Tag: Winter

Winter Holidays in PillerseeTal in the middle of the Kitzbühel Alps

Wondering where to go next during the winter months? Seek out the nature-made winter haven with thick blankets of snow and fresh pistes – the coveted PillerseeTal. The sloping valleys around the Kitzbühel Alps remake themselves with every season, but it is in winter where this Austrian region becomes a fairytale.

Combine panoramic views and quality snow to enjoy a top-tier ski holiday! Right by the front doors of cozy lodges and cabins are three ski areas with a variety of slopes.

PillerseeTal, Fasten Ur Seatbelts
  • Steinplatte ski area is made for explorers and passionate skiers. Offering up a wide range of slopes, there’s something for every ski level. Add in the expansive views between the Wilder Kaiser to Chiemsee and it is perfect for first-time visitors.
  • Buchensteinwand ski area is best fit for families and beginners thanks to its leisurely descents and wide slopes. The Jakobskreuz landmark is like a beacon; but it’s the Pletzibär-Park at the Valley Station that draws in the multigenerational families.
  • Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn ski area is a mouthful to match with its equally generous splay of slopes. Featuring 270 kilometers of ski paradise, 70 cable cars and lifts, and challenging runs for athletic skiers – it is one of the coolest ski arenas in Austria.
PillerseeTal, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

If you’d rather leave the slopes to the passionate athletes, PillerseeTal offers other winter activities too. Snowshoeing is another classic to-do as it takes you straight into the snow-draped forests. Well-prepared hiking trails cross through the dreamy landscapes, taking you into Fieberbrunn, Hochfilzen, St. Jakob in Hause and more valley secrets. Explore 100 kilometers worth of fields, farms, frozen hamlets and idyllic winter scenery.

PillerseeTal, Fasten Ur Seatbelts
PillerseeTal, Fasten Ur Seatbelts
PillerseeTal, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

Plenty of beautiful chalets can be found on these ploughed hiking trails. Rest your feet and warm up with their traditional food. One of the best snacks (or late lunch) to have is Kaiserschmarrn, a sweet and lightly-fluffed pancake shredded into easy bites. The rich flavoring comes from rum, applesauce, raisins and powdered sugar; it’s warming after hours out in the snow.

PillerseeTal, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

Another PillerseeTal itinerary is walking around the Pillersee. It’s a stunning lake of around 60 acres, where the mountains run right down to its banks. With water flowing in from the Kitzbühel Alps and the Lofer Steinberg mountains, no wonder it’s so clear! Even when it’s frosted over in the winter, the utter tranquility of the place makes it a lovely strolling ground.

PillerseeTal, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

Whether you’re coming from the village of Sankt Ulrich am Pillersee (which is near the lake) or exploring the area around Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm, be sure to drop by the market town of Fieberbrunn. It also makes a great base – Tui Blue Hotel is one of its many resorts and lodges. Right by the slopes, the hotel is both accommodation and break stop! The diner spoils you with Tyrolean and Austrian cuisine, while floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the snowy grounds. Enjoy the daily-changing menu as you dig into a well-earned meal.

PillerseeTal, Fasten Ur Seatbelts
PillerseeTal, Fasten Ur Seatbelts
PillerseeTal, Fasten Ur Seatbelts
PillerseeTal, Fasten Ur Seatbelts
PillerseeTal, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

A romantic place to spend your Valentine’s day!

Book a trip for you and your love at a real romantic hotel, and trust me, you’ll definitely be on cloud nine! The Romantik Hotel The Alpina Mountain Resort & Spa will not only spoil you with culinary delights but also with pure relaxation, fun, entertainment and love, especially during the winter time; Tschiertschen is a winter wonderland.

