Estate Living Digital Publication Issue 9 September 2015 | Page 60

ESCAPE TO

Austria

WINTER TIME AT LAKE ZELL AM SEE

Powder Flu is contagious. For those unaware of this
rare epidemic, it is caused by widespread snow falls,
with side effects centring on the mounting desire to
get back into contact with the powdery white slopes,
similar to a well-known coastal virus called Beach
Fever. Those affected include everyone who has
ever stood on a ski slope and altough Powder Flu is
likely to last from one winter to another, treatment is
straightforward – simply book a flight and go ski.
Possibly the best fun you’ll have without taking off
your clothes, skiing is incredibly social and easy to
learn. In Austria, it is quintessentially a way of life, the
basis of the local economy and a national sport – the
country comes fifth in the all-time winter Olympics
medal count and has won the most number of alpine
skiing world cups.
By their very nature, the eight million-plus Austrians
tend to be relaxed and gregarious people who have
made the famous après-ski an Austrian art form. To
sample traditional post-skiing fun, head to Saalbach
- known as the ‘best après-ski resort in the Alps’. It

is nestled in valleys, surrounded by mountain ranges
and built around a traditional, yet attractive village
where the are weekly markets and a traditional town
square resplendent with 100 restaurants, inns, alpine
chalets and pubs.
The dramatic mountain ranges and glorious Alpine
setting for The Sound of Music, one of the world’s
favourite productions, hits all the right (musical) notes
and provides for breathtaking picture postcard views.
Considered a ‘climatic spa’ since 1961, Zell am See is
the place to be for anyone wanting to rest and recoup
amidst fresh air and crystal clear water.
The everlasting ice of the Kitzsteinhorn glacier in the
vast Zell am See-Kaprun skiing area is perfectly suited
for professional skiers, adventurous snowboarders
and novices alike. The area also encompasses the 77
kilometres of steep slopes and spectacular descents of
Schmittenhöhe and the 41 kilometres of Kitzsteinhorn,
which is a must for freestylers whilst the Maiskogel
Mountain, with 20 kilometres of gentle slopes is ideal
for families. There are numerous ski schools in the