreover the bars and pubs welcome
you to Après-Ski-Parties every day as
of 4 p.m. and in the Hochkitzbühel
Restaurant you can enjoy a romantic
Candle-Light-Dinner every Friday and
Saturday following a cable car trip in
the dark. After all sporting triumphs
deserve to be celebrated.
race and parties and will transform itself
into a true El Dorado of fun,
boisterousness and zest for life.
Swirling snow flakes:
Baldessarini Snow
Arena Polo World Cup
Snorting horses, swirling snow, sport-mad
spectators and VIPs among the guests: a
week before the Hahnenkamm-Race
world-class polo is played in Kitzbühel on
snow from 11 to 13 January for the sixth
time. At the Baldessarini Snow Arena Polo
World Cup there are exciting matches on
during the day between teams from
Germany, Switzerland, Holland, Argentina
and the USA. In the evening relaxed parties
will help everyone to unwind.
For information on the current winter
packages please contact Kitzbühel
Tourismus at www.kitzbuehel.com
or Telephone +43 (0) 5356 777.
New years day celebrations in Kitzbühel
Frozen slopes:
the legendary
Hahnenkamm-Race
Winter time in Kitzbühel offers you a
truly unique range of sporting, cultural
and society events. A major annual
highlight among the numerous snow
spectacles is without any doubt the
absolutely legendary Hahnenkamm Race
which takes place in January. In March
1931 the very first dare-devils hurled
themselves down the “Streif” into the
valley. In 2008 the Hahnenkamm-Race
will take place from 18 to 20 January for
the 68th time. The eyes of the
international skiing world will then focus
their full attention on the “town of the
chamois” for three whole days. In the
hardest and most fascinating Ski Race
the world has to offer the ski stars will
battle it out in the Slalom, Super-G and
the downhill race for first place but more
importantly for honour and fame.
Needless to say, Kitzbühel hosts a whole
series of events during the days of the
Winter 2007/08
14
THE ORIGINAL
OUT
& ABOUT WINTER WONDERLAND
THE LONDONER
One of the best nightspots in the Austrian Alps
comes under the microscope from our man on
the piste - David Hall.
Great English Pub ‘Try it you’ll like it’
Open daily from 14:00
Franz-Reisch-Strasse 4, 6370 Kitzbühel
Tel: 05356-71428 – www.thelondoner.at
ApresSki Session Daily from 16:30 with
the legendary duo “Short & Curlies”
The Londoner In Action
15
OUT & ABOUT
Rik - The Big Boss
The Gunnell Family
Andrew Crowford
Damon Hill
Ferrero Corjetja
Eddi Irvine
Darren Ralphs
Monaco
Bode Miller
Winter 2007/08
16
ADVERTORIAL
V.l.n.r.: Schmuck- und Uhrendesigner Josef Schroll, Goldschmiedemeister und Uhrenspezialist Christopher Schroll
Exklusive Uhren,
kostbarer Schmuck von
durch große Glasscheiben in die
Goldschmiedewerkstatt. Hier sieht man
die Kunsthandwerker an der Arbeit: es
wird gehämmert, geschliffen und poliert.
Neue Schmuck-wichtiger also, dass die
individuellen stücke entstehen nach
kreativen Designvorlagen, aus
unattraktiv gewordenen Stücken
entstehen begehrte Neuheiten, auch
Reparaturen werden ausgeführt.
Hier ist Goldschmiedemeister
Christopher Schroll der Chef des
Hauses. Nach seinen Schwerpunkten
befragt, meint er, dass vor allem
verantwortungsvolle und kompetente
Beratung im Vordergrund stehen muss.
Da trifft es sich gut, dass er eine
besondere Leidenschaft für komplizierte
Zeitmesser hat. Es ist sein Stolz, stets
über alle Neuheiten informiert zu sein
und auch über die winzigsten Details
beratend Auskunft geben zu können.
Entsprechend umfangreich ist das
Angebot an Kollektionen führender
Hersteller: Rolex, IWC, Breitling,
Montblanc, Ebel, Maurice Lacroix, Zeno,
Festina und Binary Watch. Wenn Ihre
Ansprüche also keine Grenzen kennen,
besuchen Sie Juwelier Josef Schroll und
Christopher Schroll in Kitzbühel!
www.schroll.cc
SCHROLL IN
KITZBÜHEL
Lzuhause. Viele, die hierher kommen um
Sport zu betreiben und sich an der
herrlichen Landschaft zu erfreuen, sind
Menschen mit höchsten Ansprüchen. Bei
einem Bummel durch die Stadt treffen
sie gerne auf die beiden Geschäfte von
Juwelier Schroll. Hier trifft Modernität
auf Tradition: Juwelier Schroll ist ein
Familienbetrieb.
Heute führt Gründer Josef Schroll ein
elegantes Geschäft für Schmuck- und
Uhrendesign in der Kitzbüheler
Vorderstadt. Josef Schroll ist ein
erfahrener Goldschmied mit einer
großen Leidenschaft für kreatives
Design. „Ein Schmuckstück ist wie eine
Botschaft, es sagt sehr viel über die
Persönlichkeit der Trägerin aus“, ist seine
Überzeugung. Umso für ästhetische
Wirkung unterstützt werden. Viel
Fingerspitzengefühl und
Innovationsgeist investiert Josef Schroll
auch in die beliebten Kitzbühler-Uhren,
die er gemeinsam mit bekannten
Uhrenherstellern entwirft. Neben
unvergesslichen Erinnerungen sind diese
Uhren die schönsten und kostbarsten
Souvenirs eines Urlaubs in Kitzbühel!
Im Zentrum des Ortes, zwischen
Rathaus und Casino, bummelt man
durch die einladende Schmuckpassage
Atelier Schroll. Wer sich von den
Kostbarkeiten im Auslagendisplay
losreißen kann, blickt bald fasziniert
KB SPECIAL TIME Automatic-Uhr von Josef Schroll (lim. Aufl.)
17
ADVERTORIAL
Exclusive Watches,
Precious Jewellery from
SCHROLL IN
KITZBÜHEL
We have all known it for a long time:
luxury is at home in Kitzbühel. Many
people who come here to engage
in sport and to rejoice in the splendid
scenery have demanding tastes. When
they stroll through the town they are
happy to come across the two shops of
Schroll the Jeweller.
Here modernity meets tradition:
Schroll the Jeweller is a family business.
Today the founder Josef Schroll runs an
elegant shop for designer jewellery and
watches just outside Kitbühel’s centre.
He is an experienced goldsmith with
a great passion for creative design. “A
piece of jewellery is like a message, it
says a great deal about the personality
of the wearer”, is his conviction. So it
is all the more important that account is
taken of the customer’s individual
wishes and that these are supported by
a sure feeling for aesthetic effect. Josef
Schroll also invests a lot of sensitivity
and innovative thinking in the popular
Kitzbühel watches which he designs in
co-operation with well-known watch
manufacturers. Alongside unforgettable
memories these watches are the most
beautiful and precious souvenirs of a
holiday in Kitzbühel.