Hotel Alpina Mountain Resort & Spa , Tschiertschen, Chur, Schweiz

Hotel Alpina Mountain Resort & Spa , Tschiertschen, Chur, Schweiz

The newly renovated hotel with a modern interior design is directly at the ski lift, which is perfect for beginners or smooth drivers. If you are not into skiing, explore the hiking trails in front of the hotel or rent an e-mountain bike. Duke and I sledged at the back of the hotel, and I was happy that I did not have to run up the mountain by myself all the time. The mountain in the back of the hotel has a small ski lift for children, beginners or sled fanatics. After a long day on the slopes, you have to visit the hotel’s Apres-Ski bar for a flavourful aperitif.

The romantic amongst the guests may prefer a day in the wellness area and relax in the numerous saunas. Afterwards, I highly recommend a full-body massage.

Hotel Alpina Mountain Resort & Spa , Tschiertschen, Chur, Schweiz

In the evening, you and your loved one will enjoy a festive candle light dinner for two or even with several friends.

I don’t believe that someone will not love it  at the Romantik Hotel TheAlpina Mountain Resort & Spa as Mrs. & Mr Gehring run the place with great pleasure and professionalism. They make sure that you don’t miss anything. Loads of guests (including myself) returned to the hotel because of the atmosphere and the fantastic scenery. The Romantik Hotel The Alpina Mountain Resort & Spa is not just worth a visit during the winter time but also during the summer time.

Sauerlandstern war gestern – das hier habt ihr noch nicht erlebt!

H+ Hotel nach Willingen , Willingen

“I will drive to Willingen in Sauerland”, was my answer to those who asked me where I will go next. Consequently, everyone said: “I know, you will drive to the hotel Sauerlandstern!”

H+ Hotel nach Willingen , Willingen

No! Much better! I drove to H+ hotel in Willingen (Upland)! That’s the place where the biathlon Nordcup was in 2016 and in 2017, the Ski Worldcup will take place in Willingen. If you haven’t heard of “Mühlenkopfschanze” yet, you will know after your next stay for sure. Only a 10-minute drive away, from the hotel, is the cable car to the well-known “Ettelsberg” mountain and Siggis lodge, which is also an ideal skiing area. On your way to “Ettelsberg”, you will cross the impressive “Willinger Viadukt”.

H+ Hotel nach Willingen , Willingen

H+ Hotel nach Willingen , Willinger Viadukt

H+ Hotel nach Willingen , Willingen

Those who prefer to go for a walk with their dog can try the numerous hiking trails. Just ask at the reception for a map called, “Hüttenwanderwege”, and try one of the trails which starts with U. Only those labelled with an “U” start from the hotel. You can choose how far you want to walk. You will find every length between 3km to 12km. Don’t worry about the length, the magnificent landscape will let the time flow!

H+ Hotel nach Willingen , Willingen

After a long walk, you can let the day end with a visit to the spa area. If that’s still not enough, book you trip with a half pension and enjoy the tasty cuisine. No matter what course you start with, everyone will be toothsome. The same applies to the breakfast buffet! Let your day delight with the panoramic window in the dining room.

The extremely friendly and courteous staff creates the “dot on the i” during your stay! I haven’t been the only one who really liked our stay! My dog, Duke, was more than happy about his welcome gift, cuddles, and the spacious room. Furthermore, due to his laziness, Duke prefers to avoid long walks in the evening. Therefore, he loved the green area behind the hotel.

H+ Hotel nach Willingen , Willingen

Wenn du deinen Aufenthalt über die Webseite des H+ Hotels buchst, bekommst du auf all deine Getränke 20% Rabatt.

H+ Hotel nach Willingen , Willingen

You will get a 20% discount on all your drinks if you book you stay on H+ hotel’s website.

Still looking for the ultimate Christmas Break Getaway?

Madonna Di Campiglio, Italy, Dolomites, Dolomite Alpes, Dolomiten

150 ski runs, 500 ski instructors, 60 lifts, 4 snowparks, 22 restaurants on the slopes and 95% coverage by artificial snow. Do you know what I am talking about? No, I am not just talking about a skiing area! Madonna Di Campiglio does not only fascinate skiing visitors but also those who love to walk in the snow along the 90km marked trails or for ski mountaineering, ice skating, or dogsleeding.

