Category: Ski Austria

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Austria removes UK from Virus Variant List

The Flexenbahn has connected all the Arlberg region. Photo: Ski Arlberg- Lech Zürs Tourismus. Austria removes UK from Virus Variant List

Austria removes UK from Virus Variant List

Skiing in Austria just got a little easier!

 

Photo: Austria National Tourist Office
Hiking tour at the Sonnenplateau Mieming- © Österreich Werbung, Photographer: Robert Maybach Photo: Austria National Tourist Office

Good news for British holidaymakers: From 24 January, the UK is no longer classified as a virus variant region in Austria. Double-jabbed or recovered travellers can enter the country with a PCR test (valid 72 hours) OR proof of a booster jab (received at least 120 days after the second shot). Proof of recovery (within the past 180 days) also counts as a booster. Please find more info on the new entry rules here.

The new entry rules in a nutshell (update shortly)
Austria shortens validity of vaccination on 1 February

When in Austria, gaining “2-G” status is essential to enter hotels, restaurants, ski lifts etc. From 1 February, two-dose vaccinations are only valid for 180 days in Austria, after that a booster is needed. The third jab remains valid for 270 days from day one. Proof of recovery is also valid for 180 days. BioNtech/Pfizer, AstraZeneca (except Covishield), Johnson & Johnson, Moderna and Novavax – including mix and match vaccines – are currently recognised in Austria.Travellers can show their vaccination status using the NHS app, the EU Digital Covid Certificate (Green Pass) or a printed equivalent in English or German.

Everything you need to know about Austria’s Covid rules
Rules for children and teenagers

• Children under the age of 12 do not need proof of vaccination/recovery or a PCR test (exception: in Vienna mandatory testing applies from the age of 6)
• Teenagers (12 or over and born on or after 1 September 2006) who are not yet fully jabbed can use the  Holiday Ninja Pass both to enter Austria and to maintain “2-G” status
• For teenagers born before 1 September 2006, the same rules as for adults apply.

PCR tests are available for both locals and visitors free of charge in Austria.

More information about winter holidays with teenagers

Start planning your next trip!

 

You can search for your own accommodation in the snow for your next ski holiday through our Accommodation Search tab. Or if looking to stay in the heart of the Mont Blanc Valley in the Aosta Valley, check Il Coure della Valdigne review here. This is our own family home in the mountains, that I am renting out when not using, you can always write me a private message if interested to info@the-ski-guru.com

 

Il Cuore della Valdigne. Stay at the Heart of the Valdigne to ski in Courmayeur, La Thuile and Pila/Aosta.
Il Cuore della Valdigne. Stay at the Heart of the Valdigne to ski in Courmayeur, La Thuile and Pila/Aosta.

You can book directly through Airbnb  through this link

Or check Booking.com on this link.

 

If you have some questions, contact us at info@the-ski-guru.com for more information.

If you want to take your family skiing and you don’t know where to start, read here. And search for your ski transfers from all airports to the Mountains here. And for those that are like me, that are lazy to cook, you can get your food, even gourmet mountain food delivered to your home with Huski.

If renting equipment (skis or snowboards)  check our agreement with Skiset– you can get up to 50% off ski or snowboard rental rates. I have been using them for years every year when I go to America  and Europe and they are great!

Shop for the Alpine Look with The-Ski-Guru HOME 

Already selling some alpine design items for your house. #bringthemountainshome with The-Ski-Guru HOME and put a smile in your face. These are hand-paintings done by me, applied to cushion covers, coasters and mugs.

Cushions, paintings and homewares from The-Ski-Guru HOME. To see the shop go here.
Cushions, paintings and homewares from The-Ski-Guru HOME. To see the shop go here.Featured Image: Ozzy at home after a long trip from London to Morgex in the Italian Alps. Getting an European Passport for your Pet to travel to Europe? Not for everyone! 

Featured Image: The Flexenbahn has connected all the Arlberg region. Photo: Ski Arlberg- Lech Zürs Tourismus. Austria removes UK from Virus Variant List

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Swiss urged to ‘hit the slopes’ to save ski season. The situation for skiing in December in the rest of Europe.

ADELBODEN - Copyright by Adelboden Tourismus By-line: swiss-image.ch/Anja Zurbruegg. Swiss urged to 'hit the slopes' to save ski season. The situation for skiing in December in the rest of Europe.

Swiss urged to ‘hit the slopes’ to save ski season. The situation for skiing in December in the rest of Europe.

The Swiss should ‘hit the slopes’ to save this coming ski season. What is the situation of skiing in December in the rest of Europe?