In the town centre, between the
town hall and the casino, you can
wander through the inviting Atelier
Schroll Jewellery Arcade. If you can
detach your eyes from the precious
objects in the window displays, you
will soon be looking with fascination
through big glass panels right into the
goldsmiths’ workshop. Here you can see
the craftsmen at work, hammering,
cutting and polishing. New pieces
of jewellery are made in accordance
with creative designs, pieces that have
become unattractive are turned into
desirable new ones, and repairs are
carried out too. Here master goldsmith
Christopher Schroll is the master of
the house. When asked what he focuses
on, he replies that above all responsible
and competent advice must be to the
fore. This is all to the good, for he
has a special passion for complicated
timepieces. He takes pride in always
being informed about everything new
and able to give information and
advice about the tiniest details. So the
stock includes collections from leading
manufacturers: Rolex, IWC, Breitling,
Montblanc, Ebel, Maurice Lacroix,
Zeno, Festina and Binary Watch.
If there are no limits to your demands,
call on the jewellers Josef Schroll and
Christopher Schroll in Kitzbühel.
www.schroll.cc
SCHMUCKKETTE, Einzelstück von Josef Schroll in
Sterlingsilber vergoldet mit verschiedenen Edelsteinen
Winter 2007/08
18
WHITE FUTURE
KITZBÜHEL IS
INVESTING IN A
WHITE FUTURE
19
WHITE FUTURE
This winter the ski resort of Kitzbühel is
offering even more comfort and a guaranteed
covering of snow.
When the ski lifts of Kitzbühel start up again, winter-sports fans from all over the
world can look forward to some luxurious new innovations; the 3-seater chairlift
Ehrenbachhöhe and the ski tow at Hanglalm have been replaced by a 6-seater chairlift. In the Resterhöhe region the most modern snow-machine equipment is in use to
ensure kilometres of snow-covered slopes. This means that the main axis of the
Kitzbühel Skisafari will also be almost completely snow-covered this winter. -
More comfortable:
the ‘Ehrenbachhöhe’
chair-lift
More safe:
the ‘Resterhöhe’ snowmachine equipment
No matter whether it was the first sports
cable car in Austria in 1928, or the most
spectacular 3-rope “orbit” in the world in
2004, the ´Bergbahn AG Kitzbühel´ has
always played a pioneering role when it
comes to lift-technology-innovations. And
this trend was demonstrated again quite
clearly in the ski season 2006/07; the 3seater chair-lift ´Ehrenbachhöhe’ gave
way to a modern, covered 6-seater chairlift. Fans of the slopes are now able to
reach the ´Ehrenbachhöhe´ turnstile more
quickly and without long waiting times. In
order to be able to offer the winter-sports
fans the utmost comfort in all weather
conditions, the new lift has been fitted
with so-called “Bubbles“.
Along with the regular modernisation
of the ski lifts, great attention is also
paid to the certainty of snow. One of
the largest reservoirs in Austria was
constructed in 2005 specifically to
ensure the snow-covering of the ski
region ‘Resterhöhe’. The location of the
reservoir, holding 180,000 cubic meters
of water, is a flat dip to the north-west
of the ‘Resterkogel’. After the
completion of only the second
construction level, 60 hectares will
already be able to be covered with
snow this winter. In 2007, when the last
of all three construction levels was
completed, 300 lances are now capable
of covering a total of 85 hectares.
More generous:
the ‘Hanglalm’ chair-lift
As a result of converting the ‘Hangalm’ lift
from a ski tow into a covered 6-seater
chair-lift, the bottleneck problem in the
‘Resterhöhe’ region has been solved. It
was possible to widen the runs of the
‘Hartkaser’ and the ‘Hanglalm’ lifts thanks
to the removal of the tow-lift track.
For further information see www.bergbahn-kitzbuehel.at
and www.kitzbuehel.com
Winter 2007/08
20
OUT & ABOUT
Jochberger Str. 62, 6370 Kitzbühel
Tel u. Fax: (+43) 5356-62 555
www.stamperl-kitzbuehel.at
THE FINAL DESTINATION
Apres-ski at the Stamperl, the final destination at the bottom of the
Hahnenkamm, serving local beers and wines and fine traditional
Austrian fayre.
21
OUT & ABOUT
Robert behind his bar
Jenny behind the outside bar
Winter 2007/08
22
PURE ENJOYMENT
KITZBÜHEL –
PURE ENJOYMENT
WITH “KITZ PURE ENJOYMENT” AS ITS MOTTO, THE TOWN OF THE
CHAMOIS IS PRESENTING TASTY HOME-MADE SPECIALITIES
Whether you prefer romantic walks
through the historic old town, adventurous
days of skiing under a beautiful blue sky,
walks across luscious mountain pastures
or extensive games of golf on well-tended
greens, there is something that all of these
have in common: they will help you work
up an appetite!
The restaurants in Kitzbühel, which are
well-known for their excellent cuisine,
have now initiated a new event which has
as its motto “Kitz pure enjoyment“ and
which will offer culinary delights as well as
healthy eating.
Thirteen restaurants are serving culinary
specialities from their own garden/barn or
from the closest mountain pasture. The
“Kitz pure enjoyment” list features B&Bs
who serve their own home-made jam from
their own garden produce, mountain huts
which serve meat and cheeses from the
cattle grazing nearby, restaurants which
possess their own hunting grounds and fish
breeding ponds, inns which will delight you
with berries and mushrooms they have
picked themselves, and lots more.
So let yourself be tempted and try what is
on offer. For example the spectacular new
Bärenbadalm goulash from Angus beef,
Austria’s fluffiest chopped up pancakes
with blueberries (Kaiserschmarrn) from
the cheerful inn-keeper Lisi in the
Hahnenkammstüberl or why not buy a
farmer’s cold meat supper at the farmers’
market with farmer’s bread and the socalled “Kaminwurz’n” sausage meat!
And at the same time the more
sophisticated chefs of Kitzbühel are
placing their bets on traditional and
natural produce. For example the Bichlhof
restaurant which is using products from
its own mountain pasture or the awardwinning Tennerhof restaurant where every
guest is presented with a jar of jam from
the famous restaurant made with fruit
from the Tennerhof’s own fruit garden to
take home. And, let’s face it who can
honestly say that they have gourmet
cuisine at home for breakfast!
One last important tip: wait till after
your holiday in Kitzbühel before you
start your diet!
The list of the restaurants taking part and
further information can be obtained from
www.kitzbuehel.com and from Kitzbühel
Tourismus, Tel. +43 (0) 53 56/7 77.
24
PURE ENJOYMENT
Those taking part in
“Kitz pure enjoyment”
Alte Wacht
Pass-Thurn-Straße 14
6373 Jochberg
Tel: 0043 5355 5222
www.alte-wacht.at
• Veal from farmer Mitteracker from
Kitzbühel
• Beef from farmer Perl from Jochberg
• Breakfast eggs from farmer Anger from
Jochberg
• Fresh milk every day from farmer
Spitaler from Jochberg and other foods
from Austria only
Auwirt ***
Pass-Thurn-Straße 13
6370 Aurach
telephone: +43 (0) 5356/645 12,
www.gasthofauwirt.at
• Sheep’s cheese from farmer Unterfeld
(terrine of sheep’s cheese)
• Goat's cheese from Lackenhof (slices
of goat’s cheese, vinegar, pumpkin
seed oil)
• Mountain pasture cheese from the Bichl
mountain pasture (mountain pasture
cheese soup)
• Beef from Obernberg (“Girardi“ sirloin
steak)
• Veal from Brüggl Wast (veal roulade
with a cep filling)
• Game from Aurach hunters (deer
medallions, walnut crust)
• Mushrooms and berries from mountain
pasture farmers
New!: Bärenbadalm
Bergstation Bärenbadkogel II
6373 Jochberg
telephone: +43 (0) 664/855 79 94,
www.baerenbadalm.at
• Angus beef from own farm.
