The first swings of the season

700394

[Translate to en:] © Jagdhof SPA Hotel Stubaital

700394

[Translate to en:] © Jagdhof SPA Hotel Stubaital

700394

[Translate to en:] © Jagdhof SPA Hotel Stubaital

The last leaves are falling from the trees, the sun barely makes it through the thick fog and, with temperatures just above zero, drizzle covers the land like a leaden blanket. Who doesn't find the cold and damp weather in the fall hard on the stomach? Me!

When others fall into depression in November, I look forward to the coming winter. Every area of low pressure brings a smile to my face. After all, I know that every drop of rain in the lowlands will trickle down from the mountains as snow from the sky. And what could be more beautiful for passionate winter sports enthusiasts than dancing snowflakes and glistening snow crystals?

For me, nothing radiates more peace and tranquillity than a snow-covered landscape. And nothing makes me happier than the first turns of the season. As soon as the glaciers in Austria, Switzerland and South Tyrol open, I pack up my skis and head for the mountains. This time I was in the Stubai Valley at the beginning of November. It had been snowing heavily for two days. Then the clouds cleared and I made my first turns in glorious weather. And immediately it was there again, that uniquely uplifting feeling when you glide almost weightlessly over fresh snow. Wolfgang Ambros was right when he sang in his skier's anthem: "Skiing is the best thing you can do".

Days in the mountains are always something very special for me - and not just because of the skiing itself. Skiing vacations are pure enjoyment for connoisseurs if they make the right choice of ski resort and ski area. Admittedly, many glacier ski resorts tend to score points with guaranteed snow and an early start to the season, but not necessarily with stylish hats for connoisseurs and top hotels. Nevertheless, a short trip to the glacier is worthwhile even for demanding winter sports enthusiasts in the fall.

I stayed at the Relais & Châteaux Hotel Jagdhof in the Stubai Valley and enjoyed every second there - the traditional parlors, the first-class service from waiter Alfred in the restaurant and the large spa. The feeling of slowly relaxing your strained thighs in the hot, snow-covered outdoor whirlpool is wonderful. Just like the view towards the glacier, where the "Schaufelspitz", the highest toque-awarded restaurant in the world, makes even ski gourmets happy.

In addition to Stubai, several other glacier ski resorts now also attract visitors with first-class hotels and restaurants. Zermatt, with its many top addresses, is of course in a class of its own. But the Hintertux Glacier with its modern Alpine-style Bergfried Hotel would also be a good option, as would Sölden with its classic Central Hotel in the middle of the village. In South Tyrol, the Golden Rose at the foot of the Schnallstal Glacier or one of the many first-class hotels around Merano would be a good choice.

An early trip to a glacier can therefore also be a wonderful start to the winter sports season for pleasure skiers - and skiing fun always helps against the autumn blues!


Text: Bernhard Krieger

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