It is near December and the major Alpine countries have their lifts closed. What is the situation for skiing in December in Europe? France, Italy and Austria had to close their lifts, after some resorts opened for a short while. This was due to a second wave of the Covid pandemic.
French and Italian ski resorts will now close until January. Same with Germany. Austria is saying they will open their resorts by 18th December, defying the rest of the EU. Spain has sent hints of opening by December 18th, while Andorra is seeing what they will do. The Swiss are urged to “hit the slopes” to save the ski season. 
Crans-Montana in winter. Photo: CMTC Luciano Miglionico. Swiss urged to 'hit the slopes' to save ski season. The situation for skiing in December in the rest of Europe.
Crans-Montana in winter. Photo: CMTC Luciano Miglionico. Swiss urged to ‘hit the slopes’ to save ski season. The situation for skiing in December in the rest of Europe.

The situation in Switzerland. Swiss urged to ‘hit the slopes’ to save ski season. The situation for skiing in December in the rest of Europe.

In the meantime, Switzerland is open. Pretty everyone can now go to Switzerland without needing to quarantine at arrival.
Although, check before travelling, as there are some exceptions to this rule!
So while other Alpine nations are seeing their resorts closed, the Swiss have been skiing for weeks!
Wearing face masks now is mandatory everywhere except while on the slopes. Cable car windows stay open during all the rides up the mountain. You need to use your face mask also on the open chairlifts. Police patrol check out the departure areas to be sure skiers and boarders comply.
Swiss are expecting their own people will flock to the mountains for the open air. They know that the Americans and Asians will not come this season. So with some local guests and perhaps later some regional visitors, they can save the season.
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25 Years of St. Anton Film Festival

St Anton Film Festival. Photo: Simon Rainer. St Anton am Arlberg Tourism Office.

25 Years of St. Anton Film Festival

”Mountains, People, Adventure“ Film Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary in St. Anton am Arlberg in late summer this year. The international mountaineering elite will convene in St. Anton am Arlberg from 28th to 31st August 2019 to offer an exciting insight into expeditions that have taken place around the globe. 

Filmfest 2018. Arlberg-well.com- Copyright TVB St Anton am Arlberg. Photographer: Simon Rainer. 25 Years of St. Anton Film Festival.
Filmfest 2018. Arlberg-well.com- Copyright TVB St Anton am Arlberg. Photographer: Simon Rainer. 25 Years of St. Anton Film Festival.

 A total of 20 screenings will be made, twelve of them premieres. St. Anton Film Festival has firmly established itself as a hot spot for the outdoor film scene over the past 25 years.

The atmosphere of a professional major event combined with a family atmosphere impresses guests and locals time and again, with the festival garnering record numbers of visitors last year. In addition to films with fascinating imagery, international endurance athletes, directors and impressive personalities talk live about their experiences and adventures and comment on their films. The entertainment begins each evening at 20 hrs.

Continue reading “25 Years of St. Anton Film Festival”

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Saalbach to Host 21st World Games of Mountain Biking

World Games of Mountain Biking Marathon in Saalbach - Saalbach to Host 21st World Games of Mountain Biking.

Saalbach to Host 21st World Games of Mountain Biking

Saalbach’s World Games of Mountain Biking will be held on 05th – 08th September 2019.

New for this event: The Cross-Country category celebrates its comeback!

Over 1,000 athletes from over 20 nations will battle it out for the title of the World Games Champion between 05th and 08th September at Saalbach. Five marathon distances between 21 km and 80 km demand every effort from the athletes while pushing them to their limits.

World Games of Mountain Biking Marathon in Saalbach - Saalbach to Host 21st World Games of Mountain Biking.
World Games of Mountain Biking Marathon in Saalbach – Saalbach to Host 21st World Games of Mountain Biking.

A choice of five distances is offered again this year at the World Games of Mountain Biking. Marathon newcomers can try out the Marathon 21 with 891 metres altitude difference, while experienced marathon riders can pedal between 1,160 and 2,920 metres of altitude difference on distances 31, 42 and 58 over the grass mountains of Saalbach Hinterglemm. If you have underestimated your energy levels and would spontaneously like to attempt a longer distance, you have the option to do this at each junction during the race.

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Ischgl rocked with Lenny Kravitz for their season finale.

Lenny Kravitz closes the ski season at Ischgl. Photo: TVB Paznaun Ischgl. Ischgl rocked with Lenny Kravitz for their season finale.

Ischgl rocked with Lenny Kravitz for their season finale.

With the ’Top of the Mountain Closing Concert’ in Ischgl, Lenny Kravitz concluded a snowy skiing season at 2,320 m above sea level on 30 April 2019. 18,000 winter sports fans got to see the superstar with his band before a spectacular mountain backdrop in the ski area and an unforgettable air-show.

Optimal piste conditions, an aerial stunt show of the highest order and an animated Lenny Kravitz – at the Ischgl season finale on 30 April, nothing was left to be desired for the 18,000 attending fans and winter sports enthusiasts.

