Austria More Than A Winter Destination   by Ivaylo Yordanov

When I think of Austria, the first thing that comes to my mind is the Austrian Alps. Maybe just about everyone knows that Austria is one of the best places to go during the winter. It has countless winter resorts with amazing surroundings, perfect ski tracks suitable for all ages and difficulties and many more sport facilities in case you are not into skiing. 

For the tired skier or just for everyone who would like to relax and have fun, there are many suitable places to do it – from big swimming pools to hot bath-tubs and restaurants with specialties from around the world. But if you think that Austria is only for the winter … think again! If you prefer taking a holiday especially for skiing, you can do so even in the summer with the help of the gorgeous Austrian glaciers. One of the most famous glaciers is the one in the Stubai Valley – the Stubai Glacier. It is visible even from the road and can be a remarkable view even for non-skiers. Other perfect places for skiing in the summer are the Kaprun Glacier and Pasterze Glacier, which unfortunately is decreasing in size in the last years. And if you are keen on the big things than the largest glacier in Austria is for you – the Hintertux glacier. 

In Austria there are also magnificent hiking trails, revealing a huge part of the country’s beauties. A beautiful place is Zell am See with its "Hohe Tauern" mountain range, the Zeller Lake and its belonging marked trails, suitable for both beginners and experts. There is also available biking, sailing and more. I am not going to give more examples of hiking trails because they are numerous in almost every resort in Austria and they surely bring the atmosphere of the amazing nature there. If you are a nature lover I can recommend here only a small fraction of the many nature reserves in Austria. One of them is located just north of the city Innsbruck – the Karwendel nature reserve. The Karwendel mountain range is part of the Alps and can reveal many breath-taking types of scenery. Another one is the Pürgschachener Moor Nature Reserve which is in Styria, near Irdning / Ennstal and offers wonderful moments in fresh air. 

One can also visit the National Park Nockberge – part of the oldest mountain regions in Austria. No matter where you are from, keep in mind while planning your holiday that nature is always perfect in every season. And I can assure you that one of the best places to go and see it is Austria. Whether you like skiing, hiking, looking from the top of a high mountain or just relaxing under the sun on the bank of a lake – it is all there just for you.

Ivaylo Yordanov is the author and can provide you with additional information about Austria's resorts, by using the Contact Us page of the site below. Additionally, more comprehensive information is available at Austria hotels trips and accommodation

From its stunning natural landscape and its rich musical heritage to its valuable artistic tradition, Austria is famous for a variety of tourist attractions; in fact, from Amadeus Mozart to Arnold Schwarzenegger, Austria is home to a veritable choice of allurements. Should you choose to travel to Austria on your next holiday, why not choose to rent a car? Hiring a car extols many benefits over using public transport or private tour coaches and can provide a novel way of exploring this fascinating country - particularly if you're on holiday with your family.

If you decide to hire a car in Austria, you'll enjoy hassle-free access to the country's various ski resorts, swimming lakes and nature parks. If you're travelling with small children, your ease of movement will be made that much simpler in a car, as you won't have to rely on public transport in order to move from one place to another. Skiing, for example, is a particularly popular pastime in Austria, and the country's major ski areas hold plenty in store for every ski or snowboarding fan. By renting a car for travelling in Austria, you'll be able to enjoy the delights of different ski resorts in a cost-effective and hassle-free way. So, if you want to go skiing in the family ski resort of Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis but would also like to enjoy the thrills of the Bregenzerwald ski resort, hiring a car will make it easier for you to do so.

Hiring a car and driving in Austria will also make it easier for you and your family to vary your holiday activities. For instance, if you're in Austria primarily on a skiing holiday, hiring a car will also make it possible for you to drive to nearby hiking trails or go rock climbing. Alternatively, you could drive to one of Austria's main cities, like Vienna, Innsbruck or Salzburg, and take pleasure in the range of musical, theatrical or artistic offerings in Austria's centres of culture.

Car hire in Austria is not difficult. Whether you choose to arrive at any of Austria's main airports such as Salzburg, Graz, Innsbruck, or to a range of other airports in Austria, you'll find plenty of car rental opportunities available at your chosen airport. But if you do decide to hire a car on your vacation in Austria, it's important to be aware of the different driving regulations. For example, in Austria, it's compulsory to drive with your head-lights on during both the day and night-time. Furthermore, the permissible alcohol limit in Austria is 0.5, which is lower than the legal alcohol limit in Britain. So make sure you're fully aware of the differing rules of the road when driving in Austria in order to avoid any mishaps: you'll be well on your way to an unforgettable driving holiday in one of Europe's most naturally beautiful countries.

Ever experienced sliding on the ice with the skis on your feet? There must be a very exciting feeling running through your veins as you swish through the beautiful white velvety snow. Skiing is considered as a winter sport, but for me, it is an extension of one's personality and lifestyle. Austria offers an innumerable downhill and steep cross country tracks to accelerate the adventure that you are looking for.

Where is Austria? Austria is a part of the European continents. It is surrounded by countries like Czech Republic, Italy, Switzerland, and Germany. This country is filled with a rich culture and a very cool to temperate climate. It is a largely mountainous country because of the Alps. The grandiose mountains are surrounded with ice caps, and the view of the sceneries is overwhelming. You can visit the Alps of Austria during the Christmas and New Year period and the rest of the winter season. That is why you can enjoy skiing on the beautiful mountains Austria has to offer.

Activities during Your Ski Holiday in Austria Basically, skiers go to ski destinations to come into contact with the snow and sled their heart out during the holidays. Various people come to Austria, ranging from beginner skiers to professional skiers. All of them have the goal of swooshing their skis on the high mountains of Austria. Austria has exceptional skiing tracks that you will never miss. They also have the state-of-the-art equipment that will help your stay and let you enjoy your sport with no hassle at all. Car cables are always standing by to transport you to the different ski tracks you prefer.

On a lighter note, the beginners having their ski holiday in Austria can try an easier way to learn the basics on skiing with the so-called "Norwic Fitness."? While advanced and professional skiers are enjoying the downhill slopes of Austria, beginners are having fun with Norwic walking (it's walking with sticks in the snow). It requires less strenuous activity and will still make you feel healthy. You can still have fun and learn without hurting yourself!

Aside from enjoying the winter snow, there are also "after-ski"? activities waiting for you during your ski holiday in Austria. You can relax in their warm and comfortable cabins where you can get a hold of their famous foods and drinks. Indoor activities like staying in the hot tubs and dining with your loved ones as well as enjoying a relaxing spa can really promote a heavenly and peaceful atmosphere that you are looking for. Ski resorts in Austria accommodate people of all ages whether you are planning to have a family vacation or having your honeymoon for the newlyweds or having honeymoon the second time around.

Austria is really a white paradise for keen and passionate skiers. Austria has held or sponsored many winter sport games and Olympic Games and championship. It is not merely a wonder of nature. It also renders a sense of peace and unity to people who visit. There are activities in store for all ages and all abilities. You will really never feel a dull moment when you decide to have your ski holiday in Austria. So, what are you waiting for?! All you have to do is to decide and make your life more colorful than ever.

About the Author - Mads Jensen takes care of the Danish leksikon ASiden.dk. There you read about skiferie and much more.