We will be in Salzburg for a few days and have decided to also spend two nights in the Alps enjoying the snow and scenery. We are looking for someplace that may have a spa/hot springs, along with some outdoor activities such as snow shoeing, cross country skiing or winter hiking. I have found Gastein and it looks to fit the description, but there is also Innsbruck. Any suggestions? We will have a car and will be driving back to Munich at the end of the two days. Thanks so much!
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8319 posts
Innsbruck is the center of the region for winter sports, and it should have what you're looking for.
I try to travel to the places of least resistance, and getting to Innsbruck is so quick and easy by autobahn from Salzburg.
My wife is a non-skier, and she used to ride up to Aximer Lizum ski resort when I skied. Our lunches on top of the mountain on a bright sunny winter day were absolutely gorgeous--listening to midday CNN Radio in English. Then, they'd start up more of the Um-Pah music after the news.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
If you're talking about Christmas this year, then Innsbruck is probably your best option in Austria. Lodging might be hard to come by at this late time for some of the resort towns, but Innsbruck being a large city probably would likely have the most vacancies right now. With earlier planning, though, I would look into Lech am Arlberg, Kitzbühel or Hintertux.
Posted by
Germany, Germany
813 posts
In addition to the areas already mentioned, look at Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Mayrhofen, Kaprun, and the Dachstein Glacier area.
Posted by
Gig Harbor, Washington, USA
1862 posts
Check out Badgastein which is a spa town. We stayed at the Grunerbaum several years ago - options included a horse drawn sleigh ride on Christmas day. Probably because of the hot springs, we saw crystallized snowflakes the size of salad plates. Beautiful place.
Posted by
Green Bay
21140 posts
Yes, Bad Gastein is the ticket. There are still some reasonable hotel rooms available at Christmas. At 1000 meters above sea level, there is a good chance of snow on the ground, it has a hot spring spa, and it is a straight shot on the road from Salzburg. Innsbruck may not even have snow at Christmas. My mantra: In Winter, go high.
Posted by
OP
Bend (Sunriver), Oregon
33 posts
Thanks so much for the suggestions…they are very helpful and now I can see if I can get a booking!