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It is this time of the year again. The time to book our well earned holidays in the snow for this years skiing season. This time around, the place in question is Zell am See, a hub of activities that has thousands flocking each year onto its pistes and cross country trail. Beginners, proficient as well as professionals have made, throughout the years, of Zell am See Kaprun their place of choice to indulge in snow sports activities, which are aplenty in Zell am (as it is also known by the regulars).

Below are ten indoors as well as outdoors activities, among many others, this great ski destination has to offer:

1. Skiers, snowboarders and free riders will be able to ski until satiated on the 138 km of pistes covering all levels of difficulty. For the mountains and the glaciers surrounding Zell am see provide snow all year round, allowing thus to hit the slopes at any time.

2. If you are not one for the thrills of the down hills, the you will be able to take advantage of the 200 km of x-country trails that can be found in the region.

3. If cross country is still too fast for you, and would like to extract all the pleasures of the incredible pristine nature on offer in Zell am See, then you should take up the Nordic Walking. A sport that will help you to not only keep fit, but that will also have you in awe of the majestic scenery that litter this exceptional alpine region.

4. What about trying the snow under ( or over) a new perspective? Snow kiting offers just that and will have you gliding at speed reaching up to 75km/hr. Not for the faint hearted one might say!

5. This one is special for the whole family, as this activity will enthuse children and adults alike. Tobogganing, will get you to roll back the years to your childhood, while children will discover the pleasure of snow through this fun activity.

Now, you might have taken your family to a nice holiday in the snow, but are not a snow enthusiast yourself! Well, fret not as you will not run short of indoor activities in the ski resort of Zell am.

6. Grab your rackets, not the snow ones, I must make mention, for you will be able to play indoor tennis in the modern tennis halls available on site.

7. This one is more for the ladies, although their companions are more than welcome to join. Hit the gym and pools for some aqua fitness, aerobics, Tae Bo and many more similar activities…

8. Zell am See has managed something quiet exceptional that will get you to blend the pleasure of nature with art, as you will be able to admire some giant sculptures in an area covering 180hectares and that are part of a project started back in the 50’s called »Gallery on the pistes«.

9. After a hard day skiing the pistes of Zell am See Kaprun, time to relax. And that can be done with some massages, aroma therapies, Turkish baths that can all be found in the Optimum Kaprun spa centre. It will keep you fresh and revitalised throughout your stay.

10. And once the day is done and the children are fast asleep, you will be able to indulge in one of the resorts favourite activity, PARTYING. You will be amazed by the night life in this part of Mozart country. The town at night get vibrant, and you will never run out of options to spend a memorable evening in Zell am See.

So there you are! Ten activities that will keep you and your family busy throughout your stay in Zell am See Kaprun. And believe you me, after your stay, you will really give a thought as to whether to make of Zell am your future regular ski holidays destination.

1978 was the last time Bavaria saw a huge sporting event such as this year’s Alpine skiing world championship. Garmisch-Partenkirchen has repeatedly bided for the past 33 years to become the host of the competition, but in vain, and it was only in May 2006 that it finally saw its wish granted. Below is the chronological account of the events that led up to the championship official opening on Monday:

June 2004
Garmisch-Partenkirchn City Council unanimously votes in favour of bidding to become the host to the 2011 world championship competition. A success that could be attributed to the support that emanated from the Garmisch Ski Club, led by the Peter Fischer.

May 2005
Mighty Schladming, Austria, becomes the only other candidate still in contention to host the championship.
September 2005
The International Ski Federation Commission arrives in Gap to assess the city’s readiness to organise the event. The main topic of discussion at the time is the long awaited reconstruction of the Kandahar racetrack.

May 2006
On the 25th May 2005, at 06.56pm, at the Congress of the International Ski Federation in Villamoura in Portugal, ithe winner of who is to become the host to the 2011 world championship is announced. GAP took the honour with a 9:6 voting victory over Schladming.