• Game from own hunting grounds
• Cheese from Gidi Koidl - Aurach Wild
mountain pasture.
• Schnapps from Andreas Obermoser Maurach-farmer.
Sport-Wellnesshotel Bichlhof****
Gasthof Hagstein
Bichlnweg 153
6370 Kitzbühel
Telephone: +43 (0) 5356/640 22,
www.bichlhof.at
• Lamb from own farm
• Trout and char from own fish ponds
• Mountain cheese from own mountain
pasture (Bichl mountain pasture
cheese),
• Milk, curd, butter from farmer
• Herbs from own herb garden to refine
dishes
• Home-made jams and spreads at the
breakfast buffet
• Honey from the Bichl mountain pasture
Hagsteinweg 95
Kitzbühel
Tel.: 0043 (0)5356 65216
www.gasthof-hagstein.at
• The meat which comes from controlled
organic farm is processed in the
restaurant’s own butcher shop (sausage
meat, bacon, liver dumplings etc.)
• Goat, lamb, ceps, chanterelles and fresh
cheese from farmer Dödlinger,
• Game from hunters in the region
• Fresh trout from the large Kalter spring
• Cake, strudel and the farmer’s bread are
baked here
• Home-made elder blossom lemonade
Biohotel Florian ***
Hahnenkammstüberl
Bichlach 41
6370 Reith bei Kitzbühel
Telephone: +43 (0) 5356/652 42,
www.biohotel-florian.at
• Only products from controlled organic
farms (including herbs, spices and milk
products)
• Home-made jams and spreads
• Home-made bread and rolls
Am Hahnenkamm
6370 Kitzbühel
Telephone: +43 (0) 5356/625 21
Blueberries, mushrooms and cranberries
picked by hand on the Hahnenkamm and
Pengelstein for chopped up pancake
(Kaiserschmarrn), mushroom goulash
and pancakes etc. Elderberry juice
Berggasthaus Fleckalm
Brandseite 53
6365 Kirchberg
Telephone: +43 (0) 5357/20 78,
www.fleckalm.com
With its own farm: Beef mainly and pork
partly from own farm. Every day fresh
milk and buttermilk on the menu, the
mountain cheese comes from the
surrounding mountain pastures.
GÖSSL KITZBÜHEL
Vorderstadt 26
6370 Kitzbühel
phone: +43/(0)5356/75168
e-mail: kitzbuehel@goessl.com
www.goessl.com
NEU Mittagsmenü
Montag bis Freitag
Jedes Menü um €6,00
Menü 1 Tomatencremesuppe, Pizza nach Auswahl, Eis
Menü 2 Minestrone Suppe, Spaghetti aglio olio, Tiramisu
Menü 3 Gemischter Salat, Penne Bolognese, Obst
Menü 4 Muschelnsuppe, Rissoto frutti di mare, Eis
Ristorante Rossini
Alfons Petzold Weg 2
6730 Kitzbühel
Tel +43 5356 64033
Do you need some time out from sport or work to
regain your strength or just to have a bit of a chat?
Then enjoy a little bit of down time in convivial
surroundings at Sportpark, Kitzbühel
...you’ll be fit for sport and work again!
Sportfeld 1 • 6370 Kitzbühel
Tel: +43 / (0) 5356/ 20 220
Emal: auszeit@kitz.net
26
PURE ENJOYMENT
Golfhotel Rasmushof ****
Tennerhof *****
Seidlalm
Ried Ecking 15
6370 Kitzbühel
Tel.: 0043 5356 652520
www.rasmushof.at
• Home-made jams: apricot, blueberry,
strawberry
• Home-made jus (sauce): fish sauce,
veal sauce
Griesenauweg 26
6370 Kitzbühel
telephone: +43 (0) 5356/631 81,
www.tennerhof.com
Home-made jam (at the breakfast buffet,
moreover every guest is presented with a
jar to take home!). The fresh fruit used for
this comes from the restaurant's own
garden. Herbs from the own garden are
used to refine the dishes.
Ried Ecking 24
6370 Kitzbühel
Telephone: +43 (0) 5356/631 35,
www.seidlalm.at
Seidlalm cheese: made once with a hard
cheese culture and one with a cream
cheese culture (varies in taste) depending
on maturity level from mild-spicy and
buttery in consistency to
Spicy and almost a hard cheese ...
Seidlalm cream cheese: with the flavour
of mountain pastures!
Seidlalm yoghurt: home-made natural
yoghurt, served with fresh, seasonal
mountain pasture berries.
Sour milk
Nettle soup garnished with daisies
Mushroom goulash: naturally only for a
short time and depending on the season
with ceps and boletus, chanterelles etc.
From the areas and hand-picked
Lard sandwich with home-made lard
Elder berry juice and lemon balm juice.
Reitherwirt
Dorf 16
6370 Reith
Tel.: 0043 5356 65418
www.reitherwirt.at
• Fish from own waters
• Game from own hunting grounds
• Beef from own farm
Tiroler Bauernstandl
(Tyrolean farmer’s stand)
Josef Hechenberger
Tel. 0043 12 55 171
Location: every week on Friday and
Saturday at the Rathausplatz in Kitzbühel
The specialist for farming specialities from
the Europaregion Tyrol.
Cheese specialities, many of organic quality,
the finest Tyrolean bacon, “Kaminwurzn”
sausage meat, farmer’s bread, honey, jams,
schnapps, wine, apple juice and lots more.
28
OUT & ABOUT
CHIZZO
30
IGLOO FASCINATION
IGLOO
FASCINATION…
There are no polar bears in the Tirol, but there
are igloos. These have become a popular
winter attraction, guests on skiing holidays
enjoy living like Eskimos.
The Alpine Igloo Village
in Kitzbühel
This winter the Streiteckmulde by the
Hahnenkamm, the town's skiing area, will
be the site of a real igloo village. Apart
from the Igloo Hotel there will be a
Wellness Igloo, an Igloo Church, a
Children's Igloo, an Igloo Bar, Shop,
Restaurant and Village Square. The
restaurant, church, bar and shop are
open to the public, just like a real village.
The hotel is furnished with high-quality
isomats and reindeer skins, the polar
sleeping bags also have a fleece inlet so
that no one gets cold feet. Up to eight
people can sleep in the standard igloo,
31
IGLOO FASCINATION
the VIP igloo is designed for a twosome.
In the evening everyone eats together in
the Igloo Restaurant, sitting round a
large table and enjoying fondue. There
are no showers, but simple sanitary
facilities with washing amenities and
toilets. The opening is planned for 23
December 2007. An overnight stop in
the 8-person igloo costs ¤ 99,00 or ¤
145,00 in the 2-person igloo. Further info:
Projekt Alpeniglu, tel. +49.711.34169090,
info@alpeniglu.com, www.alpeniglu.com.
