Travel Eye on Ellmau (Austria)

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Overview:

The Ski Welt area is one of the largest in Austria, with a total of 250km of pistes. However, its component parts make the territory rather similar, as it's basically made up of a number of smaller, lift- or bus-linked resorts. Ellmau (55km of runs) is probably the quietest of the resorts, with skiing that largely caters to the beginner and family market. There are great nursery slopes and a good ski school, although classes can be big. There is also reasonable cruising for intermediates of medium ability. Boarders will also find the Ski Welt a good place to learn, but there is only one park and half-pipe in the area (at Soll). 'Langlaufers' are well provided for. Unfortunately, Ellmau and its neighbours suffer from a poor snow record. They have tried to bolster natural snow with new snowmaking facilities, but it still remains a problem and queues often ensue.

Ellmau village itself is traditional, quiet and full of ambience. For nightlife, it's probably best to go to Soll. There aren't that many activities for non-skiers, either. Accommodation is mostly hotel-based and buses are needed to get to the lifts. Eateries on the mountain are surprisingly good, while village grub is found in the hotels, which serve mostly traditional Austrian fare. Overall, Ellmau is a quiet alternative to Soll, best for new skiers and boarders and those looking for a fairly traditional ski experience.

Locality:

Ellmau is located just inside the W spur of Austria, in the NE Tyrol. It is 50 mls NE of Innsbruck and its airport, 53 mls SW of Salzburg and its airport. Ellmau is set back off the main Innsbruck to Salzburg trunk road, in a valley facing the spectacular "Wild Emperor" (Wilder Kaiser) Mountains.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

Ellmau is an attractive, unsophisticated alpine village with an excellent infrastructure. The compact village centre, measuring around ½ ml N to S, is concentrated on the S side of the main Innsbruck to Salzburg road, along with most of the hotels and the entire lift system. It is made up of mainly chalet-type buildings with the village square and a typical steepled church at its heart. The other side of the road comprises mainly privately owned houses and apartments as well as some good cross-country trails.

The area is suitable for all grades of skier with beginner and intermediate runs close to the village; advanced skiers can enjoy a wider variety of runs offered by the "Ski-Welt" (Ski World) Wilder Kaiser/Brixental area. Not for those seeking sophisticated evening entertainment.

Activities in the area include: winter activities include horse-drawn sleigh rides, 2½-ml toboggan run (floodlit), ice-skating on a natural rink, snow tubing, about 34 mls of cleared winter walks; 2 bowling alleys; indoor swimming pool. In summer, mountain hiking and biking, golf, tennis, outdoor swimming centre. Nightlife is varied with a good choice of unsophisticated entertainment with a disco, live-music venues, wine bars and numerous cafes/pubs; weekly Tyrolean evening.

There are a good selection of reasonably priced eating places, with a choice of pizzerias, cafes, inns and hotel-based restaurants.

Public transport consists of a local post-bus service to towns of Worgl, St Johann and Kufstein (all of which are on main railway lines). Free shuttle bus for guest card-holders, serving Ellmau village.