July 2006
The Organising Committee is created with Peter Fischer as its president. The first discussions also take place, and the financial aspects of the organisation are the topic of the day. Furthermore, the provincial government of Bavaria also expressed its willingness to be involved in the organisation of the championship.

February 2009
At the closing ceremony of the World Cup in Val d’Isere, France, representatives of Garmisch-Partenkirchen were handed the world championship flag.

February 2010
The championship mascots “Ga” and “Pa” are presented to a global audience.

March 2010
The federal government contributes a million and a half Euros towards the cultural program taking place throughout the championship. In addition, it is decided to issue a special coin commemorating the world championships.

June 2010
Disaster strikes in Gudiberg. As the Slalom track was being renovating, at the cost of 6 million euros, an unfortunate mudslide caused its collapse. At the same time, the Organising Committee starts the tickets sale.

November 2010
The last problem came from a farmer. The latter refuses to allow his land to be used as part of the finish arena of the Kandahar race track. Despite the numerous negotiations, no agreement is reached. The matter is settled in court later in January.

P. S. Schladming will host the 2013 world championship.

Original text by Urban Lavrenčič translated from the Slovene by Christian Ngalikpima.

This season Alpine World cup has now reached fever pitch. The male contingent will, after the Swiss tour, stop in Kitzbühel, Austria, for the 71st Hahnenkamm Cup, while its female counterpart will be visiting the cosmopolitan Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy. These races attract each year millions of television viewers, but also bring a huge number of spectators to the tracks themselves. This year would be no exception if it wasn’t for the weather that has been disrupting the competition for the 3rd week in a row.

For my part, I have noticed for the past few years that New Year is often followed by a sharp rise in temperature. The Föhn, a warm wind as it is called in the ski world has of late regularly threatened to disrupt the races taking place in the Bernese Alps, in Switzerland. Adelboden, and Wengen, have had huge problems in recent seasons, and managed only with strenuous effort to bring the competition to completion. This year, the Swiss have been lucky to get enough snow and consequently had ample snow cover to proceed with the races, despite the spring-like temperatures.
Of course, the preparation of the competitive tracks in these conditions becomes a much bigger challenge. The organisers resorted in this instance to salt and artificial PTX. First, a layer of snow is removed from the track, by a snow groomer, which is then covered with a synthetic material that is sprayed with water before being covered again with the final layer of snow. This operation is repeated just before the race, albeit without the use of the snow groomer. Thus not spelling the best prospects for the competition or competitors for that matter! A bleaker prospect awaits the skiers placed higher up in the starting line-up. They will find it much harder to achieve any kind of good results. In the past, the Swiss have also had troubles with environmentalists who would not allow the use the PTX. But that threat has been removed as the State implemented a law that empowers ski race officials to do whatever they see fit in order to salvage a race.
It all seemed that the matter would be settled before the week end, and that winter temperatures would be greeting racers. But as it happened, the drop has failed to materialise on time and not all downhill trainings could be completed on the famous Streif track as it was still raining in the lower segment of the track only last Wednesday.
Workers were toiling day and night, trying to consolidate the snow on time for the first race. Later, on Wednesday night, the rain turned to snow. However, bad weather has now been forecast for the week end. Fog should also join the party. Let us not forget that, in the past, fog has already forced a few races to be cancelled at the foot of the Hahnenkamm Mountain.
No matter what, Günther Hujara, one of the judges in the men’s world cup competition, will be working overtime. Everyone is piling up pressure on him; the organizers, the media, the athletes and the coaches. Ultimately, he will be the one switching the red or green lights on to competitors at the starting line. Meteorologists too will be trying their very best to provide “to the minute” predictions about the changes in the Kitzbühel skies. Incidently, some world cup organisers have in recent years invested a lot of money towards state of the art meteorological equipment. However nature once again shows that it transcends man.
Kitzbühel is now faced with a tough ordeal, since the rules state that at least one downhill training session must take place before the actual race. If that fails, then the prospect of having to sacrifice Friday’s super G is well and truly alive. Downhill in Kitzbühel is the alpha and omega. The Super-G race can be moved to another location, but the downhill in Streif is irreplaceable. It is already clear that the race cannot be moved to the Monday and Sunday has specifically been scheduled to host the Slalom race. In the end, it seems that the weather will be the one to decide the next course of events.

