New for the Tirol Next Winter
20th September 2023
Last modified on September 26th, 2023
There are around 80 ski resorts with 3,400kms of prepared pistes. Then there is the off piste… See here for all that is on offer in the Austrian region next winter.
There are new lifts, a greater range of winter activities on offer and upgrades to accommodation.
From new ice-climbing routes to ice-skating parks, first-class gondolas to chairlifts, and pop-up hotels to green getaways.
Regular PlanetSKI readers will know that the Tirol is one of our favourite spots in the Alps and we go there each winter.
Preferably more than once:
Soelden, Austria. Image © PlanetSKI
We have asked the Tirol tourist office to fill us in on what’s on offer for the coming season.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Family-Friendly Ski Area Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis: Komperdellbahn 2.0
This has become the largest construction project in the history of Seilbahn Komperdell GmbH in the ski region of Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis to date: the new 10-seater EUB Komperdell lift by Doppelmayr.
Construction of this state-of-the-art cableway was originally planned for 2021 but had to be postponed due to Covid.
The lift will be able transport 3,500 passengers per hour, and the valley station will house a large ski depot with more than 5,000 parking spaces, a ski rental shop and storage area.
At the mountain station, the ski school building will be completely re-located and direct access to the “Kinderschneealm” children’s area will be created.
Plus, a middle station is also under construction.
Ski Area KitzSki, Kitzbühel: two new 6-seater chairlifts in Jochberg
This winter, two modern chairlifts (6SB Gauxjoch and 6SB Trattenbach) will replace the outdated lifts in the KitzSki area.
In collaboration with the LEITNER company, Bergbahn Kitzbühel is forging ahead with this project in the spirit of sustainability, taking heed of social, ecological and economical aspects.
Ski Area Kappl & See, Paznaun-Ischgl: new ski circuit
For the coming winter season, skiers can look forward to double the fun in the Paznaun Valley, as the brand new Kappl & See ticket network now combines the two top family ski areas in Kappl and See.
Skiers annd snowboarders can enjoy more than 80 kilometres of pistes and twice the number of lifts on one ski pass.
At the same time there are two toboggan runs, night events and the winter hiking trails across these resorts.
Kappl, Tirol. Image © PlanetSKI
Schlick 2000, Stubai: new Galtberg Lift
The Galtalm T-bar lift from 1961 has been replaced with a modern and comfortable 10-seater gondola lift by the LEITNER company in the Schlick 2000 ski area in the Stubai Valley.
The focus of the project is the extension of the cableway from the valley station, just below the Fronebenalm, to the mountain station above the Galtalm at 1,760 metres altitude.
The new Galtberg lift (the first 10-person gondola lift in the region) will lead to a significant improvement in comfort and quality, while making life easier for ski instructors and beginners.
This lift will be able to transport 1,400 people per hour with a travel time of around four minutes, although this can increase to a maximum of 2,000 people per hour if required.
Schlick 2000, Tirol. Image © PlanetSKI
Tiroler Zugspitz Arena: reconstruction of the Ehrwalder Almbahn
A newly rebuilt valley station, Ehrwalder Almbahn, which will open in time for the up-coming ski season, now houses :
- Escalators to the cable cars
- A sheltered bus stop
- Kiss-and-ride parking
- Underground parking
- A shop
- Ski depot
- Lift
- New ticket office area
There has also been piste modifications and renewal of the artificial snow system along the valley descent.
Plus the construction of training rooms for apprentices and the extension of the piste maintenance garage at the top station to round off the comprehensive modernisation project.
Zillertal Arena: new Wilde Krimml gondola lift & Mitterleger chairlift
The connection between Zell and Gerlos will become even more relaxing, efficient and attractive with the new 10-seater Wilde Krimml gondola.
The wind-resistant 10-seater gondola will whisk skiers between Zell and Gerlos without any stops in-between.
The new lift not only provides more comfort with heated seats, but is also an architectural highlight thanks to expert planning by renowned Snøhetta Architects.
Guests in the ski area of Königsleiten can also look forward to a new detachable six-seater chairlift with weather hoods and heated seats that will replace the old Mitterleger two-seater chairlift.
ACCOMMODATION
Renovation in pursuit of sustainability: Böglerhof, Alpbachtal
Run by the Duftner family, the Böglerhof Hotel has eight new suites that enjoy views over Alpbach, a relaxation room, large sauna area, yoga room and terrace, as well as treatment rooms and a spacious garden area with natural swimming pool.
As an environmentally certified business, considerable emphasis was also placed on the topic of sustainability during renovation works.
Therefore, a 100 m² solar panel system, a new heat pump, and large energy buffer for better utilisation of the existing pellet system have been installed.
Image c/o Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau
More space for wellness: Hotel Panorama Royal, Kufsteinerland
The family-run four-star Panorama Royal wellness hotel in Bad Häring in Kufsteinerland offers an exclusive wellness paradise with the expansion of its spa area, heralding a whole new “era of well-being”.
Guests can look forward to a sophisticated world of rejuvenation with a new infinity pool as well as a sauna, hot tub, and relaxation rooms amid nature on an area encompassing some 7,500 m².
