Zell am See, Austria Ski Holiday Guide

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This picturesque lakeside town may come short on major challenges, but it makes up for all that having the sheer beauty of its setting. It could be a bit of a hassle to get to the skiing. But when the setting sun is lighting up the lake and you're back in the town enjoying a few apres-ski cocktails, those few extra miles will not matter. Kaprun's ski region is a free bus ride away, but be sure you check the lines when the snow melts elsewhere.  You must take the gondola or the new cable-car to get to the glacier, constructed to replace the funicular after the tragic fire in 2000.

The joint ski pass, available at Zell am See, Kaprun and Kitzsteinhorn, permits you to ski 130km of runs served by 57 lifts. Zell has an exciting range of slopes, though with only 75km it is slightly limited. Its patchy snow record is compensated by extensive snowmaking, while Kitzsteinhorn features a snowsure alternative. From Zell, there are three ways going up the main Schmittenhohe mountain: the much improved Zeller Bergbahn 'Cityxpress'; the Schmittenhohebahn cable-car from Schnittental which isa 2km bus ride; and, in the different direction, another bus ride away in Schiittdorf, the Areitbahn.

The 120-year-old Glocknerhaus is among the local eateries that you may come across, midway up is the Areitbahn, and Cafe-Restaurant Areitalm, whose chef bears something of a national reputation.

For something unique, try the Schmiedhofalm, which is a bit out of the way but much quieter. Try also the Bella Vista, with excellent views from the top of the Gipfelbahn (3,029m).

There is a fine half-pipe on Schmittenhohe, but advanced boarders must go to the glacier above Kaprun, where they can enjoy a fun park and a permanent half-pipe.

Skating on the lake is also offered, 200km of cross-country tracks (including a floodlighted loop for somnambulists), and naturally, tobogganing, snow-rafting and ice climbing. You'll find water in a different form at Zell's indoor pool at the Sport &Leisure Centre, and bowling lanes. Squash can be enjoyed at the Grand Hotel and indoor tennis at the Tenniscenter.

Zell am See, Austria SkiResort Review

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Soll and the Ski Welt, Austria Ski Holiday Guide

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The nine villages of Soll sit in the heart of the Kitzbuheler Alps. They form the Ski Welt - the biggest circuit in Austria. Soll and its adjacent ski areas give endless happiness for intermediate skiers but just a few for the advanced. Being able to ski from one resort to another... and another is an entirely enjoyable experience. No bus service links up the resorts, so finding your way home with success is crucial if you wish to avoid an expensive taxi ride.

Soll is relatively quaint, with a lively nightlife. The downside is that it's tiresome reaching the slopes. You have to take the shuttle-bus or drive since it's at the least a 15-minute walk - no fun if you are dragging equipment, though you could leave your skis overnight at the bottom area. Similarly, because of the low altitude, the snow record is mixed.

After taking the beginning stage of the gondola, intermediates and advanced beginners may want to pause at Hochsoll to savor a range of friendly, sunny slopes that spread in every direction. The real gateway to the skiing is attained through the next stage to Hohe Salve, at 1,830m, which is the highest point in the Ski Welt region. Featuring steep slopes on most sides, advanced skiers will be charged while lower intermediates might be alarmed. As it turns out, these runs are one of the hardest they're probably going to come across all day. To launch yourself on the Ski Welt tour, you must manage a steep and occasionally icy run. Turn right for Kalbersalve, the beguiling resort of Hopfgarten and Rigi; a chance to relish the wonderful gladed pistes all the way down to Soll's other neighbor, Itter. If you turn left, you'll be headed for the far end of the circuit: Scheffau, Ellmau and Going, retracing your steps or maybe returning via Brixen. To enjoy the circuit without negotiating the stiff Hohe Salve runs, you may take the cable-car from Hochsoll.

The Ski Welt region is dotted with restaurants - 73 all in all. The Stocklalm is a transformed cowshed near Hochsoll that gives diners the chance to witness traditional bread-baking and cheese-making. Other nearby huts offering simple but good mountain fare include the Grundlalm. 

Ski Holidays in Soll and the Ski Welt, Austria

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Bulgaria Ski Holiday Destinations

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Bansko is acknowledged to have the best snow record and the longest ski season (starting from Dec 15 until May 15) of all ski resorts in Bulgaria.

An old cobbled town having a 20-minute gondola link to a ski center 12km up the mountain, comprises the brave new world of Bulgarian skiing. Located in the Pirin mountains, 150km beyond Borovets toward the Greek border, it has outdone its rivals in some respects, featuring a bigger ski area, 80 per cent of it covered by snow cannons, and more advanced lifts, including an eight-man chair. If snow conditions are excellent, it is possible to take on the 16km descent starting at the top of the mountain to Bansko.

There are advantages in staying in an historic town rather than a purpose-built resort, especially one with a variety of well-appointed hotels. The Grand Arena is the best, a low-rise luxury complex near the gondola. The Bansko is set in the outskirts of town, while the more traditional Pirin is ideal for its central location and tavern restaurant.

Tourists on a tight budget need not worry as there are several lodging places at Bansko to choose from. An affordable place to stay is at Gondola Apartments & Suites situated 300 meters from the ski lift. Their modern studios and apartments have fully furnished kitchens, private parking and free Wi-Fi.  Other services offered include bicycle hire,  luggage storage, linen service, lift, elevator, and gym.

Borovets

This is the largest and oldest of Bulgaria's three international resorts. This is dominated by two massive Communist bloc hotels at the bottom of the slopes. In other facets, the resort resembles a bazaar, with hustlers vending trashy goods, slick money-changers and restaurants dishing out pizzas and English breakfasts. Flashing neon lights point to karaoke and erotic bars round the clock.

Borovets bears two unlinked ski areas on the same north-facing mountain. You will be able to get to the upper region through an old 'egg'-style gondola, with the primary nursery slope and a complex of mountain restaurants located at the top. Three farther draglifts service a series of pistes along the ridge, mainly rolling blue cruisers, though they are marked red on the map. They are manicured daily and pleasant to ski, except when the wind factor kicks in. This is bad for beginners, who find themselves stranded and bruised above of an ice mountain. More ambitious skiers can traverse farther out through the ridge with a guide to the picturesque but unappealingly called Avalanche area.

Bulgaria Ski Destinations: Bansko and Borovets

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