Original text by Urban Lavrenčič translated from the Slovene by Christian Ngalikpima.

St. Anton is a small town in Western Austria. It is located near the Rosanna River and is part of the Albert group of ski resorts. St. Anton boasts of being one of the best ski resorts in Western Austria and is also famous for hosting the World Alpine Ski Championship in 2001. What’s best about St. Anton is its wide slope for skiers, enhanced lift system, snowboarding ground and hefty snowfall. St. Anton is not only famous for its ski slopes, it is also well-known for having the best shopping, café, bar scenes and restaurants that offer some of Austria’s famous dishes. Eating at a recommended restaurant in St. Anton is the best way to relax after a long day of skiing and snowboarding.
Austrian cuisine is inspired by that of different countries such as Germany, Hungary and Italy. Dumplings and pancakes are two common dishes that you will undoubtedly see on the menu in many a restaurant in St. Anton. If you want to taste some of the typical Austrian cuisine, you can visit Fuhrmannstube and Trödlerstube. These two restaurants are well known for their very generous servings that will surely satisfy your hunger.
Mooserwit, another popular St. Anton’s restaurant, claims to serve some of the best traditional Austrian dishes that guests will definitely love. Visitors on a tight budget can try the Funky Chicken and Rodelalm on Gampen, which offer good food at affordable prices. Good places for snacks are Pomodoro and KrazyKanguruh where the burgers and pizza are said to be the best in town. The traditional Fondue is one of the most commonly served desserts in St. Anton and is definitely something to look forward to after a delicious meal. Restaurants in St. Anton take pride in their high quality meals and customer service to ensure that no customer leaves without being 100% satisfied.

Members of the Executive Committee of the International Ski Federation decided during the summer congress in Antalya to make Vail the host of the 2015 World Cup. This fancy little Colorado village from the U.S. has twice already entertained this kind of competition . The first such occasion dates back in 1989 while the second one took place a decade later. Skiers previously underwent the speed disciplines in the nearby Beaver Creek back in 1999. Indeed Bernhard Russi has already downed the famous Bird of Preys track. As a matter of fact, this spectacular terrain was first tested with two downhill races a while ago, at the December 1997 World Cup.
While the Italian Kristian Ghedina won the first race, the Austrian Andreas Schifferer imposed himself a day later on a very demanding track. The most extraordinary story that got to me while watching this World Cup was fortuitously also the most interesting. Ever since he retired from racing in March 2006, Schifferer no longer tops the headlines. Although, one could go as far as saying that he has totally disappeared from the public eye!
Until this year in Sölden, the venue where in October, this year’s World Cup season kicked off, the news that Andreas Schifferer had to leave this little cosmopolitan Austrian village prematurely resounded as a huge surprise. The boy had arrived at the weekend, but that seemingly didn’t work out as that same boy stole the snowboard he had used to compete. Obviously he didn’t have his stealing skills well honed, as the stealth bore all the marks of the amateur thief. A shortcoming that landed him straight into the hands of the Austrian constabulary force, which is known to be pretty unforgiving in this type of instances. Even with eight times world cup Champions.
What in the world went through Andy’s head that day? He probably doesn’t have a clue himself. But according to some insiders, his erratic behaviour began showing when he started collaborating with Martin Weber, a man known for practicing esoteric, hypnosis as well as other disputable techniques.
At some point, it got him so confused that he left his wife and kids, and asked his sponsor Atomic to devise a pair of skis for him that would slide on the nose, stating proper energy flow as the reason behind the request. Upon this, Atomic immediately terminated the contract with the now suspicious skier, who resumed his antics at team Rossignol, claiming a use of “negative” colours. As a result, his career suddenly grinded to a halt.
Incidentally, the infamous German newspaper Bild had recently sent a journalist to interview Weber in order to investigate his genuinity, but he quickly gave up fearing for his own mental well being, as he commented to the editor upon his return. Still the real motive for Shifferer’s action is yet to come to light. Why he stole the snowboard remains to this day a mystery, especially when one considers that his financial situation at the time appeared to be in the positive? He could easily have purchased one. Or could it be that the colour was so damn positive that the esoteric/hypnotic state he was in left him with no other choice but to acquire it there and then? Although not on his credit Card…

