Austria: The new home for adrenalin junkies

Sep 30 2009 By Justine Halifax

austria

If you are an adrenalin junkie with a passion for the slopes, the Austrian resort of Westendorf will not disappoint. Despite being a seasoned skier, I still learned a thing or two in this beautiful, friendly village including the fun art of snow biking. In fact, no matter what you love about the snow, this picturesque resort, which has the worlds third-largest ski area at visitors fingertips, has something to offer all winter sports lovers.

Where families are concerned this pretty Tyrolean village, in the Brixen Valley, about ten miles from Kitzbhel, is an ideal holiday destination. My family flew from Birmingham to Salzburg and after a one-and-a-half hour coach transfer we reached our home for the next week.

Hotel Schermer
From a range of two- to four-star accommodation on offer through Inghams we stayed at the four-star Hotel Schermer. Run by the welcoming Schermer family, our accommodation could not be faulted and nor could the food or the service. We stayed in an ample and comfortable family room. It featured a lounge, a large bedroom with a king-size bed and ample wardrobe space, a large bathroom, with heated floor, and a generous bath and a large, stand-alone shower.

In the lounge a sofa bed was set up for my three-year-old son and there was plenty of room to nestle in a cot for my one-year-old daughter. Both lounge and bedroom featured a flat-screen television and there was a large hall with ample storage space for luggage, coats and boots, while a secure ski room is provided on the ground floor for ski equipment.

The service from staff at this hotel was excellent. The hotel has a large lounge and cosy area with armchairs and an open fire, enabling one to relax after a hard day on the piste.

For younger guests there is a childrens play room and free child supervision is also on offer for three- to 12-year-olds, Sunday to Friday, 4pm to 9pm, with craft activities and after-dinner film. There is an opportunity to sign up for weekly activities, including an enjoyable night in the hotels wine cellar sampling and discussing regional tipples with Mr Schermer. A large pool gave great comfort after a busy day on the piste, as did a massage in the hotels impressive spa. For those not content working up a sweat just on the slopes there is a well-equipped gym.

Food at this spotlessly clean hotel was also a delicious delight with a superb choice on offer at breakfast and dinner. There was an extensive cold and hot buffet to choose from at breakfast and, in addition to a sumptuous salad buffet in the evening, there was a three-course meal with several childrens options available. In late afternoon the hotel also offers an impressive apršs-ski, at no extra charge, which was a great treat after a day playing in the snow.

Justine heads to hte slopes and discovers there's fun in the snow for the entire family.