Niederau - Wildschonau Resort Reviews
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Visitor reviews for Niederau - Wildschonau Ski Resort
(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
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January 10, 2012
Steve from United Kingdom
Ski bus goes through Oberau, which is smaller than Niederau (only a few runs), to Auffach which is a larger ski area.
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Niederau - Wildschonau Ratings
Based on 4 votes. Vote
Access: 4.5
(1) At least one overnight stop, (2) requires a whole day, (3) requires more than half a day – you may have time for a few turns (4) arrive by lunchtime and ski all afternoon, (5) there is a main airport within an hour of Niederau - Wildschonau.
Public Transport: 3.5
(1) There are no buses or taxis to Niederau - Wildschonau, (3) there are slow or infrequent buses / trains available, (5) getting to the resort is easy with frequent bus / train connections.
Scenery: 4.5
(1) An ugly resort in a bland setting, (3) average mountain views and resort, (5) a spectacular setting and a beautiful / historic resort town.
Accommodation: 4.8
(1) No places to stay in/near Niederau - Wildschonau, (3) a few places to stay in the resort, (5) a wide variety of accommodation suitable to suit all budgets.
Cheap Rooms: 3.5
(1) No budget accommodation available, (3) just one or two hostels so book ahead, (5) several cheap hostels and pensions available.
Luxury Hotels: 4.2
(1) No luxury accommodation available, (3) just one or two luxury hotels so book ahead, (5) several up-market hotels in Niederau - Wildschonau.
Ski in/Ski out: 4.8
(1) The ski area is located far from any accommodation, (3) a free ski bus takes you to the ski area in a short trip, (5) Ski-in ski-out accommodation is available.
Childcare: 4.5
(1) There are no child care facilities at Niederau - Wildschonau, (5) the resort has excellent child-care facilities including at least one reasonably priced creche.
Snowsure: 3.5
(1) Occasionally gets enough snow for skiing, (2) is often closed due to a lack of snow, (3) occasionally suffers from a lack of snow, (4) rarely suffers from a lack of snow, (5) Niederau - Wildschonau is snowsure even in the poorest seasons.
Snowmaking: 4.0
(1) Niederau - Wildschonau relies entirely on natural snow, (3) there are just a few snow cannons, (5) there are snowmaking facilities on all pistes.
Snow Grooming: 4.8
(1) There are no snow groomers at Niederau - Wildschonau, (3) occasionally some pistes are left ungroomed and in a poor state, (5) all the runs at Niederau - Wildschonau are groomed daily.
Shelter: 4.0
(1) there is nowhere to ski when it is windy or visibility is bad and lifts often shut, (3) there are some trees for poor visibility but main lifts sometimes close, (5) Niederau - Wildschonau is mostly in forest where you can ski in flat-light and windy days, lifts rarely close.
Nearby options: 4.2
(1) If snow conditions are poor at Niederau - Wildschonau, it will be poor everywhere nearby, (3) there are good alternatives within an hours drive, (5) other locations on the same lift pass provide a rich variety of snowsure ski conditions.
Regional rating: 4.0
(1) Niederau - Wildschonau usually has poor snow conditions compared to other resorts in region, (3) has average conditions for the region, (5) usually has the best snow conditions in the region.
Lift Staff: 4.8
(1) The staff at Niederau - Wildschonau are rude or unhelpful, (5) lift staff at Niederau - Wildschonau are pleasant, cheerful and eager to help.
Crowds/Queues: 4.2
(1) the resort is always busy and there are usually long lift queues, (3) it is quiet apart from occasional weekends and school holidays, (5) it is uncrowded and lift queues are very rare.
Ski Schools: 5.0
(1) No ski schools available, (2) one or two ski schools but local language only, (3) a few ski schools but book early for multi-lingual instructors, (4) plenty of ski schools and multi-lingual instructors available, (5) excellent ski schools with friendly multi-lingual ski instructors.
Hire and Repairs: 5.0
(1) Nothing can be sourced, not even ski-wax or ptex. (3) there are some ski shops but rentals need to be booked in advance, (5) good quality ski equipment can be purchased or hired and overnight repairs are possible.
