Christmas sales start early in the Austrian Tirol
If you want to escape the commercialism that surrounds Christmas in the UK, then head to the Austrian Tirol. Known to locals as ‘Die Stille Zeit’ (the quiet time), you won’t find garish gifts, tacky Christmas lights boosting energy board profits or have to endure cheesy Christmas tracks on repeat every time you enter a shop.
Christmas in the Tirol is a much more traditional affair with Christmas Eve being the day to exchange gifts, put up the Christmas tree and sing carols with the family. Here are the top 5 reasons why a holiday over Christmas in the Tirol is better than in the UK:
1. This year you won’t have to pray for a White Christmas as there will be snow right outside your window.
2. You don’t need to spend all day in the kitchen as your Christmas dinner will be served for you in your accommodation.
3. You don’t need to waste money on tacky decorations as your accommodation will already be festively, tastefully and traditionally decorated.
4. Hit the slopes - with so many pistes to explore there will be no need to suffer afternoon games such as family charades with Great Aunt Ethel.
5. You won’t be subject to re-runs of Only Fools and Horses or watching the Queen’s speech – turn the TV off and head outdoors. Go snowmobiling, snow shoeing, ice-skating, horse-sleigh ride or enjoy a sauna & jacuzzi in the hotel.
COSY UP IN KITZ – Save £260
Kitzbühel is one of the most cosmopolitan resorts in the Alps with a wonderful old town, incredible skiing, great hotels, award-winning restaurants, cosy cafés and shopping to die for. Neilson Ski is offering a saving of £260 per person. Stay at the 3* Hotel Tyrol in Kitzbühel on half board with prices starting from £429 (was £689) per person, including a special Christmas dinner, return flights from London Gatwick and resort transfers. neilson.co.uk
PRETTY GOOD – Save £110
Known as ‘Austria’s prettiest village’ and set against the backdrop of the Gratlspitz peaks, Alpbach in the Austrian Tirol is one of the region’s most attractive resorts. The ski area suits those looking for a good mix of slopes and appeals to those seeking a winter wonderland experience. There are 20km of winter walking paths to explore, as well as snow shoeing, sleigh rides, tobogganing and an informal après-ski scene. Crystal Ski offers a saving of £110 per person, departing on 19th December, staying at the 2* Gasthof Furstenhof on B&B, with flights from Gatwick, Birmingham, Edinburgh or Manchester to Innsbruck and resort transfers. crystalski.co.uk
WHITE GOLD – Save £420
The car-free village of Obergurgl is a well-kept secret for those who love the real Austria and is steeped in rural tradition. Blessed with a high-alpine location, nestled in the Ötz Valley, Obergurgl ensures a season-long blanket of white gold. What makes the resort so special for beginners and intermediates is that everyone will find slopes well suited to their ability and the modern lift systems means that queues are virtually unheard of plus many of the hotels boast the added benefit of door-to-door skiing. Depart on 19 December and stay at the 4* Bellevue Hotel in Obergurgl for seven nights on a half board basis from £940.50 per person (was £1361). Price includes flights from London Gatwick to Innsbruck, resort transfers and Christmas gala dinner. inghams.co.uk
WHERE SÖLL I GO? – Save £100
Set against the impressive backdrop of the Wilder Kaiser mountains, Söll has been a deservedly popular resort with British guests for many years, offering good value and a varied and energetic nightlife. Located in the Austrian Tirol, the resort has direct access to the Ski Welt – Austria’s largest integrated ski area. Directski.com is offering savings on Christmas and New Year departures, with prices starting from £369 (was £469) per person for a week’s skiing, departing on 19th December. Price includes return Gatwick flights, transfers and self catering accommodation at the 3* Pension Faistenauer, based on 2 sharing. directski.com
PICK OF THE PISTES – Save £106
Mayrhofen is one of Austria’s leading resorts and long been a British favourite. Set in the mountainous heart of the Ziller Valley, the resort is perfect for all skiing abilities and a great choice for snowboarders too. First Choice are offering savings of over £100 per person. Depart on 19th December and stay at the 3* Hotel Garni Pramstaller on B&B with prices starting from £463 (was £569), including flights from Gatwick or Manchester to Innsbruck and resort transfers. firstchoice-ski.co.uk
GROUP SAVER – Save £110
Located in the heart of the Tirol, the resort of Ellmau is the perfect choice, with access to the ‘Ski Welt’, Austria’s largest interconnected ski area on the doorstep. Depart on 19th December and stay at the Chalet Hartkaiser (sleeps 15), with prices starting from £565 per person (was £675), including breakfast, afternoon tea & cake, evening meals with free wine, flights from Gatwick or Manchester to Salzburg and airport transfers. thomsonski.co.uk
INNSBRUCK CHRISTMAS MARKET
Amidst the snow-capped mountains, Innsbruck, the capital of Tirol, plays host to one of the most magical Christmas Markets in Europe. From 21st November – 24th December the medieval Old Town provides the perfect setting with the stalls laid out beneath Innsbruck’s famous ’Golden Roof’ and next to the giant, festively decorated Christmas tree. Weave your way through the stalls to find unique Christmas decorations, traditional wooden toys and various arts and crafts. To really join in the atmosphere, indulge with a mug of Glühwein and warm gingerbread, whilst the brass band serenade you with Christmas carols from the Golden Roof (daily 5.30pm). A 3 night break in December starts from €203 (£175) per person at the centrally located 4* Hotel Grauer Bär, including buffet breakfast. Easyjet and British Airways fly direct to Innsbruck. For more information go to visittirol.co.uk.