Alpbach Ski Resort Guide

Introduction

Generally regarded as one of the prettiest ski resorts in the world, Alpbach is a lovely destination for the complete winter holiday with an unintimidating atmosphere and beautiful scenery.

Alpbach has been popular with British guests in both winter and summer for many years. Indeed monks from England and Ireland are accredited with bringing Christianity here 1,250 years ago and Oswald, the former king of Northumbria in England, is patron saint of the village church.

Mountain facts

Resort elevation: 974m (3,195ft).
Top elevation: 2,025m (6,644ft).
Base elevation: 816m (2,677ft).
Number of lifts: 21.
Number of runs: 18.
Average annual snowfall: 6m (20ft).

Where in the world?

Alpbach is located in the Alpbachtal region of the Austrian Tyrol, within the Kitzbüheler Alpen (Kitzbühel Alps) mountain range.

Hit the slopes

The season typically lasts from mid-December to mid-April and with more than two thirds of the ski runs covered by snowmakers, good conditions are guaranteed so long as it's cold enough.

With 52km (32 miles) of runs including those of neighbouring, but not lift-linked Reith, Alpbach's ski area is rather small and too gently sloping for advanced skiers to find entertainment for more than a day or two. However, beginners and recreational intermediates will enjoy the relaxed skiing.

There are three nursery slopes right by the village, but the main ski area is a four minute ski bus ride away beneath the Wiederbergerhorn. It is dominated by long red and blue runs, most of them carved down through the woodland, with a small summit area above the tree line. 

There are long runs including off-piste blacks down from the Gmahkopf and powder skiing can be good between the trees when the snow is fresh. The resort also participates in the giant Kitzbüheler Alpen ski pass which covers more than 1,000km (625 miles) of piste at dozens of resorts in the area, but you do need your own transport to make full use of its possibilities.

Beyond the slopes

Alpbach has a sizable list of off-slope activities, adding to the winter holiday atmosphere here. Staying on the snow you can enjoy tobogganing, sleigh rides, a snowshoe excursion or step out on any of the 50km (31 miles) of snow-cleared winter hiking paths. There's also cross-country ski trails at neighbouring Inneralpbach and you can try paragliding above the slopes with a tandem jump and flight. Indoor options include a swimming pool, bowling and organised activities such as traditional Tyrolean evenings and film nights.

Family fun

Alpbach is a lovely location for a family holiday in a relaxed and beautiful environment. The Kids Centre located below the top station of the gondola will look after children aged two to four from 1000 to 1500 daily, and after that there are special ski kindergarten classes for four to six year olds. Children don't pay for lift tickets until age seven and then receive a 50% discount until age 16 - some of the best family pricing in the Alps. Accommodation and dining in the village itself is equally family friendly and the swimming pool is a good facility, complete with fun chutes.

Retail therapy

Alpbach has a small selection of village shops, but all your holiday needs are met and it's pleasant to be able to stroll around the local butchers, grocers and bakery. There's a small supermarket, a photographers, sweet shop, chemist and of course several ski shops. For big city shopping Innsbruck is less than an hour away.

Après ski

Despite its modest scale, Alpbach has a reputation for quite a lively après ski scene, centred on several ‘must visit' venues dating back to the village's copper and silver mining heritage. The Bogglerhof, Alpbach Nr. 166, is one of those with a traditional rustic stubl (Tyrolean wood lined bar) dating back to this era. The Rossmoos Inn, Rossmoos 92, housed in a 12th-century farm building has a similar reputation, but with the addition of very popular Tyrolean evenings for maximum local atmosphere.

Eating out

The 20 or so restaurants in Alpbach and the surrounding area capitalise primarily on the abundance of good local produce to cook with and stick to traditional Tyrolean favourites. Once again it is the central Bogglerhof, Alpbach Nr. 166, that is particularly highly regarded, but most of the other choices are also good.

There are a few alternatives to Tyrolean fare available if you ever fancy a change. Don Camillo, Dorf 4, Reith in Alpbachtal, is great for Italian, or you can take a bus or taxi to neighbouring Brixlegg for a Chinese at Long Du City, Römerstraße 4.

Getting around

Alpbach and the wider Alpbachtal valley is served by a free ski bus service which circulates the key areas regularly. The resort is not linked by ski lifts and pistes to any other ski area, but the Kitzbüheler Alpen All Star Card is a joint ticket valid at about 30 ski centres in the region. To make best use of this you need your own car or to use the regular bus service.

Splashing out

The Böglerhof has a spa with excellent facilities and a huge range of treatments available for women. Men are not left out however, and the ‘Just for Men' special is a two-and-a-half hour package including an aromatherapy facial massage, a hydrobath with a bubbling massage, a relaxing neck and back massage and a manicure including hand scrub.

Accommodation

Luxury

Romantik Hotel Böglerhof
One of the village's five 4-star hotels but popularly regarded as the best in resort, it has a lovely old Tyrolean design, great location by the nursery slopes and ski bus stop, and a reputation for excellent service.

Alpbach Nr. 166
Tel: (5336) 5227.
Website: www.boeglerhof.at

Moderate

Rossmoos Inn
Ancient farm oozing character with inn added 50 years ago, 3-star, located a mile from the village centre.

Rossmoos 92
Tel: (5336) 5305.
Website: www.rossmoos.at

Budget

Gästehaus Weiherhof
Traditional guest house of beautiful old Tyrolean design, next to the swimming pool complex, close to the lifts and a seven minute walk to the resort centre. Lovely staff and very family friendly.

Alpbach Hnr. 445
Tel: (5336) 5747.
Website: www.weiherhof.at

Getting there

Nearest airport: Innsbruck (INN).

Distance to resort: 60km (37 miles).

Driving time: 1 hour

Website


This resort is good for...

Beginners, Intermediates, Après ski, Families, Non-skiers

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