Radstadt/Altenmarkt, Austria

David Hosking from UNITED KINGDOM writes:

Radstadt is a small town with a few hotels, bars and restaurants, just over an hour from Salzburg. The ski area is fairly small, about 30kms of runs and 5 lifts. The runs are nice, tree lined and mostly red or blue. There is a fast gondola from the village and the other lifts are all quad chairs, fast and efficient. The lift pass covers the whole Salzburgerland ski area, so places like Flachau, Schladming, Zauchenzee, Filzmoos and Obertauern are included. So if you fancy a change just get the bus to the other local resorts, most are within 30min bus ride. A good tip is to get the gondola up, ski down the Altenmarkt side of the mountain and get the ski bus from there 15 minutes down the valley to the higher Zauchensee area which has guaranteed snow and about 20 lifts and links to Kleinarl. Although Radstadt ski area is low (900 - 1700m) it is mostly north facing so can survive warm weather. When I was there is was 18 degrees in mid March but most runs were still open and you could ski to the bottom despite the warmest and most snow-less winter for decades (2006-07). Would recommend Radstadt for good links, cheap accommodation and for families. If you want to party then go to Flachau or Schladming.

2008-02-21