Icegloo Village at
2,700 metres
In the Ötztal the Icegloo Village will
again be taking shape this year at the
foot of the Rettenbachferner. The igloo
site will be built within four weeks. It
will comprise of eight igloos, each for
four people, and eight double suites
plus a spacious lounge igloo with
capacity for 48 guests in all. Skiers can
take a break in the lounge to warm
their hands over tea and mulled wine.
Candlelight is the sole form of lighting,
it conjures up an almost mystical
atmosphere. The sauna and whirlpool
are at the disposal of guests who can
then cool off in the snow outside. That's
the way they do it in Finland!
Incidentally, the snow village can also
be rented for corporate celebrations or
incentives. Further info: Ötztal Tourism,
tel. +43.5254.5100, info@oetztal.com,
www.oetztal.com.
The White Lounge
comes up to its name
The site consists of 10 igloo suites and a
main igloo, a pre-Christmas opening is
planned. It consists of the White Lounge,
A cosy night for two inside one of the Igloos
the bar, the dining igloo with romantic
niches, the chill-out igloo and two camp
igloos. The outside snow bar provides
space for enjoyment, here you can recline
and listen to easy-going lounge music.
Party night is every Tuesday and a DJ
provides the club feeling at the turntable.
All the sleeping igloos feature works of
art in snow, dinner is served in the igloo.
The sauna can take 10 to 15 people, the
rest room is heated. There is also a
heated changing room. The White
Lounge is located on the Ahorn plateau
in the midst of all the Zillertal piste fun. A
party night package costs ¤ 133,00 and
includes an overnight stop with breakfast
and dinner, the ascent by Ahorn lift and,
on the morning after, a warming cup of
tea or a restorative beer. Further info:
Zillertal Tourism, tel. +43.5288.87187,
www.white-lounge.at.
Celebrate in the White Lounge
Winter 2007/08
32
MAYRHOFEN
MAYRHOFEN
Mayrhofen in the Ziller valley region welcomes more British
visitors throughout the year than any other Austrian resort.
Kirk Field has spent 20 years visiting, living, working &
playing in the place he calls ‘da hoff’. Here’s his lowdown.
33
MAYRHOFEN
Mayrhofen! Multi-faceted and mercurial
jewel in Zillertals crown. Part traditional
chocolate box Tyrolean village, part
hedonistic hub, part serene spa &
wellness retreat.
can be what you want it to be. But one
thing is for sure, it won’t be long before
you stumble on an impressive fact superlatives abound when talking about
Mayrhofen.
A firm favourite with families from
Amersham to Amsterdam - yet packing
a loud and proud reputation as the
party capital of the Austrian Alps.
Small enough to feel like a village, but
bursting to its cosmopolitan seams with
old (and new) European snow seekers.
Mayrhofen defies pigeon-holing.
Like all the best holiday destinations, it
Austria's biggest ski pass, the Zillertal
3000 unzips 157kms of local skiing and
589 kms in total. That’s a vast
playground comprised of picturesque
villages, smooth snow-covered
meadows, forest runs, and razor sharp
Alpine peaks - a 360 degree panoramic
backdrop which some resorts would
swap their black runs for.
Huge Improvements
The resort is now unrecognizable,
compared with the 1980’s, and that’s
official: Mayrhofen was named, ‘Most
Improved European Resort’ a few years
ago. On the Penken ( the resort’s
primary ski area), every single chair has
been replaced in the last decade - many
of them now swift & smooth ‘six man’
covered affairs. Additionally,
considerable investment in snow-making
technology provides a reassuring top up
when nature doesn’t deliver (which it
must be said, is very seldom – the
Austrian Tyrol has escaped recent
droughts, and is somewhat celebrated
as a late season snow destination). If all
these improvements are the cake, the
award winning piste maintenance is
quite literally the icing on top.
Ahh-horn!
Why even the Ahorn, the forgotten old
lady of Zillertal is now served by the
largest cable car anywhere in Austria .
The ‘biggest erection in the Alps’, as
locals proudly describe the new
Ahornbahn, serves another recent
addition to the resort’s attractions:
situated on top of the plateau, some
2000m high, is the spectacular igloo
village, ‘The White Lounge’ consisting of
ten suites, a cinema, sauna area, dining
igloo and a club complete with record
decks (this being Mayrhofen, after all!).
For current information regarding
snow conditions in Mayrhofen call:
+43(0)5285 62373
Useful sites: www.mayrhofen.at
www.mayrhofner-bergbahnen.com
www.hotelstrass.com
www.schneerkarhutte.com
www.snowbombing.com
www.airport-transfers.com
Winter 2007/08
34
MAYRHOFEN
White Out!
Spiritual Mayrhofen
Into The Valley…
An overnight stay here, is the ultimate
back-to-nature romantic experience.
Dinner, a bottle of bubbly in the sauna,
followed by a night cuddled up beneath
animal fur blankets! Wander outside and
the stars appear so close you want to
reach out for them. Each Tuesday it’s
possible to ride up in the cable car for an
unforgettable party – drinking gluwein
around the bonfire, or quite literally
‘chilling out’ in the ice cinema.
After an afternoon here, ride the 5.5 km
Ebenwald descent back to resort.
Top tip: pull into the Weisenhof
restaurant for some gluwein, which
nestles at the end of the tree line, just
as the village comes into view. It offers
panoramic views of the Ziller valley
(…and an eerie silence only normally
found in libraries and mortuaries!)
Mayrhofen lies at the convergence of four
valleys. Each of these valleys cradles a
river, which cuts a swathe from the glacier
and surrounding mountains, along the
vast Intal to the Bavarian plain. Some
believe that energy flows along the same
channels as water – unseen streams of
life, which race down from the high
ground, swirling and tumbling, swelling
and shrinking. As melting snow
converges, rivers merge at Mayrhofen;
currents collide and energy spirals.
Certainly there’s an undeniable energy in
‘da hoff’ – whether it’s created by leylines,
jagermeister or just good old fashioned
‘feel good’ factor generated by
holidaying doesn’t really matter.
Mayrhofen is a great base from which
you can explore the Ziller valley. A
surefire way of avoiding the high season
crowds is to make the most of your lift
pass and head for less populated resorts.
Most are served by the train (which you
can travel free with your lift pass).
Particularly worth a mention are Zell am
Ziller, which is now linked with Gerlos &
Konigsleiten to create the impressive
115km’s Zillertal Arena Area. Also worth a
visit is Kaltenbach - Hoch Fugen - an up
and coming area, where you’ll find the
valleys only 4 star mountain top hotel,
the stylish Kristalhutte (booking essential
(0676/88632400). With five ski areas
and nearly 600 km’s of piste waiting for
you, if you use your lift pass wisely, you
won’t see a queue all week long!
If you are confidently navigating red runs,
you’ve simply no excuse for not visiting
the Tux Glacier- Austria’s highest lifted
point, which is accessed by the free
Greenline buses. Here you can take a
dizzying succession of gondolers past the
blue ice wall to what feels like the roof of
the World, 3286m (nearly 10,000 feet
above sea level in old money), and gaze
agog over three countries, Austria, Italy &
Germany, before visiting the largest glacial
cave system in Europe, the Spannaglehole.