Original text by Urban Lavrenčič translated from the Slovene by Christian Ngalikpima.

For every action, you can expect a reaction. After Head brought in their team the Norwegian Aksel Lund Svindal, it left his serviceman at Atomic, Edi Unterberger, without employer. A true a master in his profession, he saw enormous success with Hermann Maier. He later briefly acted as Walchhofer Michael’s serviceman. As Atomic saw a brighter future with Svindal, the team designated Unterberger as serviceman for last year’s two times winner in the aggregate standings at the Norwegian World Cup. Remember, it was with his help that Svindal brought home the full scope of awards in the Vancouver Olympics. He then went on to join Head. For a hefty sum of money, at that!
Michael Walchhofer begins, this year, his final World Cup Season. In the previous season, the 35-year-old hotelier from Altenmarkt came short of bringing home more than a single win. He must have missed his former serviceman. After leaving Svindal, Walchhofer immediately went on to resume his cooperation with the now team-less Unterberger. Atomic welcomed the move, and as history shows, have hit the bull’s eye.
Walchhofer convincingly won the first downhill race of the season in Lake Louise, effectively ending the Austrian team poor string of performances. Indeed the team hadn’t won the main discipline since March 2009. A winning drought for Austria, the most powerful skiing nation in the world that lasted 630 days!
At the finish, the winner of 16th edition of the skiing World Cup looked at his ski and immediately pointed out in his first interview the fact that they were “unusually” fast. Indeed, Walchhofer enjoyed a clear advantage over his competitors in the flatter part of the Lake Louise racecourse, where good gliding is of the essence, and where the skis must be fast.
He thanked his serviceman, sipped ale and then went on to prepare for the super-G, which was on the program the next day. Brimming with self-confidence, he decided to take fairly aggressive skis to the giant slalom, despite conflicting advice from Unterberger. He finished 18th and later admitted that he will in the future listen more to the “man in the background”.
In a week time, men and women competitors will travel to the United States and Canada. The women were moved from Aspen to Lake Louise, where they will compete at the weekend in both speed events. This will be the first opportunity this season for Lindsey Vonn to prove that she still is the alpine skiing champion. Men were flown from the Canadian province of Alberta over to Denver and from there, forward on to Vail, more specifically on to Beaver Creek, where the Birds of Prey racecourse awaits them. This competition will host three races from Friday to Sunday, with the exciting downhill scheduled for the Friday. Walchhofer will again be present and so will his red and white rockets.

Original text by Urban Laurenčič translated from the Slovene by Christian Ngalikpima.

Last year in Beaver Creek, Jean-Baptiste Grange injured himself. The ruptured anterior cruciate ligament he suffered meant that the Vancouver Olympics were to proceed without its star performer. The Frenchman was 25 at the time, and to have to bid farewell to the Olympic season came as a severe blow to him.

The veil overshadowing the men standings in this year’s alpine skiing world cup has now been lifted. The 45^th edition was officially opened in Sölden a month ago with the women’s giant slalom competition. A thick fog greeted the men on the Rettenbach Glacier, forcing the opening of the new season to be moved to the previous week-end in Levi, Finland.