Silvretta bahn. Photo: TVB Paznaun-Ischgl. Ischgl rocked with Lenny Kravitz for their season finale.
Silvretta bahn. Photo: TVB Paznaun-Ischgl. Ischgl rocked with Lenny Kravitz for their season finale.

At 13:00, a beaming Lenny Kravitz took to the stage and immediately set an exuberant mood at 2,320 m altitude at the ’Top of the Mountain Closing Concert’ on the legendary Idalp-stage with his strong voice power and a sensational, two hours open-air performance.

The hits performed by Lenny Kravitz and his seven-member band included classics such as ’Are You Gonna Go My Way’, ’It Ain’t Over Til It’s Over’ and ’Fly Away’. But the superstar also played tracks from his latest and eleventh album ’Raise Vibration’.

Continue reading “Ischgl rocked with Lenny Kravitz for their season finale.”

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A glance into the future: First ski and snowboard helmet with Augmented Reality is being tested in Schladming-Dachstein

On the visor of the Mohawk helmet, the user can call up various visual data such as speed, altitude and a navigation system. A glance into the future: First ski and snowboard helmet with Augmented Reality is being tested in Schladming-Dachstein.

A glance into the future:  First ski and snowboard helmet with Augmented Reality is being tested in Schladming-Dachstein

– The new “Mohawk” helmet is equipped with a miniature camera, a headset, GPS and a navigation system

– Various stats can be called up on the visor and the helmet enables live communication with friends via test messaging, audio and video

 

– Free trial for skiers and snowboarders in Schladming Planai resort

Ski helmets too are becoming “smart”. In a worldwide exclusive, visitors to the Austrian holiday region of Schladming-Dachstein are currently being offered the opportunity of trying out the ski and snowboard helmet “Mohawk”, which is equipped with the latest Augmented Reality (AR) technology. A built-in miniature camera scans the surroundings on the piste, and on the visor the user can call up various visual data such as speed, altitude and a navigation system. Built-in headphones and a microphone enable live communication with friends by text messaging, audio or video. Particularly useful: an SOS button that may save your life in an emergency situation.

You will find all the details online at www.schladming-dachstein.at/mohawk

Continue reading “A glance into the future: First ski and snowboard helmet with Augmented Reality is being tested in Schladming-Dachstein”

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Three German Skiers got killed in an Avalanche near the Austrian resort of Lech, fourth is missing

Lech Zürs am Arlberg photo by Sepp Mallaun. Lech Zürs Tourismus GmbH. Three German Skiers got killed in an Avalanche near the Austrian resort of Lech, fourth is missing.

Three German Skiers got killed in an avalanche near the Austrian resort of Lech, the fourth skier is missing. The group was ski touring at the time.

The dead men were from the Upper Swabia area of southwestern Germany. They were found around 11 PM local time after one of their wives alerted that they were missing. They were aged 57, 36 and 32. The fourth missing person, also from southern Germany was 28.

Three German Skiers got killed in an Avalanche near the Austrian resort of Lech, fourth is missing. Photo: Reuters.
Three German Skiers got killed in an Avalanche near the Austrian resort of Lech, fourth is missing. Photo: Reuters.

The search for this fourth person has halted due to heavy avalanche risk.

Police in the Vorarlberg province has said they have located the people through mobile phone tracking near the Lanzeg Zug slope – one of the steepest in the world.

As per the Associated Press, weather-related deaths in parts of Europe this month account to at least 24.

Austria has been hit by large snowfalls this past week, and the avalanche warning levels have gone up while local roads have been cut. The warning level above 2,000 meters (6,560 feet) was on Saturday on a scale of 3 of 5. The slope has been closed due to avalanche danger.

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Ski this Easter with your family in ‘snow sure’ Obergurgl-Hochgurgl and Sölden.

Innerötztal - Sölden with Obergurgl / Hochgurgl / Vent and Sölden. Ski this Easter with your family in ‘snow sure’ Obergurl-Hochgurgl and Sölden with The-Ski-Guru TRAVEL

Ski this Easter with your family in ‘snow sure’ Obergurl-Hochgurgl and Sölden with The-Ski-Guru TRAVEL

Planning your ski holiday later in the season? The best you can do is to think in high-altitude resorts to be sure of having snow. This year Easter is falling late, so this is even more important to think where to go.

