Finding some snow for Christmas... Austria perhaps?

[YetiMan]

Hi guys, wonder if you had any ideas on where we (me, the missus and our six year old) should head for 5-7 days over Christmas. We'll be driving as usual so was thinking of doing somewhere in Germany for a Christmas market (over a couple of nights) and then onto Austria. Even though we dont Ski I'd like to get the six year old to some snow. Last year we went to out friends in South Germany and the (unexpected) snow was brilliant fun. I just hope that being in a hotel over the festive period wont kill the whole Christmas atmosphere compared to being with friends or family.

Any ideas on where to head to or specifically where to stay would be really appreciated.

[stuttgartmetal]

val thorens

[Asterix]

Been a while since I was there but perhaps Garmisch in Germany could be a good stop off and then over to Innsbruck and then to a resort of some kind after that.

If you're down that way a trip to Neuschwanstein could be good.

[madala]

...go have looksee here....it might be of help.

http://welove2ski.com/

[JuniorD]

It's a pita but ff you're driving remember that Austria and Germany have rules on suitable tyres during the winter months.

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/overseas/snow...

[YetiMan]

Thanks for the pointers so far guys.

Winter tyres - not a problem as I generally run them on the main vehicle from between November to May anyway.

All look interesting, all obviously ski resorts (where else is better for guarenteed snow!?) but I just hope Christmas away will still have the spirit and atmosphere we are after. Only time will tell I guess. It'll either be great or a total disaster. Still, if you dont try it you dont know!

[anonymous-user]

We go to Austria most year for Christmas, and as we travel along way (from Asia) we want gauranteed snow, that means one of the high resorts on a glazier, Hinturtux, Stubital, or Soldon, having said that we always find that there is snow on the lower slops, for example last trip was to Hinturtux, but we found that there was snow in the whole of the Zillertal from Zell right up the valley with only the lower runs into the valley not open.
If you are not into the sking and with a baby I'd recommend Garlos (off the Zillertal) high so good snow, good hotels, easy road access and not on the glazier and protected from high winds, with good gondela lifts from the door of the hotel.

[Bluebarge]

Why not give ski-ing a go? You could get a monitor to teach the three of you for a couple of hours for 2 or 3 days. It's much more fun than being in a big class and it seems a bit odd to go somewhere geared entirely for one activity and then not join in.

[dmitsi]

Should be guaranteed snow there over Christmas. Zell am See is a nice resort to stay in, however I would definitely visit Salzburg in the snow. It's quite impressive, the castle and hills covered in snow really changes the atmosphere. Short drive up to the mountains.

If in Salzburg, go to Hotel Stein and take the lift to the top floor. Nice hidden terrace bar/cafe up there overlooking the river and city. The view is great and even better in the snow with heaters and hot chocolate. Terrace doesn't open until 5pm in the winter.

[a311]

All the ski resorts will be open regardless of how much natural snow has fell unless the temperature is too high to make the artificial stuff so you don't need to head to a glacial ski resort.

As for lower lying areas/Towns it's not guaranteed. Last December there was too much of the bloody stuff but you just can't tell this far ahead. If you go to a ski area chances are the nursery slopes are right at the bottom next to the village and they'll make sure they have snow coverage there unless it's like the tropics. Failing that non skiers can use the gondola to get up the mountain to walk, snow shoe or sledge or just take in the mountain air. Would agree Salzburg is worth seeing and you have a huge number of ski areas close by.

As an avid skier id also encourage you to try skiing, could just be a new fun activity for the family and like most you make get the bug. If this appeals you could look to spend sometime at an indoor slope before committing, plus if you nail the basics you don't waste time and money getting told how to put your boots and Skis on.