This time around, little comparison has been made between competitors. Instead, after last year’s Olympics, many have decided to concentrate their efforts on the team’s form, and with the arrival of new coaches, hope to outperform their rivals. The southern hemisphere provides during the summer months the scene for professional skiing. Argentina, Chile and New Zealand are the most common stops for world class skiers.

France is at the moment dominating the rankings. They stand one step ahead of the competition in both technical disciplines. The already established skiers have been joined by some younger athletes. To be noted though, is the return of the recently injured stars, such as Thomas Fanara and Jean-Baptiste Grange. The French man having previously won the 08/09 Slalom Crystal Globe top accolade. A discipline he came close to winning the previous year, but that he had to concede to the Italian Manfred Moelgg due to a mistake in the final race of the season in Bormio.

Injuries in Alpine Skiing highlight the differences that exist between bigger and lesser teams, the same way it does highlight the discrepancies between champions and less performing skiers. The former finding themselves in a really enviable position, as the contrast amplifies at the time of rehabilitation. The bigger teams or athletes, who have earned more, thus have access to treatments that are a far reach from the lesser protagonists who cannot afford the over costly insurances.   This in turn might also lead to a loss of income.

Furthermore, some athletes and teams are totally left to fare for themselves, as trainers and physiotherapists limit themselves to prescribing exercises with absolutely no follow up, leaving In effect, those struggling competitors to bank solely on their determination and willingness to get through the hard times. Too many questions are left unanswered that renders it difficult for the athlete to get back to the team training, where opportunities are very few anyway. Which physiotherapist will they visit? How will they pay for the treatment or how will they train? Which diet will they implement, how much muscle mass will be lost?

This leaves a large number of athletes to forcibly abandon the sport of their dream and find other of objects interest instead.

Grange, on the other hand, did the exact the opposite thanks to the French Skiing Association (FFS), which has to deal with its own financial problems. They realised how the Frenchman aroused, over the past years, the interest of the French people in Alpine Skiing. The FFS consequently gave him all the support that he needed for a speedy recovery. Besides Grange himself, did what he thought was necessary to regain fitness.

First of all, he distanced himself from the media as he did not want his comments to interfere with the team’s work nor create unnecessary agitation before or during the Olympics. He entirely focused his efforts on himself and his speedy recovery. After a successful operation on the cruciate ligament, he visited rehabilitation centres where he was treated by the best experts.

The desired effect was achieved. In June, this year, he started snow training. The feelings of old gradually came back to the French champion. It was as if all the pieces of the puzzle fell into place. From one turn to another, Jean Batiste Grange found his way back. After a long break, he was eager to prove himself and to compete once again. The French coaches knew he was fast, but did not want to put additional pressure on him before the season. The first giant slalom ride in Sölden has already shown that his was back at the top. Then came Levi. The slalom race he won back in 2008. The same year he won this discipline. And as if the previous hadn’t existed, he clocked the fastest time. Poetry in motion, straining effortlessly the limits of the possible… Balance and short turns prevailed. In the end, the closest competitor, the Swede Andre Myhrer, grabbed second position, 0.33 sec behind the Frenchman, while the Croat Ivica Kostelič came third, clocking over a second more.

When on skis, Jean Baptiste Grange makes every move look all so simple. And yet they are not! Far from it! This has been vindicated by other athletes struggling to achieve good results. The French skier on the other hand, had no trouble at all. The boss is back! However, one must realise that rare are those who return with a win.

Urban Laurenčič original post translated by Christian Ngalikpima

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It is this time of the year again. The time to book our well earned holidays in the snow for this years skiing season. This time around, the place in question is Zell am See, a hub of activities that has thousands flocking each year onto its pistes and cross country trail. Beginners, proficient as well as professionals have made, throughout the years, of Zell am See Kaprun their place of choice to indulge in snow sports activities, which are aplenty in Zell am (as it is also known by the regulars).

