Leslie Massey
Chris Gill's Where to Ski in Austria is a detailed guide to Austria's top ski resorts. It is the first in a new series of country-specific guides from the editors of the now-retired Where to Ski and Snowboard series. Gill's guide covers 80 of Austria's top resorts, providing frank and impartial reviews, and is aimed at the average British skier. It includes 30 mountain maps, alongside tips on where to stay and where to ski.
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What You'll Learn
The Arlberg has the best snow and skiing in the Alps
The book covers Austria's top resorts and areas in detail, with clear and concise write-ups of the resorts. It is aimed at the average British skier, for anyone planning a family trip or a week of travelling from one cosy mountain hut to another. It is described as a "no-holds-barred" verdict on the best places to ski and where to stay, with 30 invaluable mountain maps.
The reviewer does, however, note that the book would be improved with the inclusion of actual factual snow data, such as snowfall, density, average high and low temperatures, and maximum and minimum snow depth. They also suggest that the book could address the issue of overcrowded slopes, as the efficient, modern lift systems can lead to too many skiers in too small a space.
Chris Gill is a seasoned writer and editor, having honed his craft at Which? magazine. He is the founder of The Good Skiing Guide and has co-edited Where to Ski and Snowboard for over 20 years. His books are known for their detailed and honest reviews, covering everything from snow reliability to bars and restaurants.
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Ischgl is a mess of icy slopes
While Chris Gill's guide "Where to Ski in Austria" is a trusted and detailed resource for many, one reviewer points out that Ischgl is described in the book as a "mess of icy slopes". The reviewer goes on to say that they agree with this assessment, having experienced Ischgl first-hand. They describe the skiers there as "bone-headed" and characterise the town as "over-developed" and lacking charm.
The reviewer also expresses disappointment in the absence of factual snow data in the guide, which they deem critical to understanding the likelihood of skiing on ice or fresh snow. They recommend including historical data on snowfall, temperature, and snow depth to address this shortcoming.
While the guide provides valuable insights into the best places to ski and stay in Austria, the absence of snow data and the characterisation of Ischgl as a "mess of icy slopes" are noteworthy aspects of the reviewer's experience.
It is worth noting that another reviewer, who has also stayed in Ischgl, mentions that they spent time there in the previous two winters. This suggests that despite the icy slopes, Ischgl remains a popular ski destination. However, the reviewer does not share their personal experiences in Ischgl, leaving the impression that the resort may not have left a positive impression.
In conclusion, while Chris Gill's guide is a trusted resource, the characterisation of Ischgl as a "mess of icy slopes" and the absence of detailed snow data are aspects that readers may want to consider when using this guide to plan their ski holidays in Austria.
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Fiss is a lovely village
The book is a trusted resource for planning a ski trip, with clear and concise write-ups of the resorts. It covers everything from size and snow reliability to bars and restaurants. It is also very useful for families, with an average British skier in mind.
However, some readers have noted that the book could be improved with the addition of factual snow data, such as snowfall history, average temperatures, and maximum and minimum snow depth. This would help skiers know if they will be skiing on ice or fresh snow. Additionally, addressing the issue of overcrowded slopes would be beneficial, as the book currently focuses on efficient, modern lift systems without discussing the potential downside of too many skiers in a small space.
Despite some minor criticisms, Chris Gill's "Where to Ski in Austria" is a valuable resource for anyone planning a ski trip to Austria, offering comprehensive and trustworthy information on various resorts and areas within the country.
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Serfaus is all faux-tyrollean kitsch
Serfaus is a family-friendly ski resort in the Austrian Alps. It is part of the Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis ski resort, which offers 214 kilometres of slopes, making it one of the largest ski areas in Austria. The ski area is divided into five areas and valleys, with the main ski area of Serfaus being Komperdell.
Serfaus is described as "all faux-tyrollean kitsch" by a reviewer of Chris Gill's "Where to Ski in Austria" guide. The reviewer goes on to say that they would rate Fiss, a village in the Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis ski resort, over Serfaus.
Despite this, Serfaus does have a lot to offer skiers. The resort is just 90 minutes from Innsbruck and offers snow sure conditions all season long, as well as 200km of pistes suitable for all skill levels. The Ski School Serfaus offers a variety of children's runs, and each level has its own 'magic carpet' to transport kids back up the slope. The village of Serfaus is car-free, and the mountain features a fun animal trail and a mascot named Murmli.
The Hotel Furgler, located in the centre of the village, is a family-run hotel that has attracted many returning guests. It features a magnificent outdoor spa pool, an ice cream bar, and imaginative choices on its five-course menus, including a fully vegan and vegetarian menu.
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The Mooser Hotel in St Anton is highly recommended
The Mooser Hotel is praised for its unique views of St Anton and the Arlberg. The hotel's infinity pool, designed by Günther Mersich, is also noteworthy. It is a heated outdoor pool cut from the rock of a pristine gorge. In addition, the hotel offers a quiet atmosphere, despite its proximity to the Mooserwirt, a popular après-ski bar.
The Mooser Hotel is an excellent choice for skiers, as it is located directly on the slopes, providing easy access to the ski lifts and the town of St Anton. The hotel also offers a ski storage room and a boot dryer.
The hotel's restaurant, Ooben, is highly regarded for its food and wine selection. It offers a varied breakfast buffet and à la carte options, as well as well-cooked dinners. The restaurant provides stunning views of St Anton and the surrounding mountains, creating a perfect backdrop for dining.
Overall, the Mooser Hotel in St Anton is a luxurious and relaxing destination, offering guests a range of amenities, stunning views, and easy access to the slopes. It is a highly recommended choice for skiers visiting the area.
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Frequently asked questions
The book is a detailed ski guide to Austria's top resorts, with a focus on which resorts suit different types of skiers, from beginners to experts. It provides honest reviews of the resorts, covering everything from snow reliability to apres-ski options.
The book is written with the average British skier in mind, particularly those planning a family trip or a more relaxed holiday. It is a trusted guide for anyone looking to ski in Austria and want to find the resort that best suits their needs and abilities.
Chris Gill covers a range of resorts in the book, including Ischgl, the Arlberg (Lech), Serfaus, Fiss, and St. Anton. He provides insights into the snow conditions, ski infrastructure, and the overall atmosphere of each resort.
