An hour from Salzburg, two hours from Munich, the small village of Waidring is where the Austrian states of Tirol and Salzburg converge with Bavaria, Germany and is not far from Kitzbühel. As such, it enjoys a real local feel. (Men and women really do wear Lederhosen and dirndls here, not just on special occasions.) The slopes are home to 42km of slopes on the Steinplatte mountain, all of them reds and blues – perfect for beginners and those happy cruising the corduroy but there’s not much to excite advanced skiers. But there is a 700m long snowpark which includes 24 obstacles for all abilities for boarders and freestyle fans.
If you want some of those cultural Oktoberfest vibes, then going in December is great for catching the winter festivities such as the Christmas markets, but at this time of year you’re more likely to be served hot mugs of glühwein rather than pitchers of beer. It’s not the highest resort, with skiing up to 1800, so aiming for January and February normally offers the best chance of snow security. That said, December’s often great and there’s usually a late dump, which extends the season through March.
Things to do in Waidring
The Steinplatte is home to a viewing platform suspended 70m above the abyss, providing visitors with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. For non-skiers there is a wonderful 2km winter hiking path up here too, starting from the top station. If you are lucky you might find some of the life-sized dinosaurs under the snow. There is also cross-country skiing in the resort and several mountain restaurants where you can enjoy hearty Austrian fare or an apple strudel and hot chocolate without breaking the bank. In town the après scene is fairly relaxed but there are several bars and restaurants to enjoy a night out.
Hotels & Apartments in Waidring
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