Crans Montana, Switzerland Ski Holiday Guide

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Crans Montana, set at a super sunny south-facing shelf only 1,500m above sea level, has its comfortable charm (or excellent skiing if the snow is right). But during these times of decreasing snowlines and global warming, this remains a place to book for just three days instead of three months in advance. Not because of the lack of snow that bothers most of its visitors, who come for some skiing, a bit shopping and a few health treatments in this grand alpine rest home that stretches 3km from end to end.

Mountain access to Crans Montana's intermediate-friendly pistes is through four efficient gondolas, at Crans, Montana, Barzettes and Aminona. The gondola from Barzettes gets you directly to Les Violettes, from where a 30-person funitel gondola brings skiers up to the area's highest peak, the Plaine Morte glacier, at 3,000m. From the top, alternatives are limited to a few baby tows or a bountiful 11km-long red going all the way back to the resort that is 1,500m down.

This is Crans Montana's only high-level run and the rest of the action all goes on below 2,500m. If the snow's right, then the mixture of tree-lined pistes, stunning views and gentle gradients can bring out an intermediate's paradise, but too frequently the lower runs are affected by slush, in spite of an impressive snowmaking operation. Speed demons will want to try their luck on the Piste Nationale men's downhill run from Les Violettes, while a more serene time can be experienced on the runs below Petit Bonvin.

Complete beginners have great nursery regions and begin on the smooth greens around the golf course, going up the mountain to the longer blues below Cry d'Er as confidence increases.

The toughest skiing in the area can be encountered beneath the Toula chair, home to the area's exclusively black pistes, but hire a guide and you'll discover there's plenty of underused off-piste both above and below the tree-line.

The restaurant on top of the Plaine Morte glacier features nice views from its terrace, but the best of Crans Montana's numerous mountain eateries can be found lower down. Top of the list for food and ambiance is Plumachit, tucked in with the trees, while there is a lively bar with snacks and sun terrace called Amadeus.

Crans Montana, Switzerland Travel Guide

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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

© 2012 Athena Goodlight