SKI AUSTRIA - Wildschonau

The Resort

Nestling between the more famous Wilder Kaiser and Kitzbuhel Alps, the Wildschonau ski region is proof that size isn't everything. Wild and beautiful, strong and gentle - that's the Wildschonau valley. A firm favourite with British skiers, the valley retains its small village charm and friendly Tyrolean welcome. The valley also boasts Austria's longest gondola, the Schatzbergbahn, in Auffach. Snow sure skiing is guaranteed on the north facing slopes of the Markbachjoch, or the picturesque open slopes of the Schatzberg Mountain. The main villages of the valley, Niederau, Oberau and Auffach all offer a variety of ski activities - including fabulous night skiing in Oberau and Niederau.

The Skiing

The valley is one of the best areas to learn to ski, or to enjoy a comfortable week away from the queues of bigger, more famous nearby resorts. The valley offers extensive nursery areas and a friendly, and attentive ski school, that will have the students up and running in no time. The wide safe slopes of Niederau are ideal for school groups to find their ski legs, before they tackle some of the more testing slopes, including the 7.5km run from the top of the Schatzberg down to the village of Auffach, or the mogul runs in Oberau. The north facing slopes of Niederau hold their snow well, and there is plenty of choice for beginners and intermediate skiers. Speed merchants can pit their wits against the giant slalom run from the top of the Lanerkopfl chair lift. Whether you're a beginner or already an expert, a freestyler, a freerider or an Alpine rider - the naturally divided terrain assures that any type of rider will have a truly enjoyable experience. Exclusively for more enthusiastic snowboarders, the snowboard park on Thlerkogl-Schatzberg mountain, featuring pro-jump, quarter pipe, high jump, snake, wave, fun-box and a 90m long half pipe for the ultimate kick - "the higher the jump the better the feeling". The race 'n' boarder area of Niederau features a thrilling boarder-x course, giant slalom and slalom tracks, timing course, music and great winter events all winter long.

Accommodation

The ideal place for your stay, the Pension Starchenthof, is situated in the centre of the village of Oberau, with easy access to the town ski lifts, and those at Niederau and Auffach, as well as all of the apres ski activities. The farmhouse style pension was fully renovated for the 2001 season and offers an excellent welcome from friendly hosts.

Bedrooms: 15 rooms offering a mix of 2, 3 and 4 bedded rooms, 9 with full private facilities, 5 with shower only and 1 room with washbasin only.

Features: Stuberl & Weinstube, restaurant, table football, darts, sauna and ski storage.

Apres Ski

A challenging 3.5km long toboggan track travels from the middle terminal of the Scatzberg gondola down to the base terminal. Floodlit night tobogganing in Niederau at Stenzer ski lift and in Oberau at the Riedmann ski lifts. Tobaggans are available for rental at all villages. Ice rink and small pool in Oberau. Bowling, curling and sleigh rides in Niederau. Heated swimming pool in Worgl. Usual number of bars, cafes and shops in all of the villages