There’s so much more to a ski holiday than the skiing.
There's the chance to make unforgettable memories with friends or family, to tap into your adventurous side, to let your hair down at apres-ski, to get cosy with loved ones, to take in the scenery and the crisp mountain air.
When it comes to an unforgettable ski holiday in Europe, there’s nowhere quite like the Austrian Alps - and if you’re flying from Belfast there’s an incredible amount of choice.
From December, Crystal Ski Holidays' fly from Belfast International Airport to Salzburg giving you direct access to no less than 21 of the most popular Austrian ski resorts, including Kitzbühel, Saalbach, Zell am See, and Söll.
And with carefully designed weekend flight departures, you’ll be able to maximise your time on the slopes.
Experience the joy of Gemütlichkeit
Time spent in Austria is all about Gemütlichkeit - a German word that refers to a feeling of warmth, cosiness and friendliness. More than just comfort, it’s a way of life that invites you to slow down and savour the simple pleasures.
On the slopes or snuggling up in a cosy alpine lodge, the unique atmosphere is one of many reasons that make Austria such a popular destination for skiers, snowboarders and adventurers.
Charming village ski resorts
High in the Austrian Alps, every charming little village is straight out of the pages of a fairytale. On every street you’ll find traditional chalets with sloping roofs, wooden shutters, and balconies from which to enjoy the spectacular scenery.
Most hotels are still family-run, and offer cosy accommodation that feels like home-from-home, with the warm welcome that keeps visitors coming back to the mountains year after year.
Après-ski and activities
Après-ski in Austria is almost as thrilling as the slopes themselves. Step off the gondola and shake the snow from your boots in a mountainside bar dancing to the lively beats of Europop.
Apres-ski parties kick off mid-afternoon and you can take your pick from buzzing discos, traditional Austrian pubs, or mountain bars.
Mayrhofen is known for its fun and lively après scene. The high-altitude festivities start well before you leave the slopes and continue until the early morning in the bars and clubs on the resort's pedestrianised main street.
Traditional Alpine cuisine
After a day carving up the slopes, nothing hits the spot quite like Austria’s mountain cuisine.
Think hearty, traditional dishes which will warm you up from the inside out. You’ll find familiar favourites like schnitzel and goulash, but why not try local alpine specialities like tiroler gröstl, a crispy bacon, onions and potatoes dish topped with a fried egg. Or dive into a bowl of kasnocken, Austria’s take on mac and cheese, for the ultimate comfort food.
Don’t forget to leave some room for dessert. There’s the classic apple strudel, but don’t miss kaiserschmarrn, a fluffy shredded pancake often served with apple or plum sauce.
Pristine slopes and modern facilities
Skiing in Austria is all about scenic, tree-lined runs and all-ability slopes. The lift systems are world-class, with speedy, modern chairs and gondolas to whisk you up the mountain. Some resorts are lower altitude, but you’ll find well-groomed slopes and excellent snowmaking technology.
If it’s your first time on the mountains, you can head to compact spots like Rauris and Kaprun, perfect for finding your ski feet.
If you want varied terrain with stunning lake views, try Zell am See-Kaprun: 138km of slopes where tree-lined blues on the Schmittenhöhe open out into wide, high-altitude pistes with panoramic views of the lake.
For extra snow-sure cruising, hop the ski bus to Kaprun and the Kitzsteinhorn glacier - long, fast runs and glacier snow that keep the turns coming.
Start your adventure with Crystal Ski Holidays
With Crystal Ski Holidays, you get to pack even more into your winter. They’re the UK and Ireland’s ski holiday experts with more than 40 years’ experience in taking skiers and snowboarders to the world’s best ski resorts.
Their holidays come in one easy package with flights, transfers and accommodation all included, giving you even more time and peace of mind to pack your holiday full of fun.
Add in all your mountain essentials including a local or area lift pass; ski or snowboard hire (and carriage if you’ve brought your own gear), boot and helmet hire, and ski or snowboard lessons, and you’ll be ready to hit the slopes without the hassle.
With Crystal Ski Holidays, you are in safe hands, and there’s no need to worry about plans changing or whether there’s going to be enough snow. If there’s a lack of snow in the ski area you’re off to, the Crystal Snow Promise* ensures you can change your holiday - fee-free - in the four days before you go.
Book with a low deposit and if your plans change, you can make fee-free changes up to 12 weeks* before you go.
Check out the Crystal Ski website, visit your local TUI shop, or your nearest Crystal Ski Holidays travel agent to get started.
Download the Ski Explorer App: for resort guides, snow reports, and local info from Crystal Ski reps.
Special offer!
Heaps of pistes or tons to do when you’re not skiing – whatever you look for in a ski holiday, this offer is for you.
Use code SLOPETIME and save £150 off all Crystal Ski trips this winter. **T&Cs apply.
Crystal Ski Holidays are ABTA & ATOL protected.
