Discover state-of-the-art slopes at SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental
Offering speedy ski lifts, fun parks and a host of other family attractions, explore one of the Austrian Tirol's biggest – and most modern – resorts
Traditional and modern make a heavenly match at SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental in the Austrian Tirol. Sprawling across 284km of perfectly groomed pistes, this family-friendly ski domain is not only one of Austria’s biggest, it’s also one of the most modern in the world, with state-of-the-art ski lifts that give you more time to get to know this snowy corner of the Tirol.
And with three major airports within an hour’s drive, you’ll be on the slopes in no time.
Mountains à la mode
Nine resorts – Ellmau, Söll, Brixen im Thale, Going, Hopfgarten, Itter, Kelschau, Scheffau and Westendorf – make up the SkiWelt area. In contrast to the traditional, rustic nature of the villages, the 90 ski lifts that whizz you to the top of the mountains are among the speediest and most modern in the country. Fast gondolas, cable cars and four- and eight-seater chairlifts make quick work of getting round the slopes – as well as the four funparks scattered around the area.
If a day’s skiing isn’t enough for you, there’s no reason why sunset should signal the end of the day. Head over to the village of Söll, home to Austria’s largest night skiing area, where you can carve your way down 10km of floodlit slopes from Wednesday to Saturday.
As you explore the slopes of SkiWelt, you’ll find an enormous choice of enticing places to eat and drink. Take your pick from 70 huts, mountain restaurants and bars and feast on hearty Tyrolean cuisine and refreshing drinks.
Venture further afield and you’ll find a little bit of history, too. In nearby Kufstein you can discover the Medieval city wall and visit the splendid Gothic St Vitus church. Or head to the town centre for picturesque lanes with shops selling world-renowned crystal stemware.
Family fun
SkiWelt was made for families, with 21 ski schools to choose from. Even babies as young as a year old are looked after in childcare facilities both in the valley and at the top stations. If you’re staying in Söll, drop the little ones off at KiKo, which is right by the valley gondola lift and has countless ways to keep them entertained.
For a special treat, take the kids to the ALPENIGLU village, a magical icy world of 18 igloos where you can spend the night, eat at the restaurant or just admire the wondrous display of ice sculptures. You can even have a go at making your own ice-cold creations.
Tobogganing
For a change from skiing, hit the slopes on a toboggan. You’ve got three accessible toboggan runs to check out – two in Söll in and one in the attractive village of Ellmau – plus a few runs without lift access. When night falls, hurtle down the floodlit toboggan run at Söll, which is open from Wednesday to Saturday.
With daily scheduled flights to Innsbruck from London Heathrow and London Gatwick, as well as services from Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and Liverpool, it’s easy to discover the Austrian Tirol. For more details see skiwelt.tirol and visittirol.co.uk