Niederau - Wildschonau, Austria

Visitor reviews for Niederau - Wildschonau

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 !

• 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!

• 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.

• 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.

• 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...

• February 27, 2008
  claire qayum from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Bring it on. I'm loving it!

• 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.

• 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!

• February 27, 2008
  claire qayum from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Hi Dudley,
  Sorry misinterpreted your details of the race. Obviously you are not aware that the kids have gates taken, do you know what gates are, and my lad got 28 secs and different conditions. We had received a massive snow fall on the Wednesay evening and it was pure powder, no good for the race, but 28 secs, well say no more. You didn't say where you came, not a little disappointed are you! Never mind mate, we will be there next year, stiff competition ha ha hope you're not in our class! Keep reading the ski magazines you'll get there in the end!

• February 27, 2008
  claire qayum from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Hi Dudley, I really do hope that you receive this e mail regarding the Hotel Vicky. Obviously we all have different standards in life. We have been travelling to Neiderau since 2001 and have been to the resort as many as 3 times per year so you can see that it is home from home for us. The Hotel Vicky has gone down the pan. We've seen it, you haven't. You have nothing to compare it with whereas we have 8 years of experience staying at that hotel. Obviously some people can accept living in the gutter others can not and, unfortunately, our group expects better standards than that! It was a shocker. We have travelled all over Austria staying at the Sports Reisch hotel in Kitzbuhel at Christmas 2007! You need to experience how the other half of Austria live. The Vicky is a British hotel and by god it shows! The staff were apalling! Oh, by the way, you are obviously not a skier else you would know that conditions in a ski race differ from day to day but that information is for the more experienced skier! Then again its only a beginners resort but obviously a little difficult for yourself. We have many friends in the resort, locals that is, and have planned to move out to live there in the near future so as far as the resort is concerned; superb!
  For information to others, if you are prepared to slum it, the Vicky is for you. Try an Austrian hotel then you will see what clean is. Sorry, wouldn't like to see your house. Oh well, as I said before, we all have different standards! P.s. Where did you come in the race?! Not 1st place like me! ha ha better luck next time mate. Some parents take the glory through the kids. We don't. We took 1st place, kids, ladies and mens. Oh well, try a little harder next time. Cheers!

• February 27, 2008
  Lorna Fox from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Niederau is a fantastic resort, Ski School is one of the best! Which is why I will be returning next year! Unfortunately, I stayed at the Hotel Vicky along with Claire and Fiona and would like to reply to Dudley Warnes that his "Conclusion" is short sighted, unwarrented and quite rude! You were not there at the same time as us so have no idea what you are talking about mate! Everything that has been said about the Vicky was based on fact. I am pleased to see reviews on the Vicky that are very favourable, since our stay at the beginning of Feb and I can only "conclude" that our complaints and reviews have helped the management of the Vicky to pull their finger out and provide the level of service that should be supplied from a three star hotel.

• February 25, 2008
  dudley warnes from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  54 of us have just come back from Niederau and had a great trip. The resort, runs and ski school are perfect for beginners/intermediates and more varied skiing is available 15 mins away on the free bus at Aufach. We stayed at the Hotel Vicky where nothing was too much trouble for the very friendly staff. Despite being a three star hotel, the food far exceeded our expectations despite several of our party being quite discerning travellers!! The rooms, whilst basic, were very clean and the beds were the most comfortable I have ever slept in... Before arriving at the Vicky, I had been alarmed by the reviews posted by Fiona and Claire but have now concluded that these were biased and unwarranted. Oh, and just for the record Claire, my 10 year old daughter won her race in 31 seconds!!!! keep waxing those skis!!!
  Conclusion...great value resort and great little hotel..recommended.

• February 25, 2008
  mary ramsden from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Stayed at the guest house Sonia in Neiderau. Basic, immaculately clean but lovely and comfortable. Nothing is too much bother for the owners, they're delightful. Sonia is about ten minutes walk max and if you're with Panoramic, Neilsen or Thomas Cook you can leave your skis for free in the main depot (well organised).
  Had a fall and did my knee in. Went to the local docs and the service was brill. Took EU card and paid 26 Euros for an anti-inflammatory cream, painkillers, knee support and physiotherapy. What a bargain, but you must take your card.
  Snow 'n slopes were brill. Plenty of blues 'n reds. We're both intermediates but we were occupied by variety. So many slopes in the nieghbouring town too. Loved it and can't wait to go next year. Loads better than Bulgaria.

• February 13, 2008
  Jane Richardson from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  I'd recommend Niederau to beginners and intermediates alike, it has a fabulous atmosphere and the ski school is fantastic.

• February 11, 2008
  Fiona Walker from AUSTRIA
  

  This is an amazing resort, just keep away from the Hotel Vicky, it was a joke even to the point when we got served water in plant pots but we had to laugh. The instructors are amazing. I had Andreaos. He is a real charmer and fantastic skier. My children loved it too. It is our 5th time.