Below are ten indoors as well as outdoors activities, among many others, this great ski destination has to offer:

1. Skiers, snowboarders and free riders will be able to ski until satiated on the 138 km of pistes covering all levels of difficulty. For the mountains and the glaciers surrounding Zell am see provide snow all year round, allowing thus to hit the slopes at any time.

2. If you are not one for the thrills of the down hills, the you will be able to take advantage of the 200 km of x-country trails that can be found in the region.

3. If cross country is still too fast for you, and would like to extract all the pleasures of the incredible pristine nature on offer in Zell am See, then you should take up the Nordic Walking. A sport that will help you to not only keep fit, but that will also have you in awe of the majestic scenery that litter this exceptional alpine region.

4. What about trying the snow under ( or over) a new perspective? Snow kiting offers just that and will have you gliding at speed reaching up to 75km/hr. Not for the faint hearted one might say!

5. This one is special for the whole family, as this activity will enthuse children and adults alike. Tobogganing, will get you to roll back the years to your childhood, while children will discover the pleasure of snow through this fun activity.

Now, you might have taken your family to a nice holiday in the snow, but are not a snow enthusiast yourself! Well, fret not as you will not run short of indoor activities in the ski resort of Zell am.

6. Grab your rackets, not the snow ones, I must make mention, for you will be able to play indoor tennis in the modern tennis halls available on site.

7. This one is more for the ladies, although their companions are more than welcome to join. Hit the gym and pools for some aqua fitness, aerobics, Tae Bo and many more similar activities…

8. Zell am See has managed something quiet exceptional that will get you to blend the pleasure of nature with art, as you will be able to admire some giant sculptures in an area covering 180hectares and that are part of a project started back in the 50’s called »Gallery on the pistes«.

9. After a hard day skiing the pistes of Zell am See Kaprun, time to relax. And that can be done with some massages, aroma therapies, Turkish baths that can all be found in the Optimum Kaprun spa centre. It will keep you fresh and revitalised throughout your stay.

10. And once the day is done and the children are fast asleep, you will be able to indulge in one of the resorts favourite activity, PARTYING. You will be amazed by the night life in this part of Mozart country. The town at night get vibrant, and you will never run out of options to spend a memorable evening in Zell am See.

So there you are! Ten activities that will keep you and your family busy throughout your stay in Zell am See Kaprun. And believe you me, after your stay, you will really give a thought as to whether to make of Zell am your future regular ski holidays destination.

When I diverted my attention from the debate which was taking place at our table, I noticed a lone diner in the corner of the restaurant. The gentleman was eating a steak and enjoying a glass of red wine. He gave a distinct impression of a confident man, one who keeps himself and his surrounding under control. Makes sense, I thought. Otherwise he’d never be the most successful skier in the history of alpine skiing. To win 25 downhill races in the World Cup Championship, he needed to be daring, focused, egotistical and a bit crazy.

I got up and walked over to him. I spoke to him in German and invited him to join us for a drink at our table. I figured that such an important guest shouldn’t be left to himself in Kranjska Gora. Franz Klammer was visiting Kranjska Gora as a representative of Bad Kleinkircheim which, together with Tarvisio and Kranjska Gora, is a candidate for the organisation of the World Cup Championship in Alpine Skiing in 2017.

I introduced myself and when I told him that my colleague and winner of the Adelboden slalom in 2000, Matjaž Vrhovnik, is also at the table, he accepted my invitation. I must admit I was quite proud of myself as I waited on tenterhooks for the arrival of our intriguing Austrian guest.

After the mandatory greetings and introductions the atmosphere loosened up considerably and Klammer sat with us for a good hour and a half. It could have been even longer, but they were closing up the restaurant. Franz Klammer turned out to be a great person to talk to, both in German and in English, to which we switched so that the others could join the conversation.

He didn’t come across as self-centred for a minute, and if I didn’t know better, I’d say that a perfectly normal person was sitting amongst us – this was, however, the skier that dominated the slopes in the second half of the 70’s.