Variety of pistes: 3.5
(1) The ski runs are featureless and unvaried, (3) the ski runs are varied but not extensive enough for a week, (5) Niederau - Wildschonau has diverse and interesting pistes including forests and high alpine terrain.
Beginners: 4.8
(1) Beginners can only watch others ski and snowboard, (3) a few gentle slopes but beginners will get bored in less than a week, (3) Vast areas of gentle terrain.
Intermediates: 4.0
(1) No intermediate terrain at Niederau - Wildschonau, (3) intermediate skiers will get bored after a few days, (5) vast areas of cruising runs.
Advanced: 3.0
(1) Nothing for advanced skiers and snowboarders, (3) enough steep terrain for a few days with some good offpiste, (5) Enough steep terrain and offpiste areas to entertain advanced skiers for at least a week.
Snow Park: 2.8
(1) Not even a kicker at Niederau - Wildschonau, (3) average sized park quite well looked after, (5) huge park area and expertly crafted pipes, jumps and boardercross trails.
Off-piste: 3.2
(1) No off-piste worth mentioning, (2) off piste is out-of-bounds, (3) some varied offpiste that stays fresh for one or two days, (5) a vast array of off-piste routes that can stay untracked for several days.
Cross-country: 4.0
(1) There is nowhere to go for cross-country skiing around Niederau - Wildschonau, (3) there are some cross country trails available, (5) the area features many spectacular and well maintained cross-country trails.
Luge/Toboggan: 3.0
(1) No designated luge or toboggan runs, (3) there are toboggan runs that open quite often, (5) Niederau - Wildschonau has long and well maintained luge / toboggan facilities suitable for all ages.
Mountain Dining: 3.7
(1) Nowhere to buy food by the pistes, (3) some places to eat up on the mountain but they are often busy and expensive, (5) there is a variety of excellent mountain eateries right next to the slopes to suit all budgets.
Eating: 3.7
(1) Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. (5) A wide variety of places to eat and drink in the resort, from fast food to fancy restaurants.
Apres-Ski: 4.8
(1) Nothing to do, not even a bar, (3) there are a few bars in the resort but nothing special, (5) clubs and bars stay open until very late and have a friendly atmosphere.
Other Sports: 3.0
(1) No sports facilities at all apart from ski lifts, (3) resort has just a small public swimming pool, (5) resort has all kinds of sports facilities, including a full-size swimming pool.
Entertainment: 3.5
(1) Besides the snow and walking there is nothing to do here, (3) the non-skier will find things to do for few days but may become bored after a week, (5) the resort area is a fascinating place to visit, regardless of winter sports.
Winter Walks: 3.2
(1) Very limited walking and no snowshoe trails, (3) a couple of designated scenic walking/snowshoe trails, (5) extensive and diverse winter walking trails for all abilities.
Ski Pass Value: 4.2
(1) A 1 week ski pass is overpriced compared to the number of lifts available, (3) the ski pass is averagely priced and covers a reasonable number of lifts, (5) ski passes are excellent value for money and cover a lot of lifts spanning a big area.
Value (National): 4.2
(1) Overall, Niederau - Wildschonau is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the country and not worth the money, (3) overall represents average value for money, (5) overall offers the best value resort in the country.
Value (Global): 4.2
(1) Overall, Niederau - Wildschonau is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the world, (3) overall it offers pretty average value for money compared to resorts from other countries, (5) internationally the resort offers excellent value for money.
Based on 4 votes. Vote
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November 22, 2011
David from United Kingdom
I went to Niederau (Niederau - Wildschonau) last year with a group of friends all of different abilities and it was a great week. Ski School was really good and the beginners loved it. For the more advanced it was a little limited, there are a couple of challenging runs but it is not that big although there is a free bus that runs to Oberau which is about twice the size so between the two there is enough to keep you entertained. The apres-ski is similar, not a mad town but some really nice late night bars and nice restaurants. All in, I would certainly recommended it and I shall be going back for a weekend next year.
