Rauris, Austria

john jenner from UNITED KINGDOM writes:

Stayed at the Hotel Kristall, food excellent, v.nice hotel, but would pay the extra £60 and stay at Rauriserhof, fantastic, spent several evenings there.
Skiing, I took a group of 29, all abilities, they all had a great time, snow rubbish, but that is unusual for this time of year, so they tell me & I bumped into many returning skiers who verified this. However nearly all runs open with snow machines & had good weeks skiing considering. Loads of off piste possibilities, even found a few with rubbish snow. The Toboggan run closed which was a real shame, looks really cool. Most of the group went into ski school (included in the price with Crystal) K.Maier ski school, can't speak highly enough of them. I've had many difficult years with French ski schools + young children & Austria seems to hit the button for everyone & K.Maier school was top notch. If you want a small friendly resort, real Austrian charm, goats & cattle in buildings of the town square, you will love it. The drinking/eating place at the base station, give it a miss for food, the mid station has a wonderful restaurant. The whole resort is cheap. Everyone speaks English. We will be going back. Did have problems with my 2yr old & their only child minder, she's good, but it's a small affair in her apartment & my girl did not like being the only one their on one of the days. If they are old enough, get them into ski school, pony rides, snow mobile rides, lots of fun will be had, my 5yr old shot away & I bumped into her up the mountain, mid week, wow, what a surprise to see her ski school group up there. Cheers John Jenner

2007-01-28