We mostly talked about skiing, and it was just a matter of time before we got to the winter Olympics in Vancouver. I remembered Kjetill A. Aamodt winning gold in super G in Turin with a performance that would normally come in 10th, at least that’s what the analysis showed. I wondered why those who ski incredibly well in races each week, can’t seem to put themselves together and do the same in the Olympics.

Franz Klammer heard me out and after a short pause replied that the role of a favourite in such an immense competition is a very ungrateful one, and that pressure is incredibly high. I replied that people like himself, or Michael Walchhofer or Didier Cuche as his modern equivalents, shouldn’t succumb to such nonsense. A skier that wins regularly in World Cup races has nothing left to prove to anyone. He thought again for a moment and said “If I hadn’t won gold in 1976 at Innsbruck, I’d still be a champion, but never a legend.” I remembered that race in a second; the day that every Austrian was sure Olympic gold was as good as theirs. Klammer made a series of mistakes on the upper half of the slope, but made up for everything in the middle and bottom, beat Bernhard Russi and won by 0,33 seconds.
A legend was born.

This is what athletes will be fighting for from the 13th of February. For themselves, for their country, for glory, for fans, for money. Two incredible weeks lie ahead, full of drama, surprises, sensations and tragedies – things only the Olympics can offer. Off to Vancouver!

The Littler Known Places to Go, Ski, and See

Just because a ski resort is little known (or not known at all) doesn’t mean that it is has no good outdoor winter activities. Quite the contrary: Some of the best kept secrets are that exactly—the places that not too many people think of going. Though the locals may know about their own best-kept secrets, it doesn’t mean that you can’t barge in for some serious skiing or boarding on your neighbors powder. I’ve come up with some out-of-the-way ski destinations and what you can do there this winter. It’s time to give up the crowds, expense and go native.

Andorra

Though you may have never thought of taking a visit to Andorra—that little speck tucked between Spain and France—there are some ski resorts you won’t soon forget. One that comes to mind is Vallnord Ordino, Arcalis. Arcalis is literally concealed between the main Cercle d’Arcalis, a valley with some snowy north-facing slopes with trees all around. Aside from some crazy locals and those living in the neighboring towns (across the borders), you won’t find this place overblown with tourists. The nearly 700 meter drop won’t leave you laughing except for the joy of being alive (OK, it’s not that bad) and  there probably more snow making machines per  hectare than any other European snow resort.

Austria

It’s a little harder than you might think finding a “small” or “reclusive” ski resort in Austria that no one has ever heard of. One that I came across, however, is not as small and popular as it feels. Lech (Zurs am Arlberg) is one of those getaways that you won’t be disappointed I when you get here. There’s a few more than 100 ski slopes to choose from and a cool children’s park and a few times a day you can jump on a horse drawn sleigh. The 2800 meter vertical will take up plenty of your day perfecting.

Germany

The little-heard of ski resort of Wallberg in Germany is a recluses dream ski holiday. Though there is one great toboggan run around 7 km long and a ski slope meant for true experts, Wallberg is meant for those who come to do other activities in the snow. Those few souls looking for outdoor adventure away from the crowds during the ski season come to Wallberg for cross-country skiing, primo explorations around lake Tegernsee and Nordic skiing. Others come for the views and the unconventional panoramic views from the restaurant.

Switzerland

If you’re looking for a small escape in the land of plenty, then a trip to the 10 ski slopes at Kandersteg will keep you solo and happy. The number of km for the slopes is about 50 km, so there’s some nice diversity in the long runs. However, Kandersteg really only caters to intermediate and expert skiers, again, making it an escapist’s snowy dream. (There are some blue slopes, so don’t fret.) You can even get up to 3000 meters and head down the 1700 metered slope as many times san-lines as much as your heart desires. Kandersteg probably has the cheapest weekly rates, starting at around 115 Euro per week. Not too shabby, eh?