Since returning to the slopes a decade ago I’ve been skiing with my daughter, but she couldn’t join me this year, as her industrial placement doesn’t offer enough leave.

After various conversations with friends ran dry I eventually reconciled that if I was going to ski this season, it would be on my own.

Inghams again

After good experiences with Inghams over the past couple of trips they were my starting point this time around. Searching for availability at the start of March (the first week I could do) didn’t turn up a huge selection of options; but one of them was Westendorf – somewhere I’d mentioned before that I’d like to return to. Best of all it was far cheaper than the other options, and the hotel had decent reviews.

Getting there

A 0640 TUI flight from Gatwick meant and early start, but after check in then security there wasn’t any hanging around. The plane was a 737 rather than the Fokker 100 on my itinerary, but that meant plenty of space. I was able to get a row to myself after take off.

We got into Innsbruck on time, and as it’s a proper airport with facilities that can cope with the load I was out the other side with my hold bag in about 15m :) Then I sat on the transfer bus for an hour whilst we waited for other flights from Gatwick and Birmingham to arrive :( Once we got going things were pretty smooth. After an hour or so a group of us were decanted into a minibus for the final leg, and I was the only passenger for Westendorf, which was the first stop.

I arrived at the hotel shortly after midday.

Hotel Briem

The hotel offered by Inghams was Hotel Briem, and they looked after me really well throughout the week. My room was ready despite an early arrival, and was a comfortable base for the week. The WiFi was up to the job of supporting my work and Zoom calls during the afternoons. The food was great, with plenty of good choices for breakfast each morning, and traditional Austrian dinner choices for €16-18 each evening.

Skiwelt and Kitzski

Last time in Austria I hadn’t realised that there were two huge ski areas right next to each other, and that they’re (sort of) interconnected, and that you can get a pass that covers both.

The SuperSkiCard wasn’t offered when I bought my package, but the Inghams rep reached out to ask if I’d like to upgrade for €33, and after a little research I decided to do that.

Equipment

Arriving so early on the Saturday meant I could pick up my skis and boots that afternoon, and avoid the Sunday morning rush.

Dieters Sportsshop were very friendly and efficient, and quickly had me on my way with some Nordica boots (a favourite brand that I’ve always found comfy) and some Fischer RC4 RC skis. I was a little skeptical about the skis, as the tops were pretty cut up, but the bases were immaculate, and they just worked beautifully from the first slope. Maybe not up there with my all time favourites, but definitely good enough, and worth the little extra for the ‘Black’ package.

The Inghams rep recommended leaving the skis at Dieters (they have a storage container behind the shop) as it’s closer to the lift than the hotel.

The Skiing

With a combined 500km of piste between Skiwelt and Kitzski there was no way I was going to ski out all the areas in a week, so I didn’t even try. Also conditions weren’t ideal. There’s not been much snow this season, and March is late, and it was a warm sunny week. In many respects the maintainers have done an amazing job keeping so much piste open, though it was weird to see grass on either side of runs.

I mostly tried to get the first lift (or bus) and head for a different area each day for some variety. Then I’d knock it off early afternoon once things got too sugary.

After sampling Kitzski on day 2 I found it a bit too busy, so the remaining days were used for different bits of Skiwelt.

Best of the Blacks

11 – on my last trip to the area the run down to Brixental was one of the most memorable. Sadly the 16 running through the forest for the lower part was closed this time. Even so, this was an easy favourite and I enjoyed it almost every day. There’s only a short black section, but it still deserves its place here.

112 – the quick way down from the Brixental gondola, especially as it has its own access door (rather than going up the escalator to the restaurant plateau).

60 – a great way to get to the gondola mid point

Pick of the Reds

7 – an absolutely beautiful run down from the top of Brixental.

66 – one of those runs where you could just point your skis downhill and go. Delightful, especially when quiet.

69 – another run with the width and sight lines to encourage a bit of speed, and not mushy, like its next door neighbour 69a

Beautiful Blues

117b – nice wide sections with clear sight lines.

113 – a bit of a functional one. By taking the 110 gondola to the mid station first thing in the morning a quick dash down this run got me to the 112 gondola before any queues formed :)

43 – running through the forest this was one of the most picturesque runs of the trip.

Walking

As it was so warm and sunny in the afternoons I often went for a walk around town. There was a certain Richard Scarry vibe to the place with the railway running through the valley, and little fire station etc.

Getting Home

Another early start with a 0645 bus from the hotel, which got me to Innsbruck before 0800. At least the check in desks were open so I could send my bag on its way, head through security, and enjoy the ham and cheese rolls the hotel had given me for breakfast. The Schengen side of the terminal was a bit manic, whilst the other side of passport control had plenty of space :)

The Tui flight was on time and comfortable enough. Bags were a little slow coming out, but I was still home not long after 1300 so the day wasn’t wasted.

Conclusion

Given the lack of snow and warm weather I considered myself lucky to get so much skiing done. I enjoyed returning to Skiwelt, and I’d consider going back if only for the hospitality at Hotel Briem.