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March 10, 2010
Shelagh from England from United Kingdom
Just coming to the end of a fantastic week in Neiderau (Niederau - Wildschonau). We are staying at the Vicky Appartments, the Hotel Vicky was taken back from Thompsons by local Miki Unger and his English wife Leslie and converted into 12 luxury apartments, each beautifully decorated with its own infrared Sauna (and free WIFI hence me checking the snow report for tomorrow!). We couldn't be more impressed (even at peak prices it only costs 30 euros a head per night for a group of 6 - great value we thought). The snow has been brilliant, January snow with March weather. The resort is smaller than some but we drive over and if we want some variety we have Kitzbuhl, or the Skiwelt within 20-30 minutes. Everyone has been so friendly and welcoming. We will be back again.
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January 09, 2010
M Biglin from United Kingdom
Niederau - Wildschonau resort is fantastic for families. We are returning again soon and have stayed in the resort twice before; the hotel Alpenland is ski to door (if snow conditions permit), the staff are very friendly and the food is superb. Likewise, the Simmellwert is also very good.
The childrens ski schools are excellent, my sons loved them, I've also been in adulst ski school twice and the instructors are excellent.
For a further varity of ski runs why not try one of the nearby resorts? You can get the ski bus which is free with a current lift pass.
Niederau - Wildschonau is an excellent value for money resort with a superb Irish pub, really good fun!
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January 02, 2010
megans grandad from Austria
Don't be put off by the well 'out of date' posts at Niederau - Wildschonau including the one about Hotel Vicky -it's closed and has been for sometime. There is plenty more to be had and at reasonable prices.
Believe me whilst Niederau hasn't the glitz of a super ski resort - it's a homely small resort with all the facilities. Come and enjoy!
December 2009
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December 14, 2009
Liz skerrett from United Kingdom
Oberau and Neiderau (Niederau - Wildschonau)are wonderful. The Kellerwirt in Oberau is the best place to stay.
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December 04, 2008
Lucy from United Kingdom
We have been to Niederau - Wildschonau every year for the last 5 years and it is great.
The Staffler is the place to stay. Basic but good value, very reasonable food and always a great atmosphere. Families are made very welcome by the Brooker family and their team of staff, and The Cave Bar is very handy for a late night drink or a boogie!
Our children have been to both the red and the blue ski schools at Niederau - Wildschonau, both were very good.
Much better to hire a car once you are past the stage of learning to ski and then you can drive 30 mins or less in any direction and you have more fantastic skiing than you would ever need (at half the price of a lot of flashy resorts!) -
March 25, 2008
simon from Palau
Oh dear, what's happening to Niederau? I was there a few years ago and it was a lovely traditional Austrian village with really friendly people with great apres-ski. Got back a week ago and was so disappointed. It feels like its been taken over by us Brits buying up all the property and has lost a lot of its traditional feel and I agree with Amanda that it felt more like club 18-30. I really hope the locals wake up soon before us Brits change the beautiful Niederau forever.
P. s. It was really good to see Gunther again in the sports cafe, some things never change. -
March 24, 2008
Matt from United Kingdom
Just back from Niederau & a stay at the Vicky. The snow right now is excellent, especially off-piste. Links between the runs are poor though. The resort itself is ok for a weekend break (probably the reason why it is the cheapest week available on the market), and would def. not recommend for advanced skiers. If I had to go back, I would stay at Obierau ( Hotel Shneerosen is excellent value, good food & the owners are just perfect ), 3 minutes from Niederau on the Navette bus: much nicer than Niederau...
Sorry but cannot recommend Hotel Vicky: room was dirty, found various hair in our bed, food was poor...yes, we did go for the ski & excellent last minute offer, but that doesn't mean having to put up with that. -
March 18, 2008
Amanda from United Kingdom
First time skiing in Niederau and won't rush back. The village was smaller than expected, mainly hotels, 2 ski shops and 2 small supermarkets. The skiing is limited, and the lift system does not link well at the top with many uphill stretches between lifts. I found the resort to be a cross between Club 18-30 and Butlins and have stayed in many more traditional resorts.
