From figuring out the button lift to avoiding falling over, learning to ski can certainly seem daunting. But with the Austrian cuisine and unforgettable panoramas, Flachau is an idyllic place to get comfortable on the slopes. With a range of winter sports on offer, whether you’re all total beginners or a group of mixed ability, there’s plenty to see and do.
Ready to head to a higher altitude? The 12 Peaks Trophy ski challenge in the Salzburger Sportwelt area of Salzburgerland is a skiing experience spanning 46 kilometres of slopes through five valleys and over 12 peaks, which promises to be an impressive skiing experience in the Alps. The more challenging runs can be bypassed if less experienced parties take part.
Whether you’re out of practice or a total newbie, instructors have been proven to teach the essential skills for the slopes in a very short period of time.
Our mentor, Sacha, took it step by step, teaching us a range of exercises so we could learn how to get the basics of body positioning right. From where we distributed weight to our direction of gaze, he made sure we were mastering it before moving on. Just a couple of days on, these moves started to come naturally.
Where to eat: Lunch on the slopes
Berggasthof Munzen
After a fun-filled adventure in the mountains, refuel with lunch at the Berggasthof Munzen hut. It may be at 1,170m in the mountains, but beginners and novices needn’t miss out on the spectacular views as a chair lift can take you almost directly to this spot. There’s a large, sunny panoramic terrace, plus indoor parlours to dine in.
It doesn’t get much better than taking in the breathtaking mountain views while soaking up the sun, as you tuck into a piping hot plate of Kasnocken (small pasta dumplings covered in cheese and caramelized onions – it’s a must-have).
Dampfkessel
Located on the slopes in Flachau, a trip to the Dampfkessel is hard to resist. It’s a stone’s throw from the SpaceJet 1 chair lift and beginner’s area, making it a perfect spot for groups of mixed ability to meet up at.
From Schnitzel to Hüttengulasch, the menu offers a wealth of Austrian options, but make sure you leave room for the Kaiserschmarren (a lightly sweetened pancake) with stewed plums and apple sauce.
Where to eat: An evening out
Unterhofalm
After a day out on the slopes, arriving (travel by horse-drawn sleigh for the ultimate alpine experience) at the rustic Unterhofalm restaurant is not to be missed. At this unique alpine hut, located six kilometres from Filzmoos, you can expect a large selection of fine delicacies, including tasty salads and regional meat dishes.
Possruck
Fairy lights adorn the exterior of this authentic alpine eatery, setting the scene for an upscale yet cosy evening. Chefs prepare dishes using regional and seasonal ingredients, meaning the menu changes with the season. Situated in the centre of Flachau, Possruck is a great choice for groups and smaller parties alike.
Things to do
Immerse yourself in Après Ski at Hofstadl
After an afternoon of perfecting your ski skills on the slopes, make sure you head to Hofstadl. We arrived just after 3pm, and watched the cosy ski hut transform into the ultimate apres-ski atmosphere. As the party anthems began to play, we snuck up a small staircase to find a table in the rafters, only to find the most unforgettable table service. A pulley system connects the table to the bar several meters away downstairs. We wrote down our order on a notepad which had been provided, then watched as it travelled over the partygoers piling in below, only for the mechanism to return laden with beer, schnapps, and a sparkler.
Try out tobogganing
As night falls and the ski lifts shut for the day, adventure still awaits in the mountains, for those who dare. Flachau’s toboggan runs are not for the faint-hearted, or those without snow boots, and promise an exhilarating way to see the town at night.
There’s the option to hike up the mountain or you can take a taxi to the well-known toboggan run, just outside the Berggasthof Sattelbauer mountain inn. Sleds can be hired for five euros, and parked by the end of the run, before you take a short, moonlit walk back into town.
Enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride to the Hofalm
Another must-do in the Amade region is visiting the village of Filzmoos, for a horse-drawn sleigh ride to the Hofalm huts. Guests can wrap up in thick blankets for the journey, travelling out of the centre of Filzmoos and through the wintery forest. Sip a shot of schnapps and listen to the sleigh bells along the way as you absorb the spectacular snow-capped mountain views.
After enjoying the romantic route through the untouched valley, warm up with a glass of Glühwein in front of a roaring fire at the Hofalm, a restaurant at the foot of the mighty Bischofsmutze.
Switch it up with skibiking
If you fancy trying something totally new, why not head to Fun&Pro for an introduction to ski biking? As the name suggests, they’re similar to a bicycle, but without brakes and skis instead of wheels. Booking a trial session or course could be worthwhile so you can learn the ropes and get used to using G-force to brake.
This sport does require a certain level of physical fitness, but you can both stand and sit on ski bikes. It’s been recommended as an alternative to skiing and snowboarding because it places very little rotational stress on the legs, meaning people with physical limitations, such as knee problems, needn’t miss out on having fun on the slopes.
Where to stay
Relax at Hotel Reslwirt
Hotel Reslwirt is a four-star hotel in the centre of Flachau, within walking distance of nearby ski lifts. The comfortable bedrooms boast rustic wooden interiors and come with a complimentary “wellness basket” for guests made up of sauna towels, bath robes and slippers.
There’s a bar to socialise in plus a separate dining room, which is also where you’ll find the hearty breakfast buffet each morning. Don’t miss the chance to relax in the hotel’s wellness centre, which boasts a steam room, saunas and relaxation room.
It’s a family-friendly resort with indoor and outdoor play areas, and parents may want to check out Resl’s KidsClub.
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