Best ski runs in Madonna Di Campiglio for beginners, amateurs and pros

On my 4 hour drive from Munich to Madonna Di Campiglio, I was a bit worried about the snow conditions in the Dolomite Alpes, since the weather was quite warm in Munich at the beginning of December.

Madonna Di Campiglio, Italy, Dolomites, Dolomite Alpes, Dolomiten

However, when I arrived in Madonna Di Campiglio, I knew that I will have 5 amazing days on the ski slopes. Even though there was no snow in the valley, all ski slopes were already open and ready! On my first day on skis, which I rented at “Rent and go”, I made sure the ski slopes did not only look ready but also were in perfect condition for outstanding days on skis.Madonna Di Campiglio, Italy, Dolomites, Dolomite Alpes, Dolomiten

From 9.30am to 1pm, I was almost by myself on the slopes as I arrived at the beginning on the season, which was awesome! In the afternoon, I always stayed in one of the cosy or après-ski ski huts.

My slope recommendations

  • Take the cable car in Madonna Di Campiglio to Pradalago, which is 2100m high and drive either the blue, red or black slope down. After 15 or 20 minutes skiing, you will arrive at another cable car station, which goes to Grostè. Take it and go up to 2444m. You will love the view and the broad ski slopes. At the Grostè station, you will find the restaurant Stoppani, the ideal location for tanning and relaxing.

Madonna Di Campiglio, Italy, Dolomites, Dolomite Alpes, Dolomiten

  • If you drive to the middle station, you will be welcomed by après ski music and a great atmosphere at the ski hut, Boch.

 Madonna Di Campiglio, Italy, Dolomites, Dolomite Alpes, Dolomiten

At the ski hut Boch, you will also find Claudio with his Bernardino, called “Meatball”. He charges 20€ for five souvenir pictures. From there, you will always get back to Madonna Di Campiglio! It will take about 30 to 45 minutes and the slopes are phenomenal.

  • The cable car to Cinque Laghi will bring you to a magnificent platform with a stunning panorama. The restaurant next to the cable car is perfect for a cosy stop and lying in the sun. Here you will also find several options for every level but the ski slopes are not that long as they are on Grostè as you are also not that high.

Meet a Ferrari on the mountain

 My favourite chalet, the Fiat chalet, is located at Monte Spinale, which is 2101m high. The ski hut offers drinks and food for a great price! Try the white house wine and don’t forget to eat the chips with ketchup and mayonnaise on the terrace. I never had such a gigantic and unique perspective! The walking trail to Madonna Di Campiglio takes about an hour but you can also ski.

Madonna Di Campiglio, Dolomites, Italy, Skiing, Hotel Miramonti, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

No idea where to spend your time in the afternoon?

Don’t worry, you will find loads of shops in Madonna Di Campiglio as well as a small Christmas market. I am sure that you will never get bored during your afternoons! At the gourmet shop, you will find souvenirs for your family and friends at home or buy yourself a little treat! Personally, I liked all the different kind of shopping shops in Madonna Di Campiglio because I did not just find ski clothes but also trendy clothes!

Where to get the best deal?

 Activitybreaks.com offers great deals for a five or seven day ski trip, for example. You will stay at the fantastic hotel Miramonti .

A 7-night package for example is available online here at Hotel Miramonti.

This includes:

  • 7 nights in classic double room in 4* Hotel Miramonti
  • Half board basis
  • 6 day ski pass
  • 6 day ski equipment hire
  • 1x25min massage
  • Use of hotel sauna & gym

The price of this starts from 954€ per person.

If you need any further information about Madonna Di Campiglio, you are free to visit the tourist center. It is placed in the heart of Madonna Di Campiglio and every question about your trip can be answered!Madonna Di Campiglio, Dolomites, Italy, Skiing, Hotel Miramonti, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

Don’t miss the Audi Quattro Ski cup world final

On the 24-26th of March 2017, the Audi Quattro Ski cup world final will take place in Madonna Di Campiglio. Three days of speed, adrenaline, entertainment, excitement and loads of fun! For every winter sport lover a must-see!

