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Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau

Wildschoenau

Introduction

The Wildschonau Valley, which is located in the Kitzbuheler Alps, is home to a number of traditional Austrian resorts. Niedrau, Oberau, Thierbach, Alpbach and Auffach may all seem on the surface to be to small to bother with, but first impressions are often deceptive. Okay none of the resorts that make up this part of the Tirol are  extensive or in any way adventurous. However, what this collection of novice and intermediate mountain retreats do provide, is an area that's relaxed, void of any crowds, very laid back and with out any of the hustle and bustle of the bigger and more popular destinations  favored by the tour operators and ski crowds.

Auffach Gondola Vista
Auffach Gondola Vista
Michael Whittaker

The recent addition of a gondola connecting Alpbach and Auffach has also increased the linked terrain to an impressive 145km of pistes serviced by 47 lifts. The Wildschönau area itself is still not fully lift linked, so you'll need to jump on a ski-bus to visit some of the smaller areas however buses are free, frequent and reliable and it takes no more than 20 mintues to visit any of the resorts on the ski bus routet. Once in the resort make sure you pick up the free Wildschonau Winter Pass this gets good discounts for a number of activities within the area and most importantly gives free access to the Ski buses and Night buses.

Auffach to Alpbach Gondola
Auffach to Alpbach Gondola
Michael Whittaker

From a riding point of view this collection of resorts would be idea for a family or a group of friends wanting a laid back trip whilst visiting a few mountains. If your looking for miles and miles of pistes or very lively nightlife then you should look elsewhere. One massive plus for the area is it is relatively easy to get too from Innsbruck the transfer takes just over an hour by road and rail option also arrive at nearby town of Wurlgl. On the piste there are only a couple of black graded runs, but proficient riders will be able to take advantage of the reds that are wide not too steep and free of crowds. If lift queues annoy you then the Ski Juwel is really worth checking out as no one queues up long around here either so you can quickly build up the miles without having the stressful queues of more mainstream resorts.

Freeriding
 
Auffach is the larger of the four resorts with around 20km of marked piste set out on the Schatzberg mountain slopes.  Auffach offers the highest altitude riding in the area with a nice series of red runs set out over a wide open plateau. This is also the home to the areas main halfpipe and fun park, which are located up on the upper regions. The addition of a new Gondola has linked the resort up to Alpbach and has really made a big difference to the size and scope of the Ski Juwel area.

Auffach Mountain Top
Auffach Mountain Top
Michael Whittaker

 
Alpbach Is not the highest resort in the world, but it's a nice place to ride with a variety of pistes that would suit good / intermediate boarder.
 
Niedrau is the second largest resort with 14km of piste and is the first resort you come to along the valley floor. The slopes have one black run and some okay reds and most people will be happy here for a few days but will also want to explore the full Ski Juwel area. Nightlife is better here than in some of the areas so it is a very good base for your holiday.
 

Niedrau Gondola
Niedrau Gondola
Michael Whittaker

Oberau is basically a place for total beginners with only 10km of piste and just 8 runs. There is simply nothing here for intermediates of advanced riders to really try out.
 
Thierbach is much the same as Oberau with wide open and steady short runs. Even novices may even have this place licked after a few hours.
 
Off the slopes you are presented with typical Tyrolean hospitality. All the resorts have accommodation close to slopes and offer good quality hotels, chalets, farm accommodation and pensions. Everything about this area is laid back and basic, so don’t expect a large amount of facilities. There are a few restaurants, and night life is more lively in Niederau where you can find bars and a night club. It mayn ot be as lively as some resorts but it is although still very good and affordable.
 

SKi Jewel Piste Map
SKi Jewel Piste Map
Ski Jewel

Niedrau is probably the livelist of towns to stay in the area and has a variety of guest houses, apartments and top class hotels with full spa facilities.  Whether you are doing a self catering trip on want half board options there are plenty of choices of where to stay. If you are wanting the luxury of a Swimming pool and Spa facilities Crystal Ski (crystalski.co.uk; 0871 231 2256) offers a week’s half board at the four-star Hotel Harfenwirt in Niederau, Austrian Tirol, from £529 per person including flights from Gatwick (direct flights also available from all major UK airports at a supplement starting at £20) and transfers departing on 10 January 2015.

Resorts in the area

Alpbach

Not the highest resort in the world, but it's a nice place to ride, just a bit bland if you're an good intermediate boarder.

Auffach

Auffach Gondola Vista

Auffach is part of the larger Ski Juwel area it's a good resort for intermediate riders with plenty of wide open pistes. There are also number of easy red pistes which should do wonders for those wanting to step up form blue pistes. The new Gondola links up to Alpbach as well so the terrain has increased dramatically over the last few years.

Niederau

Niedrau Gondola

Picture perfect Austrian resort with good beginner and intermediate pistes with good access to the larger Ski Juwel area.

Wildschonau Valley

Wildschonau Valley Vista