What’s new for skiers in the Tirol
A revolutionary new solar powered ski lift, new hotels and new direct flights from London, Bristol and Liverpool to the Tirol's capital, Innsbruck, are among the innovations being unveiled for the coming winter ski season in the Austrian Tirol.Solar powered ski tow
A globally innovative solar powered conveyor belt and T-bar takes skiers and boarders from near Brixen swimming lake, up to a new 8-seater cableway, "SkiWelt – Kitzbüheler Alpen", to join up with the 4.5kmrun back down. The ski tow is powered by a photovoltaic system, a worldwide innovation, lending the name "Sonnenlift" to the new lift, and even in poor weather the system has enough power to keep the lift running smoothly. Skiwelt.at.
More direct flights to Innsbruck
EasyJet is increasing the number of flights to Innsbruck this winter from 8 Gatwick flights last season, to up to 14 flights a week from Gatwick, as well as an additional flight each from Bristol and Liverpool, with each airport now operating three direct flights a week. BA is also operating a weekly Saturday flight from London City airport. Easyjet.com and Ba.com.
Kitzbuhel's 5* Crystal Castle
Looking strangely surreal, a kind of Crystal Maze meets 16th century castle, the Schloss Lebenberg castle was originally the seat of a local minor aristocrat. His noble home was intended to emphasise a lifestyle which was distinct from that of the local people and farmers. The newly completed `5* hotel is very distinctive today, with a vast glazed extension juxtaposing against the original castle, to create 150 crisp, stylish, minimalist rooms, with a beautiful plant-laden spa and panoramic swimming pool, all overlooking the historic town of Kitzbuhel. Austria-trend.at/leb/.
Russian sauna and menthol showers
Opening in November 2008 the new Hotel Zedernklang is built to combine the best of Tyrolean `cosiness', with vitality and wellness. The hotel reflects traditional regional building styles, coupled with modern elements. It features spacious room, high windows, a spa centre which includes a Russian sauna, menthol shower, ice fountain and Kneipp bath; it has its own cosmetic line and a cellar of magnificent wines, to be drunk in two excellent restaurants or in the fireside room. As cosy as it sounds. Zedernklang.com.
New link creates East Tirol’s largest ski area
From December 2008 the east Tirolean ski areas of Kals and Matrei, 2400m above sea level, will be joined to form East Tirol's largest skiing area, known as "Großglockner Resort Kals-Matrei". The area comprises of 100 kms of piste, Austria's highest mountain, the Grossglockner, and no fewer than sixty 3,000m peaks in sight. Snow is guaranteed, with 90% of the network covered by snow making equipment. For snowboarders there's an exclusive carving piste and a snow park and kids rates include all those up to age 18. Gg-resort.at.
Three new 4* hotels for St Anton
St. Anton, where it's claimed skiing was invented, maintains its position as one of the Tirol's top ski destinations, famed for `blues that are reds and reds that are blacks'. Three new hotels are open for 2008/9.
Owner of Pepis Skihotel, Pepi Jennewein, is one of Austria's heroes, the two time downhill world champion from St. Anton, welcomes guests to his new light-flooded, comfortable and homely hotel. Pepiskihotel.com.
The new 4* Hotel Rundeck, right in the centre of St. Anton, is for those who like their hotels smoke-free. The emphasis is on `feel good', the ambience is bang up to date, with contemporary furniture, clean lines, wood and leather and everything sparkling crisp and new. Hotelrundeck.at.
How do the Tirolean's do it? This is yet another 4* hotel, bright and brand spanking new, with seemingly effortless styling. Furnishings are ‘modern Asian style', lots of clean lines, leather and natural materials, and a swimming pool, sauna, steam room and massage rooms. Banyan-hotel.com.