Hintertux is 90 kms of pure treeless
pleasure; brutal yet beautiful, the place will
humble you, whilst making you feel like a
king. Confused? Witness its majesty for
yourself, and all will become clear.
Board Stoopid
Snowboarders are welcomed in
Mayrhofen, and catered for by the awardwinning Vans Penken Park (adjudged
best terrain park in German speaking
countries in 2005). H-U-G-E helicopterinducing big air kickers and wedding
tackle-threatening rails are found in
abundance here, whilst the half pipe is
smoother than Keira Knightly’s inside
thigh (and just as much fun). Boarders
will also experience nirvana on the wide
carving pistes over at Lanarsbach. Hear
them describing the awesomeness of it
all to their dudes, in the Scotland Yard
Pub each night.
Nu Rave Resort
Mayrhofen has in recent years developed
a reputation for hosting cool music
events. Faithless played on the mountain
top in a blizzard, Boy George officially
opened the Arena club venue. London
dance station Kiss 100’s annual exodus
paved the way for Europe’s largest music
festival on snow, ‘Snowbombing’ - which
each spring, brings over a hundred top
DJs and a dozen live bands and paints
the town red (not to mention Day-Glo
yellow, lime green and Elho pink), in a
non-stop week of gravity, silence and
sleep abuse.
I
From partying to
pampering…
The resort is well-equipped with wellness
facilities and beauty treatments. They don’t
come more impressive than the Hotel
Strass wellness centre. A Moroccan-styled
spa, at the heart of the village. Amongst
their awesome arsenal are seven different
types of sauna! Then there’s the rooftop
hot tubs at the Kramerwirt and Manni’s
Hotel… porn-tastic!
The resorts concentric nature means
there’s an ample availability of centrallylocated hotels. This perhaps explains why
Mayrhofen continues to attract families.
The Hotel Strass is always a firm favourite
with British visitors, due to its ability to
juggle family friendliness with serene
wellbeing and lively après ski / nightlife.
“With five ski areas and nearly 600 km’s of
piste waiting for you, if you use your lift pass
wisely, you won’t see a queue all week long”
Stats the way it is:
resort facts
Top Height:
2500
Vertical Drop:
1870m
Total Lifts:
48
Drag Lifts:
24
Chair Lifts:
17
Cabin Lifts:
12
Uplift per hour:
10,280
Mountain Restaurants:
27
Blue Runs:
29%
Red Runs:
59%
Black Runs:
12%
Longest Run:
5.5km
Facing of Slopes:
NSWE
Snowboard Parks:
1
Snowmaking:
55%
Snowguns:
120
36
BAR GUIDE
MAYRHOFEN BAR GUIDE
ICE BAR
APROPOS
(4pm-8pm) - Next to Penkenbahn lift station. Home of
eternally cheerful Teutonic après ski music and yodel
classics…all washed down with more Grolsch than is served
in any other bar in the World.
(9pm-late) - On high street next to hot dog caravan. A
cavernous dive bar popular with reprobates & hedonists
from Ischgl to Innsbruck. Check out the dartboard… enjoy
the table football… try to work out which is the men’s and
which is the ladies… apropos is best after 2am… but then
again, which dive bar isn’t?
THE ARENA
(11pm –late) - On high street, beneath Hotel Strass. State of
the art contemporary discothèque featuring moodchanging lighting and a soundtrack of mood-altering dance
& chart flavas. Great sound system and spacious stage
make The Arena the best live music venue in town
SCHLUSSEL
(11pm-late) - Over the bridge, next to the Hotel Brucke.
What do you get if you cross a Tyrolean wood beamed barn
with a job lot of fairy lights…? Answer: The Schlussel! Yer
authentic Austrian disco experience awaits: euro-cheese &
excruciating holiday hits. Be afraid; be very afraid…
PICCADILLY PUB
(9pm-late) - Next to Scotland Yard... A local bar for local
people. Nuff said.
COUP
(early 'til late) - Opposite Moreboards on the high street.
This stylish glass-fronted eaterie offers a tasty selection of
bar snacks & selection of shots ‘n’ stuff to make the world a
better (if slightly hazier) place.
COHIBA/PRINZ CHARLES PUB
(7pm-1am) - Opposite Piccadilly Pub. Walk down the stairs
and ask for a “cox”: this is a unique local concoction made
from coffee beans, sugar…and 89% rum.
WIN WIN
(by the church) - Unashamedly, optimistically-named casino
bar (well they couldn’t really call it LOSE YOUR SHIRT now,
could they?). Huge screens ideal for the footy.
MAYRHOFEN ONLINE
The Box, Tuxerstrasse 718 (incorporates launderette, coffee shop and bar!)
Alpenhotel Kramerwirt ..................................
Backerstuberl Eberharter ............................
Cafe-Restaurant Tirol ......................................
Piccadilly ...............................................................
Am Marienbrunnen 36 ...................................
Schwendaustr. 197 ............................................
Haupstrasse 448 ...............................................
Scheulingstrasse 370 ......................................
Internet Café – up high street (same side as Penken cable car station)
Telephone. 05285/6700
Telephone. 05285/62238
Telephone. 05285/62320
Telephone. 0650/3417751
Cr y s tal
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g
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Are you up for it?
Join us at the Sunday Times Crystal Ski Challenge in Mayrhofen, Austria,
from 15th - 22nd March 2008. It promises to be an amazing event, with
teams competing in a speed ski competition, a bumps event, a parallel
slalom and a giant slalom. Everyone from beginner to expert can benefit
from race training from the British Ski Academy's own trainers (Olympians
Sir Steve Redgrave, Ben Hunt-Davis and ski racer Noel Baxter have
confirmed their attendance and are rumoured to be in training already!)
Prices start from just £650pp
a
Return flights & transfers
a 3 or 4 star half board accommodation
a Sunday to Thursday – race training camps and video feedback
in the evenings with race trainers
a Speed ski competition, bumps event and parallel slalom race
during the week
a Thursday pm – The Race (giant slalom). Gala dinner
a Friday pm – race video, prize giving and Sir Steve Redgrave’s
VIP party night
a Lift pass for the duration of your stay
a Equipment hire (skis/board, boots and poles) for the
duration of your stay or free ski carriage and race service
for more details see
e
g
n
e
l
l
a
h
c
/
k
.u
o
.c
s
y
cr ystalholida
0871 231 5643
or call
39
EVENTS
WINTER EVENTS
2007/2008
05 December 2007:
Santa Claus ceremony at 16.45 h at the bandstand in Ramsau
07 December 2007:
Advent singing by the Ramsau Singers in Ramsau Church, from 19.15 hrs
07 December 2007:
Gala evening due to the book presentation of Prof. Albin Moroder, 19.30, Europahaus Mhf.