Activities such as yoga, meditation, Qi Gong and forest bathing round off the stay.
New home base for sports enthusiasts: Sportlers Lodge, Ötztal
Sportlers Lodge opens its doors in the heart of the winter hotspot, Sölden.
Here, sports enthusiasts can look forward to a relaxing stay in the Ötztal Alps.
Highlights include the three-storey Sky Spa wellness area with sauna and steam bath, 150 m² infinity rooftop pool, and fabulous mountain views.
In addition to breakfast, the ‘La Cucina’ in-house restaurant also serves à-la-carte dishes in the evenings.
Temporary hostel: PhiliPop-Up Hostel, Region Seefeld
Guests can revisit the “good old days” and experience the charm of the contemporary-yet-vintage house at the PhiliPop-Up Hostel in Scharnitz in the Seefeld region.
Key features of this temporary hostel are a shared kitchen for self-catering and a trust-based bar.
The former guesthouse has been given a temporary new lease of life with a focus on up-cycling, however the PhiliPop-Up won’t be around forever.
Freestyle skiers and snowboarders will appreciate its immediate proximity to the “Banger Park” kicker area.
Seefeld, Tirol, Austria. Image c/o Elena Protopopow.
Amidst the mountaineering village: Alplodge, Wipptal
At 1,422 metres altitude, the newly renovated Alplodge is in the unspoilt Schmirntal in the Wipptal Valley.
With 10 double rooms, one single room, and a further apartment, which together can comfortably accommodate up to 27 people, the self-catered house is ideal for larger groups and families.
One key highlight is the 100+-year-old Tirolean pine-clad parlour with tiled wood-burner, which can be enjoyed by everyone staying.
Newly recognised and certified
As a sign of their commitment to the environment, not only towards their guests but also towards their employees, increasing numbers of businesses are undergoing extensive certification processes and, therefore, can showcase the Austrian Ecolabel from the Ministry of the Environment (“Österreichisches Umweltzeichen”).
Guests can experience sustainable holidays at these two establishments:
First Green Hotel in the Upper Zillertal Valley: Zillertalerhof, Zillertal
Alpine Hideaway Zillertalerhof is the first hotel in the Upper Zillertal to be certified as a “Green Hotel” and proud bearer of the Austrian and European eco-label award.
Sustainability is firmly anchored in the company strategy of this four-star design hotel, and all activities are geared towards it accordingly.
Hosts, Katharina and Franz-Josef Perauer, have a clear corporate vision: the Zillertalerhof is not only beautifully designed, with innovative hospitality and the promotion of an appreciative work culture, but also a pioneer in terms of tourism development in the entire region on an economic, social and above all ecological level.
First certification in the Wipptal: Parkhotel Matrei, Wipptal
Parkhotel in Matrei am Brenner is the first hotel in the Wipptal Valley to be awarded with eco-label and EU Ecolabel certification.
The family-run hotel is managed by Florian Obojes and was successfully certified in 2023.
The decision was made to embark on the certification process because the hotel is aware of its responsibility towards its employees, guests and partner businesses.
Guests who travel by public transport even receive a 10 % discount on the overnight rate.
New holiday flats and apartments
Self-catered stay amidst historic surroundings: H5 Studios, Innsbruck
Historic flair with modern design and high-quality furnishings await guests staying at the new
H5 Studios in the centre of Innsbruck.
As a partner of the Hotel Grauer Bär, guests can enjoy stylish, fully equipped apartments, plus wellness facilities including a sauna, steam bath, infrared cabin, pool and outdoor whirlpool above the rooftops of Innsbruck.
Each of the 22 new suites can accommodate one to four people.
Innsbruck. Image © PlanetSKI
Exclusive Aparthotel in an idyllic Alpine valley: Alpine Collection, Wildschönau
Eight stylish flats with high-quality furnishings and comfortable space for up to six people, as well as studios for more compact stays for two, are accommodated in the new Alpine Collection Wildschönau in Niederau.
Located a few metres from the entrance to the SkiJuwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau ski area, it is the ideal starting point for a winter holiday in the tranquil Wildschönau holiday region.
With charging station for e-cars, a fitness and wellness area, Honesty Bar and more, the modern apartment-house is equipped with all amenities required for a relaxing stay.
Alpine comfort encounters modern design: Mano’s Apartments, Paznaun-Ischgl
Two new fully equipped holiday apartments for two to eight people will be available at the new Mano’s Apartments in Kappl in the Paznaun Valley from winter 2023/24.
The Grissemann family are already aware of guest requirements from their experience of running the Hotel Post; holidaymakers will want for nothing.
Moreover, breakfast and use of the wellness area at the partner hotel can be booked on request.
The Silvretta Card Premium is also included in the accommodation price.
Ischgl, Austria. Image © PlanetSKI.
Luxury for families: Domenigs, Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis
Eight luxurious apartments that can comfortably accommodate two to six people will be available at the new Domenigs in Fiss in the family-friendly Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis region for the 2023/24 winter season onwards.
Host family, Domenig has placed a special focus on the interplay of feel and light, and luxury and nature at their new apartment house.
