Snuggle up on the Slopes

Publication: Irish Brides Magazine
Date: 2009-01-01
Author: Karen Creed

Snuggle up on the slopes. Fresh air lovers should consider the winter wonderland of Austria for a romantic honeymoon of ski resort chic and city charm, writes Karen Creed.

A sun holiday is not for everyone; some couples would much prefer canoodle on winter nights and snowy days for their honeymoon. In fact, many couples purposely seek out snowy regions for their first holiday as newlyweds. A skiing honeymoon can be fantastically romantic – imagine spending long, wintry nights by a fireplace in a log cabin hotel and all day racing each other down the powdery slopes. Not forgetting the evenings of horse drawn sleighs; snowmobiling; and the spectacular winter scenery.

So where is the perfect setting for a snowy honeymoon? After one visit Austria I was holed. It is quite possibly the most beautiful country in the world, especially in winter. Ask an Austrian to rattle off the best ski resorts in the country, and Kitzbühel will invariably make the grade. I can vouch for this reputable resort having the winning formula for those that are passionate about skiing in a stunning setting. Kitzbühel is an unspoilt Alpine town which dates back to the 9^th century. In the winter you will hear the ingle of bells and horse drawn sleights are pulled through its cobbled, traffic-free town centre. Kitz, as locals nickname it, is situated around a labyrinthine medieval centre with enough Porches and Prada to rival St.Moritz in the glamour stakes. It’s a slalom playground, a magnet to the rich and a postcard Tyrolean village. The atmosphere is eclectic from sunrise to sunset with plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants, and some top-notch Austrian Hotels 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.

The scenery in Kitzbühel looks like it has been created on an artist’s canvas it is so spectacular. You can spend a week just ogling the surroundings, but there is plenty on offer – and not just your new spouse – to try and distract you. Even non-skiers can find plenty to do like ballooning, hang-gliding, hiking, snowmobiling or just sipping on hot chocolate. The outdoor ice arena and the natural rink at nearby Lake Schwarzsee offers perfect conditions for ice skating. Even if you don’t feel brave enough to take to the ice, Torvilla and Dean-style, spectators are invites to sit and watch the more energetic skaters do their triple-axel stunts. And then of course there is the main reason you are here – the skiing. Every ability is catered for in Kitzbühel, from beginners to expert downhill champions. Ski school is important as are great value learn to ski and snowboard packs. There’s also fine intermediate terrain and a few black runs to challenge the veteran skiers.

After the day on the slopes an hour’s drive will take you to where the hills are alive with The Sound of Music. Salzburg was home to the Von Trapp family so there is plenty of opportunity to live your Julie Andrews fantasies. One recommendation is hiring a car and making a loop around the mountain villages and towns, stopping off at a restaurant for a hearty traditional meal as you go. Mozart fanatics can head for sleepy St Gilgen where the composers mother was born. Many visitors also time their trips to coincide with the city’s various music festivals. Salzburg is worth an overnights stay – start the nights with an aperitif in one of the city’s classy bars, before a posh meal and then take in a classical music performance in one of the city’s grand venues.

Another highlight of your honeymoon could be a visit to Austria’s capital. Vienna is a jewellery box of treasures where hopeless romantics can soak up this historic city by simply cuddling up under a blanket on a horse-drawn carriage. Whether your passion is fine art, classical music, or opera Europe’s capital of high-brow has it all. These days the city’s old world charms mingled with great, reasonably priced food, local wine and laidback vibe are now just as much of a draw. Even on the fool lovers trail of the city there is no escaping Vienna’s past. Hitler, Lenin, Stalin, Trotsky were regulars at cafes like Griensteidl and Centrale.

Two city breaks and a ski holiday later, this honeymoon is certainly one with a difference. After experiencing the winter wonderland of Austria I would happily choose this romantic setting over a sandy beach.

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