Flachau – Austria’s ultimate winter sports destination
On the plane in the morning, on the slopes in the afternoon
In the 19th century Flachau was Austria’s regional centre of iron smelting. Now though it’s one of the largest ski resorts in Ski amadé with 270 lifts and 760km of slopes, snowboarding, tobogganing, tubing, cross-country and downhill skiing. The village has combined technology with top-class ski facilities and has modern lifts sweep skiers above manicured slopes, whisking them to the top of the mountain. Long quiet runs cater for everyone – from beginners, to connoisseurs, to sports freaks who like to ski on floodlit slopes at night; and if you like to go off piste, you’re in for the ultimate in summit fun.
5 Best Bars
Flachau is one of the most popular après-ski resorts in Austria. At a certain time of day, snow space transforms into event space, creating the perfect end to a day’s skiing and partying carries on well into the night at après-ski temples like:
• Dampfkessel which has live events including dancers. They’re considered to be one of the best for après-ski in Austria.
• To end your day of skiing comfortably with cool music there’s the great ambiance of Fliegenpilz.
• Herzerlalm is one of the best kept secrets in Flachau for après ski and good home cooking – and schnapps.
• The Hofstadl is packed to the rafters every night with a great vibe, good music and spontaneous dancing on tables.
• Knock yourself out at the S’Ofenturl, one of the craziest après-ski bars in Flachau. Great music, both on and off the tables.
5 Best Nightlife Spots
In addition to its awesome slopes Flachau also has the greatest party strips in The Alps. From bars to discos, from rustic to stylish – there’s something for everyone and almost everything is within easy walking distance.
• Flachauer Gutshof-Musistadl is a typical beer cellar with good food, drinks and live music.
• Ema’s Pub is recommended for good drinks whilst watching important sporting occasions. They have cheap internet access from two computers at the bar.
• There’s a great late night drinking atmosphere at Alter Neuwirt and arguably the biggest drinks menu in Flachau.
• On Dorfstrasse is Downtown, a trendy bar and disco with mood lighting and terrific cocktails.
• Fire & Ice is a hot dance location and is Flachau’s most popular night club.
• Found at the Palace Hotel Lacknerhof is Yeti’s Partyhaus – an institution in Flachau’s nightlife. Live performances, celebrity DJs, go-go dancers, fabulous cocktails – which all make for legendary parties.
Spa Experience
On the outskirts of Flachau in Erlebnis is the spectacular Therme Amadé Spa (Obere Marktstrasse) where 30,000 m² of thermal waters awaits aching ski muscles. There are eleven in- and out-door pools (some fresh water, some saline), a giant looping water slide, diving boards and a wave pool. If it’s tranquillity you want there’s spa water massage, a steam bath and a Hamman (made from Sölker marble) as well as the salt peace room. Guest card holders get a 23 percent discount. www.thermeamade.at
Eat Flachau
Flachau leaves nothing to be desired in the culinary sense and has a good variety of places to eat – from cafés and bakeries serving cake and ice cream to more formal restaurants serving top quality meals. Like the indulgent coffee and cake at Bäckerei Habersatter in the centre of Flachau; they also serve fresh cakes and pastries. For formal eating in traditional surroundings dine at Hoagascht and to for the create-your-own-schnitzel menu plan go to Gasthof Schnitzleck. Next to the Spacejet‑1 Valley station is Michael & Maria Stangl’s who serve really good home-made pizza. For a special occassion drive out to Filzmoos where Johanna Maier‘s fabulous two Michelin starred restaurant awaits at the stylish Relais & Châteaux Hotel Hubertus (www.hotelhubertus.at), considered one of the best retaurant’s in the world.
Sleep Flachau
Hotel Weinpress (www.weinpress.at) is a 4‑star hotel in the nearby quiet location of Filzmoos. The rooms are comfortable, the food is top quality is it’s right beside the Grossberg Chairlifts. The owner’s son, Philipp Schörghofer, is a gold medal Giant Slalom ski champion.
Do Something Different
Flachau is well known for its variety of winter sports, from sledging or taking the alpine roller coaster or doing the obstacle course at Absolut Park. So try your hand at something else instead.
• Segway through the snow – you’ll get the hang of it within minutes then set off through the village and along secluded roads, through snowfields and up the mountain to a restaurant with a panoramic view of the valley.
• Another way to carve, cruise or drift is on a snow bike. It’s an exhilarating combination of biking and skiing – and the best thing is that you can learn it relatively quickly.
• You’re guaranteed fun tobogganing through Flachau’s winter wonderland. Start from a mountaintop restaurant then choose one of the five tobogganing runs to scoot down.
• Breathe in the clear, fresh air and enjoy the off-the-beaten-track silence of snow shoeing in cross-country walks.
Flachau’s legendary après-ski’s culture, relaxed atmosphere, fantastic snow record and passion for winter sport guarantees a supreme winter holiday destination, swathed in a party vibe for youngsters and the young at heart. This winter Flachau’s events start on 16 December with sporting entertainment, live-music in the ski-huts and après-ski locations. In January the Ski World Cup comes to town, in February the Atomic X‑Perience Race Day is a highlight and March it’s the Spring Battle.
Flachau Card
The Flachau card is free and provides a range discounts for access to many leisure facilities and attractions – like a 23 percent reduction in admission to the Therme Amade and special prices for tobogganing.
Ski Hire: For all your sporting needs hire your equipment from Intersport Sport am Jet (318 Unterberggasse). Reserve everything online at http://amjet.skischoolshop.com – including ski passes. Basic ski equipment hire starts at €128 for six days hire.
Lift Pass: The slopes open in mid-December until mid-April with six day lift-pass prices starting at €217.50.
Getting there
Enjoy the comfort and award winning service of British Airways who’ll fly you from Gatwick to Salzburg in one hour and fifty minutes; choose to fly with hand baggage only or pick a price that includes a 23kg checked baggage allowance and free seat selection 24 hours before you fly – both options include complimentary on-board drinks and snacks. December prices start at £100 return. www.britishairways.com From Salzburg to Flachau by road is an hour’s journey.
For further details see www.flachau.com
For the best service in the travel business,contact our well-travelled team at:
Sunways Leisure Travel
Station Road, Longfield, Kent DA3 7QD
Telephone. 01474 704 186
enquiries@sunways.co.uk
www.sunwaysholidays.co.uk
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