The apartments, with one to three bedrooms and one to three bathrooms, also have a spacious living room, sauna, and fully equipped kitchen.
fil HOME Apartments, Osttirol
Ready for the winter season, fil HOME Apartmenthaus in Leisach in Osttirol will be home to three contemporary flats in a lovingly renovated house that is more than 100 years old.
Timeless interior design, clear lines and natural materials characterise the three flats for two to four people. With panoramic view of the Dolomites, fil HOME is the perfect starting point for skiing enthusiasts, cross-country skiing experts, and winter hikers.
Plus it’s only a few minutes away from Lienz.
For something different – farm holidays in winter
Farm holidays are the perfect choice for guests who appreciate an authentic holiday experience combined with friendly hospitality.
Family-run farms that belong to the “Urlaub am Bauernhof” brand represent standardised quality criteria regarding their facilities, services and experiences on the farm.
Only recently, the following farms were certified with the 5 Flower award.
These farms guarantee an exclusive holiday experience in exceptional rural ambience.
Furnishings of the rooms and holiday apartments meet the very highest standards with elegant interiors, top-notch amenities, and exclusive comfort.
ACTIVITIES
Ice skating in the park at “Reutte on Ice” · Naturparkregion Reutte
On 17 November 2023, the thrilling new event, “Reutte on Ice” will open with a concert by DJ Ötzi in the Naturparkregion Reutte.
“Reuttener Eistraum” (Ice Dream) will be extended to 2,000 m² with skate paths through the park of Reutte and a second ice rink, making it the largest ice-skating facility in western Austria and one that can also be used for activities such as curling and ice hockey.
Featuring a harmonious lighting concept, the ice rink in the centre of Reutte will become the region’s wintry highlight and will remain open for locals and guests until the end of February 2024.
New family toboggan run in Kühtai · Region Innsbruck
At more than 2,000 metres altitude, the new family-friendly toboggan route in Kühtai is one of the highest in Tirol and therefore guaranteed to offer a thrilling ride for young and old over a total length of 1,300 metres and 14 hairpin bends.
After a 50-minute hike (and before the the rapid descent) Graf Ferdinand Haus invites you to stop for a bite to eat and a warming drink.
The toboggan run – just like the hiking trail leading to the starting point – is even floodlit at night.
Kuhtai, Tirol. Image © PlanetSKI
New ice climbing routes in Kappl and See · Paznaun-Ischgl
Both beginners and experienced climbers are well catered for with four new ice climbing routes in Kappl and See.
routes “Benzinbrüder Holdernach”, “Sinsner Eissüule”, and “Moos Eisfall” in Kappl as well as the “Glasur l’amour” in See are all situated at an altitude between 1,100m and 1,500m.
They offer the opportunity to climb impressive icefalls in the winter landscape of Paznaun.
Wintry day-trip destinations
New indoor facility Visorium · Mayrhofen-Hippach
In winter 2023/24, the Visorium, a completely new indoor facility, inspired by legends, folklore and landmarks will open in Mayrhofen. Reaching 2,000 m², this new space will be home to escape rooms, laser tag and adventure golf – giving visitors the opportunity to discover the Upper Zillertal Valley from a completely new perspective.
Entertainment and various activities are used to convey interesting facts about the valley.
And the new restaurant, Schnogerei spoils its guests with local dishes inspired by traditional recipes passed down from generations.
New show Experience Tirol · Region Innsbruck
The new day-trip destination, Experience Tirol in the Kaufhaus Tyrol shopping centre in Innsbruck, promises a special way to discover this stunning province.
Across 512 m2, visitors spend 60 minutes in five interactive rooms, where state-of-the-art technology such as virtual reality, holograms, and 360-degree projections enable them to discover spectacular views and captivating stories about Tirol.
The five narrated worlds centre on themes such as nature, tradition, history, art and sports and are designed to appeal to locals and guests as well as adults and children.
AlbertAdler PlayWorld by Ravensburger · Mayrhofen-Hippach
A 140 m² indoor play world, at the Ahornbahn mountain station in Mayrhofen in the Zillertal Valley, will open its doors in winter 2023/24.
The Albert Adler PlayWorld by Ravensburger is an ideal day-trip destination – not only in rainy weather – and offers fun and games for children from around three years old:
- A large climbing wall
- A playhouse
- An eagle’s nest with listening stations
- GraviTrax and Brio play tables
- Giant puzzles and memory games
- See here for more.
YOUR DOME Tirol · Silberregion Karwendel
The Planetarium in Schwaz in Tirol opened its doors in 2001.
For more than 20 years, visitors could enjoy various shows revolving around stars and space.
Now, with the conversion to YOUR DOME Tirol, a vision has become reality: the transformation into an adventure facility with a convertible 360-degree dome will immerse visitors in magical worlds of images and sounds with films, shows and concerts.
The major conversion is rounded off with the redesign of the shop, café and outdoor facilities.
Image c/o The Tirol
For more information about the Austrian Tirol region, please visit the main website www.visittirol.co.uk.
PlanetSKI logo
