Ski and Spa Holidays

Publication: Sunday Independent Living
Date: 2008-10-26
Author: Karen Creed

Ski and Spa holidays are two of the most tempting breaks you can take to beat the winter blues. Karen Creed is an avid follower.

After a hard day on the slopes you sometimes need more than a glass of mulled wine or two to relax. At long last Europe’s premier ski areas have wished up to the fact that skiers love to relax in style after a hard day skiing or snowboarding. Spa treatments are a delicious way for the weary skier to unwind and more than a handful of hoteliers have created spas that reach the parts that the great outdoors can’t. However a winter holiday does not always encompass snow and a pair of skis. For those who rather escape to sunnier climates, there is plenty of choice when it comes to being pampered in exotic locations.

The hills are alive.Ask an Austrian to rattle off the top ski resorts in the country, and Kitzbühel will invariably make the grade. This resort has the winning formula for all types of skiers with the beginner’s slopes; the black runs and the ski hire shops all within easy walk from all hotels.

Ski school is important as are great value learn to ski and snowboard packs. There are also fine intermediate terrain and a few black runs to challenge veteran skiers. There are no shortages of spa hotels to escape after a day on the slopes. The Kitzhof in particular is a hotel heaven with a fabulous spa and health centre, a spacious bar and a lounge area that begs guests to kick back and relax.

This combined with comfortable wood cabin style bedrooms ensures you will never want to leave this chic abode. Kitz, as locals nickname it, has a labyrinthine medieval centre and enough Porches and Prada to rival St.Moritz in the glamour stakes.

The atmosphere is eclectic from sunrise to sunset with plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants, and some top-notch Austrian Hotels. Kitzbuhel is just over two hours from either Salzburg or Innsbruck airports with direct flights from Ireland. A week’s half board at the four star Hotel Kitzhof costs from €989 with return flights and transfers.         

Directski.com also has a week’s ski holiday in the Hotel Strasshofer from €739 per person with return flights and half board accommodation.

Another Austrian resort that surfaces the gold star rating for ski and spa holidays is Bad Gastein. Set in the pristine Gasteinertal ski area, this spa town is one of the largest in Austria with an impressive 200 kilometres of the ski slopes.The resort is surrounded by numerous thermal springs set among the landscape of glacier mills and natural stone monuments of the ice age. Bad Gastein is world renowned for the healing powers of its natural thermal waters and its snow record is pretty good too.This combination makes it a perfect ski and spa combination for those looking to relax after pounding the slopes. Après ski is just as gratifying as the daytime activities with a selection of bars, restaurants and a casino

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