Austria
Snowboarding in Austria with our two children learning to ski was the most perfect way to start the Easter holidays.
We looked at Zell Am See, Austria as it seemed a good option for us as a family .. due to the shortness of the flight from Leeds Bradford (2 hours), the transfer time at the other end (1 hour 20 minutes) and the number of beginner slopes and ski schools. We weren't wrong! We decided to drive from Salzburg airport to the resort mainly for convenience but you can also catch a train or go by bus quite easily. The drive there was straight forward and absolutely stunning .. following the river all the way to the mountains was just breathtaking. I must have pointed out 50 waterfalls to the children. Plenty of places to stop and take photos or to pick up a snack on the way too. We stayed in an apartment which was part of the Hotel Neue Post. Across the road and above a shop.. It was absolutely immaculate, lovely and warm and cosy. Also only a few minutes walk to the gondola or the ski bus stop. Which is a god send when you've got two small children refusing to carry their skis ! Although there are lockers at the top but they were a bit pricey.
The apartment was situated right in the centre of town on a pedestrianized street. There were plenty of restaurants close by and also reasonably priced supermarkets. The children especially enjoyed the pizzas at Giuseppes Pizzeria ! Zell Am See is situated on a huge lake so the views are just stunning.. we had a few evening walks across to the lake side.
On to the important part.. the pistes ! We found the runs perfect for us, lots of wide blue runs for the beginners and challenging reds and blacks for the more experienced. Gondolas up to the top and really good chair lifts (with heated seats !). We took both children right up to the top via the gondola and if they didn't want to ski back down we just jumped back into the gondola to take us back down. It was just nice being up there to experience the views which were amazing. Our son went into the ski school every morning for 2 hours which he loved and he especially loved the slalom race at the end of the week in which he came first ! Lovely instructors and they all spoke English. The resort itself is beautiful and is suitable for non skiers too, its great for walking and also if you want a bit of retail therapy! We took a packed lunch up the mountain every day as the restaurants on the pistes are expensive.
We love our snowy winter holidays as much as or even more than our sunny summer holidays, you get to spend quality family time together and benefit from the fresh mountain air and if your lucky the sun will be shining so you can get a tan too (well, on your face and arms anyway !). Plus your learning a new skill together and getting exercise which can only be a good thing :-) Cannot wait to book our next skiing trip.. Christmas maybe ??..