07 – 09 December 2007:
Snow.break – the official start of the winter season in the Zillertal
13 December 2007:
Advent singing at the Marienkapelle in Schwendau, at 20.00 h
14 December 2007:
Ramsau Christmas market at “Adeg Parkplatz” in Ramsau, at 17.30 h
15 – 22 December 2007:
Winter Break 07 (Student Ski Board & Music Holiday) in Mayrhofen
16 December 2007:
Christkindl Procession at Sternplatz in Mayrhofen
20 December 2007:
"Klöpfl" singing by the Mayrhofen Male Voice Choir and the BMK Brass Group. Begins 18.45 hrs at the
Cemetery, 19.15 Dorf Haus, 19.45 Marienkapelle Edenlehen, 20.15 Church, 20.45 Hollenzen
23 December 2007:
Christkindl Procession by the Ramsau LJ from Dorfplatz in Ramsau to Bühel
23 December 2007:
Advent Hour in Mayrhofen Church by the Volksbühne Mayrhofen, from 17.00 hrs
23 December 2007:
Children-Adventparty at the band stand in Mayrhofen at 15.00 h, big program
26 December 2007:
Mayrhofen Ski Club Boxing Day Ski-Jumping Event at the jump in Dorf Haus
27 December 2007:
concert of the “Don Kosaken“ at 20.30 h in the church of Mayrhofen
30 December 2007:
Pre-New Year's Eve Party at the Dorfplatz in Ramsau from 17.00 hrs
31 December 2007:
Children New Year’s Eve Party at Josef-Riedl-Platz from 15.00 h, big program
01 January 2007:
New Year's Horse Racing in Mayrhofen and 30 years of the Mayrhofen Racing Club
02 January 2008:
Stamp Collectors Association "stamp swapping evening" in the Bowling Alley in
Mayrhofen from 20.00 hrs
05 January 2008:
Official Park Opening of “Vans Penken Park” in the Skiarea of Mayrhofner Bergahnen
12 January 2008:
Tyrolean Community Ski Cup on the Horberg, starting at 11.00 hrs
12 January 2008:
Fun Toboggan Race by the Landjugend Ramsau in Bühel (Alternative date: 19.01.2008)
18 – 19 January 2008:
Austrian Open in Freeskiing in the Burton Park of Mayrhofner Bergbahnen
02 February 2008:
BMK Hippach Music and Masked Ball in the Hotel Neuwirt in Schwendau at 20.15 hrs
04 February 2008:
Rosenmontag (carnival) party in Mayrhofen
05 February 2008:
Carnival procession in Hippach, starting at 14.00 hrs from Ramsau to Hippach
05 February 2008:
Children’s carnival at Josef-Riedl-Platz, big program
06 February 2008:
Stamp Collectors Association “Stamp Exchange” in the Bowling Alley in Mayrhofen from 20.00 hrs
09 February 2008:
Tyrol Children's Ski Event on the Penken
01 – 02 March 2008:
Saac Basis Camp in the Skiarea of Mayrhofner Bergbahnen
01 – 09 March 2008:
Aesthetics "Wängl Tängl" on the Mayrhofen Cable Car Co's ski slopes
05 March 2008:
Stamp Collectors Association "Stamp Exchange" in the Bowling Alley in Mayrhofen from 20.00 hrs
06. March 2008:
M-Party at Penkenbahn in Mayrhofen, at 18.00 h (alternativ date: 13.3.2008)
24 March 2008:
"Melodienreigen" - Hans Rainer and Günther Simonott at 20.30 Uhr in the Europahaus Mayrhofen
30 March 2008:
Local Ski Championship: children's finals on the Horberg
31 March – 06 April 2008:
Snowbombing 08 in Mayrhofen
29 – 30 March 2008:
Austrian Paragliders' League Competition from the Penken. Venue and landing place is the
Bruggerstube in Hollenzen. (Alternative date: 05–06 April 2008)
Winter 2007/08
40
ANOTHER WORLD
A holiday in the Tirol’s
GLACIER VILLAGE
The very name Obergurgl suggests seclusion. As far as tourist
amenities are concerned, this little village at an altitude of 1,930
m at the back of the Ötztal is the Tirol's inside tip. Here you can
find what is exclusive to this ski area.
Obergurgl only has a population of 400, it
really is a small village. It does have nearly
4,000 guest beds, however – quite a lot.
The wide selection makes it difficult to
choose: the 5* "Top Hotel Obergurgl" or
one of the nineteen 4* hotels, I settle for
the 5* hotel, might as well do it in style. It
is a Relais & Chateaux establishment,
every comfort and luxury taken for
granted. I make straight for the piste,
skiing is what I have come for. How
practical that I can ski off from the front
door. Into the pre-warmed ski boots and
the fun begins. Incidentally, the same
applies to the 4* hotels, in Obergurgl you
do not need a skiers' bus. Fun really does
start on the doorstep.
A new horizon at the
end of the valley
I can't wait to see Obergurgl's skiing area.
I have, of course, heard that the glacier
village has received a double award as
one of the "ten best skiing areas
worldwide". Expectations are high
and I’m not disappointed.
The two smaller skiing areas of
Obergurgl and Hochgurgl are linked by
the Top-Express Gurgl to make one big
area. It extends from 1,800 to 3,080
metres above sea level and the 110 piste
kilometres available are among the very
finest. During the nine-minute ride on the
Top-Express Gurgl over the Königstal and
Verwalltal I lose myself in the incredibly
beautiful view of the surrounding glacier
peaks. I must admit that only on this ride
do I realize just where I am – in the midst
of the mountains, surrounded by glaciers.
There are snow-covered Alpine peaks as
far as the eye can see. I am speechless
when I get out of the gondola on the
Wurmkogel. To be honest, the ride gave
me goose pimples.
Another awesome
experience
I really wanted to enjoy my first run
straight away, but my gaze is riveted by
the new Top Mountain Star, that mountain
restaurant in the form of a mountain
crystal, proudly and majestically
enthroned on the ridge of the
Wurmkogel, proclaiming to skiers: this is
the best panoramic view of all. The Top
Mountain Star is circular and glazed. A
balustrade leads around the exterior wall,
providing a 360° view. That cannot wait,
it's too marvellous. The lovely, sunny day
displays an Alpine panorama, I recognize
the Dolomites away to the south… finally, I
tear myself away from this spectacular
view and set off to test the run. It proves
to be great fun. On these wide and
extensive pistes it is impossible for skiers
to get in each other's way. I can swing
down without colliding with someone
else. I look around and notice how many
skiers there are. But there are no
bottlenecks and I have not noticed
anyone queueing at the lifts. You can ski
anywhere in the Alps, but all this space to
ski is a speciality of Obergurgl. Everything
runs like clockwork here, the 23 lifts do
their work perfectly. They have a capacity
of 37,000 people per hour and that is
quite something – particularly when you
consider that there are "only" 4,000
guest beds in the village. By the way, on
my descent from the Wurmkogel to
Obergurgl I covered an incredible 1,260
altitude metres!
The winter resort with
the most reliable snow
conditions in the Alps
This is another characteristic of
Obergurgl. Its altitude guarantees
that this little ski resort has snow far
into spring. If for any reason it should
become scarce, snowing equipment
ensure that 90% of the runs can be
artificially snowed.
Obergurgl really is secluded. Anyone
coming here leaves strain and stress far
behind. Throughout the resort everything
is done to make this possible and to
ensure that demanding guests can enjoy
superbly comfortable holidays.
42
VIVA WINTER
VIVA WINTER
A new winter has begun. The Tirol celebrates winter with its guests.