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March 06, 2008
bernadette page from Austria
The snow here is excellent at the moment. We had a reasonable fall a couple of days ago, also it has turned pretty cold, so the snow will last, and the snow cannons are on too. So all of you ditherers, find a cheap flight and get on over here!! See you in Bobos.
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March 06, 2008
Nicki O'Donovan from United Kingdom
Have just returned from a week a the Hotel Vicky. I am quite shocked by all the bad reviews. This was our first time to Niederau but the hotel gives you exactly what is says in the brochure; British run family hotel. Rooms were basic but comfy. Only slept there so basic was fine. Our room was clean and we had no problem with towels. Staff were friendly and nothing was too much trouble. Maybe it depends on how you speak to them! Our son who is 5 loved it. He made so many friends and there were no problems with the kids taking over the bar (pool and bar football) whilst parents sat and chatted. I didn't hear any of the other families complain. I heard some people without children complain. All I can say is don't go to a family hotel! Whizz Clubs girls great. Big thanks to Hannah and Ruth, our son loved it. The ski school for him was great. Martin was great with the kids. We are intermediates and did find Niederau a bit limited but this was no problem as we took the bus to Auffach where skiing was great. Loads of red runs which were not too busy and even a great black run (black number 7 easier than red 5!)
Have to say I did not find the food brilliant but I like my food highly spiced so this would not be feasible. Cannot always cater to everyones tastes. Could have been more variety for children. Spag bol is always a favourite and might be worth putting on the menu.
Sorry to have gone on but I felt the hotel needed a bit of praise. Don't know about you but I was there to ski. Final point; O'Malleys Irish bar was great with good quality live music at apres-ski.[note from the editor on 18th March 2010 - a user of the site has informed us that the Hotel Vicky is now closed.]
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March 05, 2008
julie from United Kingdom
Thanks Michelle it did sound more like a war zone than a ski resort. You have put my mind at rest and I can't wait to go now. I'll make sure I go to Bobos, it sounds great and the snow sounds good too.
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March 05, 2008
Michelle from United Kingdom
Hi Julie,
I wouldn't read too much into the recent reviews as they are all very personal. Niederau is a great resort and everyone is very friendly. The Red ski school just down from the gondola is excellent. Can't give you the link on here but if you search for ski schule wildschoenau in yahoo it is either the fifth or sixth link that comes up. All the instructors there are very good.
A lot of people go to the sports bar but I personally prefer Bobos. It's not as rowdy but still has a great atmosphere, it all depends what you are looking for.
You will have a great time. They are getting a good fall of snow at the moment. -
February 29, 2008
Editor from United Kingdom
Hi,
This note is to those who have written about their experiences at Niederau - Wildschonau and included personal correspondence to other reviewers.
It will be necessary to edit the content of the messages so please do not send any further personal correspondance amongst your reviews. Please use the Guest Book for this type of message.
Thank you for your support. -
February 29, 2008
julie & Tim Mc Donald london. from United Kingdom
Just got back from staying at the hotel Sonja, brilliant. Excellent acommodation. Sorry to hear the ladies from the Vicky and their families had such a rough time. It's a lot of money to spend and of course it's hard earned. Would recommend the hotel Sonja ladies. There's many more hotels to choose from. Dudley, have a heart, these are families with great dissapointment who obviously enjoy meeting up and having a great time in Neiderau! Better luck next time !
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February 29, 2008
Good friends of andreas from United Kingdom
Hi Bernie, I have heard your name mentioned by the instructors in the village and were told that you were living there. Do you have children? We sold up a year ago to move out there, then my husband backed out. My son and I were devastated. How have you found the language and work out there? I have a 10 year old son and we've been coming to Neiderau since 2001 and we adore it. We are very good friends of John and Liz Walker and friends of Tony (Oberau). Would love to hear from you. Perhaps if I could write to you somewhere or through someone we would be so happy. Maybe you won't get to read this message but we are thinking of coming back out on the 22nd March, perhaps we could ask to speak to you? We hope so. Well all I can say is; well done and we are very envious of you all. What a wonderful life you will have, or rather, are having!