Top of the Mountain Obergurgl-Hochgurgl. Ski this Easter with your family in ‘snow sure’ Obergurl-Hochgurgl and Sölden with The-Ski-Guru TRAVEL
Top of the Mountain Obergurgl-Hochgurgl. Ski this Easter with your family in ‘snow sure’ Obergurl-Hochgurgl and Sölden with The-Ski-Guru TRAVEL

Here I want to focus on two resorts in the Ötztal Valley: Obergurgl-Hochgurgl and Sölden:

Obergurgl-Hochgurgl. The “Diamond of the Alps” –

Obergurgl-Hochgurgl, high up in the Ötztal Valley in the Tirol, is a snow-sure resort. With a vertical drop from 1800 to 3080 metres above sea level, Obergurgl-Hochgurgl is one of the first resorts in Austria to open the season in mid-November, offering 25 mountain lifts and 112 immaculate km of slopes for skiing, snowboarding and free-riding. The resort closes by the end of April.

For a family of four (2 adults and 2 kids of up to 10 years old), for the week of April 7-14 you can ski for EUR 5,422.00 and you get:

7 nights including half board

6 days Ötztal Superskipass

6 days ski rental (ski, boots, poles)

free shuttle bus within the ski areas e.g. Sölden & Obergurgl-Hochgurgl

6 days group ski lessons incl. lunch and child care over the lunch hour (for the two kids)

Obergurgl-Hochgurgl. The Diamond of the Alps

Hotel Alpennausicht in Obergurgl ****. Ski this Easter with your family in ‘snow sure’ Obergurl-Hochgurgl and Sölden with The-Ski-Guru TRAVEL
Hotel Alpennausicht in Obergurgl ****. Ski this Easter with your family in ‘snow sure’ Obergurl-Hochgurgl and Sölden with The-Ski-Guru TRAVEL

Hotel Alpenaussicht****

1x double, Zirmkogel“ Typ F 50 m²

total costs Euro 5,422.00

Continue reading “Ski this Easter with your family in ‘snow sure’ Obergurgl-Hochgurgl and Sölden.”

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A Gondola Accident happened in Hochzillertal today.

Hochzillertal ski map. A Gondola Accident happened in Hochzillertal today.

A Gondola Accident happened in Hochzillertal today.

From Unofficial Networks and Euro News.

A frightening incident unfolded this morning in Kaltenbach, Austria. Several 10-passenger gondolas on the”Wimbachexpress” at Hochzillertal got hung up on a tower and collided into one another. According to reports, the gondola cars were empty at the time and no one was injured. It is believed that high winds from a strong storm ranging across the Alps played a roll in the accident.

You can see the video here:

More: Unofficial NetworksA

The-Ski-Guru TRAVEL can organise your bespoke ski trip to the Americas, Alps or Japan, including for those going from Britain to Europe, booking your Eurotunnel trip, and for all trips: lodging, lift tickets, rentals, ski school, and all you need for an excellent vacation. Go to https://www.the-ski-guru.com/travel and upload your information – this page will be updated soon with more travel ideas.

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The MUST-READ Guide to Lech

Lech Zürs Tourism - Arlberg. Photo by Sepp Mallaun. Will we ski this December?

Your MUST-READ guide to Lech am Arlberg

This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. For full information, please see our disclaimer here.

Lech is one of these famous resorts in the world that should be in your bucket list. A typical Austrian Alpine village, in the end of the road (at least in winter), at first you arrive, and you think there is a road through it, but you need to see what is on each side of the road. The town is small, as the local law does not allow it to expand- which is great as you feel in a quaint town. Lots of dotted houses and hotels are around the main road and into the sides, pretty much all are near the lifts. The furthest in the valley are around 600 meters from the lifts, but there are free buses to go back and forth.

The Omeshorn towering the picture perfect town of Lech - Lech Zürs am Arlberg by night by Felder- Lech Zürs Tourismus. Must-Read Guide to Lech.
The Omeshorn towering the picture perfect town of Lech – Lech Zürs am Arlberg by night by Felder- Lech Zürs Tourismus. Must-Read Guide to Lech.

Buses also connect you hourly with St Christoph and St Anton. But you can also access them via the Flexenbahn gondola since the season before last. The Flexenbahn links Zürs and Stuben/Rauz. Skiers and boarders can go anywhere in the Arlberg on skis and snowboards. The ride takes 6 minutes with panoramic vistas from the gondolas, to the Klostertal valley and St Christoph. The addition of the Flexenbhan made the Arlberg the largest ski carousel in Austria and one of the 5 largest ski areas in the world. On top of the Flexenbahn, three other cableways have started operations on the winter of 2016/17 – the Trittkopf cableways I, II and the Aldonabhan cableway II have cemented the Arlberg as a bucket list destination.

Getting there:

You can easily get to Lech from the main airports in central Europe, such as Zürich (196 km) in Switzerland, Munich (248 km) and Friedrichshafen (128 km) in Germany, Innsbruck (120 km) and Salzburg (294 km) in Austria.

You can take the train from these airports and go to Langen am Arlberg train station, which is 15 km from Lech (if coming from Zürich or Friedrichshafen) and take a taxi from there or the local bus – check the times, the buses runs once an hour or every two hours, depending the time of the year.

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