The very best is all that is good enough for them and that is why the
amenities are continually being extended and improved.
The absolute highlight of the coming
winter in the Tirol will be the entirely new
Hungerburg cableway in Innsbruck. The
spectacular appearance of the four
stations and the bridge across the river
Inn are the work of Zaha Hadid, the super
star of architecture.
The four cableway stations at Rennweg,
Löwenhaus, Alpenzoo and Hungerburg all
bear Hadid's unmistakable trademark. The
same architect is also responsible for
Innsbruck's eye-catching new bridge, an
s-shaped steel construction with two 34
m pylons. This pièce de résistance opens
in early December and will in future take
skiers up to the Seegrube and make
Innsbruck's Nordkette recreation area
more easily accessible in summer, too.
Further info: Innsbruck und seine
Feriendörfer Tourist Office, tel.
+43.512.59850-0, office@innsbruck.info,
www.innsbruck.info and www.inkb-neu.at.
In the Kühtai a holiday domicile in the extra
class will be ready by the end of December
2007. The Alpine Resort Kühtai is more
than just a hotel complex. Consisting of
four three-storey buildings, it imparts a
"village within a village" atmosphere.
Designed in the traditional Tirolean country
house style, it features near-to-nature
building materials and is constructed in an
ecological way, thus guaranteeing a healthy
room climate and the highest comfort. 32
luxurious holiday apartments are let on a
weekly basis, 20 can be acquired as a
holiday domicile. Each holiday home has
furnishings of a high standard in living
rooms and bedrooms, their Tirolean
cosiness is perfectly natural. And, best of
all, one of the Tirol's top skiing areas starts
on the doorstep: Kühtai is Austria's highest
skiing resort and that's highly practical
since you can go straight to the lifts in
your ski boots!
Further information: Kühtai Tourist Office,
www.kuehtai.co.at.
Skiing down to the hotel doorstep – that's
a possibility in Obergurgl-Hochgurgl. As
from winter 2007/08 three new cabin
cableways will be operating, meaning
more selection still and yet more pleasure
for skiers. Waiting at the 22 lift
installations is out of the question in
Obergurgl-Hochgurgl – guests here
certainly do more skiing than lift riding.
On the 110 kilometres of pistes skiers find
space unlimited for freedom of
movement. The three new lifts, top
Schermerbahn 3000 and Hohe Mut
sections I and II round off the existing
facilities. Skiing in Obergurgl-Hochgurgl
means enjoying winter sports to the full.
Further info: Obergurgl-Hochgurgl
Tourist Office, tel. +43.5256.6466,
info@obergurgl.com,
www.obergurgl.com and
www.oetztal.com.
“In Sölden the snowing
equipment on the
Rotkogl ensures flurries
of snow to order.”
In Sölden the snowing equipment on the
Rotkogl ensures flurries of snow to order.
After a 2-year building phase it is now in
operation. Then it will be possible to
snow the pistes on the Giggijoch and the
glacier connecting pistes by machine.
The required water is taken from the new
pond beneath the Rotkogl hut. This has a
capacity of 150,000 cu. m. and is fed from
water collected on the Rettenbach glacier.
Further info: Sölden Tourist Office,
tel. +43.5254.5100, info@soelden.com,
www.soelden.com and www.oetztal.com.
WIN A WHITE LOUNGE PARTY
NIGHT PACKAGE FOR TWO
or one of 10 Igloo Party Packages with ascent & decent, welcome drink
and igloo party with live DJ sound (no overnight stay - descent at 11 p.m.)
2000 METRES ABOVE sea level,
surrounded by the breathtaking peaks
of the upper Zillertal valley, the residents
of the igloo village greet the day from
their sun-drenched deckchairs before
taking to the slopes of the Ahorn.
Back at the igloo delicious drinks await,
plus crazy parties and probably the
most exclusive accommodation in the
Alps – complete with sauna, a dining
igloo and breakfast.
Answer this simple question to win a
White Lounge party night package
or one of 10 runners up prizes
In which mountain in Mayrhofen is
the White Lounge Located !
A. AHORN
B. PENKEN
Email david@apresskimagazine.com
with your answer
Draw to take place on the
14th February Valentines Day !
44
VIVA WINTER
This winter the new bottom stage of the
Stubai glacier lifts will be newly radiant.
As from 10 October the new bottom
stage went into operation, providing
skiers with all the amenities of a stateof-the-art installation. The ski depot
and the covered waiting area are but
two of the innovations.
Further info: Stubai Glacier,
tel. +43.5226.8141,
info@stubaier-gletscher.com.
www.stubaier-gletscher.com.
In Ischgl the existing Fimbabahn l and ll
was replaced this summer by new 8seater cabins with heated seating. The
ascent on the first section takes 6.7
minutes, 8.4 minutes being required for
the second stage. 2,800 passengers can
be conveyed per hour. The building at
the bottom stage remains and west of
this two new ticket offices are being
built, together with a covered forecourt,
open at the side. The building at the
middle stage was completely
demolished down to the 2nd lower
ground floor. The service area at the top
stage is being enlarged and floodlighting
is planned over the whole length to
enable ascents at night, too.
Further info: Ischgl Tourist Office,
tel. +43.5444.5266, info@ischgl.com,
www.ischgl.com.
“The 2nd sector is
an "adventure land"
with three trails
leading through a
fairytale world.”
In the region Wilder Kaiser Brixental an
8-seater chair lift will be operating this
winter on the Steinbergkogel. It is fitted
with a weatherproof cover and heated
seating. Capacity will be more than
doubled from 1,300 to 3,255 people per
hour. The ascent will be quicker, too,
taking only 4.87 minutes instead of 9
hitherto. New snowing equipment will be
in use on the Griesalm in order to help the
Tirolean winter if necessary.
Further info: Kitzbüheler Alpen Tourist
Office, tel. +43.5357.2000,
info@kitzbueheler-alpen.com,
www.kitzbuehler-alpen.com.
The Cube Hotel in Biberwier is so called
on account of its shape. Its urbane loft
architecture makes plain what the point is
here – entertainment for a young,
unconventional public. In the foreground
are sports and entertainment – leisure
amenities are available day and night. In
the summer mountain biking, climbing, inline skating or river tubing, in the winter
snowboarding, carving, snow tubing or air
boarding – everyone can work off here. In
the evening guests can sit together by the
fireside or listen to music, chat and have a
laugh in the chill-out lounges (on all
floors). Play stations are available in the
gaming zone and in the Cube Club you
can dance energetically until the early
hours. All this is rounded off by the
unconventional design of the hotel. There
are no stairs, for instance, but ramps so
that transporting sports equipment is
utterly simple. There are rooms for two or
four sleepyheads. The new Cube Hotel is
located in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena, a
sports paradise that is a true delight.
Further info: Cube Biberwier-Lermoos,
tel. +43.5673.22565,
www.cube-hotels.com.
The Silvapark in Galtür opens this
winter, Europe's first winter sports snow
park. Divided into 6 theme parks it
provides fun, variety and a challenge for
all skiers. Sector 1, the "dwarf world", is
reserved for the tiniest skiers. Children
here learn skiing in bright surroundings
geared to their age group. The 2nd
sector is an "adventure land" with three
trails leading through a fairytale world.