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February 29, 2008
berni from Austria
It's interesting reading all the reviews here. It's great to see how Niederau is so well loved by the families that come here. I first skied here 20 years ago, and have been at least once a year ever since. We always stayed at the Pensione Diane. It was owned by a British lady, Dianne, a real character, and her Austrian husband, Roland. Sadly, Dianne is no longer with us, but the hotel lives on!!
We have been lucky enough to be able to live here for the past 2 years, and would NEVER go back to the UK.
The village is beautiful in winter and summer and the walking is great in the summer months.
On the Vicky reviews, it seems to be very mixed reports from what I read. It just shows that you can't please all the people all of the time!! -
February 28, 2008
Dave Simpson from United Kingdom
Had a brill time in Neiderau. Stayed at the Vicky!
Hotel too much money.
Mates stayed at the Harpenwirt for half the cost.
Great hotel for a group of guys to meet up.
Please yourself there, do what you want, bar closes early, try Gunters bar!
Won't return to the Vicky; British hotel but as I said, great for a group of lads. -
February 28, 2008
jill and steve bentley from United Kingdom
Hi there, just returned from a wonderful resort; Neiderau!
Stayed at the Hotel Vicky and I'm sure you guys had the same experience as the girls.
We paid over £600 for the accommodation and were so disappointed.
This was our first ski holiday and will not return to the Vicky but most definately return to the resort.
I was greeted in my room to old biscuits in the wardrobe, a filthy bathroom with scum around the toilet. The room needed airing and the smell of smoke was awful.
The bath towels were grey in colour.
The beds were comfy, I must say, and the carpet had a large stain of juice or something like that.
The hotel was scruffy and the service was poor.
Sorry lads, I have noted many of your comments but, getting back to the real truth, the cost of the hotel is expensive for what you get. We could have stayed at the Sonnschein for less. We had a trip over to the Sonnschein to have a look for next year! Dudley & Jon go and take a look next time, you will be amazed!
I am a beginner and the resort was just perfect and as far as the races are concerned they are just fun but there's nothing like a little competition between the lads!
Will return next year, hope you all solve your differences but please note, the hotel is expensive, scruffy, the food was great but poor service! -
February 28, 2008
sam from United Kingdom
Just got back from Niederau. Had a great time. Good snow. Great apres-ski in the sports cafe and if you are a single blonde women watch out for Gunter. My instructor was Thomas, a real gent and great fun. Can't wait to go back.
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February 28, 2008
fiona from United Kingdom
Dudley,
Totally agree about the nature of the site, only putting opinion forward. I was not in red school this time it was the purple ones. Not ashamed to admit I have lots to learn and will forever be in ski school and will never win first prize or second at that. So sorry, obviously was not your party, have to say red ones are better so if anyone reads this do not take that the wrong way. Have to also say, as this is a review site, did notice this year that prices were very high, seemed to spend loads and good on you English, I noticed that even when you could smoke inside you all still went outside, shows how we get used to things. I, however, will not be moving there. I like the warmer weather so Spain is looking good. Take care all of you and be nice. -
February 28, 2008
fiona from United Kingdom
For those reading reviews ignore the banter. My opinon to you would be; fantastic resort. It is like home. People are great. I would recommend the Hotel Austria or Sonshine (may have mis-spelt) as many people did rave about them. If the Vicky improves do let us know as it used to be fantastic and I had many great years there.
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February 28, 2008
dudley warnes from United Kingdom
Great fun.. but probably getting away from the purpose of this site...
Summary: One party seems to have had a bad experience and their complaints have been addressed. Our party, would certainly consider returning to the Vicky.
Claire, thanks for the offer of going out for a drink but I am married. Bet the instructors are really friendly when you hand over £200 several times a year!!! Have to agree with you about living there though.. absolutely stunning views down the valley from Oberau.