 

 

5 Reasons why you should visit this place!

Madonna Di Campiglio, Dolomites, Italy, Skiing, Hotel Miramonti, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

You have no idea where to spent your next winter holiday? Then this is the perfect place for your next winter trip! It doesn’t matter if you are a pro on skis or if you don’t even know how to put them on. Hotel Miramonti in Madonna Di Campiglio is the ultimate winter getaway for everyone who wants to be active, enjoy, party or relax.

  • Rooms that you never want to leave

Madonna Di Campiglio, Dolomites, Italy, Skiing, Hotel Miramonti, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

Honestly, I don’t know which part of the room I should start with! My room was not only modern and very clean but also enormous! It is the optimal size to live in. I loved the interior design and the bright colours.

The spacious dressing room forced me to unpack my suitcases. Normally, I never unpack my suitcases because I have to leave after a few days anyways, and I am too lazy, but this time I could not resist ;-).

Madonna Di Campiglio, Dolomites, Italy, Skiing, Hotel Miramonti, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

The toilet is separated from the bathroom, which is ideal for young couples or those who prefer to have more privacy. The bench in the shower is tempting to shower longer than needed. After a hot shower, you lay down in your large and comfortable bed.

While your boyfriend, brother, friend or husband waits on the cozy sofa, you get ready at your make-up table. In the unlikely event that you get bored, sit on the balcony and watch the people on the street or the ski slopes. Right behind the hotel, you will see the World Cup Slalom ski slope.

  • Ski slopes for all levels

Hotel Miramonti is located in the middle of all ski slopes in Madonna di Campiglio. You will not need a car to get to any ski slope.

Madonna Di Campiglio, Dolomites, Italy, Skiing, Hotel Miramonti, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

Additionally, all ski slopes are connected with each other, which means that you have thousands of blue, red and black options each day. Read more about my ski route tips in my next article. Just two minutes walking distance from the hotel, you will find a ski and snowboard rental called “rent and go”.

Madonna Di Campiglio, Dolomites, Italy, Skiing, Hotel Miramonti, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

  • Daily relaxation for body and mind

After my days on the ski runs, I would either go shopping, or relax in Hotel Miramonti’s sauna or massage chair. Madonna Di Campiglio offers several shops with clothes, gourmet food and furniture made of wood. Next to the hotel, you will find Barbara’s sport outlet, which has stylish designer clothes for an affordable price. If you need a souvenir, visit the gourmet shop and have a look at the selection of bacon, cheese, snaps, tea and chocolate.

  • Culinary delight, which deserves a star

Not only is the service at Hotel Miramonti excellent, but the food is delicious. In the morning, you have an extensive breakfast buffet with a wide variety of sweet and savoury specialities. Don’t forget to try an omelette! The breakfast prepares you for a great start into the day!

After a long day, you will enjoy the 4-course-menu. For the main course, I always recommend to take the fish because it was even more delicious than the meat. However, there was no course, which I did not like, but look at the images by yourself. Sometimes pictures say more than a thousand words.

  • Unbeatable value

Thanks to activitybreaks.com I booked a really good offer. A 7-night package costs 954€ per person during the Christmas time and includes:

  • 7 nights in classic double room in 4* Hotel Miramonti
  • Half board basis
  • 6 day ski pass
  • 6 day ski equipment hire
  • 1x25min massage
  • Use of hotel sauna & gym

This is an unbeatable value for money in this area! If you do not want drive to Madonna Di Campiglio, you can fly to Bergamo or Verona for example. A flight from Cologne to Bergamo costs around 10€ (without luggage) and the airport bus to the skiing area costs 35€ per person/one-way. The bus ride from Bergamo takes about four hours. The airport Verona is a bit closer than Bergamo.