Children become acquainted with nature
on the hunting trail through the forest.
Sector 3, the "action park" for
youngsters, has everything the heart
could desire: moguls, speed measuring,
a natural half-pipe, curved box, straight
box, etc. guarantee fun galore. Sector 4
is the "heroes' kingdom", the area for
free riders. Every morning mountain and
skiing guides explain the correct
conduct in the open skiing area and
show how to use avalanche search
equipment. Then it's on to the off-piste
area. Sector 5 is the "piste paradise" with
40 km of superbly prepared runs and a
rest zone with deckchairs. Sector 6, "High
& Nordic" is for the tourers, the snow
shoe walkers and the cross-country
freaks. The Silvapark on the Alpkogel
plateau in Galtür brings a new dimension
to winter sports.
Further info: Paznaun Tourist Office,
Galtür, tel. +43.5443.8521,
info@galtuer.com, www.galtuer.com.
The newly built 8-seater Mittelberg
gondola lift in the Pitztal is 2,400 m long,
it replaces Mittelbergjoch l drag lift and
takes only 9 minutes up to an altitude of
3,285 m. With 74 gondolas it can convey
2,200 passengers per hour. The new 6seater Gletschersee chair lift with heated
seating replaces the previous double chair
lift and starts from the same bottom
stage at 2,680 m. The alighting point is
located at 2,840 m right in front of the
mountain restaurant.
Further info: Pitztal Tourist Office,
tel. +43.5414.86999, info@pitztal.com,
ww.pitztal.com.
In Mayrhofen both drag lifts l and ll on the
Ahorn are being replaced by an 8-seater
chair lift and snowing equipment is being
extended.
The new Arrezjoch lift, a 6-seater chair lift
with weatherproof cover, awaits guests at
Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, as does the new
Moosbahn 6-seater chair lift. A new
medium-grade downhill run has been
added to the Masner skiing area and
snowing equipment has been extended
throughout the entire skiing area.
45
SNOWBOMBING IN MAYRHOFEN
SNOWBOMBING
MONDAY 31ST MARCH – SUNDAY 6TH APRIL 2008
WWW.SNOWBOMBING.COM
After the inordinate success of last year’s Arctic Disco those clever
chaps at Snowbombing have gone and extended the experience and
created the ultimate igloo adventure that will enable you to spend an
entire night in the middle of the mountains in the ARCTIC HOTEL, dance
beneath the stars and revel in one of the most extraordinary places on
the planet with your nearest and dearest.
Winter 2007/08
46
MAYRHOFEN RESTAURANT GUIDE
‘TROFFING IN DA HOFF’
KIRK FIELD’S PERSONAL
RESTAURANT GUIDE
CAFÉ TIROL
(Hauptstrasse 448, tel 62320). Local Tyrolean cuisine with a contemporary
twist. The potato & truffle oil soup is to die for – but don’t die until you’ve
enjoyed the Austrian specialty Tafelspitz.
GRILL KUHL
(Hauptsrasse 440). Reliably wood paneled and boasting the obligatory pair of
deer antlers, The Grill Kuhl offers local dishes cooked well and sensibly
priced…oh and the waitresses wear dirndls, natch. Order: the Tiroler Grostle
WIRTHAUS ZUM GRIENER
(tel 62778). Oldest restaurant in the valley by a country mile ( and located a
country mile from the centre!), The Griener is an actual former farmhouse
serving actual farmhouse food. Truly authentic (i.e. cheese, cheese, and more
cheese!) Order: the Garlic soup followed by the Spicy Pan…and delay that diet
until you get home!
MAMMA MIA'S
(Beneath Hotel Elizabeth). Unfeasibly over the top 3-D mural of an Italian
village rooftop and surly waiters are balanced by mouth-watering pizzas and
very gluggable house wine; absolutely average.
CAFÉ KOSTNER
(Hauptstrasse 398). Viennese-inspired coffee and cake Mecca. Delicate, mouthwateringly tempting and bound to get you salivating. But enough about the
blonde waitress. Check out those pastries.
SCHNEEKARHUTTE (AKA THE PYRAMID)
(Top of Red 7). Eating on the mountain doesn’t get any better. Fresh pasta and
wine that suits the view conspire to make this place THE place for lunch. (tel
052822829) Order: the fresh pasta or the carrot soup (to die for)...and one of
Sep's homemade jagartee!
HILDE’S SCHITENNE
(in the middle of blue 14). Sit in the sun, watching hapless souls attempt the
fearsome Hari Kiri opposite, as Hilde cooks you a mouth-watering pizza,
dripping with more cheese than a Eurovision compilation.
WHERE’S YOUR BED AT?
BUDGET: You can’t beat privately owned traditional Austrian pensions
(guesthouses) for value-for money…who watches TV in a ski resort anyway?
MID-RANGE: Landhaus Neuhaus: next door to the larger 4 star hotel, this
delivers a central location, and ample cosiness.
YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE: Feel like an Emperor in the top floor suites, Hotel Strass.
MAYRHOFEN MYTHBUSTING – 5 COMMON
MISCONCEPTIONS
>> The ski area’s on the small side.
It was – ten years ago. Nowadays
the resorts of the Zillertal are
interlinked – not least the PenkenLanarsbach area expanded the
resorts primary play area by 51%.
You also get the glacier thrown in,
creating nearly 600kms of pistes.
>> Not a good resort for beginners.
Utter tosh. The Ahorn is ideal for
beginners and the ski schools are
among the best in the Alps. What’s
more, the piste grooming is always
top notch – an often overlooked
factor which affects beginners.
>> Not enough challenging runs for
advanced skiers/boarders.
If you survive the Hari Kiri
(Austria’s steepest graded slope),
you should ride the moguls under
the Schapskopf chair, before
heading over to Lanarsbach and
returning via the Wanglespitz run
to the Penken ski area…it will find
out any tired legs. Still standing?
Then the Tux glacier awaits…
>> But the queues for the
Penkenbahn are sooooooo long.
In high season there can be queues
in the morning between 9am and
10am, especially on Sunday &
Monday as nubies make their way
to their lessons. But it looks worse
than it is because the circular
staircase is in full view of the high
street. If you’re not tied to tuition,
explore less busy resorts available
on your pass (see above)
>> But the food is so…y’know, Austrian!
France it ‘aint” – but then neither,
thank goodness, are the prices. The
mountain Pyramid, The
Schneekarhutte (top of Red 7)
hosts Michelin starred chefs,
award-winning wines and an
honest, organic approach to their
menu. Down in resort, Café Tyrol
delights in contemporary takes on
Traditional local dishes, while
dinner at (Hippach) is proof that
there’s more to Tyrolean fayre than
dumplings and sausages.
*Wenn beide Eltern Ski bzw. Snowboards mieten, bekommen deren Kinder bis 10 Jahre die gesamte Ski-Ausrüstung (Ski, Schuhe, Stöcke und Helm) für den gleichen Zeitraum kostenlos.
*If both parents rent skis or snowboards, all their kids up to 10 years get their skiing equipment (skis, boots, poles and helmets) for free for the same period of time.
www.intersportrent.at
Kinder bis 10*
Jahre gratis
Kids up to 10 *
years ride free