Fiona, perhaps you could qualify the remarks about our children in Ski School as I would like to discuss these untrue and defamatory statements with red ski school. Unless, of course, you just made this up??!!
P.s. Sorry to hear about your lad. -
February 28, 2008
francesca from United Kingdom
We were checking the reviews with a view to a family holiday and I'm stunned at how infantile and full of yourselves you are. You do have high opinions of yourselves!(not Dudley) It's pathetic. Why should Dudley not ski in Niederau just because he is an accomplished skier? Didn't he mention children...
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February 27, 2008
claire qayum from United Kingdom
Bring it on. I'm loving it!
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February 27, 2008
claire qayum from United Kingdom
Oh my word, you are an unhappy bunny! Fancy going to Neiderau after 28 years of skiing. Oh well, there's hope for you yet! The Vicky is a shocker and here's a warning to all the unfortunate people who are heading out there. As for us Brits travelling out there to live, well, unfortunately we are very big friends of all, note, all of the red ski school instructors and they welcome us with open arms. Pity you would never get to live out there. Oh well. I can only presume that you and Jon are single men because no decent woman would put up with that.
P.S. Loving the banter! Shame you can't take the truth and seen as though that was your first visit to the Vicky, what would you know. Perhaps we could all meet up next year. But we won't be slumming it in the Vicky, we will look for a more respectable place to stay. May not be 3 star as the 2 star Austrian hotels run rings around that dive.
Top placing for the resort and returning in March 08. Meet up with us we'd love to have a drink with you. -
February 27, 2008
Fiona Walker from United Kingdom
I really do not know why this Jon and Dudley are getting so upset, the hotel was shocking but obviously we made it better for you, which is why we complained. I have been going for five years and that is what I base it on. I am in Ski school as I have a lot to learn, what is wrong with that? I will not take these sort of personal comments and I suggest you both grow up and thank god you will never go again. We only wanted to warn people of the hotel. My son was injured badly in there and it was due to wet floors being mopped if you were in that position I am sure you have some compassion and understand our anger. My son did not come first or my daughter but I was proud. We heard from our friend, who instructs, who saw your group and taught some of them that week and said your groups behaviour was shocking and you were ruined it for others so that hotel was right down your street then. I myself prefer class but we cannot all be the same.
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February 27, 2008
dudley warnes from United Kingdom
Lorna,
I also take things as I find them and my review was also based on facts. I suspect people in your party expected a five star service but would only pay for three star...
Claire
Talk about hitting a nerve!!! :-)
Gates??? yes I think we have those at the end of our drive!
Thank you for all the information regarding your race conditions and how the Neiderau Giant Slalom was organised... I really did find that interesting!
Our party chose the resort because of the large number of beginners and children in our group and it was perfect for us. Reading on...mmm, all this advice you are giving is wonderful...so if, as you say, race conditions change from day to day, why bother harping on about your race time and how well you all did??? Bet you were really popular in ski school as well as the Hotel Vicky!!
So many ski trips and still in ski school... plateau springs to mind (remember the spelling!!!) I myself have only skied for 28 years and so was still a little nervous at the prospect of going into a ski school that would culminate in a race down a nursery slope...wish I had your courage..
I'll pass your comments about my house on to the cleaner..thanks.
If I was taking the glory through my children I would have said daughter 1st, sons 1st and 2nd..I was actually having a chip at your self-inflated ego... but then modesty is a virtue, and as both you and Lorna keep referring to me as "mate" I conclude that virtue and chav don't go hand in hand..... see what happens when you get personal!!
Message to Jon...
Funny post :-) Try Ischgl, it rocks....heading there on Saturday.
In the meantime, where did I put my ski magazines??? -
February 27, 2008
Jon Fielbach from Austria
Message for Claire Qayum:
Disappointed to hear the likes of you are moving to this beautiful part of the world...damn, another typical Brit spoiling the region...we'll just have to find another ski resort. A little bit of advice though: if you are going to compare yourself with the 'other half'of Austria, you should at least know how to spell your words and how to behave in a 'other half' manner!





